Where to dive in Maldives

Alimathaa Jetty

Felidhu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll jetty at 15-25 m with hundreds of nurse sharks, blacktips and marble rays at dusk. Beginner-friendly.

Anemone Thila

Faadhippolhu

Lhaviyani pinnacle (10-25 m) covered in anemones with clownfish pairs, whitetips, turtles and groupers. Moderate current.

Angothi Thila

South Ari Atoll pinnacle (10-28 m) with seasonal reef mantas, whitetip reef sharks and colorful soft corals.

Angoti Thila

North Ari Atoll pinnacle (10-25 m) with soft corals, gorgonians, whitetip reef sharks, morays and fusilier schools.

Aquarium

Sheltered North Malé Atoll shallow reef (3-5 m) with dense tropical fish, damselfish schools, octopus and turtles.

Ari Beach Beyru

South Ari Atoll

South Ari Atoll outer reef wall (10-25 m) with nurse sharks, stingrays, soft corals and sponges. Beginner-friendly.

Ariyadhoo Caves

South Ari Atoll

South Ari Atoll outer reef cave system (10-25 m) with barracudas, giant morays and nurse sharks inside, gorgonians outside.

Ariyadhoo Kandu

South Ari Atoll channel (10-30 m) with strong current and pelagics — grey reef sharks, mantas, barracudas. Advanced.

Aveyla Manta Point

Baa Atoll reef manta cleaning station at 15-22 m, with whitetip reef sharks and groupers. Best May-November.

Ayer's Rock

Faafu Atoll single large coral block (8-30 m) with vertical flanks, whitetip reef sharks, morays and barracuda schools.

Back Guraidhoo

Guraidhoo, South Malé Atoll

South Malé Atoll inner reef with soft corals, nudibranchs, blue-tail octopus and scorpionfish. Calm conditions for macro.

Back Kandooma

South Malé Atoll

South Malé Atoll calm inner reef (10-25 m) with soft corals, octopus, nudibranchs, scorpionfish and whitetip reef sharks.

Banana Reef

Historic North Malé Atoll reef (5-30 m) with caves, soft corals, whitetip and grey reef sharks, napoleons and barracudas.

Bandos House Reef

North Malé Atoll house reef (5-25 m) with outer wall, octopus, pufferfish, turtles and whitetip reef sharks.

Bandos Rock

Bandos, North Malé Atoll

North Malé Atoll submerged rock (8-25 m) with whitetip reef sharks, morays and groupers in crevices. Macro photography.

Bapoli Thila

North Malé Atoll pinnacle (10-30 m) with soft corals, sponges, whitetip reef sharks, morays, groupers and fusiliers.

Bappolhi Thila

South Malé Atoll pinnacle (10-30 m) with soft corals, sponges, whitetip reef sharks, morays, groupers and fusiliers.

Bathalaa Maagaa Kan Thila

North Ari Atoll

North Ari Atoll inner pinnacle (10-30 m) with soft corals, fans, whitetip reef sharks, groupers and fusiliers.

Bathalaa Thila

Iconic North Ari Atoll central pinnacle (10-30 m) with resident whitetips, multicolored soft corals and gorgonians.

Boahura Express Medhufushi Meemu Atoll

Meemu Atoll strong-current drift through Boahura channel (10-30 m) with grey reef sharks, eagle rays and barracudas.

Bodu Beru

Faafu Atoll inner reef with coral wall and sandy bottom, whitetip reef sharks, groupers, turtles, snappers and fusiliers.

Bodu Faru

Haa Dhaalu outer reef wall (5-30 m) with grey reef sharks, barracudas and turtles. Liveaboard-only access.

Bodu Gaa

Baa Atoll giri reef (8-25 m) with dense coral cover, whitetip reef sharks, turtles and fusilier schools. Visibility 20-25 m.

Bodu Giri

Faadhippolhu

Giri formation in Lhaviyani Atoll with top at 8-10m, soft-coral flanks to 20m, turtles, whitetip reef sharks and barracudas. Moderate current.

Bodu Hithi Thila

North Malé Atoll

Two seamounts in Hithi channel, North Malé Atoll, with manta cleaning station Dec-Apr, whitetips and groupers. Drift dive, 8-30m. Intermediate to advanced.

