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Scuba Diving in the Maldives

SCUBA DIVING IN THE Maldives

Maldives scuba Diving Highlights

With clear blue water, white sand beaches, and great visibility, scuba diving in the Maldives is an unforgettable experience in an idyllic paradise. During a diving trip to the Maldives, you may see manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, soft & hard corals and much more. The archipelago is also known for its great assortment of dive resorts and you'll find liveaboards in the Maldives for all kinds of budgets, from budget to high-end.

Interested in scuba diving in the Maldives?  View the live availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Maldives and book online at the best price or check out our sidebar for land-based options! 

Marine Life & Environment - Top Dive Spots - Diving Conditions

How to Get There  -  How to Dive Maldives  -  Best Time to Dive

Practical Information - Book a Trip

Where is the Maldives?

Lying 400 miles southwest of India, the Maldives is an island nation of 26 natural coral atolls (over 1,000 islands) spread over nearly 35,000 square miles.

Even though it is 26 natural coral atolls, for the purpose of administration the Maldives is divided into 19 atolls (areas) and they are marked as being 19 atolls. So someone looking through a map would find 19 zones. 

Topside, the Maldives offer some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever see in your life. More than 95 % of Maldives consists of the sea. It is also one of the lowest nations in the world, and is in danger of being submerged one day due to rising sea levels

View Location on Google Map

Marine Life in the Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives offers some great reefs and marine life and is known for currents, wide-angle photography and plentiful pelagics such as mantas, reef sharks and whale sharks. Visibility early in the year can be outstanding, well over 100ft.

Hanifaru Bay, in the Baa Atoll, has manta rays and whale sharks during the middle and the end of the South West Monsoon which runs from April to November. During this period, there are a few times that mass feeding events occur in the Bay Area when enough plankton has accumulated. Although many people think it is present all the time, it is not.  

Check out  diving the Similan Islands  for another great liveaboard destination featuring manta rays.

Maldives Webinar

Watch this 40-minute webinar to learn more about the Maldives, it's marine life, and one of the great liveaboard options, the MV Carpe Vita, to see if this destination is right for you! 

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Diving Information 

Maldives marine life & photography subjects.

The Maldives diving offers blue water early in the year - perfect for wide-angle photography. While is there is some macro life here, the Maldives is mainly a "wide-angle" destination to see coral, whale sharks, mantas, eagle rays, and schools of fish. There has been some coral bleaching in the shallow reefs.

While the reefs and channels provide a great diversity of marine life, Hanifaru Bay, which allows snorkeling only, is the go-to place for mantas and whale sharks. We're talking dozens and dozens of huge manta rays feeding - up to 200 mantas at a time. You’re also likely to encounter whale sharks, opening their huge mouths to feed on plankton. Still, underwater photography cannot properly capture the beauty of the marine life here; you need to use underwater video.

Many dive sites in the Maldives have napoleon wrasse, barracuda, reef sharks (including gray reef, whitetip and blacktip), spotted eagle rays, large marbled rays, trevally, and tuna. The current will help bring out more of these larger animals.

Some atolls can also produce hammerhead sharks, although this is only at very specific dive sites.

For sites like Hanifaru Bay, shoot wide angle . Use a fisheye lens like the Tokina 10-17mm, or a rectilinear lens in the 10-20mm range. Take video. Even better, take wide video with a fisheye lens. Leave your macro lenses at home.

If you are at a Manta cleaning station, never chase or charge the manta rays - it won't work. Wait for them to come to you. Don't rise up to their level.

Interested in sharks? You might want to check out shark cage diving. Read more about the best places to do that here .

Maldives Dive Environments

When scuba diving in the Maldives, you'll find many different excellent dive sites to choose from, such as:

• Faru: A faru is one of the Maldivian names for a reef. This could be the outer reef of the atolls and the reefs of islands.
• Giri: A giri is a circular reef in which the top reaches the surface, particularly in low tide. Giris can be found inside the atoll and inside large lagoons as well. These places offer a variety of marine life and often is good for novice divers.
• Thila: is also much like a Giri, but it’s further below the surface - basically a seamount. Here’s you’ll find a variety of marine life such as soft coral, gorgonians, and an abundance of fish life including reef sharks. A Thila can be big but most north-worthy thilas are small peaks and can be affected by strong currents at times.
• Wrecks: There are a few interesting wrecks in the Maldives, but they’re typically visited for the fish at the site as opposed 
• to the wreck itself.
• Channel: A channel or pass is where the atoll meets the ocean and is the gateway to the atoll. It is commonly done as a drift dive. The strong currents bring big pelagic fish such as sharks, mantas, and tunas. For most life, it is best to dive at channels when there is incoming current but some spots do offer good dives during outgoing current as well. Underwater photographers will appreciate the geography that some channel reefs have that includes caverns, swim-throughs, undercuts, and overhangs full of colorful sponges and invertebrates.
• Lagoons: While not very exciting from a marine life standpoint, most islands and big reefs has it’s own sandy bottom lagoon protected from the current which is ideal for beginners learning to scuba. 

Typical Maldives Dive

With such a variety of sites, it is difficult to describe a "typical" scuba dive in the Maldives. Due to the medium to strong currents, drift dives are common. Often you have to do a negative entry, which means the moment you enter the water, you must descend to the bottom. We recommend the Maldives for the intermediate level or experienced diver. Because of the depths and currents, dives in the Maldives are usually 45 - 50 minutes for many divers. There are many dives sites which are suitable for novice divers as well, which are protected from the currents. Also, they can do drift dives on the long reefs which are not affected by tricky currents.  

scuba Diving Conditions

• Water Temperatures: Range from 80-86°F (27-30°C) year round.
• Visibility: Around 35 feet (10 meters) on the low end, but often exceeds 100 feet (30 meters).
• Depth Range:  14 - 98 feet (5-30 meters).
• Currents: Divers who may not want to experience strong currents should try to time their trips away from the full and new moons, when the currents will be less strong.

Maldives Atolls & Dive Areas 

Liveaboards in the Maldives visit several areas and a good cruise director is key for a successful Maldives liveaboard trip. Check with your travel advisor to see which Maldives itinerary is right for you.

Some of the best dive sites are in the Deep South, however, they cover such a large area that not all of them can be visited on a single trip. Ari Atoll and Male Atoll in the central islands are some of the more popular itineraries and the key pelagic spots.

From north to south, here are the main atolls for scuba diving in the Maldives:

• Ihavandhippolhu Atoll
• The northernmost atoll of Ihavandhippolhu is typically visited by liveaboards. The diving here comprises wide, shallow channels with mild currents and a vibrant selection of hard and soft corals. The reefs’ overhangs and walls are covered in table corals, while caves, pinnacles, and swim-throughs hide a good variety of macro . Expect to spot reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and mantas, as well as reef species such as grouper, moray eels, lionfish, and a variety of crustaceans.
• The waters here are relatively unexplored, with new sites ideal for experienced divers while the better-known shallow areas offer the perfect safe-haven for novices.
• Haa Alif Atoll
• Another atoll ideal for beginners, Haa Alif also boasts wide channels and shallow sites facilitating gentle drift dives through reefs and pinnacles of colorful soft and hard corals. The Filadhoo wreck is a great introduction to wreck diving , and at a depth of 46ft is an exciting artificial reef surrounded by snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional eagle ray.
• There are more advanced sites too, such as the submerged pinnacles of Heaven and Hell that sport fantastic coral formations, and Ihavandhoo Channel with cleaning stations frequented by mantas and turtles.
• Noonu Atoll
• Noonu offers a variety of diving suitable for different levels of experience, including some exciting drift dives and unique shark encounters. Christmas Rock, a submerged island with the top at 46ft, is home to whitetip reef sharks and stingrays, while the occasional nurse shark can be spotted snoozing in cracks in the reef.
• The more advanced Orimas Thila drops to 98ft (30m) and offers divers the chance to witness large groups of grey reef sharks, as well as leopard and guitar sharks, and rays. Other unique sightings include the redtoothed triggerfish and some distinctive nudibranch species.
• For other great shark diving destinations, check out our article on the Best Shark Diving in the World .
• A large number of unspoiled reefs and pinnacles inside Raa’s lagoon boast an impressive array of tubastrea corals and some fantastic marine life. In the south of the atoll, Fenfushi Thila boasts overhangs and crevices teeming with bannerfish and huge schools of orange basslets. On the western side of the atoll, tuna, grouper, and Napoleon wrasse can be found circling deep drop-offs and overhangs, while eagle rays and turtles frequent the eastern reefs and walls. 
• One of the most popular sites is The Labyrinth, a pinnacle sporting large gorgonians and vibrant soft corals smothering canyons, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The site is characterized by batfish, and grey and white-tipped reef sharks, with moray eels and groupers a common sight.
• Lhaviyani Atoll
• This popular atoll is well explored and offers over 50 dive sites suitable for all levels. The sheltered Aquarium site is great for novices and boasts electric schools of blue snappers amongst the abundant corals. Hawksbill turtles and guitar sharks can also be spotted using the coral as a cleaning station.
• The Shipyard site is home to the wrecks of Skipjack 1 and Skipjack 2, offering fascinating dives down to 92ft (28m). Both wrecks are smothered in a multitude of colorful corals and swarming in butterflyfish, damselfish, glassfish, and small blennies. South of the wrecks, the Madivaru Kandu channel drift dive provides some deeper overhangs to explore, as well as encounters with eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks.
• Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the Baa Atoll supports some of the Maldives’ most diverse and unique marine life. Horubadhoo Thila, on the eastern side, is home to plentiful macro as well as attracting large pelagic species, such as mantas, to numerous cleaning stations. 
• The fascinating topography of Nelivaru Haa features overhangs and strangely shaped canyons covered in hard and soft corals. Glassfish and fusiliers abound, as well as inquisitive batfish, grouper, stingrays, and oriental sweetlips. During the south-west monsoon (May to November) mantas use the entire reef as a cleaning station, offering some great photo opportunities.
• Baa Atoll is also a popular whale shark area, and although it can become busy with snorkelers, there are plenty of more remote sites to explore. 
• North Male Atoll
• One of the most visited regions in the Maldives, North Male Atoll is within easy reach of the countries’ capital and main airport, Male. The well-known Manta Point is located in the southeast of the atoll, and as the name suggests this is a prime spot for encounters with manta rays, as well as schools of barracuda, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse.
• Another famous site, the Maldives Victory is a 328ft cargo shipwreck that sits between 39 and 115ft. The superstructure is encrusted with gorgonians and hard corals, while batfish, grouper, and schools of fusilier make themselves at home.
• Most liveaboard divers will join their boat in North Male and explore these reefs at the beginning of their trip.
• South Male Atoll
• South Male Atoll is the quieter sister of North Male, and while it doesn’t boast the same marine diversity as the northern atoll, dramatic topography and strong currents bring large pelagics close to shore. Diving here can be exciting and sometimes challenging, with deep channels and rapidly changing conditions facilitating exciting drifts through ravines and past overhangs. Cocoa Thila, one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, is a pinnacle that attracts fusiliers, sweetlips, red snapper, trevally, eagle rays, white, and gray sharks.
• To the north, Vadhoo Caves provide shelter from the strong currents and a chance to explore the more unusual species found in the semi-dark. Unicornfish, soldierfish, and the occasional turtle linger in the calm waters, while reef sharks and tuna can be spotted out in the blue.
• The best pelagic destination in the region, Ari Atoll’s exposed pinnacles and deep channels don’t support as much reef life as some of the other atolls, but instead attract mantas, whale sharks and schooling hammerheads. Strong currents mean diving here is not best suited to novices, however, experienced divers will thrill in deeper drift dives sporting loads of shark action, schools of eagle rays, and abundant vibrant fish.
• Maaya Thila pinnacle drops from 20 to 100ft and supports a good variety of critters such as nudibranchs and frogfish. And the marine-protected Fish Head site is covered in black coral and dotted with overhangs, crevices, and caves full of blueline snappers. There are hundreds of exciting sites around Ari Atoll, and this accessible atoll is a popular choice amongst divers.
• Vaavu Atoll
• Centrally located, Vaavu Atoll is a great beginner destination with shallow channels and protected sites offering gentle drift diving over vibrant coral reefs . Vattaru Reef offers a relaxed dive full of butterflyfish and oriental sweetlips, while whitetip reef sharks can often be seen patrolling nearby. 
• A more challenging site, Miyaru Kandu to the northeast experiences stronger currents that sweep divers through a channel past caves covered in wire coral, with the chance of spotting a hammerhead shark in the distance. Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays are very common, and lucky divers may encounter a manta ray or whale shark if the season is right.
• Faafu Atoll
• Boasting a variety of diving and some untouched reefs, Faafu Atoll offers something for all tastes and abilities. Deep channels with brisk currents attract manta rays and the occasional whale shark year-round, and sites such as Jumping Jack are characterized by numerous submerged pinnacles overgrown with bright corals. 
• Repeater’s Paradise is a shallow sheltered site of coral gardens leading to a drop-off that features plenty of macro, and Manta Point is home to numerous cleaning stations that draw manta rays, turtles and whale sharks into the gently sloping reef.
• Meemu Atoll
• Similar to nearby Faafu Atoll, Meemu Atoll offers divers deep inner reefs with bright currents supporting healthy coral and abundant fish life. Cleaning stations along the reefs attract several manta rays at one time, and tuna, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse can be seen loitering off the reef.
• Shark’s Tongue is a challenging site boasting large coral heads between 26 and 49ft before the reef drops off to 98ft. Schools of surgeon, oriental sweetlips, and snapper can be spotted amongst the coral formations, as well as gray and silvertip reef sharks if the conditions are favorable.
• Dhaalu Atoll
• The marine life around Dhaalu Atoll is diverse and unique, with several unusual species living around the region’s wide channels and shallow drop-offs. Inside the lagoon, Lohi Island cave is a drift dive that features sea fans and sponges encrusting overhangs around the cave entrance. Mobula rays and frogfish may be seen here, as well as several types of anemonefish. 
• In the northwest, large colonies of anemone coral cover one bank of the inner reef while the opposite wall is home to many species of moray eel including giant morays and white-mouth morays. Longnose hawkfish hide in dramatic black coral formations and keen eyes may pick out a leaf fish against the bright coral.
• Characterized by dramatic topography, impressive coral gardens, and some great pelagic encounters, Thaa Atoll’s varied diving holds something for everyone. The best sites feature strong currents but offer bountiful reefs with steep drop-offs smothered in gorgonians and soft coral. Gorgonian Garden’s deep wall plunges to 131ft, and mantas, turtles, inquisitive batfish, and schools of fusiliers can be found playing in the fast-moving water. At Dutch Divide, divers can trill in exciting features such as overhangs and swim-throughs, although in often challenging currents and eddies.
• More suited to beginners, Caribbean Garden in a sheltered site with very little current and some fascinating diving as shallow as 20 ft. Plentiful macro can be found along the plateau of the pinnacle, and white-tipped reef sharks are often found in slightly deeper areas of the surrounding sand.
• Laamu Atoll
• Gentle currents and shallow channels make Laamu Atoll ideally suited to new divers, or those looking to relax on gentle drifts through exotic coral gardens. Mini underwater islands are a focal point for reef sharks and mobula rays, while mantas are often sighted in the clear visibility of the channels. 
• A popular site is Fushi Kandi, a 50ft drift along 820ft of bustling reef featuring schooling barracuda and numerous Napoleon wrasse. Similarly, Hithadhoo Corner follows a gently sloping channel from 26 to 72ft, where potato groupers, whiprays, and mantas gather at cleaning stations on the atoll’s southern tip. 
• Huvadhu Atoll
• The first of the Deep South atolls, Huvadhu boasts healthy reefs in excellent condition and a good number of shark species patrolling the region’s diverse topography. There is diving here for beginners and experienced divers alike, where a substantial outer reef protects an inner lagoon sheltered from ocean currents and swells. Fascinating underwater features including caves, drop-offs, and deep walls are prime for exploration.
• Dozens of dive sites along pristine reefs showcase a myriad of tropical fish. Expect to spot swirling schools of bigeye trevally and the occasional hammerhead, leopard, or tiger shark. Whale Sharks can also be found in May and June when changing ocean currents bring increased plankton blooms. 
• Fuvahmulah Atoll
• Far less explored than many of the other atolls, Fuvahmulah is a pelagic haven that attracts numerous shark species, manta and mobula rays, and mola mola year-round. Uncharted reefs are a backdrop to regular appearances from thresher, tiger, silvertip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks, as well as open ocean giants such as scalloped hammerheads and whale sharks.
• The most southerly of the atolls, Addu is as picturesque above the waterline as it is below. Sharks, turtles, and mantas are regularly sighted on deeper dives, and the sheltered site of Gan Inside offers you close encounters with stingrays along the white sandy bottom.
• Advanced divers can explore the wreck of the British Loyalty oil tanker. As the largest wreck in the Maldives, she lies in 100ft of water and is a huge artificial reef supporting all manner of marine life.   

