16 Dive Sites / 2 Resorts / 1 Shops
The Maldives offers an unparalleled diving experience, a true jewel in the Indian Ocean for divers of all levels. With a rich tapestry of underwater landscapes, this country is home to 16 distinct dive sites, each promising unique encounters and breathtaking vistas beneath the waves.
Divers here can expect to immerse themselves in vibrant coral gardens, explore dramatic reef formations, and drift along channels teeming with marine life. The general diving conditions are often characterized by crystal-clear waters and abundant biodiversity, making every descent an adventure. From colorful reef fish darting among anemones to larger pelagic species cruising in the blue, the Maldives provides a diverse ecosystem for observation and photography.
For those planning their diving adventure, the Maldives is well-equipped to support your needs. You'll find 2 dedicated dive resorts, offering convenient access to the best dive spots and often providing on-site facilities and guided excursions. Additionally, 1 dive shop is available to cater to equipment needs, rentals, and expert advice, ensuring you have everything required for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Whether you're a seasoned diver seeking new thrills or a beginner eager to discover the underwater world, the Maldives presents a captivating destination. The combination of numerous dive sites and supportive infrastructure makes it an ideal location to explore the wonders of the ocean.
Monthly diving conditions and seasonal highlights
Hover over a month to see detailed conditions, temperatures, and marine life highlights
The Maldives offers world-class diving year-round. January to April brings the best visibility during the dry northeast monsoon. Manta season peaks June to November.
Scroll horizontally to compare all dive sites.
| Alimatha Jetty Felidhoo (Vaavu East) | Lankan Manta Point North Malé East Rim | Banana Reef North Malé East Rim | Maamigili Beyru (Whale Shark Point) South Ari | Maaya Thila Maaya | Manta Point (Rannalhi) Rannalhi | Kudarah Thila South Ari | Kuredu Express Kuredu (Lhaviyani East) | Nassimo Thila North Malé East Rim | Guraidhoo Kandu Kandooma–Guraidhoo | HP Reef (Rainbow Reef) North Malé East Rim | Broken Rock South Ari | Fish Head North Ari | Fotteyo Kandu Felidhoo (Vaavu East) | Hammerhead Point (Rasdhoo Madivaru) Madivaru (Rasdhoo) | Kandooma Thila Kandooma–Guraidhoo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Max depth | 12 m | 25 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 30 m | 35 m | 35 m | 36 m | 40 m | 40 m | 40 m | 40 m |
| Access | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented | Access not yet documented |
| Documented months | Jan – Dec | May – Nov | Dec – Apr | Jan – Dec | Nov – Apr | May – Nov | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – May | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr | Dec – Apr |
| Highlights | ReefShoredangerous_marine_lifeboat_trafficcurrentoverhead_environment | manta-cleaning-stationReefDriftdrop-offcurrentboat_traffic | ReefoverhangCavedrop-offcurrentoverhead_environment | ReefDriftdrop-offWallboat_trafficcurrent | PinnacleReefswim-throughDriftstrong_current | manta-cleaning-stationgiriReefdrop-offcurrentboat_traffic | thilaPinnacleoverhangswim-throughReefstrong_current | channelDriftdrop-offWallReefstrong_current | thilaPinnacleoverhangdrop-offstrong_currentcurrent | channelDriftdrop-offoverhangReefstrong_current | thilaPinnaclechannelDriftswim-throughoverhang | thilaswim-throughchannelDriftCaveboat_traffic | thilaPinnacleDriftdrop-offstrong_currentcurrent | channelDriftCaveoverhangswim-throughdrop-off | drop-offWallDriftchanneldepthstrong_current | thilaPinnaclechannelDriftoverhangdrop-off |
8 photos from dive sites
IntermediateMaldives > Ari Atoll > Maaya
Maaya Thila: Maldives' Premier Pinnacle Welcome to Maaya Thila, a world-renowned dive site often hailed as one of the Maldives' finest, especially celebrated for its thrilling night dives. This near-circular, submerged pinnacle, approximately 80 meters across, rises dramatically from depths exceeding 30 meters to just a few meters below the surface. Designated a Marine Protected Area since 1995, Maaya Thila…
AdvancedMaldives > Ari Atoll > North Ari
Welcome to Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila), North Ari Atoll Prepare for an exhilarating dive at Fish Head, known locally as Mushimasmingili Thila, arguably the most famous dive site in the Maldives and a true bucket-list destination for advanced divers. This legendary dive site is a compact, oval-shaped submerged pinnacle, roughly 80-100 meters across, rising dramatically from depths exceeding 60 meters…
