There are an enormous number of dive sites in the Maldives; enough in fact that you could dive here every day for months on end and never need to visit the same dive site twice. Some are more exciting than others, and which Maldives dive sites you visit will depend largely on what you are hoping to encounter while under water as well as your experience level. Many of the best dive sites in Maldives are centered around quite deep reefs and as such, a PADI Advanced Open Water qualification (or equivalent) is often required.

Stunning Marine Life at Maldives Dive Site

Best Dive Sites in the Maldives

It’s difficult to say exactly which are the best Maldives dive sites because there are so many and it depends a lot on what time of year you come to the Maldives and of course on each diver’s personal preferences, but the following are a good selection of the best Maldives dive sites in the major atolls. On the whole, these dive sites are well-known and often visited by the various resort dive centres and liveaboard boats. Once you get to the Maldives, you’ll find out about plenty more top dive sites in Maldives and end up with your own collection of favourite Maldives dive sites.

Maldives Dive Sites in Ari Atoll

There are plenty of amazing dive sites in the Ari Atoll, which are highly recommended Maldives dive sites thanks to their marine life and are known for their populations of sharks and rays. Hammerhead Point, one of the dive sites to see hammerhead sharks in Maldives, is located in the North Ari Atoll and is sometimes known as Big Blue. The best time to dive this site is in the early morning, just before the sun rises, which is when the hammerheads are most likely to visit.

Whale Shark Sighting in Maldives

Maaya Thila, also in the North Ari Atoll is best known for its amazing congregations of grey reef sharks. Maaya Thila makes for a great dive during the day, but is best known for its spectacular night dives when the sharks can be seen hunting the reef. Being one of the Maldives top dive sites, Maaya Thila is included on many liveaboard routes, some of which stay in the area for a whole day to allow divers enjoy a morning, afternoon and night dive at Maaya Thila. Incredibly, each of these dive experiences is totally different, but equally exciting.

Kudarah Thila is found in the South Ari Atoll and is one of the many wonderfully colourful sites in Ari Atoll . Here, you will find greater concentrations of reef fish like angelfish and soldierfish as well as moray eels, pufferfish and the occasional turtle. White tip sharks have also been spotted at this Maldives dive site.

Fish Head – also known as Shark Point – is another of the famous dive sites in Maldives, mainly because of the large numbers of sharks that gather here. This is an interesting “thila” dive site and is one of the best Maldives dive sites for seeing sharks. Particularly common here are the white tip reef shark and grey reef shark and thanks to a government ban, Fish Head dive site is actually protected from fishing; a move executed by the Maldivian government to prevent overfishing of the sharks. Fish Head is also one of the top dive sites of the Maldives because of its large numbers of pelagic including napoleon wrasse and its curious caves and overhangs.

Maldives Dive Sites in South Male Atoll

The South Male dive sites are top Maldives dive sites in terms of seeing some really varied Maldives life and great diving conditions.

Pink Anemone and Fish

While divers are often hampered by the strong currents, it’s definitely worthwhile visiting Cocoa Thila dive site because the rewards are immense. The interesting overhangs, pinnacles and other formations mean there are plenty of places to shelter from the current and enjoy the views of the oriental sweetlips and fusiliers in their droves and where the reef drops off you should be able to spot tuna and eagle rays as well as a number of grey reef sharks. This is one of the most stunning dive sites in Maldives.

Guraidhoo Kandu, is definitely one of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives and such is the extensiveness of the site, it is often split into two and visited twice. Many say that the marine life at Guraidhoo Kandu is unrivalled: here you will spot squirrelfish, moray eels, eagle rays and grey reef sharks. Like many of the best dive sites in South Maldives, Guraidhoo Kandu displays a wide variety of colourful coral formations and interesting topography.

Manta Hovering Over Divers at Dive Site

Kuda Giri is one of the best wreck dive sites in the Maldives and is a good spot to see napoleon wrasse, feisty triggerfish and some batfish. The actual wreck is only small and has only been there for around 10 years, but that seems to have been long enough for some interesting and attractive corals to grow. Sightings of turtles and reef sharks are not uncommon here.

