List of the top 20 Diving sites in the Maldives
The Maldives is a diver’s paradise, offering many spectacular diving sites that will leave you amazed. Here are the top 20 diving sites in the Maldives that promise incredible underwater experiences
1. Maaya Thila
- Location: Vaavu Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Ozen North Male Atoll
Maaya Thila is one of the most popular dive sites in the Maldives and is known for its steep walls, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. The thila (coral pinnacle) rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor, providing a variety of depths for divers to explore. Maaya Thila is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of fish.
2. Cocoa Thila
- Location: South Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, schools of fish
- Diving companies: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Cocoa Thila is a large thila that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. The thila is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, schools of fish, and even the occasional whale shark. Cocoa Thila is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
3. Alimatha Jetty
- Location: Vaavu Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Alimatha Island Resort, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Baros Maldives
Alimatha Jetty is a popular dive site that is located near the Alimatha Island Resort. The jetty is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. The jetty is also a great place to see macro life, such as nudibranchs and seahorses.
4. Kandooma Thila
- Location: South Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, schools of fish
- Diving companies: Kandooma Maldives, Meeru Island Resort, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort
Kandooma Thila is a large thila that rises up to 40 meters from the seafloor. The thila is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, schools of fish, and even the occasional whale shark. Kandooma Thila is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
5. Banana Reef
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Banana Reef is a long, sloping reef that is home to a variety of marine life. The reef is named for its banana-shaped shape. Banana Reef is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of fish.
6. Fish Head
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Fish Head is a large coral head that is home to a variety of marine life. The coral head is shaped like a fish’s head. Fish Head is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of fish.
7. Hammerhead Point
- Location: North Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Hammerhead sharks, rays, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi
Hammerhead Point is a dive site that is known for its strong currents and abundance of hammerhead sharks. The site is located in North Ari Atoll and is a great place to see sharks, rays, and fish.
8. Bathala Thila
- Location: South Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Bathala Thila is a large thila that rises up to 40 meters from the seafloor. The thila is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Bathala Thila is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
9. Manta Point
- Location: Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll
- Marine life: Manta rays, sharks, rays, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Manta Point is a dive site that is known for its large aggregations of manta rays. The site is located in Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll and is a great place to see manta rays, sharks, rays, and fish. The best time to visit Manta Point is during the months of June to October, when the manta rays are most abundant.
10. Kuda Giri Wreck
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Kuda Giri Wreck is a wreck dive site that is located in North Male Atoll. The wreck is a Japanese cargo ship that sank in 1981. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Kuda Giri Wreck is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
11. Embudhoo Kandu
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Embudhoo Kandu is a deep channel that is home to a variety of marine life. The channel is known for its strong currents and abundant sharks. Embudhoo Kandu is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
12. Girifushi Thila
- Location: South Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa
Girifushi Thila is a large thila that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. The thila is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Girifushi Thila is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
13. Fotteyo Kandu
- Location: North Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi
Fotteyo Kandu is a deep channel that is home to a variety of marine life. The channel is known for its strong currents and abundant sharks. Fotteyo Kandu is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
14. The Victory Wreck
- Location: North Male Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa.
The Victory Wreck is a wreck dive site that is located in North Male Atoll. The wreck is a British cargo ship that sank in 1981. The wreck is now home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. The Victory Wreck is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
15. Hanifaru Bay
- Location: Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll
- Marine life: Manta rays, sharks, rays, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Hanifaru Bay is a marine protected area that is known for its large aggregations of manta rays. The bay is located in Baa Atoll and is a great place to see manta rays, sharks, rays, and fish. The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay is during the months of June to October, when the manta rays are most abundant.
16. Vadhoo Caves
- Location: Raa Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Kuredu Island Resort, Mirihi Island Resort, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort.
Vadhoo Caves is a dive site that is known for its underwater caves. The caves are home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Vadhoo Caves is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
17. Fish Tank
- Location: South Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Fish Tank is a dive site that is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The site is located in South Ari Atoll and is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Fish Tank is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
18. Shark Point
- Location: North Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi
Shark Point is a dive site that is known for its strong currents and abundance of sharks. The site is located in North Ari Atoll and is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Shark Point is a great place for experienced divers to explore.
