Diving in the Maldives

Explore diving in the Maldives

The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian monsoon current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. This rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the soft coral clinging to the rock sides.

Inside the atoll lagoons, rock pinnacles – thila – rise up from the depths to scratch the water’s surface. In the channels there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians. At cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays, with giant turtle and whale shark sightings common.

When to dive in the Maldives

With a tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, Maldives can be dived at any time. Water temperatures range from 80°F/26°C-86°F/30°C.

August-November is considered the best time of year to see manta rays and whale sharks. Jan-April offers great visibility and welcomes the driest/warmest months.

Where to dive in the Maldives

Show areas in the Maldives

Haa Alifu Atoll Thaa Atoll Meemu Atoll Faafu Atoll Raa Atoll North Ari Atoll North Malé Atoll Laamu Atoll Huvadhu Atoll Dhaalu Atoll Lhaviyani Atoll Noonu Atoll Vaavu Atoll Seenu Atoll Baa Atoll South Malé Atoll Fuvahmulah Atoll

Book your diving in the Maldives

Common marine life sightings for Maldives

More Information

Velana International Airport is located on Hulhule Island in North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male. International travellers will need to fly into Velana International Airport as it's the only airport in the Maldives that receives international flights from multiple destinations.

Many carriers offer direct flights to Velana International Airport, although bear in mind that schedules may change during peak season. Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Haa Dhaalu Atoll has direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram in India, while Gan International Airport on the island of Gan in Addu Atoll has a direct flight to Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Fly with our Partner Condor from Frankfurt to Malé. With the Condor Activity Card your dive luggage flies for free.

Are you lying from Zurich? Our partner Edelweiss will fly you to the Maldives. 23kg dive luggage is included in the flight price.

Time Zone

UTC+05:00

Phone

+960

Currency

MVR

Voltage

230 V

Pressure

Bar (bar)

Plug

C, D, G, J, K, L

Languages

Divehi; Maldivian;, English

1st Stage

INT / Yoke / K

International airports

Velana Intl. (MLE)

Popular courses: Maldives

Maldives: top locations for diving

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