Travel Information 

How to get to the maldives.

Departing from the US, there are several airlines that fly 1-stop to Male, the capital city of the Maldives. Most people stay overnight in Male and board their dive boat the following day. Visitors get a 30 day on arrival visa for free.  

How to scuba Dive the Maldives

There are several liveaboards that operate in the Maldives ranging from the budget-friendly to ultimate luxury. Contact us for more information on Maldives liveaboards.  

For another fantastic liveaboard destination, check out our guide to diving the Similan Islands ,  Tubbataha Reef diving , or Fiji liveaboards .

The Maldives is a great destination to combine with some time in Sri Lanka . Check out the  Trip Report from our 2019 group trip to both destinations. 

New to diving liveaboards?  Let's help you get started with our  Guide to Liveaboard Diving .  You may also want to check out our list of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginner Scuba Divers .

Best Time to go scuba diving in the Maldives

 Jan - April (northeast monsoon) are the ideal months to go scuba diving in the Maldives, with it getting less windy as you approach April. Visibility is very good, and it is the driest and warmest period. You may experience sudden rain showers, but they don't last for a long time.

May - July is considered the rainy season and can bring unstable weather, especially June / July. Conditions are usually good from August - November (southwest monsoon season), but the abundance of plankton in the water can reduce visibility (but bring plankton feeders like the Manta Rays and Whale Sharks).

Aug - Nov is the time to go for the best chance to see the "big animals". December can bring a fair amount of wind and rain. "Feeding season" at Hanifaru Bay (and everywhere else) for the whale sharks and manta rays is considered to be from May to November, peaking from late July to early October. So what do you want - clearer water, or whale sharks/ mantas?

Topside & Non-Diving Activities

It’s no secret that divers and honeymooners make up the majority of visitors to the Maldives - though those two groups are not mutually exclusive. If you’re land-based and need a break from the water, considering taking an excursion to a nearby uninhabited island or board a fishing boat and try your luck at catching your dinner.

LIVEABOARD AVAILABILITY

The rates shown below are per person in USD. Some of the operators quote in EUR.  The pricing at the time of booking may vary depending on the latest EUR/USD exchange rate. 

Please  contact us   for the latest availability of the following boats:   Manthiri Maldives ,  Maldives Legend , Maldives Explorer , Marselia Star and Fun Azul .

Other Useful Information 

Practical information.

• Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
• Language: The country's primary language is Dhivehi. Main foreign languages‎ are ‎Arabic & English
• Main Airport Code: MLE
• Time Zone: UTC+5
• Electricity: 230 V 50 Hz

Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us [email protected]

And let us book your dream vacation!  

Reviews (7)

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Absolutely breathtaking experience! My recent scuba diving holiday in the Maldives exceeded all expectations. From the moment I descended into the clear waters, I was mesmerized by the coral reefs and an incredible array of marine life.

The Maldives truly offers some of the most pristine diving spots in the world. Each dive was a new adventure, as I encountered majestic manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, napoleon fish, different types of sharks, octopus, turtles, nudibranchs, colourful schools of tropical fish and many more.

The Maldives provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation and tranquility. The picture-perfect beaches, islands and warm hospitality made this trip truly unforgettable.

I cannot recommend a scuba diving holiday in the Maldives enough. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, this paradise destination will leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of the underwater world. It's an experience that will stay with me forever, and I can't wait to return for more underwater adventures in this magical destination.

The scuba diving was great. Lots of colorful fishes and coral. Lots of sharks. While I was there there was current so we did mostly drift dives. The Ellaidhoo resort was very nice. The island was small and the resort covered the entire island. Easy access to house reef and it was as good as many of the boat dives.

The magic starts as soon as your plane reaches the outermost atolls to glimpse the almost alien planet like spots all around the ocean. Then once you step outside the airport you are immediately overwhelmed by the crystal clear turquoise waterfront and the boat waiting to take you to your liveaboard or to one of the thousands of islands of the Republic of the Maldives. I dived around South Male and the Southern Ari atolls area on a liveaboard in May. Marine life consists of everything from macro to the "big stuff" (many eagle rays, many manta rays, stingrays, many white-tips, grey reef sharks, whale sharks).

Dive Conditions: Visibility was good ranging from 30ft to 120ft while averaging around 80ft. Besides drift dives I would say roughly 20% of the sites we dove had moderate current (some kicking effort needed to stay on route), and a few sites with strong currents. Minimum level recommended is advanced open water certification.

Top Sites: Rasdhoo Madivaru (grey reef sharks, eagle rays, bumphead , Maaya Thila (white tip, gray reef sharks and eagle ray up close), Fish Head (guitar shark, stingrays, lots of gray reef sharks, swim throughs), Hafusha Thila, Maamigili Beru. Night diving and snorkeling with the mantas is one of the highlights.

How to get there: All international flights arrive in Male. Then you have the option to either take boats/liveaboard, or water aircraft to your next destination.

Where to stay and top-side activities: Maldives has a lot of upscale resorts. Generally the further you venture out from Male the more secluded the resorts will be. Each habitable atoll has it's own beaches and whatever water sport and/or activity you can think of.

Overall impression: The Maldives is simply paradise if you enjoy the beach life and especially diving. The highlights of diving are the frequent manta rays, eagle rays, gray reef sharks, and occasional whale sharks in some particular areas. There are wrecks around but nothing to write home about. White sand beaches everywhere. Only drawback is the lack of alcoholic beverages around the Republic.

The Live Aboard offered three route options - Northern, Central and Southern trips. I chose the more remote less traveled Southern route that explores the warm crystal clear waters of Laamu Atoll that is only offered select times of the year when wind and weather allows.

The boat was beautifully constructed out of iron wood with Teak finishes throughout. The dive deck is spread out giving each diver ample space to setup there gear as well as small storage locker at each dive station for stowing extra gear. In the middle of the dive stations was a large padded covered area with pillows to lounge and enjoy the breeze yet stay out of the sun. For those wishing to work on their tans, a large sun deck with chairs was above the main salon. Both Dining and dive briefing were on the rear deck. The main salon has a large screen for watching movies and internet was available periodically. The overall feel is very spacious and comfortable and never did it feel crowded with 14 guests and 10 crew members.

The rooms are comfortable with single, double, and triple bed suits and have the same beautiful stained Iron wood and Teak finishes as the rest of the boat. Each room has AC, Shower, sink, toilet and a safe.

The boat had a large camera table with a large bank of 110 and 220 outlets with universal plugs. Below the Camera table storage bins were available for each diver to store extra gear.

The sites basically consisted of two types Kandu - a channel between islands and Thila - pinnacles. Kandu dives were Exhilarating dives with negative entry due to very strong currents that were excellent for dropping down hooking in at the edge of the drop off and watch large schools of big pelagic fish, sharks, and rays. When gas or time was up, we would unhook, and enjoy a drift dive through the channels that were covered in soft coral gardens into the calm waters of the atolls. Every dive had Grey Reef sharks, Eagle rays, sting rays, Tuna, Jacks and and large schools of Barracuda.

Thila dives were much more mellow and allowed time to photograph macro subjects as well as wide angle photography of the pristine coral reefs with large schools of fish, turtles and resting sharks.

The food was combination of European/Western and local dishes consisting of fresh fish, chicken, beef and vegetarian options. Juice, espresso, cappuccino, beer, sodas were free of charge and cocktails and wine are available for purchase.

The dive staff were all European and spoke perfect English, were friendly and courteous and attended to any needs guests came up with. The boat crew were all locals as spoke enough English to help with most needs. The boat offered free nitrox fills, the crew set up / broke down and washed gear daily. The dive operation was a well oiled machine where both guest comfort and safety was a priority. The boat was equipped with safety gear including Nautilus Lifeline radios for guests, carried large amounts Oxygen due to the remote location. We dove off of two large zodiac boats that offered comfort and space for large camera gear.

During our ten day trip we explored many remote unpopulated islands where we strolled along white sand beaches and snorkeled in the sheltered coral lagoons. The boat staff would collect fresh coconuts, bananas, mangoes that where used in our snacks and meals. Near the end of the trip, a beach BBQ was set up by the crew and the guests and crew dined together before heading back to port.

Diving is well suited for photographers, experienced divers, and intermediate divers that are comfortable with strong currents.

Getting there. Two basic options, via Singapore or Dubai to Male. Inbound required an overnight stay in Male before the flight to Kadhdhoo. Not much of anything to really see in Male and after several long flights, all I wanted was a quite place to rest up. Outbound was a half day layover spent at the hotel pool for a small day use fee, that is a short shuttle ride from the Male airport - Highly recommended.

This is an amazing dive location. The marine life is abundant and we were able to see mantas as well as Whale Sharks (multiple encounters). Other marine life encountered on the trip included black tip sharks, moray eels, eagle rays, green turtles and multiple fish species including clown and angel fish. Much of this marine life was a short snorkel away form one of the small islands that dot the area. Ocean conditions were good at the time with visibility extending beyond 60ft. Topside attractions are limited but you won't be doing anything but diving here. Liveaboard is the only way to go here due to the high cost of resorts and transportation. We had a great experience on MV Carpe Diem. The boat was clean and well maintained and the staff were very helpful. Food aboard the boat was excellent and our accommodations were well worth the price paid.

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THE 10 BEST Maldives Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

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Best Maldives Liveaboards Trips

The 26 atolls that make up the Maldives are a scuba diver’s dream. The water is warm year around, the atmosphere is relaxed, shark and manta ray encounters are regular events and dive sites are diverse. A great option for diving is through a liveaboard and, with so many options out there, you’re probably trying to figure out what’s the best Maldives liveaboard to pick for your next holiday.

Without a doubt, the best way to experience this slice of underwater heaven is on a liveaboard. It’s easier to tour the atolls and discover the best dive spots without being anchored at one particular resort. Plus trips are all inclusive so show up then – eat, sleep, dive, repeat.

There’s lots of diving liveaboards touring the Maldives and picking just one trip can be a tough decision! Here’s a quick guide that highlights the best boats and also gives you some things to consider when it comes time to book.

QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST MALDIVES LIVEABOARD TRIPS

SCUBASPA YANG  →  Best Value

CHECK ON PADI TRAVEL CHECK ON LIVEABOARD.COM

EMPEROR VOYAGER → For Budget

BLUE FORCE   → For Groups with Non-divers

SEA SPIRIT   →  For Extended Itineraries 

CHECK ON LIVEABOARD.COM

AGGRESSOR II   → For Photographers

AZALEA   → For Luxury

BOAT REVIEWS

Scubaspa yang.

Photo Credit: ScubaSpa Liveaboard

BEST FOR → OVERALL VALUE

Scubaspa Yang is one of the most highly reviewed liveaboards in the Maldives, and for a good reason. Guests can expect three tanks a day in some of the region’s best sites, with free Nitrox for qualified divers. Snorkel trips, yoga classes, and professional spa sessions are part of the daily schedule, balancing comfort and excitement. And, if you’re looking for luxury, this vessel has you covered. Well appointed cabins, fine dining, free WiFi, an on-deck jacuzzi, and a mini gym will keep even the most spoiled guests happy.

EMPEROR VOYAGER

Photo Credit: Emperor Voyager Liveaboard

BEST FOR → BUDGET

Most Maldives liveaboards focus on luxury, but the Emperor Voyager puts diving first. Perks like free Nitrox, rebreather support, and the freedom for experienced buddy teams to dive unguided, make this a top pick for underwater photographers and veteran divers. This boat’s “best of” itineraries hit all the region’s top sites, and a flexible schedule allows for multiple tanks when sharks and rays are sighted. Not only is this one of the region’s most affordable options, but it’s also one of the highest rated, too.

BLUE FORCE I 

Photo Credit: Blue Force I Liveaboard

BEST FOR → GROUPS WITH NON-DIVERS

If you have non-divers in your group, keeping them comfortable and entertained during diving days is a top priority. Blue Force One offers snorkeling, stand-up-paddleboards, surfboards, and kayaks, all free of charge. Couch potatoes can spend their days relaxing with multiple sun decks, a spacious and modern lounge, sea-view bar, two on-deck jacuzzis, and WiFi access. Luxurious cabins and common areas ensure plenty of comfortable places to put your feet up, and dining on this boat is top rated.

Photo Credit: Sea Spirit Liveaboard

BEST FOR → EXTENDED ITINERARIES

Serious divers and underwater photographers can make the most of their trip with this boat’s extended itineraries. Voyages lasting up to 13 days explore the best of the Maldives’ northern, central, and southern atolls in one expedition. The Sea Spirit visits many remote sites well off the course of other liveaboards, and a flexible schedule allows for repeat dives in the most exciting spots. Best of all, with just 12 divers onboard, you can expect uncrowded dive sites and plenty of individual attention above and below water.

MALDIVES AGGRESSOR II

Photo Credit: Maldives Aggressor Liveaboard

BEST FOR → PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Maldives Aggressor II is one of the region’s best known boats, designed with divers in mind. And, there is no better pick for underwater photographers and videographers. Personal gear lockers, dedicated rinse bins, a three-tier camera station, and low-pressure air hoses make equipment care a breeze. Cabins are equipped with extra charging points, in case you don’t find enough room at the computer and camera table.  Like the rest of the Aggressor fleet, this liveaboard features plenty of luxury amenities like complimentary beer and wine, an on-deck jacuzzi, and some of the most comfortable cabins around.

Photo Credit: Emperor Azalea Liveaboard

BEST FOR → LUXURY

When it comes to luxury liveaboards in the Maldives, visitors are spoiled for choice. But, the Azalea takes service and style to the next level. Guests can unwind with fine dining, an extensive wine list, free WiFi, an on-deck jacuzzi, and cabins fit for a high-end hotel. Professional photographers onboard can offer coaching and guidance, or capture your most exciting moments underwater for you. To top it all off, this boat plans its itinerary to give divers uncrowded immersions at the region’s top sites.

CONSIDERATIONS – SCUBA DIVING IN MALDIVES

Beginner. While it’s possible to dive remote and challenging atolls in the Maldives, newbies will find plenty of sites suited to their skill level, too. In fact, many boats in this region offer diving instruction, beginning with Discover Scuba. If you prefer calm conditions and easy reef diving, choose a route in Ari or Male.

8 to 14 days. If you’re liveaboard diving in the Maldives, you’ll want to hit the hotspots in a few of the most impressive coral atolls. While some shortened itineraries do exist, you’ll need at least 8 days to explore the region. And, with plenty of marine megafauna like sharks and rays around, the extra time underwater won’t disappoint.

You can dive in the Maldives year-round, but the region does have distinct seasons. From November to May, the weather is at its best and visibility peaks. But, this is also the busiest time of year to visit. From June to October, daily wind and rain are typical. However, you can expect uncrowded dive sites, discounted rates, and plenty of room on dive boats.

Weather in the Maldives varies by the season but remains hot and tropical throughout the year. And, no matter what is happening above water, you can expect warm ocean temperatures ranging from 78 to 84° F (26-29° C). Most divers are comfortable in a shortie, but consider full body coverage if you tend to get cold underwater.

Water clarity in the Maldives varies, but divers can expect 65 to 165 feet (20 to 50 meters) throughout the year. Areas known for encounters with whale sharks and manta rays, like  Hanifaru Bay, will have dramatically lower water clarity. This is due to massive blooms of plankton, a favorite food for marine megafauna.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Maldives are a classic liveaboard destination, famous for ultra clear turquoise water, some of the planet’s best beaches, and thriving marine life. Divers flock to this remote stretch of the Indian Ocean hoping to come face to face with whale sharks, manta rays, and even hammerheads. These remote coral atolls boast plenty of healthy coral and macro too, making them a favorite for photographers.

Above water, this region is all about luxury. Many boats feature suite-style cabins and staterooms, hot tubs, fine dining, and over the top pampering. If you’re hoping to combine a dive trip with plenty of creature comforts, you’ve come to the right place. After all, Maldivian hospitality is some of the best in the world.

If you’re new to liveaboard diving or hoping to continue your underwater education while on holiday, the Maldives might be your best bet. Plenty of boats offer itineraries catered to newly certified divers, and courses like Nitrox, underwater photography, and Advanced Open Water. Experienced divers and current junkies will find plenty of action too, with plenty of fast-paced drift dives on offer.

