Haa Alif Atoll is referred to as Thiladhunmathi Uthuruburi (Northern Thiladhunmathi Atoll) is the northernmost administrative division of the Maldive. Within this atoll, the island of Utheemu is historically significant since it is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu and is famous for fighting against the Portuguese in the 16th century.
The North and West areas of the atoll are fantastic for beginner divers. The dive sites here are more sheltered and the rays like to hang out in the channels. There are a lot of overhangs in the channels where lobsters, lionfish, and manta rays can be seen pretty regularly. The overhangs have lots of pufferfish, and there is almost always something to see!
The best dive sites in Haa Alif Atoll
Maadhoo (Filladhoo) Wreck
Current: medium
Marine life: great variety
Depth: up to 20m
Visibility: up to 30m
Experience diving the Maadhoo Wreck, an 18m depth dive site near Filadhoo Island. With walls covered in corals, marine life playing around the ship, and many fishes around, you should be ready to enjoy this dive!
Just above the wreck, you can find small corals, sponges, starfish, and sand eels. Clams and octopuses can be seen in the sandy areas surrounding the wreck. Nurse sharks inhabit the underside of the metal beams, while moray eels are often spotted around the first propeller area.
Mathi Faru
Current: can be strong
Marine life: great variety
Depth: up to 20m
Visibility: up to 30m
The top reef is a healthy table reef with overhangs and small caves that house morays, eels, crabs, shrimps and rays. Further down, there are large coral heads on the wall with green, brown, and red soft corals creating a contrast with the blue water. Large stonefish can be found hiding inside the corals and sometimes stingrays at the bottom. Caves going into the rocks offer possibilities for exploration by more advanced divers.
One of the best dive site in Haa Alif Atoll.
Alidhoo Caves
Current: can be strong
Marine life: great variety
Depth: up to 20m
Visibility: up to 18m
With its stunning white coral sand and clear blue water, Alidhoo is an excellent open-water diving location, but the real attraction is what lies beneath. The drop-off to the North of Alidhoo drops down to a maximum depth of 20 m. and leads onto a beautiful wall that forms its top reef. Here divers can see some sites of interest around the reef including eagle rays, sharks, Napoleon fish and barracuda; sometimes batfish are coming as well.
Finey Thila
Current: can be strong
Marine life: great variety
Depth: up to 30m
Visibility: up to 30m
Finey Thila is a dive site located 250 meters south of Finey island in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. The main block on the east side starting at 12m and the smaller western block are both made of two blocks, that host soft corals and many species such as soldierfish, squirrelfish, stingrays, nudibranchs, and trevallies to name a. From big pelagics like tunas, sharks and fusiliers to small reef fish colored in yellow, blue, and white. Hundreds of shoaling fishes are also common in this area of the Maldives.
Muraidhoo Corner
Current: can be strong
Marine life: great variety
Depth: up to 30m
Visibility: up to 30m
For divers, Muraidhoo Corner is the place to be. The reef starts in shallow waters and goes slowly down to 20 to 30m in places, but if you can find a way to swim over the rocks of the point along the sea, you get a much better picture of what this dive site has to offer. It is composed of a series of gullies and canyons, with small overhangs and a large ‘aquarium’ section covered in colorful soft coral.
Divers can also observe many different sea creatures from jacks, fusiliers, sharks, turtles to schools of snapper and eagle rays.
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is an exclusive luxury resort in the northern Maldives surrounded by untouched natural beauty. With only 5% of the island under construction, the remainder of the island is tropical, natural and private. The resort provides private villas with personal butlers or opt for a spacious beachfront room. From here you can discover snorkeling, diving, or windsurfing at your own pace. A range of dining options will satisfy a wide range of culinary taste buds and guests can take advantage of a 24-hour equipped gym, yoga, spinning, and tennis academies. The marina has a range of boats for hire and a speedboat to take you to nearby Hanimaadhoo Airport from which domestic flights to Velana International Airport depart 4 times per day.
The Maldives abound with a variety of diving sites suitable for any level of experience, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver. Considering that the Maldives is a region of about 1200 islands, imagine how many places for diving you can choose from. So what is the way to find out the best site where you can meet all the sea creatures inhabiting these islands? Here is a list of TOP dive sites around the Maldives that you should visit.