19. Maaya Tila
- Location: Vaavu Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: Baros Maldives, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Ozen North Male Atoll
Maaya Tila is a thila (coral pinnacle) that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. The thila is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Maaya Tila is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
20. Rasdhoo Madivaru
- Location: Ari Atoll
- Marine life: Sharks, rays, turtles, fish
- Diving companies: LUX* South Ari Atoll, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi
Rasdhoo Madivaru is a dive site that is known for its large aggregations of fish. The site is located in Ari Atoll and is a great place to see sharks, rays, turtles, and fish. Rasdhoo Madivaru is a great place for divers of all levels to explore.
When to go:
The best time to dive in the Maldives is during the dry season, from November to April. The water is clear and calm during this time, and there is less chance of rain.
Diving certification:
To dive in the Maldives, you need a valid diving certification. The minimum certification level accepted is Open Water Diver.
Diving equipment:
You have the option to rent or bring your own diving equipment. If renting, ensure the equipment is in good condition and familiarize yourself with its proper usage.
Dive conditions:
Water temperatures in the Maldives range from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (79 to 86 °F). Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet).
Marine life:
The Maldives is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, fish, and dolphins. Lucky divers may also spot whales, manta rays, and whale sharks.
Precautions:
When diving in the Maldives, it is important to take certain precautions:
- Be aware of currents: Some dive sites have strong currents, so it is essential to dive with a guide and stay mindful of the currents to ensure a safe diving experience.
- Respect marine life: While observing marine life, such as sharks, it is important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that could disturb or provoke them.
- Monitor weather conditions: The weather in the Maldives can change rapidly, so it is crucial to stay informed about the forecast and dive in favorable weather conditions for safety and visibility.
By keeping these details in mind, you can make the most of your diving adventures in the Maldives. Remember to dive responsibly and enjoy the incredible underwater wonders this tropical paradise has to offer.
| Site Name | Location | Marine Life | Diving Companies | Rest of the Data |
| Maaya Thila | Vaavu Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Baros Maldives, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Ozen North Male Atoll | Thila (coral pinnacle) that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. |
| Cocoa Thila | South Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, schools of fish | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Large thila that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. |
| Alimatha Jetty | Vaavu Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Alimatha Island Resort, Anantara Kihavah Villas, Baros Maldives | Popular dive site located near the Alimatha Island Resort. |
| Kandooma Thila | South Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, schools of fish | Kandooma Maldives, Meeru Island Resort, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort | Large thila that rises up to 40 meters from the seafloor. |
| Banana Reef | North Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Long, sloping reef that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| Fish Head | North Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Large coral head that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| Hammerhead Point | North Ari Atoll | Hammerhead sharks, rays, fish | Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi | Dive site that is known for its strong currents and abundance of hammerhead sharks. |
| Bathala Thila | South Ari Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort | Large thila that rises up to 40 meters from the seafloor. |
| Manta Point | Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll | Manta rays, sharks, rays, fish | Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort | Dive site that is known for its large aggregations of manta rays. |
| Kuda Giri Wreck | North Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Wreck dive site that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| Embudhoo Kandu | North Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Deep channel that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| Girifushi Thila | South Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Large thila that rises up to 50 meters from the seafloor. |
| Fotteyo Kandu | North Ari Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi | Deep channel that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| The Victory Wreck | North Male Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Jumeirah Maldives Vilingili Resort & Spa | Wreck dive site that is home to a variety of marine life. |
| Hanifaru Bay | Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll | Manta rays, sharks, rays, fish | Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort | Marine protected area that is known for its large aggregations of manta rays. |
| Vadhoo Caves | Raa Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Kuredu Island Resort, Mirihi Island Resort, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Resort | Dive site that is known for its underwater caves. |
| Fish Tank | South Ari Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Baros Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort | Dive site that is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. |
| Shark Point | North Ari Atoll | Sharks, rays, turtles, fish | Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, Hurawalhi Island Resort, Soneva Fushi | Dive site |