HIGHLIGHTS – DIVING IN MALDIVES

Whale sharks.

These gentle giants can be spotted throughout the Maldives year-round. But, your best chances for getting up close and personal are in the sheltered waters of Hanifaru Bay, between May and December. This area in eastern Baa is a carefully controlled marine reserve. Snorkeling is permitted, but diving is not. And, a maximum of 60 people can visit at a time, so as not to disturb the sharks. 

Reef and Oceanic mantas inhabit this region throughout the year. And, your best chances of spotting them are at reeftop cleaning stations around the Ari Atoll. You can also observe their cyclone feeding behavior around Hanifaru Bay, as they compete with mighty whale sharks for their favorite meal, plankton.

HAMMERHEADS

While the northern atolls are best for spotting hammerheads, they make appearances at the cleaning stations around Ari, too. Early morning immersions are best for spotting them, as they rise from the ocean deep around dawn. But, anything can happen in the Maldives. Keep a watchful eye out in the blue, as these powerful predators can cruise by at any moment.

DRIFT DIVING

While there are plenty of sites in the Maldives that are perfect for beginners, some of the outer atolls have excellent drift diving, too. Deepwater channels funnel water in from the open ocean, creating fast-paced drifts, perfect for an adrenaline rush. If you’re hoping to get in on the action, you should carry an advanced certification and have experience diving in strong currents.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

If you want to continue your dive education while on holiday, this region is a top pick. Courses are offered on many boats, beginning with Discover Scuba. Some sites in the Maldives are best for divers with deep or advanced certification, so both are widely available. Nitrox and underwater photography are popular choices for more experienced divers looking to learn more.

ITINERARIES IN MALDIVES

Classic maldives.

With over 1,000 islands in total, the diving possibilities around the Maldives are endless. Whether you’re hoping to explore deepwater pinnacles and cleaning stations, get your blood pumping in powerful currents, or just take it easy on the reef; you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Many of the best dive sites are scattered around the most remote of the atolls and are often overlooked by quick trips. So, it’s easy to see why many divers opt for extended itineraries.

Most boats offer 8 day “best of” itineraries through the central and northern atolls. These voyages typically include time around Ari, Male, and Baa. If you’re new to liveaboard diving or don’t feel comfortable with challenging conditions, this type of trip is your best bet. And, you’re sure to encounter the region’s most famous residents along the way. Close encounters with whale sharks and manta rays make the central atolls a dream destination, even for veteran divers.

If you’re up for an adventure, longer voyages lasting up to 14 days are a great way to explore the region in depth. These itineraries stop at all the hotspots in the central and northern atolls before venturing into less dived areas. Whether you explore the far north or southernmost islands will depend on the season and operator. But, both trips are well worth the extra days at sea.

Remember, the outer atolls aren’t suitable for beginner divers. But, current fanatics and underwater photographers will delight in the challenging conditions and uncrowded dive sites well off the tourist track. No matter what your level of skill or certification, you’re sure to log some incredible dives in this region.

VIDEO – SCUBA DIVING IN MALDIVES

Best dive sites in maldives: the central atolls.

The best known Maldivian atoll, Ari, is visited by virtually every liveaboard in the region. And, while you are sure to encounter large pelagics elsewhere in the area, this atoll offers up some of your best chances. Whale sharks and manta rays are the most famous wildlife, but eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, and reef sharks are frequent visitors, too. Ari’s dive sites are a series of submerged pinnacles, rising from the ocean depths. These formations serve as cleaning stations, beckoning big fish in from the open sea. The most famous sites like Fish Head, Broken Rock, and Hammerhead Point are “can’t miss” additions to any itinerary.

Some of the most diverse destinations in the Maldives, North and South Male showcase a variety of underwater environments. Thriving coral reefs, plunging drop-offs, caves, and caverns can be explored in a single day. Gushing currents in this region, especially South Male, support a vast array of marine life, including plenty of big fish. Thanks to this surplus of food; thresher, tiger, and hammerhead sharks frequent these waters year-round. Further north, delicate soft coral gardens and cleaning stations like Manta Point are favorites for underwater photographers.

FELIDU AND MULAKU

These southeastern atolls feature deep channels and walls with nutrient-rich, fast-flowing currents. Schooling reef sharks, tuna, trevallies, and the occasional hammerhead cruise out in the blue, looking for an easy meal. You can expect to dive one of the most interesting sites in the Maldives, Fotteyo Kandu, here. Its swim-throughs, caves, and overhangs make for exciting underwater exploration. Sheltered lagoons around Medhufushi Thila are excellent for spotting whale sharks and mantas feeding in the shallows.

LAAMU AND THAA

Still relatively unexplored, Laamu and Thaa are among the least visited of the central atolls. Characterised by deepwater channels and strong currents, sites in this region attract hunting reef sharks, jacks, and tuna. Challenging drift dives like Olhugiri Kandu are perfect for spotting manta and eagle rays cruising out in the blue. And, liveaboards spot the occasional whale shark feeding on the surface here, too. The best part of visiting here is the lack of other divers. You might not see another liveaboard for days.

BEST DIVE SITES IN MALDIVES: THE NORTHERN ATOLLS

Baa and raa.

While most Maldives liveaboards focus on the central atolls, excitement awaits further north. Baa is one of the best places on planet earth to dive with reef manta rays and observe their cyclone feeding behavior. It is also home to one of the planet’s largest gatherings of breeding whale sharks, in the legendary Hanifaru Bay. The sharks are strictly protected, and only a limited number of snorkelers are allowed to visit them each day. Farther north, Raa presents a series of submerged pinnacles, well known for giant schools of colorful reef fish. These sites also feature healthy gardens of soft coral, home to some of the best macro in the Maldives.

LHAVIYANI AND NOONU

These north Maldivian Atolls are best known for steep plunging walls, and schooling reef sharks, sometimes in the hundreds. Cleaning stations like Orimas Thila are perfect for observation and photography, as the sharks hover motionless, patiently waiting their turn. It’s easy to set your sights on these impressive pelagics, but there’s plenty more to see in the area. Large schools of reef fish lure in tuna, trevally, barracuda, and jacks from open water, and eagle rays often cruise overhead. So, be sure to keep your eyes out in the blue.

THE FAR NORTH

Exclusively visited on expedition trips and long voyages, these remote diving areas are only accessible via liveaboard. The best part of diving this far off the beaten path is the lack of other dive boats. In fact, you might be the only group around. Manta rays, reef sharks, and even the shy leopard shark are commonly spotted here. And, you’ll be treated to some of the best wall dives in the Indian Ocean. But, diving in far-flung atolls like Alifu and Dhaalu isn’t for beginners. Powerful currents, challenging surface conditions, and an isolated location make this region best for experienced divers.

BEST DIVE SITES IN MALDIVES: THE SOUTHERN ATOLLS

Unlike the rest of the Maldives, the Gnaviyani Atoll consists of a single island called Fuvamulah. With no surrounding coral barrier reef, ocean depths can reach thousands of feet, just a short distance from the beach. This dropoff invites a variety of deepwater pelagics in close to shore. Thresher and tiger sharks, hammerheads, and ocean sunfish make regular appearances here, as do large groups of oceanic manta rays. But, diving in this remote area isn’t for the faint of heart. Currents are strong and treacherous, the sea is often rough, and dive sites can suddenly drop off into the abyss. Only experienced divers should take the plunge in this region.

OTHER LIVEABOARD DESTINATIONS

For more of our liveaboard recommendations, check out these popular articles: 

Caribbean  |  Bahamas  | Belize  |  Cuba  |  Turks & Caicos

North Pacific  |   Galapagos  | Guadalupe  |  Socorro |  Cocos

South Pacific  |  Australia  |  Palau  |  Fiji  |  French Polynesia  |  PNG  |  Solomon Islands

South East Asia  |  Raja Ampat  |  Komodo  |  Similan | Tubbataha  |  Burma

Red Sea & Middle East  | Egypt  |  Sudan  |  Oman  | Djibouti

Indian Ocean  |  Seychelles  | Visayas  | Truk Lagoon

For more of our top scuba diving gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Scuba Diving Masks

Scuba Regulators

Scuba Diving Fins

Wetsuits for Diving

3 Responses

Uh oh, you just put too many ideas in my head

Haha… yea, diving in general will do that to you!

Maldives is such a wonderful travel destination and made up of hundreds of islands. islands are also rich in a warm and exotic culture. I’ve always wanted to stay in one of those. Looks beautiful!

Maldives Diving | Your Ultimate Diving in the Maldives Guide

With warm, crystal clear waters beckoning divers worldwide, the Maldives is nothing short of a diving paradise. Boasting some of the best spots for heading underwater, this is your ultimate Maldives diving guide.

A sprawling collection of over 1,200 islands dotting the Indian Ocean, many come to the Maldives for an unforgettable island getaway. Offering that and so much more, thousands come to experience the thrill the islands’ almost otherworldly diving opportunities showcase.

So, if you’re questioning when is the best time to dive in the Maldives , which spots are the best, and what to expect, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to an unparalleled underwater nirvana that instantly makes you fall in love.

Read on to dive into the adventure of a lifetime.

Scuba Diving in the Maldives | Insider’s Guide

Home to some of the planet’s most breathtaking marine life, the coral reefs, drop-offs, and sandy banks of the Maldives is an aquatic paradise. However, blindly diving in (pun intended) could lead to potential disappointment.

With an extensive range of pre-planned diving packages and tailor-made adventures, any and every type of diver will enjoy the Maldives. And when you’re envisioning your ultimate island escape, knowing what is available and on offer is crucial.

Although it caters to the entire world’s diving enthusiasts, some aspects of heading on a dive trip to the Maldives make it unique. As a primarily Islamic country, each island resort in the Maldives offers diving experiences per Muslim religious and cultural ideals.

You’ll find this influence in almost every aspect of a getaway to the Maldives, and equally as much when it comes to diving. So, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from the Halal tourism and diving culture of the Maldives.

Halal Tourism & Maldives Diving

Combining its heritage as an Islamic nation with a massive boom in international Muslim tourism numbers, the Maldives is now a premier destination globally. At the forefront of Halal tourism, the island resorts of the Maldives aim to satisfy Islamic tradition while welcoming a global audience.

You’ll find facilities and specialized services at every luxury Maldives resort that cater to the needed privacy and conservatism of Muslim culture. Prohibition on serving alcohol, pork, or non-Halal products; this reverence extends to even more than just these aspects.

When it comes to diving especially, you’ll find that the vast majority of diving institutions or services offered uphold the principles of Halal tourism. On-site, you’ll find both male and female diving instructors and facilities that provide privacy for women and children.

Beyond the various diving schools and institutions, most Maldives diving resorts offer private beaches for their guests. Add to this the extensive attention paid to providing world-class dive experiences, and a memorable time is guaranteed for all.

Tip: Read our guide to the mosques in the Maldives to help you plan the perfect Halal vacation in paradise.

Luxury Resorts & Diving in Maldives

Of the more than 1,000 islands that comprise the Maldives, roughly 200 of them are inhabited. Amongst these, 88 have been designated and turned into leading luxury resort attractions. So, when deciding which luxury resort to book for your vacation, numerous elements come into play.

To maintain the principles of Maldives Halal tourism, a modest dress code is required in all public spaces. However, once at your luxury resort, you should always inquire about the resort-specific rules surrounding this.

As for offering an authentic Halal experience, you can expect certain facilities and amenities at each resort to be focused on Islamic practices. As one of the most Muslim-friendly destinations in the world, you can expect both male and female butlers, receptionists, and other staff at your resort.

Resorts offer private villas, some with either a private beach or swimming pool, and included in diving packages, gender-specific instructors. If you’ve never visited before, it’s best to check which resorts offer and include services you and your family might need.

Experiencing the best water sports in the Maldives , combined with fine dining at the best restaurants , all features focus on being completely Halal. Luckily, when choosing the ultimate luxury tours in the Maldives, attentiveness and premier service are non-negotiable.

The Essentials | Diving in the Maldives

Combining unique attractions in the Maldives , from its almost surreal beaches that glow to a nearly limitless amount of things to do, diving ranks as one of its best. When you head out on a dive adventure in the Maldives, you’re in for some of the most memorable experiences of your life.

Beyond its Halal tourism and influence on diving, here is every bit of essential information you’ll need on your trip.

Scuba Diving Maldives – When Should You Dive

Probably the most straightforward question to answer is when is the best time for diving in the Maldives. With its tropical climate that dictates pleasant year-round weather, you can expect temperatures that range from 80 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit.

As for actual diving conditions, the months from January to April provide the best underwater visibility. However, should you visit from May to July, some days see unsettled weather during the Maldives diving season.

For divers looking to get up close with spectacular (and big) marine life, the best time to dive in the Maldives is from August to November.

Scuba Diving in the Maldives – Where to Stay

Another major planning point of your ultimate diving excursion to the Maldives is the decision on where to stay. With numerous fantastic Maldives resorts for snorkeling , many of them also offer excellent diving opportunities.

The best choice for an unforgettable trip is an all-inclusive luxury resort . The benefits of these are in their level of service, aiming to meet not just diving needs but any others you and your family might need.

However, the Maldives also offers magical resorts on the water if you’re looking for the most sought-after accommodation. Often described as ‘floating villas’, these premier properties provide a unique experience.

Aimed at privacy and luxury, they provide direct access to water activities like snorkeling and diving. When looking for properties that meet Halal tourism needs, these offer private overwater decks and remote access to the ocean surrounding you.

Lastly, you can also opt for staying on a live-aboard dive vessel in the Maldives. These are specifically ideal for a diving-focused vacation as they allow you to maximize your time spent underwater.

Having the added benefit of getting you to areas that are more remote and not accessible via day trips, these are a diver’s dream staycation. There are currently quite a few of these to choose from, and you can expect to pay from $150 to $1,500 per night.

Maldives Scuba Diving – The Best Spots

The final question most eager visitors have when heading to the Maldives to go diving is where the best spots for this activity are. While each diving school or resort offering dive excursions might have a favored location, the following are considered the best in the Maldives.

Widely considered a pelagic haven; the Ari Atoll draws thousands of divers annually. Its superb blend of epic pinnacles (thilas) and channels (kandus) meets exposed ocean currents. These attract the widest variety of marine life, including manta rays and schooling hammerheads.

Maaya Thila and Fish Head are some of the best diving spots in the Ari Atoll. Maaya Thila showcases extraordinary aquatic life, such as zebra morays, eagle rays, and the occasional guitar shark. Maaya Thila is a suitable starting spot if you’re a beginner diver.

Fish Head sits in the mid-eastern part of the atoll within a protected marine area. It’s one of the best spots for shark sightings, with numerous caves and overhangs popular with grey reef sharks. Fish Head is considered to be more aimed at intermediate to advanced-level divers.          

Baa Atoll was awarded a coveted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2011 and is characterized by its brightly colored reefs and overhangs. The most popular diving sites here include Horubadhoo Thila and Nelivaru Haa.

To explore glorious macro marine life and seemingly endless hard and soft-covered corals, Horubadhoo Thila is a stunning diving site. From May to November, manta rays use the area as a cleaning station for those eager to spot this fantastic scene.

In the southeast of the atoll, the massive star-shaped canyons and overhangs of Nelivaru Haa are home to more shy and elusive marine life. You might spot a friendly batfish, curious stingray, or wandering manta ray during a dive here.

North Malé Atoll

Thanks to its easy access from the main island of Malé, the North Malé Atoll is a wonderland for divers with varied topography and marine life. It’s one of the most visited diving sites in the Maldives and offers unique underwater adventures.

Most noteworthy is the Okobe Thila, with its three towering pinnacles and spiraling current that attracts giant tuna, white-tip reef sharks, and the always friendly bannerfish. Of course, its colorful corals also make for some buzzworthy photography opportunities.

If you’re planning to dive at one of the Maldives’ most visited spots, the Maldives Victory Wreck , the remains of a massive Singaporean cargo ship, sits at 115 feet below sea level. A bit of history and encounters with turtles await when diving here.

Final Thoughts on Diving Maldives

All that’s left to be said is that a Maldives scuba diving adventure is something you’ll remember forever.

With the inclusion of unique Maldives Halal tourism aspects, such as male and female diving instructors and guides, and resorts aimed at offering the ultimate diving excursions, you’re in good hands.

So go ahead and book your perfect journey to the Maldives and get ready for the dive of your life.