Bodu Tin Thila

North Ari Atoll

Cluster of three pinnacles in North Ari Atoll, tops at 10-12m and flanks to 30m, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips and fusiliers. Intermediate.

Bodufinolhu Thila

Submerged pinnacle in South Ari Atoll near Fun Island, top at 10-12m, flanks to 30m, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips and snappers. Intermediate.

Botashi Thila

Submerged pinnacle in Haa Dhaalu, northern Maldives, top at 10-12m, flanks to 30m, whitetips, turtles and groupers. Liveaboard access. Intermediate.

Broken Rock

Fractured rock formation in South Ari Atoll with crevices and tunnels, morays, octopuses, scorpionfish and whitetips at 10-25m. Excellent for macro.

Bulha Llohi

Moderate-depth reef in South Ari Atoll, walls 10-25m with whitetips, morays, groupers, fusiliers and snappers. Mild to moderate current. Intermediate.

Camel Rock

Camel-shaped submerged rock formation in Faafu Atoll, two coral humps, 8-12m to 25m, whitetips, morays and snappers. Moderate current.

Caves

Cave system in North Ari Atoll outer reef, openings 8-25m, white corals, sponges, barracudas, giant morays and nurse sharks. Intermediate.

Chicken Island Channel

Channel near Kanifinolhu Island, North Malé Atoll, with current concentrating eagle rays, grey reef sharks and barracudas at 10-30m. Advanced.

Cliffhanger

North Nilandhe Atoll

Dramatic vertical wall in Faafu Atoll dropping from 5m to over 30m, barracudas, grey reef sharks, dense soft corals and gorgonians. Moderate current.

Cocoa Back

Malé Atoll

Sheltered inner reef in South Malé Atoll, soft corals, nudibranchs, octopuses, lionfish and occasional whitetips. Mild current. Beginner to intermediate.

Cocoa House Reef

House reef at Cocoa Island by COMO, South Malé Atoll, outer wall 5-22m with whitetips, turtles, morays and tropical reef fish. Beginner to intermediate.

Cocoon House Reef

House reef at Cocoon Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll, outer wall 5-22m with turtles, whitetips, morays and reef fish. Mild to moderate current. All levels.

Colosseum

Circular coral amphitheater in North Malé Atoll, vertical walls 10-30m, grey reef sharks, gorgonians and soft corals. Intermediate to advanced.

Coral Garden

Hard and soft coral garden in Noonu Atoll, 5-8m to 25m, turtles, clownfish and colorful tropical fish. Liveaboard access. Beginner to intermediate.

Dharavandhoo Thila

Eydhafushi, South Maalhosmadulu

Curved pinnacle in Baa Atoll, 5m top to 40m, garden eels, groupers, vibrant gorgonian fans and seasonal mantas. Moderate current.

Dhidhoo Beru

Outer reef wall near Dhidhoo Island, South Ari Atoll, 10-28m, whitetips, barracudas and groupers. Moderate current. Intermediate.

Dhigu Thila

Submerged pinnacle in Noonu Atoll, 10-12m top, 28m flanks, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips, groupers and turtles. Liveaboard access. Intermediate.

Dhigurah Beru

South Ari Atoll

Outer reef wall near Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll, drift dive 10-30m, reliable whale shark sightings and frequent reef mantas.

Dhigurah Thila

South Ari Atoll

Submerged pinnacle near Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll, 10-12m top, 30m flanks, soft corals, whitetips, fusiliers, near whale shark grounds.

Dhonkalo

Reef site in North Ari Atoll, coral formations and sandy bottom 10-25m, whitetips, rays, turtles and reef fish. Beginner to intermediate.

Digga Thila

Submerged pinnacle in South Ari Atoll, 10-12m top, 30m flanks, soft corals, sponges, whitetips, morays and fusiliers. Intermediate.

Ellaidhoo Thila

Submerged pinnacle in North Malé Atoll, 10-12m to 30m, soft corals, sponges, whitetips, morays, groupers and turtles. Intermediate.

Embodhoo Thila

Submerged pinnacle in South Ari Atoll, 10-12m to 30m, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips, morays, fusiliers and snappers. Intermediate.

Embudhoo

Embudhoo house reef in South Malé Atoll, outer wall 5-25m with whitetips, turtles and morays. Entry point for Embudhoo Express drift dive.