Fotteyo
Location: Vaavu Atoll
Current: might be strong
Marine life: great variety
First that you should know is the size of Fotteyo. To explore it properly you need to have at least 3 dives! It is on my list of the top three best sites in the Maldives. The site is located in the eastern part of the atoll and mostly you can reach it only from a liveaboard boat because it’s rather remote. The great variety of the marine means you can see here shoals of various fish, sharks, corals, turtles, and even hammerhead sharks. In the morning or the evening, you can also see a flock of dolphins crossing the canal. Diving is recommended in the morning. This site is only good for experienced divers.
Kuda Rah Thila
Location: South Ari Atoll
Current: Can be strong
Marine life: Rich diversity
It’s been a marine protected reef since 1995 and is one of the most famous reefs in the Maldives. Only 10 mins from Dhigurah and a very exciting dive with thousands of blue stripe snappers often being hunted by sharks, tunas, giant trevallies, and jacks. Some very beautiful soft corals with a large swim thru at one end. Kudarah Thila is made of the main reef that has shallower tops on each side, and a tunnel crossing the deeper coral ridge on its western side. As the site is very famous, there might already be divers here when you arrive. One of the top dive sites in Maldives!
Rasdhoo Channel
Location: North Ari Atoll
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
Marine life: Rich diversity
Another great dive site for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level because of the negative entry and the depth! All thilas are already well-colonized on the atoll drop-off edge at a depth between 20 to 25 meters between Kuramathi and Rasdhoo island. On the sandy bottom between the thilas, look for stingrays or white-tip reef sharks. While crossing the channel, almost anything is possible like grey reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon, dog-tooth tunas, and many more. On some very lucky days, you may see silver-tip reef sharks! However, this dive can be done only when the current runs into the Atoll!
It is a truly unforgettable top dive sites Maldives. A night diving with a great number of nurse sharks near Alimatha resort. There’re actually plenty of good sites near this island. Sometimes you can meet up to 50-60 sharks here! But where do they come from? It is not a big deal but they are being fed here. That’s why stingrays, blacktip sharks, and jacks come to the site. As a result, this site is very popular with divers. But for the strong current, you should be very careful on the bottom.
Madivaru Corner
Location: North Ari Atoll
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
Marine life: Rich diversity
A highlight in the Rasdhoo for many reasons. This reef is located just in front of the island Madivaru and has some superb overhangs between 26 to 30 meters before a breathtaking drop-off. The real beauty of the dive will be when the current runs along the reef on the right shoulder and into the Atoll. Because with this current you don’t have to swim much because most of the time on your dive you just hold onto some dead coral on the drop-off around 18 meters where the breathtaking show begins. Everybody can find here almost anything they are looking for, from macro to big pelagic species like grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, shoals of barracuda, jackfish and even giant travelers and dog-tooth tunas chasing baitfish etc. Always worth a dive. Anything is possible, however, the current can be medium to very strong.
Hammerhead Shark Point
Location: North Ari Atoll
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
Marine life: Hammerhead sharks
Another highlight, an early morning diving to meet the famous Scalloped Hammerhead shark which can only be seen in a few places in the Maldives. A blue-water dive with no reference. In other words, no reef or bottom where the blue plankton let you think you are flying among the stars. Even without sharks an unforgettable experience. Only for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level, of course, good buoyancy control is required! NITROX highly recommended.
Kuredhdhoo Kandu or Kuredu Express is one of the most popular places to dive in this atoll. It is located to the east of Kuredu Resort. You can see a great variety of sharks at a depth of 30 meters. It is also recommended to use a hook to enjoy marine life near you.
Banana reef
Location: North Male Atoll
Current: Not very strong
Marine life: Rich diversity
This one is probably the most popular site in the Maldives. It is located between Hulhumale and Sheraton Full moon resort. It is characterized by a great number of caves, big shoals of fish, soft and hard corals. The shoals of bannerfish which can include up to 1000 fish are really impressive! Apart from this, you can meet groupers, snappers, barracuda sharks, gigantic squirrelfish, oriental sweetlips, soldierfish, and grubfish. The site is available anytime and is best for beginners.
Tiger Shark Point
Location: Fuvahmulah Atoll
Current: Can be very strong
Marine life: Tiger sharks
One one the main feature which makes Fuvahmulah incredibly attractive for the world diving community are Tiger Sharks. Tiger Sharks have surrounded the island cleaning the waste daily produced by the fish market. Sharks are not aggressive, no case of a shark attack was registered. Diving with the tiger sharks is available every day and doesn’t depend on the current, seasons, time, and weather conditions. Experienced dive guides lead this dive following all necessary safety rules requirements. One of the best destinations for Tiger Sharks. 100% guarantee every day.