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DIVE Magazine

Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine

10 best dive resorts in the Maldives

5 May 2022 8 minutes

More than 120 resorts and hotels are dotted on tiny islands the length of this vast archipelago straddling the equator in the Indian Ocean. Here’s our pick of 10 of the best for divers 

Barefoot eco hotel, haa dhalalu atoll, kuredu resort & spa, lhaviyani atoll, komandoo, lhaviyani atoll, soneva fushi, baa atoll, vilamendhoo island resort, south ari atoll, mirihi island resort, south ari atoll, oblu helengeli, north male atoll, rasdhoo island, rasdhoo atoll, filitheyo resort, faafu atoll, fuvahmulah city.

Most Maldives resorts are on small uninhabited islands and can range from the most opulent luxury to more simple barefoot beach villas. We have also included three options of staying in local communities on inhabited islands which are increasingly popular and where you can experience local life as well as awesome diving, including Fuvahmulah, which is fast becoming one of the world’s hottest new dive destinations for big pelagic action.

Our choices have been based on performance in our annual DIVE Travel Awards and recommendations by our network of correspondents.

See the real Maldives – this is one of the few hotels based on an inhabited island. Hanimadhoo in the far north of the Maldives has a population of more than 2,000 farmers and fishers. The simple but chic and very environmentally friendly (no single-use plastic & solar power) hotel is in the middle of a traditional village, complete with a school and mosque.

Alcohol is banned on local islands, so you have to take a  five-minute boat ride out to a floating bar if you are desperate for a beer. It seems as if all the village’s families come down to the beach to hang out and relax in the early evening — a totally different experience than the hermetic luxury of being pampered on a resort island.

The dive centre has everything you will need, and you will dive from a traditional dhoni.

The island sits just below the Eight Degrees Channel which separates the Maldives and India’s Lakshadweep Islands and, sadly, has been brutally overfished in the past – today they have clamped down on illegal fishing and the pelagics are slowly returning. The diving is gentle with few of the highs you would find further south – but on the plus side there are very few divers and you will have the reefs to yourself.

From  £2,295 pp for seven nights, including UK flights.   DIVE WORLDWIDE

Website WWW.THEBAREFOOT.COM

Lhaviyani Atoll which lies about 100 kilometres north of the international airport has less tourist development than other atolls. Kuredu was one of the first resorts in the area and has been popular with divers for more than 20 years.

It is in Maldivian terms a relatively large island nearly 2km long and up to 325m wide, and there are more than 380 rooms. The diving in the atoll is excellent and includes the Shipyard site with two very diveable wrecks and Madivaru Kandu is a high-energy channel pulsing with pelagics.

The resort is all-inclusive and the diving is run by the very professional and award-winning Prodivers – good chance of seeing manta rays from May to November.

From   £1,788 pp for six nights, including UK flights. BRITSH AIRWAYS

Website WWW.KUREDU.COM

This resort is one of the more recent developments in the Lhaviyani Atoll and lies just to the south of the far larger resort of Kuredu. You stand a very good chance of being the only dive boat at any site – there are more than enough to go round for the handful of resorts sitting on the northern end of this large atoll. Some all-action drift dives in sites such as Felivaru Kandu.

The area is so unspoilt new dive sites are being regularly found.  To date, 15 species of shark have been seen in the atoll and divers regularly encounter six of them. The dive centre is another run by the excellent Prodive. The island is a luxury resort for adults only – small, romantic and wonderful diving.

From £2,090PP pp for seven nights, including UK flights. KOUNI

Website WWW.KOMANDOO.COM

This resort sets the bar for Maldivian luxury and environmental standards – not always things that go together. For more than 20 years, this luxury hotel out in the remote Baa Atoll has been lavishly pampering its guests in 57 extremely stylish villas.

The diving is equally bespoke – the resort even has its own tiny solar-powered liveaboard for small groups to go off exploring for a few days complete with glass-bottomed Jacuzzi ( insert photo ). The hotel adds a two per cent levy on each room donated to its foundation which supports environmental, social and economic causes.

From £5,625 pp for seven nights, including transfers but not international flights. ELEGANT RESORTS

Website WWW.SONEVA.COM

A long-standing favourite with serious divers, this resort in South Ari Atoll is a 25-minute seaplane trip from the international airport and has a total of 194 rooms. The dive centre is one of the 11 in the Maldives run by the extremely professional Euro Divers – guaranteeing a very high standard of instructors and guides.

There is an excellent house reef and more than 40 good sites to explore including Vilamendhoo Caves and the Khudarah Thila which explodes with vibrant soft corals. From June to October, there is a good manta ray dive. Day trips are frequently scheduled to nearby Mamigili, designated a whale shark national park. One other treat is the night ‘fluo’ dives – an experience not to miss.

From  £1,676 pp for seven nights, including UK flights. TUI

Website  WWW.VILAMENDHOO.COM

You may also be interested in:

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• Eight of the best places to scuba dive in Mexico

This small gem of an island tucked into an isolated corner of South Ari Atoll was the most popular dive resort in the Maldives in DIVE’s 2021 Travel Awards . With only 38 rooms, this luxury resort offers five-star peace and quiet with some of the best diving in the Maldives, not only on nearly six kilometres of barely touched house reefs, but on more than 40 top sites within an hour’s boat journey.

A 25m-long transport ship was sunk as an artificial reef in 30m more than 20 years ago just 50m from the house reef and is now a thriving marine environment. The resort runs its own Project Hope growing coral to restock bleached or damaged reefs – in February it planted more than 200 corals across its house reef, which had been raised in supervised nurseries.

From  £2,250 pp for seven nights, including UK flights. TROPIC BREEZE

Website MIRIHI.COM

This resort was the most popular in the Maldives in our first DIVE Travel Awards five years ago and came second overall in the world’s top dive resorts – quite an achievement for one that had only been open a couple of years. 

Its excellent position on the quiet northeastern fringes of the archipelago’s busiest atoll (home to the most resorts, the capital and the international airport) bang in the middle of one of the main channels linking the interior lagoon to the Indian Ocean helps make the diving superb. Plenty of pelagics and a dream house reef. The laid-back sophistication and good value all-inclusive packages attract a growing band of loyal and discerning divers.

From  £2,141 pp for seven nights, including UK flights. BRITISH AIRWAYS

Website   WWW.OBLU-HELENGELI.COM

Rasdhoo is the only inhabited island on this small atoll just off the far larger Ari Atoll and about 50km from the international airport in North Malé Atoll. It has a population of just under 1,500. It has plenty of bed & breakfast and small hotels and a handful of good dive centres, one of which came second in our readers’ DIVE Travel Awards poll in 2021 for dive centres in the Maldives – Big Blue Divers (find them on Instagram @big_blue_divers_rasdhoo). You can reach the island by twice-weekly public ferries from Malé (three hours) or regular speed boat connections (one hour). This is a fascinating place for independent travellers. The diving is excellent, with hammerheads regularly seen between January and April and more than 20 good dive sites to explore. Or perhaps you could add on a short stay after a liveaboard trip in the region.

Filitheyo is the only island resort in out-of-way Faafu Atoll and has a Werner Lau dive centre which has long been a favourite with discerning divers. It is a 35-minute seaplane trip from Malé Airport and has some exceptional diving.

The house reef has multiple entry and exit points allowing you to explore the outer wall at your leisure – many regulars spend all their time honing their photography skills on this rich and extremely healthy reef. It is not unusual to see both manta rays and whale sharks on the house reef. There are also two scuttled wrecks a short swim from the beach. Don’t miss out on trying a ‘fluo’ night dive where you can marvel at the wonders of marine fluorescence.

From £1,489 pp for seven nights, including UK flights.   DESTINATION2

Website FILITHEYORESORT.COM

This small atoll is dominated by one largish island (the third biggest in the Maldives) and sits at the far south of the archipelago just beneath the Equator nearly 500km from the capital Malé. The 13,000 inhabitants speak a distinctive variation of the Dhivehi language known as Fuvahmulaki baha . The population has more than doubled in the past 10 years, putting increasing pressure on its limited arable land.

For the past 1,000 years, it has been famed for its tuna fishery, and over time this has built up a sizeable population of tiger sharks feeding on the scraps from the trade dumped in the ocean. Unlike most Maldivian islands it is not surrounded by a lagoon and the diving is unique.

The main attraction is 300 odd tiger sharks but you also encounter thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, mola mola, whale sharks and there are more than 20 known excellent dive sites. This is some of the best diving the Maldives offers.

This is some of the best diving in the Maldives, high-energy and exciting. The island is fast gaining the reputation of one of the best dive spots for large fish in the Indian Ocean, if not the world.

Fuvamulah Dive School only got going in 2017 and its team are making stunning discoveries nearly every day! If you want adventurous diving check this stunning diving experience out.

From  US$1,999 pp for seven-night dive packages with Fuvamulah Dive school, including travel from Malé but not international flights

Website FUVAHMULADIVE.COM

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Everything you need to know about scuba diving in the Maldives

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The Maldives is an archipelago comprising some 1,200 islands, only about 200 of which are inhabited. With 26 atolls, coral reefs and coral islands in the archipelago, it's no wonder this remote destination in the Arabian Sea is famous for its world-class scuba diving .

Ready to plan that bucket-list trip to the Maldives? Visit TPG's Maldives destination hub for more stories about traveling to the region on points and miles, where to stay and what to do while you're there.

Diving is an incredible way to see an entirely different world, and it's one of those skills I think every traveler should have in their back pocket — if they're comfortable diving deep below the surface of the sea, that is. There's an incredible sense of calm that washes over you once you're floating at least 10 feet down, seeing environments and wildlife that your land-loving friends will never know. Plus, diving is a great activity for travelers who enjoy more active vacations, rather than relaxing in a lounge chair by the pool all day.

Here's what you need to know about diving in the Maldives, including when and where to go, what you'll see and where you should stay for the experience.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

When to dive in the Maldives

The Maldives have a tropical climate, and water temperatures range from 80 to 86 degrees year-round, making the diving good nearly any time of year. That said, the absolute best time to visit the Maldives for a scuba trip are between the months of January and April, when the weather is dry and warm and visibility is best.

May through July are often considered the months when the weather is most unsettled and divers could encounter reduced visibility. The period between August and November is the best time of year to see "big" sea creatures such as manta rays and whale sharks, because of an increase in plankton in the water due to currents caused by the southwest monsoon.

In December, divers can expect a fair amount of wind and rain, possibly affecting visibility.

Related: Best times to visit the Maldives

Dive environments

The Maldives is host to a variety of diverse dive environments, including reef dives, drift dives and wrecks that provide opportunities for divers at any skill level.

Diving in and around the atolls, you'll find rock pinnacles, called thila , as well as underwater structures such as caverns, overhangs and swim-throughs. Wreck diving in the Maldives is usually less about the wreck itself and more about the artificial reefs that have formed around the sunken structures .

There are a number of channels in the Maldives, too, where the atolls meet the ocean. Because of the currents that run through these areas, they are the perfect spot for drift dives where the strong currents bring in larger marine life like sharks, tuna and mantas.

Lastly, you'll find lagoon environments on the interior of the atolls. They're mostly protected from the current and are usually fairly shallow, making them good locations for practice dives and diving classes.

Related: Where to stay in the Maldives using points and miles

Where to dive in the Maldives

There are dozens and dozens of dive sites in the Maldives, these are a few of our favorites:

Known for its clear blue waters and accessibility, the Ari Atoll is home to many of the best dive sites in the Maldives. Maaya Thila, for example, located on the southern end of the atoll, consistently ranks as one of the best sites in the area. The pinnacle starts about 20 feet deep and stretches down to 100 feet, and the area is home to marine life such as barracuda, stingrays and more. Those diving after sundown will likely get to experience a reef shark feeding frenzy.

The Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with dive sites for both beginners and advanced divers. Divers should have the opportunity to see the ever-popular manta rays and whale sharks, as well as marvel in the atoll's overhangs and swim-throughs.

The Dhonfanu Thila site is one popular swim-through. Around 82 feet deep, divers can enter the narrow swim-through and ascend to its exit just under 60 feet below the ocean's surface. Hanifaru Bay is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks congregate to mate and where divers can dive with masses of manta rays.

Fuvahmulah Atoll

This particular atoll is known for the rare shark species that frequent the area. Lucky divers may have a chance to encounter tiger sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks and even hammerheads.

Being one of the Maldives' most southerly atolls, many of the dive sites here are still being explored and are better suited for more advanced divers.

The Male Atoll is divided into two sections: the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll. The North Male Atoll is one of the most visited dive areas in the country, while the South Male Atoll tends to be slightly less trafficked.

On the South Male Atoll you'll find Cocoa Thila, a pinnacle that stretches over 1,000 feet long and nearly 100 feet deep. Due to the area's strong currents, this site is better suited for experienced divers but offers a wide variety of marine life.

Vaavu Atoll

The Vaavu Atoll offers excellent channel diving for divers of all levels. One of the most notable sites in the atoll is Fotteyo Kandu, a channel with a number of large overhangs and caves (often referred to as one of the best dive sites in the world).

For a more in-depth look at dive sites in the Maldives, check out the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) travel site.

What you'll see

Due to the consistent water temperatures, larger marine animals such as turtles, reef sharks, mantas and whale sharks can be found throughout the year. In fact, spotting many of these (somewhat) elusive creatures is usually more dependent on factors like the tide, sunrise and sunset.

Here's a calendar from PADI that indicates the best viewing times for many of the popular marine life:

Basically, you're likely to see common dolphins; turtles (hawksbill and loggerheads); manta and eagle rays; and whitetip reef sharks every month of the year.

Hammerhead sharks are most likely to be seen between December and April, with some sightings possible between May and November. Leopard sharks can be seen every month except June and July.

Your best chance of seeing whale sharks is between February and November, and stonefish sightings are possible between December and April.

The best Maldives resorts for diving

With over 130 resorts to chose from, there's no shortage of places to stay in the Maldives . But not all of the hotels cater to divers, so you'll need to plan accordingly.

Popular resorts with dive packages include properties like Oblu by Atmosphere at Helengeli , the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru . The good news is there are accommodations to fit nearly any budget, as these dive resorts from the super basic (from $150 per night) to the extremely extravagant (costing upwards of $5,000 per night).

Even if the resort you chose doesn't provide diving opportunities, you should be able to arrange dive excursions through nearby resorts and dive shops.

Liveaboard dive vessels

You may also choose to stay on a liveaboard dive vessel during your trip. Liveaboards offer divers the ability to maximize their time below the surface and to experience more remote locations that aren't accessible as day trips.

Well-rated liveaboards include the Ocean Divine, Nautilus One and Maldives Grandezza. Depending on the boat, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 per day to over $1,200 per day.

Related: Guide to hotel transfer fees in the Maldives

While this might sound expensive, consider that traveling around the different islands in the Maldives can get quite expensive given the distances and modes of travel, including seaplane and speedboat. If you'd like to visit a variety of dive sites and travel to more remote areas, a liveaboard is the way to go.

Be sure to check out the PADI site for more information on both dive resorts and liveaboards .

Where to stay with points

There's no question that visiting the Maldives is an expensive endeavor -- whether you're paying cash, using travel rewards or doing a combination. Luckily, there are plenty of chain hotels to choose from where you can use points to help offset the cost of your trip, including hotels from Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and IHG.

There are, of course, plenty of nonchain hotels, too.

If you'd rather book with an independent hotel, consider using a card with a purchase eraser like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Or, take advantage of a pay-with-points redemption option like those you'll find on the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

Related: Where to stay in the Maldives using miles and points

Snorkeling, fishing and surfing in the maldives

Much like the dive sites in the area, some snorkeling excursions can be done right from the shore, while others require a boat ride.

If you're visiting the Maldives and want to do a lot of snorkeling, be sure to choose your accommodation accordingly because not all of the islands in the Maldives have easy access to snorkeling. The W Maldives is one good choice, as it's known for its house reef and you can snorkel right from your villa.

Surfers will also find a lot of fantastic opportunities to catch a wave (or 10). The Huvadhoo Atoll is known as the spot with the best surf conditions. Although conditions will vary throughout the archipelago depending on the time of year, in general, surf conditions are best April through October.

Lastly, the Maldives is known as one of the best big game fishing destinations in the world. Thankfully, the country enforces strict fishing regulations in order to maintain the fish populations that support the livelihood of the locals, but there's still an abundance of fishing charters and tour operators to take tourists out to try their hand at an impressive tuna, wahoo, barracuda or swordfish catch.

Regardless of what your favorite activity might be, if you do decide to plan a trip to the Maldives, there's no doubt you'll fall in love with this incredible island nation.

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Liveaboard Diving in Maldives

Liveaboard SCUBA diving in the Maldives offers some of the world's most pristine and colourful reefs along with luxury dive boats that satisfy the choosiest of vacationers.