Embudhoo Kandu, like many other of the Maldives best dive sites is well known as a place to see sharks. Here you are likely to find many grey reef sharks and white tip sharks and thanks to a shark fishing ban in the area, this dive spot should remain a good place for sighting reef sharks for years to come. It’s also one of the top dive sites in the Maldives for underwater photographers as there is a stunning pinnacle frequented by morays and groupers.

Maldives Dive Sites in North Male Atoll

North Male Atoll dive sites are known and loved for their beautiful coral formations and the best dive sites in this Atoll are almost synonymous with the best dive sites in the Maldives.

Lion’s Head, named after the lion-shaped coral formations here, is considered one of the most beautiful Maldives dive travel sites in the Maldives and is a common playing ground for many different reef-dwelling types of marine life, including rainbow fusiliers and napoleon wrasse.

Sighting of Oriental Sweetlips

Lankan Manta Point is one of the Maldives famous dive sites, known particularly for sightings of manta rays. The key with visiting Lankan Manta Point is to go at the right time of year. It’s also one of the few places where you can expect to see mobula rays.

Check out this fascinating underwater clip shot at the Lankan Manta Point in the Maldives. The divers were plunged amidst a large group of manta rays, peacefully gliding through the water.

Banana Reef, another top Maldives dive site is named for the curved, banana-shaped reef here and is one of the most colourful dives you will find in the Maldives. This is a great place for seeing vivid reef life like the angelfish, blue-lined snapper and bannerfish. The reef itself is gorgeous here and the only precaution you really need to take is to mind the swirling currents known as “washing machine currents” that can really take you by surprise.

Okobe Thila, one of the most interesting “thila” or “pinnacle” dives in the Maldives, is a definite favourite with scuba divers here. The three coral heads at this dive spot are frequented by schools of eagle rays, tuna, bannerfish and much more, but is perhaps most famous for its barracudas – so much so, in fact, that the site is often known as Barracuda Giri. Reef sharks have also been seen at this dive site on regular occasions.

Underwater Landscape in the Maldives

Maldives Dive Sites Information

There is plenty of information surrounding the many dive sites of the Maldives online and you’re sure to find Maldives dive sites maps and many underwater photos taken at the hundreds of dive sites. The best way to find out more, of course, is to get out there and start scuba diving – the dive guides in the Maldives and experienced liveaboard crew members are the ones who really know all about the Maldives top dive sites.

Get in touch with us now to get the best deals on diving safaris in the Maldives!

Enjoy a New Year Cruise on Theia Liveaboard

This year, bring in the New Year in the Maldives on the scuba diving holiday of a lifetime on Theia liveaboard.  This unique scuba diving trip will combine world-class scuba diving with a great party atmosphere on the most luxurious and stylish dive vessels in the Maldives.

Places are limited on this special New Year’s cruise so book your place today!

New Year's Eve Dive Party on Theia

New Year Dive Holiday: December 27 2010 – 8 January 2011

Places are limited on this special New Year’s cruise so book your place today!

The Theia 12-night “Dive ‘n’ Party” Cruise kicks off on December 27 and lasts until January 8th, giving you the perfect winter getaway and great New Year’s Eve party in paradise.  Expect an incredible dive holiday with delicious cocktails at sunset with the best chill music and then, after dark each night, be prepared to party with sounds of Ibiza and best in house music.  The provisional schedule of events for the dive safari is as follows: (This is subject to change.)

Enjoy the Island Paradise of the Maldives on the New Years Cruise on Theia

Theia New Year Cruise: December 27

Arrive and check-in on Theia.  Theia departs for the North Male Atoll and guests enjoy lunch on-board followed by some snorkeling, a general briefing about the safari and have the opportunity to get to know each other over some sundowner cocktails at Theia’s Sky Bar.

The Skybar on Theia is Great for Sundowners!

Theia New Year Cruise: December 28

Guests begin the day with the orientation dive, which allows the staff to acquaint themselves with everyone’s diving ability and allows guests who have not dived for a while to refresh their skills.  The dives will take place at Nassimo Thila and Manta Point dive sites.  The evening will play host to a Poker Night on board.