Kandooma Thila
Location: South Male Atoll
Current: Can be strong
Marine life: Rich diversity
This thila is located to the north of Holiday Inn Kandooma resort. It’s at the depth of 12 m on the bottom of the canal. The eastern and northern parts are the most interesting for divers. You can meet schools of fish, mantas, and sharks. The latter are mostly seen during the incoming current in the north part. At this time is it recommended to stay with a hook near the Corner to watching grey sharks. This site is available anytime but is only recommended to experienced divers.
Diving in the maldives is the most popular way to see the underwater world. Here, every dive tourist can find something suitable for each level of diving abilities.
If you love diving, you will surely be thrilled by the gentle slopes of these sea gardens where you can observe endemic species: barracudas, moray eels, turtles and large schools of tropical fish. You will also be surprised by the many species of sharks or even tuna.
The Maldives archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls and stretches for about 900 kilometers from north to south. The country’s official language is Dhivehi, with the lingua franca English widely spoken in the tourism sector.
The equator divides the Maldives near the Addu Atoll.
Approximately 200 islands are inhabited by the local people and another 150 islands are fashionable private hotels.
Velana International Airport is located on Hulhule Island to the north of the capital Male. It serves international flights from Europe, the Middle East, Singapore and other regions. On arrival, you will be met at the airport by a representative from your hotel or guest house and escorted to either a seaplane, domestic flight, or speed boat which will take you to your island.
If you are diving from a liveaboard, and your itinerary starts from the Male – no need to go anywhere. The boat representative will assist you directly to your liveaboard.
Best time to dive in the Maldives
Dec-Apr. During the northeast monsoon (known as the dry season which takes place between December till the end of April) trade winds originating in the subcontinent of India carry dry air toward the Maldives archipelago. It’s mostly sunny these days and no clouds. The ocean is calm and there’s almost no wind.
The visibility is up to 50 m in the eastern part of the Maldives and up to 25 m. in the western part.
Most certainly water visibility is also going to be dependent on the weather, location, tides, and the time of year. On any given dive, you can go from pretty clear water (up to 50m) to only up to 15-20m.
NOTE: The prices at this time of the year are significantly higher compared to the May-Nov season.
May-Nov. The southwest monsoon season from May to November brings with it a lot of rain. During this time the current is stronger. Also, marine life is more active in the west part of Maldives.
The visibility is going down during May-July due to the plankton brought by the current.
The manta rays and whale sharks will be found off the Eastern edge of the Maldives atolls.
The rates for accommodation or liveaboard trips are the lowest. Also, the majority of boats are doing yearly maintenance at docs.
Aug-Nov is considered the best time to go to Hanifaru Bay to see hundreds of manta rays gathering for feeding. Sometimes, whale sharks are coming as well, but not as regularly, like 10 years ago. Also, it’s the best time to go to the far Southern part of Maldives (Fuvahmulah) to observe tiger sharks.
Discover diving in the Maldives
The Maldives is a dreamy dive location which makes it the ultimate place for divers who want to experience something more challenging. Due to the medium to strong currents, you will have to do certain things before you start your dive.
These include a negative entry, where you will have to descend immediately after entering the water and experiencing a weightless moment. Drift diving is very common in the Maldives, so make sure you don’t run low on air during your long drives!
The depth is 20m to 40m (66-131 feet) which any diver from an entry-level diver to an advanced diver can enjoy.
Diving conditions in the Maldives
The temperature of water: 25-30 C Visibility: 20-50m (depends on dive site, current, time of year, etc.) Depth: 10 – 35m Current: no current – strong current, most dives are drifted dives. The current may vary within a day/time of year/moon phase
Dive environment in the Maldives
In the Maldives, you can dive in calm, safe waters, or you can feel a true sense of adventure by diving with sharks and manta rays. Below are some of the dive environments offered:
Channels (Kandu)
The Maldivian channels are effectively natural canals connecting the ocean and the interior waterways of the atolls. The width of such channels usually varies from 100 to 400 meters and they’re 30-40 meters in depth. This type of formation is typical for islands located on the perimeter of lagoons, where the water flow does not nearly move in a circular motion. Moreover, you can find several special types of diving spots in channels, which are quite similar to permanently open coral passages. It should be better to hang with a diving hook on the bottom of Kandu.
It happens that a very strong current can even pull out the regulator from your mouth. One of the best channels is Fotteo and Golden Wall, Vaavu Atoll. You can read more here – Azalea Cruise diving trip.