Diving in the Maldives by liveaboard offers the best in many must-have tropical SCUBA experiences. Deserted, white sand islands peep out of the ocean by only two meters, stretching seamlessly into an underwater paradise of wildlife nourished by the Indian Monsoon current. The Maldives' crystal clear waters are home to mantas, whale sharks, and reef sharks, not to mention the brilliant flatworms and ghost pipefish who hide among its wrecks, coral gardens, channels, and pinnacles. Maldives liveaboards offer itineraries encompassing the world-class dive sites of North Male Atoll , Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, Rasdhoo, and many more, including remote atolls in the far north and south where you'd be hard-pressed to see another liveaboard.

Liveaboards in Ari Atoll come for their submerged, volcano-shaped pinnacles, which attract immense amounts of big marine life. Diving in and near Ari Atoll can bring you face to face with manta rays, pelagic fish, and even hammerhead sharks at Rasdhoo Atoll to the northeast. Within Ari Atoll's 40 km length and 105 small islands, dive sites like the premier Maaya Thila, overflowing with reef life, or Donkalo Thila, one of multiple manta cleaning stations, are only accessible to liveaboards. The most dependable Maldives dive sites for whale sharks and manta rays are located in this area. Experienced divers will be best able to navigate the strong currents that bring the giants to Ari Atoll. Maldivian liveaboards to Ari Atoll are mostly MV luxury yachts.

The length of most liveaboard itineraries to Ari Atoll ranges from 7 to 12 nights. The best time to dive in Aril Atoll is the calm-sea season of December to May. The water temperature usually remains between 26-29 C, and visibility is at 15-20 meters. Budgets for liveaboards in Ari Atoll range between 200 to 400 euros per. day. Ari Atoll liveaboards depart from Male, reachable by short flights from nearby Singapore, Dubai, and Colombo, as well as longer flights worldwide. Places to dive in and around Ari Atoll are North and South Male Atolls, Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll. Ari Atoll's liveaboard itineraries will often include a combination of the above.

Baa Atoll , in the Maldives' Northern Atolls area, offers an array of famously beautiful underwater landscapes and plentiful marine life. At Maavaru Kandu, you can dive below huge rocky overhangs festooned with luminous pastel gardens of blue, yellow, and green soft corals. Dhonfanu Thila and Dhigali Haa dive sites are underwater pinnacles known for their scenic whip corals, bushy black corals, and sea fans, as well as schools of snapper and regular manta rays. Hanifaru Bay even enjoys world-famous manta and whale shark aggregations during the plankton-rich months from August through November. Some diving in Baa Atoll is suitable for beginners with moderate currents. Liveaboards in Baa Atoll are mostly MV yachts and luxury yachts.

Nilandhe Atoll , on the western border of the Maldives' Southern Atolls, is a great destination for liveaboard diving. It comprises two atolls - the northern atoll is known for its big schools of fish, sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and eagle rays. The southern atoll is home to an abundance of protected areas teeming with marine life, including grey reef sharks, schools of fusiliers, snappers, sweetlips, and even tuna, turtles, and mantas. No matter your interests, Nilandhe Atoll will surely have something for you.

Fuvahmulah , in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, offers an unparalleled diving experience. Diving into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and the chance to spot elusive species like tiger sharks and oceanic manta rays. Fuvahmulah's most popular dive sites include Gahaa Kandu and Thoondu Point; divers are often surrounded by schools of colorful fish and vibrant coral formations. 

The length of most liveaboard dive cruise itineraries to Baa Atoll ranges from 7 to 10 nights. Baa Atoll dive sites can be visited year-round, though the southwest monsoon from May to November can make the seas a bit choppy. The water temperature stays stable at 27-30 C. Budgets for Baa Atoll liveaboards range from 200 to 400 euros per day. Many liveaboards bound for Baa Atoll depart from Male. However, some depart from Hanimadhoo in the north and spend their whole itinerary in that area. Hanimadhoo can be reached by domestic seaplane from Male. Some itineraries on a Baa Atoll-bound liveaboard include North Male and Ari Atoll. Other itineraries may spend more time among Baa's uncrowded neighbors in the north: Lhaviyani, Noonu, and Raa Atolls.

Longer dive safaris include Lhaviyani, Felidhoo , Vaavu , and Meemu atolls, whilst, during January-March, several Maldives dive liveaboards focus their attention on Huvadhoo Atoll in the Deep South close to the Equator. No matter which dive trip you choose, you can be sure to see healthy corals surrounded by colorful reef fish and plenty of pelagic fish action on every dive.

More about the Atolls of Maldives

• Jump off the plane and hop on a boat for a classic Maldives dive trip in the Central Atolls.
• Grab your bunk on an exclusive Far North Atolls liveaboard for untouched, pristine diving.
• Drift dive the Southern Atolls in serenity and witness Maldives' marine life with exceptional visibility.
• Crack the Maldives' best-kept secret- tiger sharks and oceanic whitetips in the Deep South.

Tips for Travellers

The best time to dive in the Maldives is all year. However, some people prefer to avoid monsoon season, which hits the area in April and continues to rain through October. The water temperature typically ranges between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), with visibility from 20 meters (65 feet) to as far as the eye can see. Water depths include shallow reefs, deep walls, and everything in between, ensuring every diver can find their perfect dive. For the more intrepid diver, there are slow currents in many areas, and extremely strong currents jetting through the atoll pass for the more experienced thrill seeker. Whatever your tastes, Maldives has the diving suited just for you, which can be enjoyed in mild outside weather ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius (75 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the Maldives, additional liveaboards fees usually include gear rental (not covered by your trip price), which can be in the vicinity of 40 USD per person per night. Every diver must also independently purchase dive insurance before getting in the water. Some other fees like extra alcoholic drinks and special gear such as torches may incur additional charges. In the Maldives, a new Green Tax of 6 USD per person per night applies for every tourist in the country. Some islands and marine parks have national park fees that are not included in liveaboard packages, like Hanifaru Bay's park entrance fee of 20 USD per person. Nitrox is offered on virtually every Maldives liveaboard- some as a complimentary service, and some for a fee. Depending on the route, a fuel surcharge per person per night may be added. This surcharge usually ranges from 10 to 15 USD per night. If you have any questions about extra fees in the Maldives, don't hesitate to contact us directly. We are here for you.

Minimum logged dives are required by many Maldives diving liveaboards, Scubaspa Yang and Ying being the exceptions. Ocean Divine requires 20, MV Orion and Amba require 50, and Carpe Vita requires 100. Safety briefings on boats like Scubaspa Yang and Ying are conducted on day one. Check dives on Maldives liveaboards are often held in Male on the first day.

The official language of the Maldives is Maldivian or Dhivehi.

A free 30 day visa is issued on arrival to all tourists in the Maldives. However, tourists must possess a valid passport, a valid outbound ticket and either a reservation confirmation in a hotel or enough funds to cover expenses for the duration of their stay (30 USD per. day).

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives unless you have been in a country with increased yellow fever risk sometime in the nine days previous to arrival. In such cases, you must have proof of a yellow fever vaccination. We recommend standard protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, influenza, typhoid and hepatitis A. There is no endemic malaria risk in the Maldives. However, the rainy season (May through September) elevates the risk of dengue fever. For advice on Malaria and Dengue, seek professional medical advice before travelling.

Electricity voltage runs at 220-240 volts ; the standard socket is UK-style three-pin, but many resorts have universal sockets to accommodate non-UK tourists.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country by land area (300 square kilometres) and population, but its underwater offerings are comparatively huge- 90,000 square kilometres of ocean . Fewer than 300 of its roughly 2000 islands are inhabited, leaving the rest of the white-sand paradises to sharks and corals, and the lucky divers who visit them. At a maximum height of about 2.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives is at incredibly high risk from global warming, which contributes to its activism for carbon-pollution reduction worldwide. Thirty one protected areas exist in the country, and incredible coral restoration projects are common.

Ports of Departure and how to get there

Male is the main liveaboard departure location in the Maldives, and the country's capital city, located on the southern edge of North Male Atoll (also called Kaafu Atoll). The main Male departure port is Hulhule, next to the Male airport. Liveaboards diving in the Central Atolls set out from here. North Male Atoll is the best known and explored dive area in the Maldives, long recognized as a world-class manta and reef shark destination with many longstanding, beloved dive sites of pinnacles, wrecks, coral gardens, and cleaning stations. Entry level divers can find offerings around Male, even though currents can be strong. Standard liveaboards departing from Male may visit North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll and Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll as well. Other liveaboards may head south of Male Atoll to include Meemu (Malaku), Vaavu (Felidhu), and Thaa (Kolhumadulu) atolls.

Travellers bound for Male can take direct flights from Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. Longer international flights from Europe, America, China, India, and Australia are all readily available, often connecting through the airports mentioned above. Flights to the Maldives are available on multiple airlines, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines, among others. From the UK, expect at least a 13 hour trip. From Germany or Australia, the flight duration is at least 12 hours. Divers arriving from the USA can fly first to Singapore, with a flight duration of 20 hours from Los Angeles.

Maldives Diving Reviews

• 898 Verified Reviews
• 9.6 Exceptional

I loved the diversity of the diving. We were lucky to get whale shark interactions one day. The mantas were beautiful and abundant. Reef life is very healthy. Loved the shark wall dive, even with the very strong current! DM did a fantastic job briefing it for real expectations.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Novo

• 6.0 Review score

We love diving in Maldives, but it has changed due to climate change. Less fish and corals bleached

Diving Maldives in November on the Amba Liveaboard

• 8.8 Fabulous

Very beautiful country, we enjoyed our time in the Maldives.

Diving Maldives in May on the Carpe Novo

Overall, scuba diving in the Maldives is an incredible experience that offers divers the opportunity to explore a breathtaking underwater world. With its warm waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs, it's no wonder the Maldives is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.

Diving Maldives in August on the Maldives Aggressor II

• 8.0 Very good
• Alejandro G

Dives where great although water was a little bit murky hence visibility was reduced

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Leo

Much better deep south then central atolls

Half our dives were below average, the other half were good dives - we expected more from the Maldives. Visibility was ok, reefs weren't pristine, pelagic life was average.

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Explorer

Loved seeing whale shark at back of boat. Disappointed we didn’t see any Mantas which the Maldives is famous for

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Serenity

Sometimes challenging but impressive

Diving Maldives in February on the Princess Sara

• 10.0 Exceptional
• Christina I

Nice especially with current

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Leo

We dived from Malé & 7 days South. We saw & experienced more than we could ever imagine. The only thing we didn't come for & see much were the large sharks, but we saw schools of 100-200 smaller sharks, whaleshark, mantas & SO much more.

Diving Maldives in February on the Sachika

• 6.8 Review score

Very nice, although some coral reef bleaching going on sadly

Diving Maldives in February on the Soleil 2

There was something interesting to see on EVERY dive!

Diving Maldives in February on the Sunseeker

Very nice. Lots of small fishes or several big ones depending on the dive. Not the most colorful coral gardens I have seen but most dives were great. Only a few were of little interest.

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Virgo

Maldives is the best. Simple as that... you get to see everything possible in 1 single trip. Amazing.

Diving Maldives in March on the Sachika

About half the dives were great. disappointed that we did not get more variety or some of the other locations originally listed in the itinerary. Enjoyed the new friends and the good dives.

Diving Maldives in March on the Orca M7

• 8.4 Very good

Maldives offers a lot of amazing diving but timing is everything and flexible dive plans will make it a wonderful experience

Diving Maldives in March on the Duke of York

All diving in the maldives was a real treat. Lucky with big fish as well! Highlight was a big bull shark on the very last dive. Amazing experience overall with sometimes very strong currents though!

Great beach time on beautiful sand banks and small islands.

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Ying

Excellent overall. Some of the channel dives can be tricky with the currents but the guides really do their best to find the best routes and keep you relaxed and safe. Vis was great for the majority of sites. But sometimes some extra plankton can be worth it when the mantas make an appearance. The second boat (dhoni) is a god send.

Amazing diving and great variety

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Yang

Excellent. Water temps great and mostly good visibility. Plenty of varied fish species.

Diving Maldives in March on the Blue Force One

Our favourite sites were the most southern ones. We lucked out with tigers and hammerheads.

Diving Maldives in March on the Carpe Novo

Good marine life, not a lot of healthy corals, need some experience diving with current

Diving Maldives in April on the Carpe Vita

• luis fernando R

Overall, Maldives is a place to visit at least 1once. Unique opportunity to see big mantas, medium whale shark and grey sharks. Reefs are not as well preserved nor impresive as in other areas. Diving in kandus is exciting and rewarding, but many people will feel stressed. Diving out of kandus is quite crowded and not worth the travel in my opinion

Diving Maldives in April on the Blue Force One

Overall good, just worse visibility Expected more coral gardens on top of tila

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Explorer

Overall diving experience as outstanding. Some of the best diving we have ever done!

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Serenity

Varied diving with a wide range of marine encounters

Diving Maldives in April on the Sachika

Incredible! Best we’ve done. Perfect visibility! And the wildlife all had great personalities!

Diving Maldives in April on the Scubaspa Yang

There was at least a soft to medium current on every dive, and several dives involved swimming into a strong current for a time which was quite tiring. But worth it to see the sights we experienced

Diving Maldives in April on the Blue Voyager

Nice drifting experience. White tips black tips Nurse Sharks. Manta Rays. Dolphins. Whale shark. String Rays. Eagle Rays.

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Leo

very good. Some challenging dives, as expected, but our dive guides and boat crews helped prepare us for them and made sure the dives were excellent all around.

Enjoyed most of my dives, and we were able to see a lot, despite the weather not always cooperating. The staff always had an alternative plan if the current was to strong or doing in the opposite direction

Excellent, great mix of relaxed diving with some tougher current to spice it up

Great / but underwater world is a little bit damaged and needs lots of care

Of all the places I have been diving, Maldives rates in the top 2, with Komodo National Park being the other. The team on this boat this week made this trip an especially wonderful week.

Diving Maldives in May on the Emperor Leo

Good experience. First time close counter of whale shark, many manta ray at cleaning station, big hammer head shark, 4 guitar shark circle around. Also hundred of stingray circle around.

Diving Maldives in May on the Carpe Diem

Exciting and one of a kind! Learned a lot of new things! on board, as well as, off board!

We loved the trip and the diving. You get to see all of the maldives classics.

Diving Maldives in June on the Scubaspa Yang

Little to no current

Diving Maldives in June on the Horizon 3

Easy diving, some fun currents, unbelievably diverse and always something new to see

Diving Maldives in June on the Scubaspa Ying

The weather is great on the first day and the last when we departure, however the rest days are raining unfortunately. It somehow affect the visibility under water. Coral is quite stunning at FIVE ROCKS, that's the most vast and beautiful corals that I have seen in my life.

I really enjoyed my time in the Maldives. The abundance of different fish, the sharks, rays, shrimp, and nudibranch. Also the different types of coral. Diving with the use of a Dhoni makes the experience so much easier and better.

Diving Maldives in July on the Emperor Voyager

Snorkeling was great but the reefs were all dead but one here. There was no information about the reasons. When asked the crew said it’s due to humans touching the reef and not warmer waters. The weather here is the same year round. Global warming is not the reason but over doing human contact is the reason. Team leaders said it’s due to global warming. More information should be provided to build awareness on the health of marine life with credible resources. This is far more important!!!!

Diving Maldives in July on the Princess Dhonkamana

Decent. Unfortunately we didn't get the best visibility and some feedback that our diveguide took really poorly soured the last dives.

Diving Maldives in July on the Horizon 3

The diving is done from the Dhony, so no dive equipment on the main boat, which makes diving very comfortable and easy. The only small downside is the 45 mins maximum dive time.

Diving Maldives in August on the Sachika

Zur richtigen Zeit an den richtigen Orten. Mantas ohne Ende

Diving Maldives in August on the Carpe Novo

good, though not extraordinary - dive spots were the most famous ones, maybe there woukd have been better ones off the beaten track

Diving Maldives in August on the Sunseeker

Snorkeling was nice! Choppy waters probably due to the season but who doesnt love the Maldives!!

Diving Maldives in August on the Scubaspa Ying

Excellent whale sharks, mantas and other sharks. Nice warm water 😊

Diving Maldives in September on the Blue Force One

First time in this period of year (out of the peak season) and again really good and enjoyable.

Diving Maldives in September on the Felicity

Lot‘s of stuff to see, great fish life and corals. Highly recommend to do a dive safari rather than diving in resorts as you can see much more different dive sites and it‘s a better value for money deal.