Embudo Express

2 km drift dive in Embudhoo Kandu, South Malé Atoll, currents to 3 knots, grey reefs, whitetips, eagle ray formations, Napoleons and barracudas. Advanced.

Eri Faru

Remote outer-reef wall in Haa Dhaalu, 5-28m, grey reefs, barracudas and Napoleons. Liveaboard-only access. Moderate current. Intermediate.

Faru Beyru

Outer reef wall in North Malé Atoll facing the Indian Ocean, 5-30m, grey reefs, barracudas and Napoleons. Intermediate to advanced.

Faru Corner

Outer reef corner in North Malé Atoll, 10-28m, grey reefs, barracudas, eagle rays, gorgonians and soft corals. Moderate current. Intermediate.

Fesdu

Fesdhoo house reef in Faafu Atoll, outer wall 5-25m, whitetips, turtles, rays, soft corals and sponges. Beginner to intermediate.

Fesdu Lagoon

North Ari Atoll

Calm shallow lagoon near Fesdhoo Island, North Ari Atoll, sandy bottom to 15m, stingrays, pufferfish and table corals. Ideal for beginners.

Fesdu Wreck

North Ari Atoll

30m fishing boat wreck in North Ari Atoll, sunk in the 1980s, sits upright at 30m, hard and soft corals, morays, groupers, ghost pipefish and rays.

Feydhoo Wall

Vertical reef wall near Feydhoo Island, South Malé Atoll, 5-25m, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips, morays and octopuses. Beginner to intermediate.

Feydhoofinolhu Drop

Abrupt reef drop-off at Feydhoofinolhu, South Malé Atoll, vertical wall 5-25m, soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips, morays and octopuses.

Filitheyo House Reef

North Nilandhe Atoll

Filitheyo house reef in Faafu Atoll, steep outer wall to 30m, turtles, mantas and whitetips. Moderate current on outer face. Intermediate.

Fish Head

North Ari Atoll

World-famous quadrangular pinnacle in North Ari Atoll, 10-40m, dozens of grey reef sharks, Napoleons, barracudas and batfish. Advanced. Vis 20-30m.

Fish Head Mushi Mas Mingili Thila

North Ari Atoll

Iconic 80m quadrangular pinnacle in North Ari Atoll with dozens of grey reef sharks in striking aggregations. Strong current. Advanced.

Fish Tank

North Malé Atoll

Shallow reef in North Malé Atoll densely packed with tropical fish, 3-8m to 20m, exceptional visibility, mild current. Ideal for beginners and snorkeling.

Five Rocks

South Ari Atoll

Five submerged rocks on sandy bottom in South Ari Atoll, 10-25m, soft corals, anemones, octopuses, morays and scorpionfish. Excellent for macro.

Furana North

Northern face of Furana reef in North Malé Atoll, abrupt wall 5-30m, grey reefs, barracudas, eagle rays, soft corals and gorgonians. Intermediate.

Gaamaadhoo

Felidhu Atoll

Reef of uninhabited island in South Malé Atoll, outer wall 5-25m, whitetips, turtles and occasional mantas. Good for gentle drift diving.

Gangehi Kandu

Channel near Gangehi Island, North Ari Atoll, 10-30m, concentrates mantas, grey reefs and eagle rays during tide changes. Drift dive. Advanced.

Giravaru Cave

Submerged cave in outer reef near Giravaru Island, North Malé Atoll, 10-25m, barracudas, morays, nurse sharks, white corals and sponges. Intermediate.

Gulhi Courner

Outer reef corner near Gulhi Island, South Malé Atoll, 10-28m, grey reefs, barracudas, eagle rays and gorgonians. Moderate current. Intermediate.

Guraidhoo Corner

Northeast corner of Guraidhoo reef, South Malé Atoll, 5-35m, grey reefs, whitetips, eagle rays, Napoleons and barracudas. Strong current. Advanced.

Guraidhoo Kandu

Passage channel in North Ari Atoll, 10-35m, strong current, regular mantas and grey reefs, gorgonian corners. Advanced drift dive. Vis 20-25m.

Hafsa Thila

Isolated inner-atoll pinnacle in North Ari, multicolored soft corals, gorgonians, whitetips, morays, groupers, fusiliers and blue-striped snappers.