Faru
The Faru is situated in the water surrounding the atolls, deep and shallow, hard and soft corals. You drift with the current and constantly find new creatures that are hiding in the crevices of the reef.
Giri
A giri, also known as a reef tombolo or an atoll lagoon, is a type of mostly submerged coastal landform. Giri is separate from the island reef the top of which can be seen from the surface. Giri pinnacles are accessible to all divers.
Thila
Thila: a big coral rock usually found in deep water (20m – 40m ) under the ocean surface. Thilas are similar to giris, but are larger, deeper and more with far-reaching ridges and corners. They produce many interesting dive features along their length and breadth, including arches, swim-throughs and huge overhangs in places. They are the most fascinating of all sites wherever they exist.
Wrecks
Have you ever dreamed of exploring a wreck underwater? Now you can. There are not so many wrecks in Maldives, but they are fascinating! This is a very well-kept secret and you won’t find much information about them on the web. Although wreck diving isn’t popular with casual divers. All instructors of dive centers know the locations. The most popular wrecks are:
Kuda Giri (near Anantara Dhigu)
Halaveli Wreck (near Constance Halaveli Maldives)
Fesdu wreck (near W Maldives Resort)
British loyalty (Addu City Atoll)
The Liffey and The Utheemu (near Kudahuvadhoo)
Khuda Maa (near Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa)
Marine life in the Maldives
Mantas and whale sharks are year-round residents in Maldives, drawing divers and snorkelers to the country. These gentle giants are among the most spectacular marine animals in the world; they are truly remarkable animals to see.
Manta Rays
The Maldives is home to the largest population of manta rays (Manta alfredi) in the world with an estimated 5000 to 7000 species! It is equally possible to come across Manta alfredi and Manta birostris in exactly the same place. Anyway, they are slightly different.
You may see manta rays almost everywhere in any atoll. They even come almost every day (especially during the monsoon) to the clearing station which is just next to the capital Malé, near Paradise Island Resort.
Sharks
Besides manta rays, it is possible to see the biggest fish in the world – whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). In Maldives, the average size is 6-8 m. So far more than 200 whale sharks have been identified and are regularly seen according to the data provided by Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme.
They will generally be observed to the south of the Ari Atoll ( the islands of Sun Island Resort and Spa, Holiday Island Resort and Spa) and Addu City Atoll. Till 2013 it was possible to see these sharks in Hanifaru Bay but since then it’s quite a rare thing (1-2 times a season). But for sure you’ll witness these sharks only in South Ari Atoll. And it is possible to go snorkeling and diving there.
Apart from seeing whale sharks and manta rays diving on the Maldives is a veritable feast of many different species such as gray reef, whitetip, nurse, thresher, hammerhead, and even tiger sharks. Though the former is the second-largest predator after the white sharks, nobody is reported to be hurt in the Maldives. Mostly sharks appear in the kandu channels. But you may see baby sharks even from the shore.
Hammerhead sharks. They’re hard to meet as you need to dive 5-10 minutes before sunrise in the deepest part of the ocean. If you’re quite lucky you’ll see from 1 to 3 of them. The most popular site to see these sharks is near Rasdhoo. But it depends on the season because locals tell quite controversial things about this site.
Here’s a list of the sites where hammerhead sharks were seen lately:
Fotteyo, Vaavu Atoll;
Dhiyamingili, Thaa Atoll
Rasdhoo, North Ari Atoll
Miyaru kandu, Vaavu Atoll
Gemanafushi Beyru, Gaafu Alif
Huvadhoo Atoll
Fuvahmulah
Most of these sites are available from liveaboards only.
Night diving with sharks. The most popular site for this is Alimatha Jetty, Vaavu Atoll. It’s located near Alimatha Aquatic Resort. Here you may meet a lot of nurse sharks that swim so close that you can even touch them! But the biggest disadvantage of this place is that it is too popular and attracts a lot of divers. So there could be up to 50 divers at a time!
Fishes
There are more than 600 species of exotic fishes in the Maldives, and many of them are found only here. The list includes the barracuda that is usually coming up in shoals, tuna, napoleon fish, parrotfish, a variety of moray eels, lionfish, and so on.
There is also no lack of smaller marine life and those who delight in the smaller species will find many creatures that you would normally expect to find elsewhere in the world. Ghost pipefish, harlequin rasbora, and Halimeda hide discretely amongst the corral waiting for divers to discover them; the same goes for leaf fish and frogfish.