Diving Maldives in September on the Carpe Novo

Can not wait for the next trip in Maldives for more sharks in different season and areas.

Diving Maldives in September on the Carpe Diem

Whether you are diving or snorkeling, the Maldives is an incredible place to experience the beauty of the ocean.

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Dhonkamana

Very good! Some dives with a lot of current

Diving Maldives in October on the Blue Voyager

One of the top spots in the world. Always plenty of life around and a huge variety of sea creatures.

Diving Maldives in October on the Blue Force One

Exactly what I was expecting

Diving Maldives in October on the Sachika

Ok just not as colourful as i thought it may be

Diving Maldives in October on the Emperor Leo

Loved it. Was some of my best dive experiences. Loved the variety of life. Good place to see mega fauna. Currents are present and might be something to consider

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Sara

It was excellent. Already planning my next trip here (still on the islands as I type this). The visibility varies quite a bit across dive sites (generally, I’d say a little shorter than in the Caribbean), but the temperature is consistently high (85-86F) — good enough to not need a wetsuit, even with 3 dives a day.

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Haseena

All sites where up to my expectations, with special emphasis to the ones we dove with Whale Sharks Vaavu Atoll and Manta S.Ari Atoll

Diving Maldives in October on the EcoPro Moonima

Amazing for pelagic life!

Diving Maldives in October on the Carpe Novo

Some of the best diving of my life! Incredible encounters with sharks and manta rays.

Diving Maldives in November on the Blue Voyager

• Christian F

Sehr sehr gut, viele "Großfische", viele unterschiedliche Haie, Mantas, Schildkröten, aber auch Schnecken, Clownfische und schöne Korallen

Diving Maldives in November on the Princess Sara

Diving the Maldives was excellent. The visibility was good, water was warm and sea life incredible

Diving Maldives in November on the Emperor Serenity

Lovely experience, except for all the plastic trash in the ocean around some populated islands and specifically Male.

Diving Maldives in November on the Carpe Novo

Every trip to Maldives has something new to offer

Diving Maldives in December on the EcoPro Mariana

Plentiful sharks, Mantas, Eagle Ray's, Whalesharks. Mostly strong currents with the need to descend quickly. Sometimes not so good visibility.

Diving Maldives in December on the Ocean One

Diving in the Maldives is world-class for the amount of life and the variety of dives. Should be on the bucket list for all serious divers. If you love sharks, come to the Maldives.

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Sara

Great. Lots of sharks on most dives, Mantas, whalesharks fun current.

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Dhonkamana

The best diving so far. Great for Pelagic as well as reefs.

Diving Maldives in December on the Ocean Divine

Small current, different species of sharks and rays That's awesome to see whale shark!

Tne water was nice and warm. Visibility could be hit or miss. On a bad day you are looking at about 40ft and on the best day we probably had 150+ft. But we saw almost everything there is to see. Mantas, whalesharks, eagle and sting rays, big fish, small fish, turtles incl. a giant one that was easily 6ft long from head to tail and much more. Ofc some of the rare species like leopard sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads etc. are just pure luck and very rare to see. Don’t count on it.

Really nice! A place to came back!

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Force One

Very poor visibility, South Ari was boring

Diving Maldives in December on the Emperor Virgo

Incredible amount of fish and pelagic

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Voyager

Overall, amazing! Some dives the visibility was questionable and we couldn’t see far into the blue.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Vita

10 out of 10 for its amazing sightings, abundance fishes. Highly recommend to have 40-50 dives before coming to Maldives, for your own safety sake.

Diving Maldives in December on the Theia

Very good. Variety of fish. Large fish: mantas, sharks, turtles,

As expected with strong currents and many pelagic animals. Visibility in late Dec was not as ideal as imagined.

Diving Maldives in December on the Sachika

Great trip - even with pretty crappy weather

Diving Maldives in December on the Amba Liveaboard

wonderful, unforgettable, amazing

Surprised to see trash floating whenever we were sailing or anchored

Diving Maldives in January on the Blue Force One

At least half of the dives had at least some current, with a couple having some strong currents that I was not used to. Recommend bringing a reef hook (but you can rent them). The reefs are gorgeous and have a lot of life. You'll see at least one pelagic on every dive <3. Also, it rained on nearly half the days, even during the "dry" season.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Sara

Great experience! Currents were more than expected but quite tolerable. Would have liked to have visited more reefs with micro but that's being picky.

5 star still one of the best places to dive and see the big ones (W/shars / Mantas / Sharks

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Serenity

Overall it was great! Great dive masters also. Expected better visibility. Lots of new fish to see.

Amazing for shark and manta lovers. Challenging for less experienced divers.

Diving Maldives in January on the Amba Liveaboard

Sea temperature is warm. Around 29 degrees in January so no wetsuit was needed certainly for divers from the UK. Visibility in generally very good although there was some murkiness is the mouth of the channels. Some beautiful corals were seen on a couple of the dives. Some pretty fish life around too. The sea needs extra respect in the Maldives. Currents can be very strong and unpredictable in direction

Diving Maldives in January on the White Pearl

Overall the experience was very good but must note the following: I found many dives with different current grades. Few were probably not appropriate for beginners. The development didn't go always as planned. Visibility was another issue. I was expecting greater visibility in this part of the world and came back a bit disappointed.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Dhonkamana

Visibility was bad but the marine life was amazing

Diving Maldives in February on the Top Class Cruising - Sunseeker

It was disappointing tbh - the outgoing currents meant the vis was bad.

Diving Maldives in February on the Infinity X

Good diving, good visibility, nice corals & decent fish life. Sharks, Mantas and a few whale sharks (at night by the boat)

Diving Maldives in February on the Horizon 3

Did not expect such poor visibility n poor coral conditions. Mantas, whale sharks and sharks were impressive.

Diving Maldives in February on the Ocean One

The overall diving was at a satisfactory level. I thought there were more diving sites suitable for advanced dives than beginners because there were some places with some current.

Dive sites are very good to excellent. Currents are medium to strong most of the dives. Use of reef hooks is highly recommended. Water temperature is stable at about 29C most of the time.

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Explorer

Definitely good for large sharks, Mantas etc. Would like a few coral reef dives interspersed with the shark dives.

Diving Maldives in February on the Amba Liveaboard

Would like to have dived more sites without only focusing on sharks

Diving Maldives in February on the Conte Max

The water wasn’t always as clear as expected, but overall it was an amazing and inspiring experience

Warm water, good visibility, amazing variety of life, small and large, great coral reefs

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Yin

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16 Amazing Maldives Liveaboard Scuba Diving Trips For Your Bucket List

Looking for the best way to enjoy a diving holiday in the Maldives? Joining a liveaboard is the only way to go. There are many really incredible, luxurious boats that offer extensive dive itineraries all over the Maldives.

These scuba dive liveaboards may be based on boats, but that doesn’t mean you will have to sacrifice any comforts during your holiday. These boats are fully-equipped to the same standard of any top Maldives resort . This means that you will get to enjoy the best possible base for scuba diving, while still relaxing completely. 

If you are serious about experiencing the best dive sites and atolls in the Maldives, then a liveaboard is definitely a wise choice. We have chosen some of the best Maldives liveaboards available, to help you make the most out of your scuba safari. 

Why Choose a Liveaboard Maldives Holiday? 

The Maldives is a dream destination for any scuba diver. The place is just brimming with marine life – including whale sharks, huge rays, colorful coral reefs, and a massive amount of fish. The water is warm, clear, and seriously inviting. 

One of the challenges with scuba diving in the Maldives is that many of the best sites and atolls are difficult to reach. These can be far away from any accommodation, and inaccessible through a day trip. This is where liveaboards come in handy. 

A liveaboard holiday means that you will be traveling around on a remarkably comfortable boat. This allows you to experience all of the best diving locations, secret beaches, reefs, and beautiful Maldives islands . 

All liveaboards come with experienced dive guides, scuba equipment, full meal plans, and comfortable rooms. This means that you just need to sit back and relax, while the liveaboard takes you to the top diving sites in the Maldives. 

The 16 Best Maldives Liveaboards

Choosing which liveaboard to spend your Maldives holiday on can be difficult, as there are so many truly amazing options out there. Whether you want to focus on a luxurious experience or see as many dive sites as possible, there is a boat for you. Here is a roundup of the best Maldives liveaboards to choose from. Each one offering an unforgettable experience. 

Scubaspa Yang

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/scubaspa-yang

Want to explore the best Maldives diving in complete style? The Scubaspa Yang will be sure to provide an unforgettable voyage. This is a premium liveaboard option with plenty of amazing facilities and activities available onboard.

This liveaboard offers the best of the Maldives trips, which are around 5 – 8 nights long. Guests can enjoy incredible comforts on this 50m yacht – which is also an authorized PADI 5-star dive resort. 

Some highlights of the Scubaspa include the onboard yoga classes, the relaxing spa, jacuzzi, fitness center, and of course the incredible food. Guests will enjoy a beach BBQ during the trip as well. The yacht has a large sundeck, modern communal spaces, and cabins that feel like you are in a hotel.

The diving here is world-class, and the experienced dive instructors will be able to take you to all of the absolute best sites in the Maldives. Beyond the diving though, passengers can still enjoy snorkeling trips, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking, and plenty more. 

The Scubaspa Yang is one of the more luxurious and well-equipped liveaboards available. With all of the cool facilities onboard, you will certainly feel a whole lot more relaxed and refreshed after your trip on this yacht. 

View Sailing Dates, Read Reviews & Check Availability

Emperor Serenity

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/emperor-serenity

Just because you will be living aboard a boat, doesn’t mean that you will have to sacrifice any comforts. The Emperor Serenity is a sophisticated 40m boat with 13 en-suite cabins. This Emperor Divers liveaboard can accommodate 26 passengers at a time, and it operates throughout the year. 

The Emperor Serenity focuses on general ‘best of the Maldives’ trips which last around 7 nights. These voyages will give you a great understanding of the entire area’s greatest dive spots and diverse marine life. 

The scuba dive liveaboard comes with 4 professional and experienced dive guides, as well as 13 friendly boat crew members. Divers are well catered for with all equipment available, and nitrox is free. 

This awesome liveaboard has an onboard spa, a fun bar area, covered and open sundecks, and a quality entertainment area. The rooms are spacious, modern, and well equipped. For added luxury, you could book the 2 suites which include king-sized beds and unbeatable sweeping ocean views. 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/carpe-novo

The Carpe Novo is a newly built, 43m boat offering comprehensive dive trips around the Maldives. You can choose between a wide range of liveaboard excursions (ranging from around 7 to 14 nights), highlighting different areas and dive sites. This is one of the best liveaboard options for those that want to choose between specific sites to focus on in the Maldives. 

The boat has 12 cabins, catering to a maximum of 22 guests. These v]cabins all have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, and hotel-style comforts. The rest of the boat is well equipped as well, with sleek communal areas, sundecks, and entertainment areas. The food (which is all included in your trip) is a particular highlight on the Carpe Novo! 

Your trip on the Carpe Novo will include free toiletries, airport transfers, a beach BBQ, nitrox, land excursions, towels, a snorkeling guide, and more. 

Emperor Leo

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/leo

The Emperor Leo is a sleek 35m yacht offering a real boutique Maldives liveaboard experience. There are 12 cabins onboard this vessel, including the luxurious executive suite. 

You can choose between a ‘best of the Maldives’ trip, or rather focus on the deep south or south-central areas of the Maldives. Trips on the Emperor Leo generally last 7 nights. All diving trips take place from the large tender dhoni – giving you more space aboard the yacht to enjoy. 

Guests can make full use of the jacuzzi, the large dining area and bar, and the beautiful sundecks and entertainment areas. This is a seriously well-equipped, stylish yacht. 

A trip on the Emperor Leo includes a full meal plan, local flights, a beach BBQ, towels, land excursions, nitrox, snorkel gear, and more. 

Maldives Aggressor II

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/maldives-aggressor-ii

If you are after some of the absolute best Maldives liveaboard diving, then this 41m yacht comes highly recommended. There are a number of different dive trips you can take on the Maldives Aggressor II, with trips generally being between 7 – 10 nights. 

Each day, you will do up to 4 exciting dives. Whether you want to do a ‘best of the Maldives’ voyage or focus on other particular areas, this yacht can take you there.

A maximum of 22 guests can be accommodated on this boat. Each cabin is modern and spacious, with a private bathroom and shower. The food is delicious (and all-inclusive), and all wine, beer, and soft drinks are also complementary. 

There is a jacuzzi, a large, partially-covered sundeck, and excellent dive facilities. You will be greeted with a delicious welcome cocktail on arrival, and continue enjoying a relaxed and adventure packed trip on this top liveaboard. 

Eco Blue Liveaboard

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/eco-blue

Eco Blue is a homely liveaboard that offers year-round diving trips to some of the best Atolls in the Maldives. There are a number of different trips that you can make on this boat, ranging from 7 – 14 nights. 

This boat is comfortable and well equipped, offering guests all the comforts that you would want on a dive holiday. The bar is well stocked, the coffee is great, and the food is delicious. There are also some very inviting sundeck and entertainment areas. 

This liveaboard includes an extensive diving package, with access to top of the line gear. The dive guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the area – ensuring that you will see plenty of the amazing marine life that the Maldives is famous for. 

View Dates, Read Reviews & Check Availability

Emperor Virgo

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/virgo

The Emperor Virgo offers some of the most fun and exciting liveaboard diving holidays in the Maldives. The varied itineraries available allow you to enjoy a wide range of dives, and really experience the magic of the Maldives. 

This boat is a 32m floating luxury resort – equipped with all your holiday needs. From the two fun bars to the yoga classes, delicious onboard restaurant (with a full-board meal plan), entertainment area, and upper sun deck. You will be sure to have an amazing time while out at sea. 

Nitrox refills are free, cabins are cozy, and the crew is especially attentive and friendly. This is an exciting Maldives diving liveaboard that anyone can enjoy. 

Ocean Divine

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/ocean-divine

With owners that have over 30 years of experience in the Maldives, Ocean Divine offers a seamless liveaboard experience. You can choose between scheduled diving cruises of the North Atoll, Ari Atoll, Felidhu Atoll, Central Atoll and Southern Atolls of the Maldives. These tours take place from November to April, allowing divers to see a huge range of incredible Maldives marine life . 

If the three dives a day isn’t enough to keep you busy, guests can also enjoy the onboard masseuse, the top chef, and modern entertainment facilities. Stand up paddleboarding, freediving, snorkeling, and land excursions are also included. 

Only 12 guests can board the Ocean Divine at a time, allowing for a more intimate experience. Every request that you have will be taken care of on this liveaboard, allowing you to fully enjoy the spectacular diving and natural beauty around you. 

Emperor Explorer

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/emperor-explorer

Year-round dive safaris in the Maldives don’t get much more sophisticated than this. The Emperor Explorer is a new, modern yacht with 13 luxurious cabins. A total of 26 guests can enjoy the well-equipped cabins and quality amenities on offer here. 

The Emperor Explorer focuses on offering the best of the Maldives dive trips ranging from 7 – 10 nights. This is a great liveaboard for those that want to get a general sense of the region’s diving and explore a range of different sites. 

Even if you’re not a diver, though, you will still love this boat. All non-divers will receive a free snorkeling kit and a $50 gift voucher to spend onboard. 

A delicious full-board meal plan is included on the Emperor Explorer, as is wine with your dinner, nitrox, a beach BBQ, airport transfers, and plenty more. Facilities on this amazing boat include a large sundeck with loungers, a chilled-out entertainment room, and a stunning open-aired terrace – perfect for enjoying a drink. 

All diving takes place from the accompanying dhoni. This gives you more space to enjoy during the liveaboard adventure.

View Dates, Read Reviews & Check Availability 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/ari-queen

Maldives liveaboards don’t get much better than the Ari Queen. 24 guests can enjoy the year-round trips that this luxurious boat has to offer. This liveaboard specializes in a classic central dive itinerary that lasts 7 nights. This allows you to explore and experience a number of well-acclaimed diving sites in the Maldives. 

The Ari Queen has an experienced crew of 15, including some really knowledgeable dive guides. The boat itself includes deluxe cabins and suites – making it feel like you are on a floating hotel.

The facilities, sundeck, and entertainment area are some of the best, and the food is truly delicious. This is a comfortable liveaboard that any avid diver will love. 

Emperor Atoll

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/emperor-atoll

The Emperor Atoll, a 26m vessel, offers a slightly less luxurious and more down-to-earth experience than other Maldives liveaboards. If you want to go on a dive trip in a really personal setting, then the Emperor Atoll would be a great option. 

