Featuring wild drifts in deep channels, wrecks and caves, the South Male Atoll is home to large pelagics and interesting environs. Divers flock to the east side for challenging elements and sizeable fish.
At Cocoa Thila divers shelter themselves in overhangs and ravines as schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, red snapper, trevally, eagle rays, white sharks and grey sharks cruise by. In Vadhoo Caves you'll see unicornfish, turtles and soldierfish. As you gaze out into the blue, you might glimpse reef sharks, eagle rays or tuna frolicking in the current.
While these may be two of the best dive sites in the area, there are plenty more to explore. Expect to find something for everyone although most of the sites cater to intermediate and advanced divers.
The atoll’s tropical climate has average temperatures between 86°F (30° C) and 90°F (32° C). The water temperature ranges from 79 - 84°F (26 - 29°C). Diving can vary quite drastically from season to season.
From December until late May, dry weather and calm seas arrive during the northeast monsoon. November is a transitional month that brings heavy currents and lots of pelagics. Liveaboards depart from November to May and all dive shops operate during this season.
Male Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is well served by flights originating in Europe, although a stop-over in the Middle East may be required. If coming from Asia, expect to stop in Sri Lanka before continuing on to Male. To transfer from Male to the South Male Atoll, you can take the local ferry (about 1 hour 45 minutes), a speed boat (45 minutes) or a seaplane (20 minutes).
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