Besides manta rays, you may also see Mobula rays, eagle rays, stingrays, etc. Stingrays are usually fed near resorts and even on the local islands sometimes (for example near Thinadhoo). You may dive with a great number of stingrays at a site between Hulhumale (the airport island) and Sheraton Full Moon. Although it’s obvious that they come to be fed, it’s still an impressive experience!
Maldives atolls and areas for diving
In the Maldives, your eyes will be opened to a diver’s paradise of endless aquatic life. The area is home to over 1200 types of fish, 300 species of coral and 600 different types of crustaceans—giving you a seemingly endless list of marine life to explore. Most itineraries will visit the atolls in North Male’, Central Male’ or South Male’, but there are several other Maldives itineraries that a good travel manager can advise you.
Whatever type of diving you’re doing and whatever your budget, there’s a Maldives itinerary for you. Some of the best dive sites in the Maldives are in the Deep South, however, they cover such a large area that not all of them can be visited on a single trip. Ari Atoll and Male Atoll in the central islands are some of the more popular itineraries and some of the key pelagic spots.
If you would like to dive in the Maldives, there are several options available for you: the liveaboard, from a resort, or the cheapest option is from a local island (stay in a guest house and dive from a local dive center). Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Liveaboard diving in Maldives
If diving is the main reason for your trip to the Maldives then a liveaboard is your perfect choice.
Today liveaboards are very comfortable and some of them, like Scubaspa, positioned themselves as a floating resort with all facilities.
With so many sites in one area, you are sure to see an amazing number and variety of sea creatures each time you dive. You will be able to explore wrecks, plane wrecks, and underground caves, and visit the perfect dive site at the ideal time for the given sea conditions and seasonal variation. Usually, you will have 3 dives per day plus one night dive per trip.
You may choose from 20+ different routes which go mostly through the central atolls: North Malé, South Malé, Vaavu, and Ari Atoll. But several routes lie to the south (Thaa Atoll, Gaafu atoll and further) and to the north (usually Baa и Raa Atolls).
Usually, a liveaboard trip lasts for 7 nights, but also you may do a longer trip for 10 days and the longest one is up to 14 days. The longest trip starts in в Hanimaadhoo (north) and finishes in Addu City (deep south).
In addition to a great diving experience, you will also get to visit some of the resort islands and dine on a sandbank or an uninhabited island somewhere in the middle of the ocean. It’s an excellent way to see both underwater and topside life in the Maldives.
If you choose liveaboard diving, it’s better to have at least 30 logged dives and have a certificate not lower than PADI AOW before you come. That is because many of the dives will take place in currents and in 25-30 m deep.
The starting price for a 7-day trip starts from 1800-2200 $US per person (low season). And around 2400-2600 $US during high season.
Diving from Island Resorts
For a fun-filled holiday in the Maldives where diving is not the main focus but rather a small part of your holiday, you would be best be placed at an island resort. This way there will be a large variety of activities to choose from and will keep you entertained during your surface intervals such as water sports activities, fishing, visiting local or uninhabited islands, etc.
Diving from a private island resort is probably the most comfortable and convenient way to dive.
The resort dive guides are doing diving every day, so they know the area very well.
Each resort will have its own rules and restrictions on who can access their local dive sites — these are in place for good reason and it is highly recommended that anyone who wants to scuba dive at these sites be fully capable and certified.
The obvious disadvantage of diving from these island hotels is the limited number of dive sites that you will be able to dive to.
The second drawback is the price. If you compare it with the price for diving at a local island or a liveaboard it will be 1,5-2 times higher while you also may visit the same site staying at the local island or from a liveaboard.
Diving from inhabited islands
Diving from a local island in the Maldives is the cheapest option. Over the past few years, a new market has developed offering visitors an alternative low-budget holiday. Guesthouses and small local hotels with modern dive centers started to appear.
Now diving is much more affordable. Guesthouses offer the activities and infrastructure that a luxury resort provides and at more considerable prices. So it’s important to plan your trip beforehand if you’re eager to save plenty a lot.
The obvious advantage of local island diving is that it’s cheap and affordable.
What is more, you are given the opportunity to see the life of the local people. Of course, you should be ready to respect their laws and traditions. The Maldivian people are very open-minded and friendly with tourists, they’re eager to help and tell their guests about their island.
You’ll be limited with the choice of diving sites while visiting a local island as well as staying at a resort. However, you may choose from a variety of different dive centers where usually international instructors are working.