This is not to say the boat is not comfortable. Each cabin is air-conditioned and features an en-suite bathroom. The boat is complete with flat-screen TVs, sun loungers on the shaded deck, a bar, dining area, and swim platform. As there are only six cabins on the Emperor Atoll, trips are a lot more intimate and laid back. 

This liveaboard departs from Male, and it offers a number of amazing dive itineraries. With some incredibly knowledgeable and experienced dive guides on board, you will be sure to access many incredible scuba sites. 

A trip on the Emperor Atoll includes nitrox, a full meal plan, a beach BBQ, land excursions, towels, transfers, toiletries, and more. 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/moonima

The Moonima is a recently renovated 30m liveaboard that offers access to some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. There are only eight cabins onboard the Moonima, accommodating a maximum of 16 guests. This allows you to enjoy a really personalized experience. 

Every corner of this boat is kitted out to provide some of the highest standards and comforts available on the ocean. Between the modern cabins, the outdoor bar and entertainment deck, and the delicious food on offer – you will never want to leave this liveaboard. 

The dive itineraries offer the chance to explore different areas of the Maldives. All diving takes place from the dedicated dive dhoni – giving guests more space to enjoy themselves on board. 

Seafari Explorer

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/seafari-explorer

The Seafari Explorer is one of the most modern and luxurious Maldives liveaboards. This has four impressive decks, six cabins, and can accommodate up to 22 guests. The cabins are spacious, and there are some really great relaxation and entertainment areas onboard. 

You can choose between a number of different dive itineraries, ranging from 7 – 14 nights. These will take you to some of the best atolls across the Maldives, giving you a great general sense of the area. Expect to see plenty of eagle rays, reef sharks and fish.

There are plenty of activities available on the Seafari Explorer. These include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, land excursions, a beach BBQ, and of course the full diving package. All meals and necessities are included in this liveaboard, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the ocean and beautiful surrounds. 

Blue Force One

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/blue-force-one

Blue Force One is basically a high-end resort housed inside a boat. There are 10 well-appointed cabins on board this luxury vessel, catering up to 20 guests. This is definitely one of the more spacious liveaboards available, offering plenty of space to just sit back and relax between diving sessions. 

Some of the major highlights of the boat include the two jacuzzi decks, three sun decks, an upper deck bar, and a fully kitted out lounge. During downtime, guests can make use of the available kayaks, surfboards, stand up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. 

While it’s easy to lose yourself in the splendor of the accommodation here, the main focus is diving. Dive itineraries on the Blue Force One focus on a number of different areas in the Maldives, and they range in length. Whichever one you choose, the professional dive guides will be able to take you to some of the most beautiful and exciting spots to enjoy the bountiful marine life here. 

Sachika 

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/sachika

Feel like a millionaire on board this 33m floating hotel. The Sachika liveaboard is perfect for those that want to enjoy amazing diving, but still, just kick back and relax in the beautiful Maldives. This boat has 10 cabins and can hold a maximum of 22 guests. Each cabin is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and minibar. 

The Sachika offers some of the most comprehensive dive itineraries in the Maldives. You can choose between a number of different options, allowing you to experience a wide range of dive sites and Maldives marine life. Private dive guides and scuba diving courses are also offered from this liveaboard – making it a great choice for new scuba divers. 

Beyond the diving, guests can spend their time fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and enjoying the amazing food on offer. Every comfort is taken care of onboard the Sachika, allowing to enjoy the ultimate Maldives diving holiday. 

Nautilus Two

https://www.liveaboard.com/diving/maldives/nautilus-two

The Nautilus Two is a spacious liveaboard offering a really fun experience. This 43m boat has 12 cabins and can hold up to 24 guests. This may be a fairly simple boat, but it is taken care of with great detail. The Nautilus Two is clean, comfortable, and well looked after. 

Dive itineraries last between 7 – 10 nights, and they focus on a couple of different areas in the Maldives. All diving takes place from the dhoni. You will typically get to enjoy three exciting dives per day – allowing you to witness a wide range of different sites. 

During downtime, the boat has a fun jacuzzi deck, entertainment area, and large sundeck. You could choose to go fishing, relax on a sunbed, or enjoy an ice-cold beer on tap. This is a really well-equipped boat, offering guests everything they need to enjoy a relaxing trip. 

Planning a Trip to the Maldives?

I actually spent an entire month in the Maldives, so be sure to read some of my articles here for some travel inspiration: 

• The Westin Maldives Resort Review | Heavenly Luxurious in Every Way
• Top 14 Things to do on Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives
• Kurumba Maldives Resort Review | The first Maldives Resort!
• 67 Photos to Inspire You to Book a Visit at Kanuhura Maldives

Final Thoughts on Maldives Liveaboard Scuba Diving

Diving in the Maldives is truly spectacular, and joining a liveaboard has got to be the best way to experience it. These liveaboards offer complete luxury and hospitality that will ensure the most comfortable trip possible. These are so much more than just boats – they really are little resorts that can move around the ocean. 

For anyone wanting to access the best range of diving that the area has to offer, while still enjoying quality accommodation, a liveaboard is the only way to go. Be sure to consider one of these fantastic options when booking your Maldives scuba holiday.

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An expert guide to liveaboard diving itineraries in the maldives.

March 27, 2023

The Maldives is one of the world’s best liveaboard diving destinations and promises some truly unparalleled itineraries. Learn more about classic voyages with our expert overview of liveaboard itineraries in the Maldives.

Why the Maldives is ideal for liveaboard diving

The Maldives is renowned for being one of the world's top destinations for liveaboards. Perhaps the most obvious reason to choose a liveaboard is a simple case of logistics, as the Maldives is made up of hundreds of islands spread across dozens of atolls. This spectacular landscape is what makes the Maldives so tempting to divers, but it means that travel within the country is a little tricky at times, often requiring multiple boat trips or plane journeys.

Liveaboards combine both accommodation and transportation, allowing divers to wake up to new dive sites each morning feeling well rested. It also means they are seeing more of the country – and its exceptional diving – without losing time to domestic travel.

What’s more, the Maldives’ iconic one-island-one-resort experience doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone. Liveaboards can offer a unique perspective to this island nation and liveaboards often work out at great value for money when compared to many of the luxury resorts, with meals, accommodation and dives all together.

The best liveaboard itineraries in the Maldives

If you’ve never been to the Maldives, it can be difficult to know which liveaboard itinerary will be right for you - particularly when you’re not sure what each atoll offers underwater. The good news is, while liveaboards often call similar trips by different names, the vast majority of itineraries follow several standard routes. 

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Classic central atolls liveaboard itinerary

This circular loop around the Maldives’ central atolls is not only one of the most accessible options, it also includes iconic underwater experiences. From multicoloured reefs and marine megafauna to drifts and world-class wrecks, the central atolls have it all. These atolls also offer plenty above water as well, including luxurious island excursions and exceptional surf breaks.

Safari boats operating this itinerary embark and disembark in Hulhule, North Male, within easy reach of the international airport, making it a great option for an easy liveaboard dive holiday in the Maldives. Trips tend to last around a week, although longer and shorter variations can sometimes be found, and can travel in either direction around the circular route.

During these voyages, divers will get to experience some of the best scuba diving in the Maldives. Highlights include the manta cleaning stations of North Male, shark-filled channels of Vaavu and the near-guaranteed whale shark encounters of Maamigili, South Ari. Other world-famous experiences include Guraidhoo Corner, Alimatha Jetty, Fesdu Lagoon and the Machchafushi Wreck. 

• Likely stops: North and South Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, South Ari Atoll, North Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll
• Highlights: Manta ray cleaning stations, near-guaranteed whale sharks, simple logistics
• Best season: Year-round

Maldives’ northern highlights liveaboard itinerary

Separated from the central atolls by the Kaashidhoo Kandu, the Maldives’ northern atolls offer the same appeal, with a slightly more secluded atmosphere. Despite lying closer to Male than the remote southern sites, few liveaboard itineraries venture to the Maldives’ most northerly atolls. In fact, vessels operating this itinerary only rarely visit the atolls of Noonu and Shaviyani, and virtually never venture beyond into Haa Alifu and Haa Dhaalu. Instead, the diving focuses on the more accessible atolls of Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani located closer to the Kaashidhoo Kandu.

The northern highlights liveaboard itinerary is another circular route which embarks and disembarks in Hulhule, North Male. From here, vessels either head directly north, or travel west towards North Ari and Rasdhoo before crossing the Kaashidhoo Kandu. Manta rays are the main reason liveaboard vessels venture north, as they head to the cleaning stations of Lhaviyani Atoll, Raa Atoll, and the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Alongside the many manta ray experiences, guests also have a reasonable chance of encountering whale sharks and can explore several world-class shipwrecks.

• Likely stops: North Male Atoll, North Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll, Baa Atoll, Raa Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll
• Highlights: Manta ray encounters, stunning shipwrecks, secluded atmosphere

Maldives’ manta ray liveaboard itinerary

If you’re hoping to encounter manta rays, the Maldives is a good place to start. And if you’re hoping to encounter more manta rays than you could ever have imagined, then this is the itinerary for you. As you have just read, both the central and northern atolls are home to some exceptional manta experiences, and this route combines the very best into one incredible expedition. Liveaboards always aim to deliver the best overall experience and crews will endeavour to get guests to the right place at the right time, meaning the exact route of this itinerary can vary slightly each week.

Departing from Hulhule, this itinerary incorporates the cleaning stations and current-swept channels of North Male, Lhaviyani, Raa and Baa. The protected Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is home to some of the world’s most impressive manta ray congregations and is a marquee stop during this voyage. With huge numbers of rays reliably returning to this bay to feed throughout the season, sometimes performing their famous cyclone-feeding behaviours, guests are in with a high chance of enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

• Likely stops: North Male Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll
• Highlights: Unparalleled manta ray experiences
• Best season: July to October, around the full and new moons

Sharktastic liveaboard itinerary

Much like the manta ray itinerary above, this trip is focused on finding some of the best shark diving experiences within easy reach of Male. However, rather than heading north, this route combines the central atolls with one or two destinations further south, where the diving is focused on the eastern channels. For a few months at the start of each year, currents push oceanic water through the channels along the eastern edge of the atolls, attracting large numbers of reef fish and creating an irresistible opportunity for sharks.

From Hulhule, North Male, the vessels will head south stopping at sites such as Kandooma Thila in South Male where grey reef sharks roam. Vaavu is next, and is one of the best shark diving destinations in the Maldives, offering encounters with numerous grey and whitetip reef sharks at Fotteyo Kandu and Miyaru Kandu. This atoll is also home to a popular night dive at Alimatha Jetty, amongst large numbers of blacktip sharks and nurse sharks. Further south, Meemu Atoll’s Malaku Kandu drops to depths of over 100-metres and attracts whitetip and grey reef sharks, as well as hammerheads in the early morning hours. Then it's time to head back north, crossing to South Ari along the way to encounter the biggest of them all - whale sharks. 

• Likely stops: North and South Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, South Ari Atoll
• Highlights: Reliable reef shark encounters, whale sharks, current-swept channels
• Best season: January to April

Maldives’ south central liveaboard itinerary

For divers looking to travel a little further off the beaten track, the Maldives’ south central liveaboard itinerary is a great way to do it. With more atolls to visit and so much to see, these voyages are often a little longer, with different operators offering trips lasting anywhere between seven and 14-days. Again, it is the eastern channels that provide much of the excitement during this itinerary, as strong currents push through the channels and into the central lagoons. The trip can be done in both directions, either starting in the north and heading south, or vice versa.

Departing from Hulhule, North Male, this route heads directly south, stopping in South Male, Vaavu and Meemu to search for reef sharks in the channels and marvel at the colourful soft coral overhangs of the outer walls. From Meemu, vessels usually head to Thaa, where hammerheads can occasionally be seen and whale sharks feed beneath the boats at night, before moving on the Laamu for fast-flowing drifts and year-round manta cleaning stations. Finally, after crossing the 97-kilometre-wide channel, this itinerary ends in the isolated atoll of Huvadhoo, known for under-explored reefs and possible encounters with a dozen different species of shark. 

• Likely stops: North and South Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Huvadhoo Atoll
• Highlights: Adventurous atmosphere, multiple shark species, manta rays and whale sharks
• Best season: January to March

Maldives’ deep south liveaboard itinerary

For many, it would be a source of deep regret to travel to the Maldives’ southern reaches and miss out on diving the infamous island of Fuvahmulah. Thankfully, this deep south itinerary is almost identical to the south central trip, but continues across the 49-kilometre-wide Addu Kandu to stop at both Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll. As you’d expect, these action-packed voyages require plenty of time to make the most of so many world-class dive destinations, with trips typically lasting between 10 to 14-days. As with most one-way itineraries in the Maldives, this trip can be done in both directions.

Starting in Hulhule, North Male, liveaboards embark on a long journey south, stopping at around seven or eight atolls along the way. The pelagic-packed channels of Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa and Laamu and common inclusions, followed by the remote Huvadhoo Atoll. On the way to Addu, a day will be spent at Fuvahmulah, where powerful pelagics rule and tiger shark sightings are practically guaranteed . The itinerary will finish in Addu, with the possibility of a local dive or two - inclduing on the world-famous British Loyalty shipwreck. 

• Likely stops: North and South Male Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, Meemu Atoll, Thaa Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah, Addu Atoll
• Highlights: Extended adventures, powerful pelagics, unparalleled shark encounters

Southern sharks itinerary in the Maldives

This itinerary perfectly encapsulates what diving in the Maldives’ deep south is all about - sharks. These isolated southern islands and atolls act as beacons for large pelagic species venturing in from the open ocean, with Fuvahmulah and Huvadhoo in particular delivering some of the best shark experiences on the planet. Voyages generally last around a week and offer at least one full day of diving around Fuvahmulah. Of course, this trip can also be done in either direction.

Departing from the island of Kooddoo in Huvadhoo Atoll, vessels usually spend a couple of days exploring the vast lagoon and searching for the many shark species which reside here. Possible encounters include silkies, silvertips, and nurse sharks, as well as threshers and hammerheads. Then, it’s on to Fuvahmulah, one of the only places with guaranteed tiger shark encounters. The trip then ends in Addu Atoll, where sites such as Shark Point offer dozens of grey reef sharks.

• Likely stops: Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah Island, Addu Atoll
• Highlights: Unparalleled shark encounters, remote and adventurous atmosphere

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Maldives local islands scuba diving | ukulhas island maldives.

The Maldives is a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is an archipelago consisting of 26 atolls, each made up of coral islands. The country is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. With a total land area of around 298 square kilometers, the Maldives stands as the world’s lowest-lying nation, with an average ground level of just 1.5 meters above sea level. Known for its luxurious overwater bungalows, diverse marine life, and vibrant underwater ecosystems, the Maldives is a top destination for those seeking a serene and idyllic tropical escape.

But the Maldives isn’t just a picturesque postcard; it’s a top-tier destination for those yearning for a tranquil tropical escape. Luxurious overwater bungalows dot the landscape, and the underwater ecosystems are a testament to the country’s natural wonders.

Welcome to the thrilling world of adventure with BEACHLIFE TOURS , where exclusive Maldives local islands ‘ scuba diving packages seamlessly blend the excitement of exploration with the allure of Maldives’ local islands. Dive deep into the heart of Rasdhoo Island, Maldives, at prices that won’t break the bank.

Our Maldives scuba dive packages , including the Ukulhas Island experience, optimize the enchantment of the local islands. Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing underwater world where vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life await. The Rasdhoo Island expedition, thoughtfully designed by BEACHLIFE TOURS , promises an affordable and unforgettable journey beneath the ocean’s surface.

Step beyond the ordinary with a Maldives local island tour courtesy of BEACHLIFE TOURS, optimized for scuba diving enthusiasts. Experience the authentic charm of the islands while indulging in thrilling scuba diving adventures. Our meticulously crafted tour packages ensure an affordable and enriching exploration of Rasdhoo Island and its underwater wonders, including the stunning Ukulhas Island in the Maldives .

At BEACHLIFE TOURS, we redefine adventure with scuba diving experiences on Rasdhoo Island, Maldives’ local gem, and Ukulhas Island. Plunge into the beauty of Rasdhoo and Ukulhas Islands with our carefully crafted tour packages, offering exhilarating underwater escapades at prices that won’t empty your wallet. Unleash your inner explorer and create memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome to the magic of Rasdhoo Island, Maldives, and the optimized scuba diving adventure on Ukulhas Island!