IntermediateMaldives > North Malé Atoll > North Malé East Rim
Banana Reef: A Maldivian Icon in North Malé Atoll Prepare for an unforgettable underwater adventure at Banana Reef, one of the Maldives' most celebrated and historically significant dive sites. Located on the eastern rim of the North Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll), this dive site was among the very first explored in the Maldives during the early 1970s and proudly holds…
AdvancedMaldives > North Malé Atoll > North Malé East Rim
HP Reef (Rainbow Reef) Prepare for an exhilarating advanced diving experience at HP Reef, famously known as Rainbow Reef, located on the North Malé East Rim. This dive site is a protected Marine Protected Area (MPA) and truly lives up to its vibrant nickname, offering an explosion of color and life beneath the waves. Dive Site Features and Topography HP…
AdvancedMaldives > Ari Atoll > South Ari
Kudarah Thila: South Ari's Celebrated Pinnacle Dive Site Prepare for an exhilarating underwater adventure at Kudarah Thila, widely regarded as the most celebrated dive site in South Ari Atoll. This compact, oval-shaped thila is a protected marine area, teeming with life and offering a dynamic diving experience that will leave divers in awe. Dive Site Topography and Conditions The reef…
AdvancedMaldives > Ari Atoll > South Ari
Broken Rock (South Ari) Welcome to Broken Rock, an iconic dive site nestled within the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its dramatic underwater topography and vibrant marine life. This advanced dive site is a must-visit for certified divers seeking an exhilarating experience in the Maldives. Dive Site Features and Conditions Broken Rock is a unique thila, approximately 80 meters long…
IntermediateMaldives > Ari Atoll > South Ari
Maamigili Beyru (Whale Shark Point) (South Ari) Welcome to Maamigili Beyru, arguably the Maldives' most celebrated dive site for consistent whale shark encounters. Located within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), this dive site is renowned globally as the only documented location with a resident aggregation of juvenile whale sharks, making sightings possible year-round. Diving the Site Divers will…
IntermediateMaldives > North Malé Atoll > North Malé East Rim
Lankan Manta Point: A Maldivian Manta Spectacle Prepare for one of the world's most iconic and dependable manta ray encounters at Lankan Manta Point, nestled on the North Malé East Rim. This intermediate dive site is a must-visit for any diver seeking close-up interactions with these majestic pelagics. With an Open Water certification, you can immerse yourselves in a vibrant…
Nearest airports and common travel routes
Travel time: 30 minutes to 4 hours by speedboat or seaplane to resorts
Direct flights from Dubai, Singapore, Colombo, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, London, and major Asian cities
Entry requirements for traveling to Maldives
All nationalities receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic area. No other specific health requirements.
Approximate prices in USD ($)
Maldives has 16 dive sites listed on Diveity, spread across 7 areas within the location.
Conditions vary by season and by site, so there's no single answer for the whole location. Check each dive site's page for depth, visibility, and current details, or ask a local dive shop or resort in Maldives for current-season advice.
Sites in Maldives range from shallow reefs and shore entries to walls, wrecks, and drift dives, depending on the specific location. Browse the site list to compare depth, visibility, and marine life before you pick where to dive.
Most dive sites call for at least an Open Water certification, and some deeper or more advanced sites require further training. Dive shops and resorts in Maldives can also arrange courses if you are not yet certified.
Maldives is a diving country with 16 dive sites to explore.
You'll find 2 dive resorts and 1 dive shop serving the area.
Browse diving across 7 areas within Maldives.
Plan your trip with verified dive sites, resorts, and shops on Diveity.
16
Dive Sites
2
Dive Resorts
1
Dive Shops
Indian/Maldives
Timezone
Visa requirements can change. Always verify current entry requirements with the official embassy or consulate before traveling. Last updated: March 2026.
$1,500 |
| Equipment Rental (full set/day) | $20 | $40 | $70 |
| Accommodation (per night) | $50 | $200 | $1,500 |
The Maldives is a premium destination. Most resorts include diving packages. Budget options exist on local islands but with fewer dive sites.
Plan your next diving adventure. Browse dive sites, find the perfect resort, and connect with local dive operators.