Every local island has its tourist infrastructure and a hospital where you can receive first aid. When more serious accidents happen the patient is sent to Malé.
Contact us to get a personal tour to the Maldives!
Scuba diving in Rasdhoo Atoll is one of the most affordable diving in Maldives.
Rasdhoo is located 56 km west of Malé, Rasdhoo Atoll is the capital of Alif Alif Atoll – more commonly known as Ari Atoll. The atoll consists of inhabited island Rasdhoo, two private island resorts Kuramathi and Veligandhu, and 2 uninhabited islands Madivaru and Madivaru Finolhu. A great number of liveaboards are coming here as a part of the Central Atolls itinerary.
There are two seasons in Maldives: the northeast monsoon (dry season) and the southwest monsoon (wet season). Like most places in the world, with the increasing impact of climate change, the seasons and transitions in the Maldives have become less predictable in recent years.
Northeast monsoon (January – April)
The dry season usually brings blue skies and calm winds. The season runs from January to April with the transition shoulder periods arriving earlier in December or continuing into May. The change to the wet season is usually signified by a wet spell of three or more consecutive days of rainfall along with a shift in wind direction.
Southwest monsoon (May – November)
The wet southwest season generally means more cloudy skies, stronger winds, and a greater chance of rough seas. The monsoons dictate the migrations of large pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks. With tidal strength and wind direction affecting the movement of plankton, filter-feeders naturally follow the food, so at certain times of the year, you are more likely to encounter these animals in specific locations. The visibility can be very poor for some days. It’s impossible to predict it.
Transfer options to Rasdhoo Atoll
If you are traveling from Velana Airport (the main international Airport) to Rasdhoo Atoll you have a number of options.
Seaplane
The quickest, but the most expensive transfer, a round way trip is $US 365 per person. It’s possible to travel only from 6:00 am to 16:00. If you’re staying on local island Rasdhoo, an extra speedboat will be applied as well.
Speedboat
Scheduled speedboat. On a daily basis, there are 2 speedboats to/from the local island Rasdhoo, price is $US 35 per way per person. If you stay in Kuramathi, they can arrange it as well (cheaper than a seaplane).
Private speedboat. On request, the price is $US 600 per way, 22 pax capacity. Can be arranged at any time.
Public ferry
The slowest transfer. It takes 2,5 hrs to reach Rasdhoo from Male. You can’t use this transfer if you’re staying in Kuramathi or Veligandu.
Diving in Rasdhoo overview
It doesn’t matter your level of experience scuba diving in Rasdhoo atoll has something to tempt you. There are 19 dive sites, including 5-star dive sites making up plenty of variety for a great diving/ snorkeling holiday.
Rasdhoo and Ari Atoll is the place where the best chances of seeing hammerheads are. The season is Jan-Apr, and chances to see is 50/50. These days, it’s possible to see no more than 2-5 sharks. The main reason is the water temperature. Hammerheads prefer cold water, but in the Maldives due to climate change temperature is rising.
Two WWII shipwrecks serve as scuba diving attractions in Rasdhoo Atoll and they are popular with photographers.
Between November and April, manta rays slip into the atoll through the northern channel in search of a cleaning station, known as Manta Block. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Madivaru Corner is arguably the atoll’s most famous site. Reaching out across one of the southern channels, a horse-shoe-shaped ridge is patrolled by grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and schools of eagle rays.
Dive sites in Rasdhoo Atoll
Rasdhoo Beyru
Distance: 03 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Small to Medium – can be strong or very strong
A beautiful wall on the south side of Rasdhoo island with three small thilas which are located on the drop-off edge a bit further away from the island wall. Thilas top starts from 18 to 20 meters which is suitable for beginners to experienced divers but the current can be medium to strong.
It’s possible to see up to 15 turtles in this spot!
Napoleon, white-tip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks can be seen here regularly. Sometimes stingrays rest on the sandy bottom between 25 to 30 meters deep between the wall and thilas. If you are lucky eagle rays and on very lucky days mantas !! This is also a great dive spot for macro fans because so many small creatures can be found here!
Rasdhoo Channel
Distance: 03 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Deep Dive Training or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
One of the best diving sites in Rasdhoo. Another great dive site for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level because of the negative entry and the depth! All thilas are already well-colonized on the atoll drop-off edge at a depth between 20 to 25 meters between Kuramathi and Rasdhoo island. On the sandy bottom between the thilas, look for stingrays or white-tip reef sharks. While crossing the channel, almost anything is possible like grey reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon, dog-tooth tunas, and many more. On some very lucky days, you may see silver-tip reef sharks! However, this dive can be done only when the current runs into the Atoll!
