Learn to Dive in the Maldives
The Maldives’ Highlights
An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands, the Maldives is so much more than a honeymoon destination. Over 200 of these islands are inhabited and 80 of these are resort islands. World-renowned for their beaches and clear blue water, the Maldives has some of the best diving in the world. With warm water all year-round combined with amazing visibility
The majority of dives are drift dives and being comfortable with currents and your buoyancy is important. In some parts there are strong currents which make for interesting drift dives for more experienced divers. The maximum depth limit is 30 meters which means technical and deeper dives are not permitted.
Home to over 10 species of dolphins and whales, the waters around the Maldives are full of life. Hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks, pelagic life and turtles are residents of the Maldives and can be spotted at any time of year.
Liveaboards usually run from November to May where the seas are the calmest and visibility is best. Doing a liveaboard will allow you to see some of the more remote dive sites.
When is the best time to go diving in the Maldives?
Water Temperature: Warm water lovers will enjoy diving in the Maldives as the water temperature is between 26°C and 30°C all year-round. Between January and April, the conditions and visibility are the best. In addition, the rainy season is from May to November where visibility will be less.
Currents: None to very strong. Currents can change and be unpredictable, always follow advice and listen to information about current conditions.
Visibility: From 15m to 40m depending on the dive site and conditions
Maldives’ best dive sites
Tiger Shark Point, Fuvahmulah Atoll
Aptly named Tiger Shark Point, this dive site gives you the chance to dive with spectacular Tiger Sharks. Diving with these sharks is near guaranteed, regardless of current and conditions.
Fotteyo, Vaavu Atoll
It’s not possible to visit all of Fotteyo in one dive. It can only be accessed by liveaboard because of its remote location. One of the best dive sites in the Maldives for its diversity of marine life. There’s a chance to spot a variety of sharks, including hammerheads!
South Ari Atoll, Maaya Thila
Long-reputed as one of the Maldives’ best dive sites. With a beautiful pinnacle that starts at 6 meters and goes as far as 30 meters. Due to strong currents, whitetip reef sharks, stingrays and giant trevally are known to frequent this site. This site makes for an incredible night dive as the sharks and large pelagic fish tend to hunt at night.
About the country
Made up of over 1,200 islands of which 200 are inhabited and 26 atolls. The Maldives’ are a famous honeymoon destination and tourist haven. Sandy pristine beaches, palm trees and crystal clear blue water are some of the reasons why people love to visit these stunning islands.
Resorts in the Maldives are often split into luxury hotel chains and more budget friendly accommodations. If staying on land is more your thing, you can decide between resort islands and a guesthouse on a local island. One of the disadvantages is that there will be less access to dive sites.
Recreational Courses in the Maldives
Dive Centers in the Maldives
Getting to the Maldives
Male International Airport located in the capital is where most people land. There’s easy and direct access from Dubai and surrounding Asian countries. From Male, most will take boats to the surrounding islands. Seaplanes and speedboats are also available but at a higher cost.
Other important information
- Capital: Malé
- Official Language: Dhivehi
- Recognised Language: English
- Demonym: Maldivian
- Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
- Calling code: +960
- Driving Side: left
- Population: Above 557, 000
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