Theia New Year Cruise: December 29

Dives on the third day of the cruise will take place at HP Reef, widely considered to be one of the very best dive sites in the Maldives – a great place for spotting eagle rays and Lankan Manta Point, a cleaning station for many enormous manta rays.  After a day of great diving, guests will enjoy some relaxing sundowner cocktails to the sounds of great house music.

Diving with Manta Rays at Lankan Manta Point

Theia New Year Cruise: December 30

On December 30, the New Year Theia liveaboard cruise will move to the South Male Atoll after first completing a dive at the amazing Okobe Thila, where you are likely to see eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, and schools of smaller reef-dwelling fish.  Once in the South Male Atoll, divers will enjoy an afternoon dive at Kandooma Thila and then in the evening will play a great Fishing Game, before getting a good nights’ rest before the highlight of the cruise, tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve party!

Theia Liveaboard is the Maldives' Most Luxurious Dive Boat

Theia New Year Cruise: December 31

Before beginning the New Year’s Eve celebration, Theia will stop off for a morning dive at Guraidhoo Corner, a great place for spotting grey reef sharks and eagle rays.  Then, the boat heads to Maadhoofinolhu, where the New Year’s Eve celebrations will begin with a beach buffet and relaxing on the beach all afternoon.  Later, pre-dinner cocktails and chill-out music before a stunning New Year’s Eve dinner on the beach and beach party.  Dress code: white.

Grey Reef Sharks at Guraidhoo Corner Dive Site

Theia New Year Cruise: January 1

Happy New Year!  After an amazing New Year’s Eve party under the stars, it’s time to get back to the water.  Theia will begin traveling to the South Ari Atoll and along the way will search for whale sharks, one of the prime attractions of the Maldives.  The dives today will be held at Kudarah Thila.  In the evening, guests will enjoy a Black-themed evening with Sangria and a crab race, a quirky event that is often the highlight of a Maldives’ dive holiday.

Whale Sharks in the Maldives

Theia New Year Cruise: January 2-4

Great scuba diving continues on January 2 with dives at 5 Rocks,  Thinfushi Ethere Thila and the cruise continues for the whale sharks.  The next two days will include dives at Broken Rock, Dhigurah Thila, Vilamendhoo Thila and Dhigaa Thila.  Guests will also enjoy a unique island visit to a secluded island where there will be a visit with a local community.  The evening on January 4 will include a Margarita party and a beach dinner on Raidhigaa Island.

Theia New Year Cruise: January 5-8

The last few days of the New Year’s Eve 2010 diving holiday on Theia liveaboard include some of the finest dive sites in the Maldives, including Pannettone, a wreck dive at Fesdhu and the legenday night dive at Maaya Thila, where grey reef sharks can be found prowling the reef for their evening meal.  A stunning daytime dive at Maaya Thila will also feature among the activities of the last few days as well as several dives at the manta ray cleaning station at Rangali Madivaru dive site.  The cruise ends on January 7th in Male with a shopping trip in Male and a visit to the historical sites in the city.

Ocean View Guest Suite on Theia

Theia New Year Cruise Package

This amazing New Year 2010 Dive Holiday on Theia includes the following:

• Total 24 dives
• All meals
• Island visit
• Beach Barbecue
• Sunset and Night Fishing
• Island visit
• Whale shark search
• Traditional music on Local Island with Maldivian Bodu Beru Band

All activities, dive sites and routes can change without prior notice.

The total cost for the USD $3,480 per person.

Places are limited on this special New Year’s cruise so book your place today!

Map of Maldives

A map of Maldives is an essential tool to any holiday in this exotic destination.  But, finding a map of Maldives is not as easy as you might expect.  The islands of the Maldives are spread out over an enormous distance, so a map of Maldives is a very long map, with not very much land mass at all.  We have put together a selection of maps of the atolls of the Maldives to help you get a better grasp of where everything is in the Maldives.

Map of Maldives Islands

Map of Maldives

This map of the Maldives shows all the atolls, which cover an area of around 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean.