If you are lucky, you will be able to find a huge school of tuna in the blue water and swim inside a huge fish ball! This is an unforgettable experience.
Holhi Faru
Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
Outside of Kuramathi, we find 3 bays along the main reef of the island. Each bay is surrounded by coral blocks at different depths between 16 – 25 meters where moray eels and lobsters are not rare. Very often you can see stingrays resting underneath coral blocks. On the sandy bottom, you can find white-tip reef sharks, in the shallow part of the bays black-tip reef sharks – do not forget to have a look at the blue for a surprise.
Three Palms
Distance: 08 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
A very nice wall with a reef top starting in shallow water and which can be dived at any depth. Along with the dive, we encounter three big coral blocks in three different areas between 16 – 23 meters, just like « Three Palms ». Anything is possible here, like white-tip reef sharks, stingrays, and even more. Eagle rays also like to drift in the current along this wall. Looking down, beautiful sea fans can be seen. If you are lucky sometimes a green turtle or hawksbill turtle will come and say Hello.
Bodu Gaa
Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
Bodu Gaa means Big Stone in Dhivehi. This Bodu Gaa can be seen on the reef top just a few inches below the surface and is fully covered by multi-colored fish. On the wall between 25-28 meters are two sandy areas where it is not rare to meet white-tip reef sharks or stingrays relaxing for the day. Around 25 – 26 meters, a couple of nice coral blocks are well-located on this sandy bottom. These blocks are full of Kashmir-snappers, oriental sweet-lips, glass fishes even stingrays are possible underneath any of the coral blocks. When there is some current, eagle rays may show up.
Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift, Overhangs
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
The furthest dive site in the Rasdhoo Atoll takes about 20 minutes to get to from Rasdhoo/Kurmathi, from Veligandu around 35 mins. This beautiful wall is part of our atoll barrier reef which is connected along the very end of the Kuramathi Sandbank on the South Westside. Very nice reef formation with lots of overhangs between 17 to 30 meters. If you start with the reef on your right shoulder – of course, if you are Deep Dive Training or Advanced level then 30 meters swim-through will be the best to start.
Even if you are a beginner you could start within your allowable depth limit and keep drifting because soon you will reach 17 to 20 meters overhang which you can go inside but do not forget to get proper buoyancy under the overhang, otherwise you may hit the ceiling or kick on the sandy bottom which may lead to poor visibility or disturb the stingrays who rest often here! Apart from these two specific overhangs, there are still so many small ones where it is possible to find baby white-tip reef sharks or nurse sharks. It’s great to stay above 20 meters because very often eagle rays pass along the edge of the reef – above your head. Do have a look into the blue for a surprise.
Miyaru Faru
Distance: 30 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift, Overhangs
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
Another wall dive from the atoll barrier reef, but an easy dive site on the outside of the North of the Atoll. The reef slowly goes down between 3 to 10 meters then a steep wall follows. On the bottom 30 to 40 meters, we often see white-tip reef sharks relaxing. On the reef itself, you can see moray eels, lionfish, and for expert eyes even scorpionfish. A nice and easy dive. During manta season even mantas.
Beyru Kandu
Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
A very nice and easy place to dive for beginners, the reef is a steep wall and goes down to approximately 30 meters. A few coral blocks are to be seen on the reef top where lobsters have their « home sweet home ». Along the wall, small holes with nudibranchs, shrimps, and more. During your dive look to the blue or reef top often because, if you are lucky, it is possible to see eagle rays or manta rays and even white-tip reef sharks which often come and say hi to you.
Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Coral Block (Mostly sit on the sandy bottom next to the Coral Block)
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
Inside the North Channel, in the manta season (from November to April) there is a good chance of seeing mantas on this dive. A big coral block in 14 m, with the top at 10 m is an attraction for many species of fish. The best is to sit next to the block when mantas are around and watch them circle!
Veligandu North
Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
This dive site offers a top reef separated by a sandy plateau between 5 to 9 meters’ depth, below is a very nice steep wall dropping to around 25 to 30 meters continuing to the atoll drop-off. Along the wall, you can find some overhangs from a depth of 12 to 16 meters in different areas. Sometimes these overhangs are covered by glass fishes, through the glass fishes you may find lobsters or even stingray resting. Lots of macro stuff possible here. If you look carefully, you may find ghost pipefish and even leaf fish inside the overhangs or at the edge of the overhangs. If Madivaru is the capital of the sharks then Veligandu Noth will be the Capital of the moray eels. Please do not forget to have a look into the blue – sharks and more.