Halaveli Wreck

Halaveli, North Ari Atoll

Cargo boat Razza sunk in 1991 in North Ari Atoll, 28m on sand, soft corals, famous for resident blotched fantail rays, morays and groupers.

Haluvaa Thila

Submerged pinnacle in South Ari Atoll, 10-12m to 30m, multicolored soft corals, whitetips, morays, fusiliers and snappers. Intermediate.

Hammerhead Point

Rasdhoo, North Ari Atoll

Famous Rasdhoo-area site with regular scalloped hammerhead encounters at dawn at 28-30m. Advanced, visibility 19m.

Hanimaadhoo Faru

Outer reef of Hanimaadhoo island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll with wall, grey reef sharks, barracudas, and turtles. Intermediate.

Hausriff Jetty A

Resort jetty in South Ari Atoll with house reef at 5-20m. Whitetips, stingrays, and octopuses. Weak current, all levels.

Helengili Thila

Submerged pinnacle in Haa Dhaalu with soft corals, top at 10-12m and flanks to 30m. Liveaboard access, intermediate.

Holiday

Reef site in South Ari Atoll with soft-coral walls at 8-22m. Whitetips, rays, and turtles. Beginner to intermediate.

House Reef

Resort house reef in North Malé Atoll, 5-20m wall with whitetips, turtles, and morays. Weak current, beginner.

Hp Reef

North Malé Atoll pinnacle, aka Rainbow Reef, with vivid soft corals, gorgonians, grey reef sharks, and napoleons. Advanced.

Hudhuveli Beyru

Outer reef of Hudhuveli island in North Malé Atoll. Wall to 28m, grey reef sharks, barracudas, eagle rays. Intermediate.

Huhori Kandy

Tidal channel in South Ari Atoll at 10-25m with grey reef sharks and barracudas. Advanced due to strong current.

Hurhuri Kandu

South Ari Atoll tidal channel with strong current. Grey reef sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays. Advanced.

Hurolhi Corner

South Ari Atoll

Outer reef corner in South Ari Atoll with grey reef sharks, groupers, barracudas, and seasonal mantas. Intermediate-advanced.

Ibura Tila

Pinnacle in Faafu Atoll with soft corals, whitetips, groupers, and snapper schools. Top at 10-12m, intermediate.

Ihighaa

Remote outer reef in Haa Dhaalu with grey reef sharks, barracudas, and turtles. Liveaboard-only access. Intermediate.

Jumping Jack Channel

Narrow Faafu Atoll channel with strong current, grey reef sharks, and barracudas. Drift dive, intermediate to advanced.

Kakani Thila

Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll pinnacle with soft corals and gorgonians. Whitetips, morays, groupers, and seasonal mantas. Intermediate.

Kalhahandhi Kandu (Pannettone)

South Ari Atoll

South Ari Atoll channel with conical pinnacle. Reef manta cleaning stations at 10-30m. Strong current, advanced.

Kandhooma Thila

North Malé Atoll pinnacle with soft corals, whitetips, morays, groupers, and fusiliers. Intermediate to advanced.

Kandol Manta Point

Reef manta cleaning station in North Ari Atoll at 15-22m. Best Dec-May with NE current. Whitetips and groupers also.

Kandooma Caves

South Malé Atoll

Cave and tunnel system at 10-30m in South Malé Atoll. Barracudas, morays, nurse sharks. Intermediate, basic cave.

Kandooma Thila

Kaafu marine-reserve pinnacle with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and green turtles. Advanced, visibility 20-25m.

Kanduoiygiri

North Malé Atoll channel giri with soft corals, whitetips, and anemonefish. Top 8-10m, intermediate.

Kani Corner

North Malé Atoll

Outer reef corner near Kanifinolhu. Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, tunas. 5-30m wall, intermediate to advanced.

Kari Beiru Thila

North Ari Atoll

North Ari outer pinnacle with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and groupers. Walls 10-30m, intermediate to advanced.

Kari Beyru Thila

North Malé outer pinnacle with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and groupers. Flanks 10-30m, intermediate to advanced.

Khoodu Récife Pass

Villingili, North Huvadhu Atoll

Southernmost-Maldives passage in Addu Atoll. Grey reef sharks, barracudas, rays at 10-30m. Strong current, advanced.