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Scuba Diving in Maldives

Are you an adventurous Indian woman who's just finished college and looking for an unforgettable experience? Picture this – you, diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, surrounded by lively coral reefs and fascinating marine life. It's a thrilling journey that empowers you, breaks norms, and connects you with nature like never before. Meet Anjali, a recent college graduate from India, who took the plunge into scuba diving in the Maldives. With excitement and a touch of nerves, she dived into the serene depths, only to emerge with awe and wonder at the beauty she discovered below. Now it's your turn! Book your scuba diving adventure in the Maldives and create your own incredible story. 

Let’s Learn About Scuba diving in Maldives

Scuba diving is an exhilarating underwater adventure that allows you to explore the mesmerizing marine world like never before. With specialized gear like a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), you can breathe freely and glide through the depths, encountering a kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs, fascinating fish, graceful rays, and even majestic sea turtles. It's an experience that transcends the ordinary and engages you in a realm of tranquility and wonder.

Now, why choose the Maldives for your scuba diving escapade? Well, this tropical paradise offers some of the most extraordinary dive sites on the planet! With over 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boasts crystal-clear waters with incredible visibility, making it a diver's utopia. 

Did you know that the Maldives is home to a rich marine biodiversity, with over 1,000 species of fish and 2,000+ array of vibrant corals? Not to mention, it's one of the few places on Earth where you can swim alongside gentle giants – whale sharks and manta rays! 

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious beginner, the Maldives caters to all levels of expertise. The warm tropical climate and calm waters offer ideal conditions for comfortable diving throughout the year.

But it's not just the underwater world that's captivating. The Maldives offers luxurious overwater bungalows, pure white-sand beaches, and breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in hues of pink and orange.

How to Get To Maldives?

If you're planning an exciting trip to the Maldives, getting there is easier than you might think! The Velana International Airport, situated on Hulhule Island in North Male Atoll, is where you'll land for your Maldives adventure. It's the primary airport that receives international flights from various destinations.

You'll find many carriers offering direct flights to Velana International Airport, ensuring a convenient journey for travelers. Just be mindful that schedules may vary during peak seasons, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

If you're coming from India, there's a direct flight option from Thiruvananthapuram to Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Meanwhile, travelers from Sri Lanka can take advantage of the direct flight to Gan International Airport on the picturesque Gan Island in Addu Atoll.

So, whether you're coming from India, Sri Lanka, or any other international destination, your dreamy getaway to the Maldives awaits you at Velana International Airport. Get ready to dive into paradise!

What is the best time to go to the Maldives?

The Marine Life On The Maldives

Oh, you won't believe the incredible marine creatures you can encounter on a scuba diving excursion in the Maldives! Picture this: the striking red tooth triggerfish gracefully swimming by, while majestic white tip reef sharks glide elegantly in the distance. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of hammerhead sharks cruising through the deep blue waters. But that's not all! You can also be charmed by the playful clownfish dancing around their anemone homes, and the impressive Napoleon wrasse strolling past like underwater royalty. Oh, and keep an eye out for the elegant cow tail stingrays gracefully gliding along the sea floor. To experience this underwater wonderland, make sure you dive with a certified PADI dive center at one of the local or private island resorts. It'll be a marine adventure you'll never forget!

Scuba Diving in Maldives on a Budget

Tips For Scuba Diving in Maldives

Ah, the Maldives! An enchanting paradise nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean. For an adventurous person like yourself, scuba diving in this aquatic wonderland is an experience like no other. As you prepare to take the plunge into the vibrant depths, let me share some captivating tips to make your scuba diving journey in the Maldives truly unique.

You're standing at the edge of the boat, salty breeze caressing your cheeks, and your heart pounding like a tribal drum. The world beneath the waves beckons, and you feel a mix of exhilaration and jitters. But guess what? It's time to seize the moment, my fellow adventurer! Don't let those nerves dampen your spirits; let them fuel your fire! Enjoy this thrilling journey with a heart full of courage and curiosity. As you descend into the blue abyss, you'll discover a whole new world of wonders waiting to unravel. Let's dive right in! 

When it comes to scuba diving, we've got your back! Safety is our top priority, and we take pride in being one of the most reputable dive centers in the Maldives. Our experienced instructors are not just experts in diving; they understand your needs as an adventurous person. They'll be your underwater buddies, guiding you every step of the way. From the moment you take that deep breath and dive in, we'll ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to explore the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Get ready for a scuba adventure you'll treasure forever with us!

Visualize this: You dip below the ocean's surface, and suddenly, you're in a whole new realm of vibrant hues! The coral reefs in the Maldives are nature's artistry at its finest, splashed with an artist's palette of red, orange, and blue. It's like swimming through a living, breathing kaleidoscope of colors. And the fish! Oh, they're like glimmering jewels, gracefully dancing with the currents, their scales catching the sunlight like a dazzling display. The underwater world is a mesmerizing spectacle that'll leave you utterly awestruck, feeling like you've stepped into a painter's wildest dream.

You will be gliding gracefully through the turquoise waters of the Maldives, surrounded by a myriad of marine life. It's a surreal experience, but amidst all the excitement, it's crucial to remember one golden rule: be mindful of the underwater residents. Treat them with the respect they deserve, like the graceful dancers they are. Resist the urge to touch or disturb these beautiful creatures, for this is their home, and we are merely guests. Instead, observe from a distance, letting them carry on with their natural behaviors, and you'll witness the true magic of the underwater world.

As you break the surface, a surge of exhilaration rushes through you. It's time to celebrate your scuba diving triumph! You ventured into a mesmerizing realm, a world where dreams meet reality. Amidst colorful corals and graceful marine life, you conquered any lingering fears. How incredible is that? You've delved into the heart of nature, feeling a deep connection that words struggle to describe. Cherish this moment, for it's not just a dive; it's an adventure that has transformed you. So, raise your fins, give a triumphant cheer, and bask in the glow of your achievement! You deserve it!

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Maldives Unveiled: Discover Exclusive Liveaboard Adventures

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for divers. We’ve curated a selection of liveaboard dive offers that will transport you to the wonders of the Maldivian underwater world. From the Central Atolls to North and South Male, these deals are your passport to an unforgettable dive adventure in the Maldives.

Blue Voyager

• Departure: 22 Dec 2023
• Price: from €1,781.00

Step aboard the Blue Voyager for an exceptional journey through the Maldives’ Central Atolls. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean with a 20% discount, and immerse yourself in the world-renowned coral reefs and vibrant marine life that this destination is famous for.

The Maldives is celebrated for its stunning underwater landscapes, and the Central Atolls offer a wealth of dive sites, from lush coral gardens to exciting drift dives. With this special offer, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of this tropical paradise.

• Departure: 10 Dec 2023
• Price: from €2,819.00

Experience the North Male, South Male, Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, and South Ari Atolls with Carpe Novo. Enjoy a 25% discount and embark on a remarkable journey through the Maldives’ iconic dive spots. Dive into clear waters teeming with marine life and explore the enchanting coral reefs.

Emperor Explorer

• Departure: 03 Jan 2024
• Price: from €3,084.00

Sail through the Best of Maldives with Emperor Explorer. Take advantage of a 20% discount and dive into the wonders of the North and South Male Atolls. Encounter magnificent marine creatures and explore vibrant coral formations.

Emperor Leo

• Departure: 02 Mar 2024
• Price: from €1,968.00

Discover the Best of Maldives in 7 Nights with Emperor Leo. Enjoy a 20% discount and explore the North and South Male Atolls. Dive into the turquoise waters and witness the diverse marine life that thrives in this tropical haven.

Emperor Serenity

• Departure: 31 Mar 2024
• Price: from €2,680.00

Immerse yourself in the Best of Maldives with Emperor Serenity. Take advantage of an early bird 20% discount and explore the North and South Male Atolls. This special offer allows you to experience the Maldives’ underwater wonders at a fantastic price.

The Maldives is a diver’s paradise, and these liveaboard dive offers provide the perfect opportunity to explore its world-class dive sites. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a novice, the Maldives promises an unforgettable adventure. Book now and dive into the pristine waters of this tropical paradise, where you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime!

See more Maldives Liveaboard Travel Deals

About author.

Lee has been in the marketing industry for the last 15 years and now specializes in teaching marketing techniques to people in the scuba diving industry. He is founder of Dive Media Solutions which, in addition to providing complete marketing, media, communications and IT solutions exclusively for the scuba diving industry, also produces The Scuba News . You can connect with Lee via Twitter by following @DiveMedia

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Animals Around the Globe

10 Best Places to Swim With Sea Turtles – A Complete Guide

Posted: December 2, 2023 | Last updated: December 2, 2023

Wold with turtles spots, Chris, Animals Around The Globe

Would you love to swim with sea turtles? We collected the 10 Best Places to Dive or Swim with Sea Turtles.

Photo by Brocken Inaglory.

There are seven species of sea turtles -six of which are found swimming in every ocean except for the Arctic and Antarctica. The seventh species of sea turtle, the flatback, lives only in the waters around Australia .

Sea turtles grow 2 – 7 feet long in length and weigh 70 – 1500 pounds. Given that there are seven species of sea turtles, the leatherback is the largest sea turtle and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. In addition, sea turtles are omnivores. 

It should be known that sea turtles make long migrations between feeding and breeding zones.

For instance: the leatherback turtle travels around 3,500 miles each way between feeding and breeding. Regarding gestation, sea turtles will mate at sea, and then on the beaches, they lay their eggs. After digging a hole in the sand to deposit their eggs, they cover the hole back up and return to the waters. Learn more about baby turtles here .

Around 60 days later, the eggs hatch, and tiny turtles make their way to the water – often at night time in order to avoid any potential threats to the young turtles. 

Did you know that the leatherback sea turtle is the heaviest reptile in the world?

7 different kinds of turtles © Chris, Animals Around The Globe ®

We gathered data for a comprehensive comparison of the most common turtles.

Photo by P. Lindgren.

Coastal Development comprises a number of human activities that threaten the existence of this species. For instance: the development and construction of homes, hotels and roads. In addition, oil platform construction, as well as seawall construction, can all threaten the habitat for sea turtles and their hatchlings.

The increased level of human activity over the last years has meant increased levels of pollution, objects on the beach as well as unnatural erosion of beaches. 

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

• ABC Scuba Diving 
• Blue Dive Port Douglas
• Mike Ball Dive Expeditions 

Multiple tour operators are offering sea turtle encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor for sea turtles swimming/diving):

Best Operators near the Great Barrier Reef for swimming with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: May – October (Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, Flatback, Olive Ridley, Leatherback)

Specifically, though, you can find six species of sea turtles within this marine formation. Also important to know is that there are 18 nesting sites of green turtles at the Northern and Southern ends of the reef, meaning that you can find turtles to swim with here. 

In one of the largest marine ecological systems in the world , you can find the Great Barrier Reef . Known to be the largest coral reef in the world, it is visible from space. There are an abundance of plants and animals that you could find swimming around in this area.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

• Guiding Galapagos Expeditions 
• Scuba Iguana 
• Perfect Destiny 
• Eagleray Tours
• Galapagos Underwater 

Multiple tour operators are offering sea turtle encounters. Here are the most reliable ones (Rated on Google Maps and TripAdvisor):

Best Operators near the Galapagos Islands for swimming with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: December – March (Galapagos Green Turtle)

Therefore, this provides a unique experience for any turtle lover. These turtles can be found swimming through the tropical waters of the Pacific Island. 

People come from all over the world to these islands because they are known for their large number of endemic species. One of the main reasons why the Galapagos Islands feature so high on our list is because the Galapagos green sea turtle is a subspecies of green turtle that can only be found in the waters of the archipelagos of these islands.

Sipadan, Malaysia

• Scuba Junkie 
• Pulau Mabul 
• Sipadan Water Village 
• Borneo Divers Mabul Resort 
• Pom Pom Island Resort 

 Best Operators near Maui Sipadan, Malaysia for diving with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: April – November (Green sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle)

This rich ecological area, mixed with the warm tropical temperatures of the water, makes it another great place for sea turtle enthusiasts! There are other species of animals, including sharks , manta rays as well as barracuda. 

Situated as a small island in Malaysia in the Celebes Sea, Sipadan is a top destination for divers coming from all over the world. There are more than 3,000 different species of fish and many different types of corals which are unique to the area. Great location from the list of The 10 Best Places to See Sea Turtles.

Ari Atoll, Maldives

• Lets go Excursions Maldives 
• Miyaru Folhudhoo Divers Maldives
• Rasdhoo Scuba Divers 
• Dive Worldwide
• Dive Blue Maldives 

Best Operators near Ari Atoll, Maldives for diving with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: January – April  

Not only are the white sandy beaches so beautiful for anyone to visit, but also the incredible marine formation here makes it another stunning destination for animal lovers. If you do decide to make the journey here, you will find sea turtles, as well as different species of fish, dolphins, and starfish in the clear blue waters. Find Green sea turtle, Olive Ridley sea turtle, and Hawksbill sea turtle here.

The Maldives is a beautiful location composed of more than 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Ari Atoll specifically is one of the natural atolls of the Maldives. It is one of the biggest atolls and is located in the west of the archipelago.

Akumal, Playa del Carmen, México

• Dressel Divers 
• Go Natural Explorers 
• All Tour Native 
• Cancun Adventure 
• Total Snorkel Cancun 

Best Operators near Playa del Carmen, Mexico for snorkeling with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: May – August (Green sea turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle )

This combined with the rich historical aspect of Akumal (it is one of the Yucatan's oldest coastal resort areas) as well as the sublime beaches makes it a great place to consider. Not only is it possible to swim with sea turtles, but also there is a turtle night watch where at 21:15 pm, the guide will be able to guide you through their knowledge and expertise in the field of sea turtles. This is part of a conservation project which you can read more about here .  

Locals call Akumal the Place of the Turtles. This in itself should be reason enough to consider this beautiful location as a perfect destination for looking for and swimming with these graceful creatures.

Cook Island Marine Reserve, Australia

• Watersports Guru 
• Gold Coast Dive Adventures 
• Kirra Dive 
• Cooly Dive 
• Experience Oz 

Best Operators near the Cook Island Marine Reserve for swimming with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: May – October  (Discover Green sea turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle here)

It is important to remember that you should avoid touching or disturbing sea turtles, but it is possible to interact with them from a 15 feet distance. Furthermore, in yet another beautiful spot on this planet, you will be able to spot other varieties of species, including shrimps, parrotfish and molluscs. 

This reserve is a marine protected area located in the South Pacific Ocean, around 600m from the Fingal Head mainland of New South Wales. Consisting of waters around the island within a radius of 500 metres, it is possible to spot turtles all year around as the place is actually a sanctuary for marine life.

Marsa Alam, Egypt

• Coraya Divers 
• Marsa Alam Tours 
• Diving Marsa Alam 
• Emperor Divers 
• Liveaboard 

Best Operators near Marsa Alam for snorkeling with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: June – September (Green sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle)

But it gets even better, as the area is home to many species of sea turtles, and you can encounter them. In particular, Abu Dabbab Bay is known as a beautiful sandy beach where you are able to swim with different sea turtles. A particularly amazing aspect of visiting Marsa Alam is that you can snorkel not too far from the beach and are able to view some sea turtles. Of course, you can go and snorkel or dive further away from the shore as well! Another great spot from The 10 Best Places to See Sea Turtles.

The clear visibility in the Egyptian Red Sea, with its colorful corals and the many species of fish, is actually almost enough to make any underwater enthusiast happy.

Gili Islands, Indonesia

• Blue Marlin Dive 
• Conservation Diver 
• DPM Diving Gili Air
• Gili Air Divers 
• Gili Island Divers 

Best Operators near Gili Islands for diving with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: April – November 

There are crystal clear waters meaning that turtle watching is a real attraction here. You are able to spot the turtles, and they are easily approached and observed because it is quite a popular location! Loo out for Hawksbill sea turtle and Green sea turtles here.

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands in South East Asia . Due to the abundance of marine life and attractive coral formations, divers and snorkeling enthusiasts from all over the world flock to the Gili Islands to spot life.

Tobago Cays, Caribbean

• Indigo Dive 
• Bequia Dive Adventures
• Serenity Dive 
• Dive Bequia 
• Jean-Michel Cousteau Diving Caribbean 

Best Operators near Tobago Cays, Caribbean for swimming with Sea Turtles 

Best travel time: January – June 

Regarding swimming with sea turtles, the area is well known for the green sea turtles that gather right under the water’s surface, making it a fun way of seeing the animal glide through the water. You can see Green sea turtle and Hawksbill sea turtle here.

The Tobago Cays are an archipelago located in the Southern part of Saint Vincent comprising five small islands are a myriad of coral reefs. The area is one of natural beauty where there exists many varieties of coral reefs as well as extensive marine flora and fauna.

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