Veligandu Beyru/Veligandu East
Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – very rare to get Strong
The Outer Reef of Veligandu is a nice steep wall with a reef top coming up to 3 to 5 meters. On the reef plateau, you will find oriental sweet-lips, jack fishes, tunas, and sometimes napoleon wrasse. Blue always surprises.
Madivaru Reef
Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – very rare to get Strong
This wall located on the outside reef near the Island of Madivaru is perfect for a nice and easy drift dive. Also, a very good opportunity for beginners to experience dives with medium to strong current. Along the reef, corals are growing nicely and many species of fish can be spotted. Do not forget to turn your head towards the blue where pleasant surprises often appear.
Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
A highlight in the Rasdhoo Atoll for many reasons. This reef is located just in front of the island Madivaru and has some superb overhangs between 26 to 30 meters before a breathtaking drop-off. The real beauty of the dive will be when the current runs along the reef on the right shoulder and into the Atoll. Because with this current you don’t have to swim much because most of the time on your dive you just hold onto some dead coral on the drop-off around 18 meters where the breathtaking show begins. Everybody can find here almost anything they are looking for, from macro to big pelagic species like grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, shoals of barracuda, jackfish and even giant travelers and dog-tooth tunas chasing baitfish etc. Always worth a dive. Anything is possible, however, the current can be medium to very strong.
Hammerhead Shark Point
Distance: 05 Minutes Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Deep Dive Training or Advanced Divers (Good Buoyancy required)
Type: Bluewater dive with no reference
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong
Another highlight, an early morning diving to meet the famous Scalloped Hammerhead shark which can only be seen in a few places in the Maldives. A blue-water dive with no reference. In other words, no reef or bottom where the blue plankton let you think you are flying among the stars. Even without sharks an unforgettable experience. Only for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level, of course, good buoyancy control required! NITROX highly recommended.
These days it’s very rare to spot hammerhead sharks on this site.
Reef Explorer (Wreck Dive)
Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wreck Dive
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong
A 30-meter fishing boat that sank in the Rasdhoo channel that lies on its side on a sandy bottom, surrounded by garden eels and shrimp in a depth of 12-16 meters. Some big groupers have been spotted here, and a few mantas occasionally patrol the area. Good buoyancy control is needed to avoid kicking up sediment which ruins visibility and take care to avoid many metal structures protruding from the wreck and in the sand. Some nice coral blocks around. Look out for the cleaner shrimp and goby pairs in the sand around the wreck.
Kuramathi Queen (Wreck Dive)
Distance: 08 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wreck Dive
Current: Almost nothing
A well-protected area – just inside the lagoon of Kuramathi. The Kuramathi Queen sits on a sandy bottom, the top of the wreck is at 16 meters, bottom at 20+m. Great for a night dive, very spooky.
An emerald jewel in the turquoise Maldivian waters. Acres of luxuriant vegetation. Spectacular beaches tapering into an endless sandbank. On this stunning Maldives island resort, you can stroll along sandy white beaches and dip your toes in the water to cool off on a balmy day. Spend leisurely hours exploring the vibrant reefs or an afternoon of extravagance at the spa. Indulge in dining and dining experiences to suit your every desire.
Price per room starts from $US 390 per night, on a full board basis.
There are 18 guest houses in Rasdhoo and 5 dive centers, so is wide.
Based on my personal experience, Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo and Dive Rasdhoo diving center is the best choice. And that’s why
– Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo is an award winner in 2018;
– Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed;
– Dive center owner had experience working in different liveaboards and resorts;
– Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine;
– Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo has the largest garden area on Rasdhoo;
– Unlimited coffee and tea;
– Own 8 pax capacity speedboat for cruising on nearby islands;
– Really good prices for accommodation, food, and diving;
– Free Airport meet and greet service;
Liveaboards
There are almost 30 liveaboards operating in the Maldives and almost each of them has Rasdhoo in their itinerary. Liveaboard is the best experience for divers as you will visit only the most beautiful dive sites in the area.
My suggestion is Carpe Diem as one of the most affordable liveaboards in the Maldives with European management and long history operating in the Maldives.
Contact us to get a personal tour to the Maldives!