Map of Maldives’ Male Atoll

Map of Maldives Male Atoll

Male Atoll is divided into two sections – the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll.  Dive sites that can be found in North Male Atoll include Lion’s Head, HP Reef and Okobe Thila.

Map of Maldives’ Felidhe (Vaavu) Atoll

Map of Maldives' Felidhe Atoll

At Felidhe, or Vaavu Atoll, there are a variety of great scuba diving sites, but by far the best is Fotteyo Kandu, widely regarded as the very best dive site in the Maldives.

Map of Maldives’ South Ari Atoll

Map of Maldives' South Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll has a wide variety of dive sites, including the exciting Pannettone, Gangehi Kandu and Broken Rock.

Map of Maldives’ South Male Atoll

Map of Maldives' South Male Atoll

In the South Male Atoll, divers can look forward to diving at Guraidhoo Kandu, Kandooma Thila and Cocoa Corner.

Galileo Reports Seeing 17 Dolphins in South Male Atoll

Galileo Liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ most well-equipped scuba diving liveaboard ships has been experiencing some amazing scuba diving in the last few days.  After seeing 72 grey reef sharks yesterday at Kandooma Thila in the South Male Atoll, the boat went on to also see 17 dolphins at Bodo Kandu dive site, also in South Male Atoll. So far, the Galileo cruise has been amazing, and the guests on board, who are from all over the world, have been extremely happy with their diving holiday in the Maldives.

Galileo Diving Holidays

The Galileo Diving Holiday guests still have a few more days of diving and hopes for seeing more amazing marine life are high. There are some great special offers on diving safaris on the Galileo Liveaboard, making your dream scuba diving holiday in the Maldives more accessible than you might have thought.  All prices include scuba diving, meals and accommodation, as well as a selection of other activities.

Galileo Liveaboard Special Offers

* January 4 – 18 2010 – 14-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 1,764 per person

* January 18 – 25  – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 756 per person

* February 25 – March 4 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

* March 4 – 11 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

Galileo Liveaboard Information

For more information about the Galileo Liveaboard ship and the dive safaris operated around the Maldives, visit the Galileo Liveaboard information page.

The Black Pearl Liveaboard performed dives at popular Maldives dive site Kandooma Thila, later crossing over to the South Ari Atoll…

Yesterday, the Black Pearl live aboard performed Kandooma Thila for the first dive. With a strong current flowing from west to east and visibility at around 10 to 15 meters, divers managed to spot 6 grey reef sharks.

Scuba Diving Tips for Kandooma Thila

While diving at Kandooma Thila when the currents are strong, there are few points to consider in order maximize your bottom time, reduce drifting and ensure a safe dive.

Scuba Diving Tip #1 for Kandooma Thila – Strong Outgoing Current

Firstly, if a strong outgoing current is present, then get ready for a negative entry, making sure that you have deflated all air from you BCD and that your weight belt is on. As soon as you hit the water, start your descent head first and swim to deeper waters, allowing the reef to protect you.

Scuba Diving Tip #2 for Kandooma Thila – Drifting

Secondly, don’t drift all at once. The reef is no more than 350 meters in length and you don’t want to run out of reef and abort the dive. Make a habit of stopping or hooking the reef every now and then to observe your surroundings.

Bat Fish, Platax Teira, a fish from the Indo-West Pacific

Scuba Diving Tip #3 for Kandooma Thila – Reef

Thirdly, don’t swim away from the reef when the current is strong since you might not be able to get back to the reef. The current pushes you away from the reef when they’re strong.

Scuba Diving Tip #4 for Kandooma Thila – Surface Balloon

Lastly, be sure to carry a surface balloon and start inflating it as soon as you start your ascent or reach shallower water.

After diving, the guests snorkeled, followed by a tasty lunch. During lunch, the Black Pearl liveaboard began crossing the channel to the South Ari Atoll.

Present location of the Black Pearl live aboard is the Dhangethi Region, Southern Ari Atoll.

Black Pearl Dives at Lankan Manta Point of the North Male Atoll

The Black Pearl live aboard continues its scuba diving adventures in the Maldives!

Lankan Manta Point, North Male’ Atoll

Black Pearl live aboard diving started from North Male’ Atoll at Lankan Manta Point. With a mild current and visibility of 10 meters, divers from the Black Pearl observed 3 mantas at the cleaning station during the entire dive.

Kuda Giri Wreck, South Male’ Atoll

After Lankan Manta Point, the Black Pearl live aboard cruised to South Male’ Atoll and dived at Kuda Giri Wreck. With almost no current at all, divers got the chance to explore the wreck without much difficulty.

Manta Ray over Coral in the Maldives

Guaraidhoo Region

For final anchorage, the Black Pearl live aboard was around the Guraidhoo region and will be crossing over to the South Ari Atoll today.

Maldives Weather

This week began with clear, sunny skies…Holidaying and scuba diving conditions have remained perfect!

For present weather in Maldives and a 5 day weather forecast, click here.

Weather: Apart from a few showers in the upper north province, generally favorable weather is expected to prevail over the country.

Temperature: 30° C / 86° F

Humidity: 63 %

Winds: West / north-westerly 4 – 11 knots.

Visibility: 12 km

State of the sea: Slight

Wave Height: (open sea) 1 – 3 feet

A new week of diving adventures begins in the Maldives on the Black Pearl live aboard…

***Make your reservation for a holiday on the Black Pearl live aboard now!***

The Black Pearl live aboard, a boat measuring 95 feet long and 26 feet wide, featuring a magnificent main deck made entirely out of Balau wood, begins a new week of fabulous diving in the Maldives. Learn more about the Black Pearl’s accomodation, diving & prices here!

Black Pearl Live Aboard Welcomes Guests from the UK

Yesterday, the Black Pearl live aboard began a new week of diving adventures, playing host to a total of 10 guests from the UK, of which 7 are divers. All arrivals were checked in and  the Black Pearl live aboard left Hulhumale’ after the orientation dive.

Orientation Dive on the Black Pearl Live Aboard

The check dive (normally the first dive you do on holiday or in new diving conditions) was performed at Beyru Faru (Farukholhu Fushi Outer Reef). Surface conditions and underwater conditions were more than perfect to perform yesterday’s check dive. The current remained mild and visibility at around 10 to 15 meters.

Starfish Seen on the Reef in the Maldives

Diving Adventures on the Black Pearl Live Aboard

The Black Pearl live aboard anchored in Himmafushi, in the North Male’ Atoll, for the night. This week, the Black Pearl live aboard will explore the dive sites of the North and South Male’ Atolls and the Ari Atoll.

The group from the UK requested to perform 2 dives per day and daily snorkeling for the group’s non divers. They are also looking forward to visiting local islands and unihabited islands.

Current Weather Conditions in the Maldives

Weather: Generally fine

Winds: southwest / westerly 3 – 11 knots

Visibility: 12 km

State of the sea: Slight

Wave Height: (open sea) 2 – 4 feet

Get more information and Maldives weather updates here!

The Black Pearl liveaboard explores the Kandooma Thila, Vaagali Thila & Medhu Faru dive sites in the Maldives…

The Black Pearl Liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ finest scuba diving vessels, concludes yet another successful week of adventurous scuba diving and fun in the sun!

Kandooma Thila Dive Site

Kandooma Thila is one of the most renowned dive sites in the South Male / Guraidhoo region.  Kandooma Thila features healthy coral growth and an abundance of fish life with the right currents.

With around 10 to 12 meters visibility, the dive at  Kandooma Thila turned out to be a fantastic dive. The divers had the chance to swim with grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and, of course, schooling jacks at Jack’s Corner.

Vaagali Thila Dive Site

The Black Pearl Liveaboard‘s second dive was to Vaagali Thila. Vaagali Thila is located southeast of Vaagali, an uninhabited island, and is the perfect dive site for spotting sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, fusiliers and jackfish. Furthermore, schooling snappers are often seen at Vaagali Thila as well.

Medhu Faru Dive Site

The Black Pearl Liveaboard‘s third and last dive of the day was to Medhu Faru, located south of Guraidhoo Island. Medhu Faru offered an easy, relaxing dive where white tip sharks and napoleon wrasse were the highlights.

Second Dive at Kandooma Thila

The Black Pearl Liveaboard ends the week in South Male’ Atoll, with another dive to Kandooma Thila, which ended up being a superb choice.  The current conditions were really good with a medium-strong current. Highlights at Kandooma Thila included white tip sharks, grey reef sharks and, to our delight, a mobula, also called a devil fish

Mobula, or Devil Fish

Mobula, also called devil fish, is a genus of ray in the family Myliobatidae (eagle rays). The appearance of a mobula is similar to that of manta rays, which are in the same family. The devil fish can attain a disc width of up to 5.2 meters (17 feet) and tip the scales at over a ton. The mobula is second only to the manta in size. Despite their size, the mobula remains one of the lesser-known ray species.

Mobula rays in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) have been reported to breach as high as 2 metres above the sea.

A mobula breaches, or jumps out of the water

Black Pearl Liveaboard Concludes Another Week of Diving

The Black Pearl Liveaboard will leave their guests at the airport  and resume diving on Monday morning.

The Black Pearl liveaboard explores the underwater marine life around the Maldivian North and South Male Atolls…

Fortunately, the weather in the Maldives brightened up, allowing the Black Pearl to perform three spectacular dives. Check out special offers for the Black Pearl liveaboard here!

Black Pearl Liveaboard Dives Miyaru Faru

The Black Pearl‘s first dive was to Miyaru Faru, meaning Shark’s Reef. North of Black Pearl is a channel dive, where divers can take advantage of the island’s best currents, which generally bring lots of fish feeding on plankton. The current was not as fast as usual, though there remained an abundance of Maldivian fish life. Divers saw white tip sharks and napoleon wrasse during their dive at Miyaru Faru.

Black Pearl Liveaboard Dives Kuda Giri Wreck

Kuda Giri, in the South Male Atoll, possesses two dive sites: the giri, or pinnacle, and the small, 10-year-old wreck, which sits upright on the sea floor. The wreck can be explored from its bow at 18 meters all the way down to its stern at 30 meters.

Kuda Giri Night Dive

The Black Pearl dove the giri, or pinnacle, at night, discovering a large variety of noctural fish life, such as the nocturnal squirrel fish.

Kuda Giri Wreck Dive

The Kuda Giri wreck is a small fishing trawler, which was scuttled (or sunk deliberatively) at the south western side. The 25 meter long fishing trawler is home to many species, including beautiful sponges, seasonal school of glass fish, shrimps, nudibranches and many more.

Black Pearl Liveaboard Dives Kandooma Thila

Shaped like a teardrop, Kandooma Thila is one of the most spectacular dives in the South Male Atoll, for scenery as well as for prolific fish life.

During The Black Pearl‘s dive at Kandooma Thila, there was little current, though divers spotted a couple of white tip reef sharks.

The dive safari route of the Black Pearl liveaboard changed slightly due to the Maldives’ North East Monsoon…

The Black Pearl liveaboard left Male’ this week planning to embark upon the classic Maldivian dive safari route that includes the South and North Male’ Atolls and the Ari Atoll. However, plans were changed due to the weather in the Maldives.

Black Pearl Liveaboard Route Changes Due to Weather

The Black Pearl liveaboard is currently anchored at the North Male’ Atoll at Himmafushi Lagoon. Although the initial dive safari route was changed, two exciting dives were performed at Lankan Manta Point! Learn more about Maldives dive sites here!

Scuba Diving at Lankan Manta Point, North Male’ Atoll

Although the surface conditions were a bit rough, both dives at Lankan Manta Point turned out to be excellent. On the first dive, scuba divers spotted four manta rays and a leopard shark. On the second dive, scuba divers spotted three big, beautiful manta rays.

Current weather conditions in the Maldives: isolated showers every now and then, gusty winds and rough seas at time.

The Black Pearl liveaboard plans to move to South Male’ Atoll, more specifically the Guraidhoo Kandu Dive Site tomorrow.