Diving in the Maldives

Secluded among nothing but pristine turquoise waters in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a picture-perfect paradise home to some of the world’s most beautiful diving sites.

The dreamy archipelago is made up of 1,100 coral reef atolls, harbouring a diverse marine life population from whale sharks to manta rays and tropical fish. Swimming through these caverns and channels teeming with vibrant flora and fauna is an experience unlike any other.

So, where should you visit for the best diving in the Maldives? Which hotel is perfect for you? And when is the best time to go? Discover more with our guide to diving in the Maldives.

Why choose the Maldives for scuba diving?

Maldives diving is a unique experience that’ll take your breath away.

Each spectacular channel features strong currents that carry essential nutrients, attracting a plethora of marine life. A deep dive under these crystal-clear waters reveals loggerhead turtles, who forage in seagrass meadows, and moray eels, which are found around the sands in the daytime. The sheer number of aquatic wildlife you can spot is astonishing.

Not only that, but the tropical climate keeps the water at a perfect temperature all year round. Ranging from 26°C-30°C, diving conditions are ideal for some people to simply jump in with a regulator, mask, snorkel and fins. However, we recommend you wear a 3mm wetsuit as well.

When is the best time to go diving in the Maldives?

The best time to dive in the Maldives is between January and April, when you have drier weather and greater underwater visibility. Although August to November gives better chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks, the winds tend to be stronger and seas slightly rougher.

Clear blue skies and calm waters make for the ultimate experience. During the northeast monsoon period, marine life is more active due to planktons flowing out into the open ocean. Other variations, like the tide, may affect your experience. But for the most part, you can visit anytime and still enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Towards the latter end of the dry season, the weather becomes less windy. So, planning to visit closer to April could bring the best results.

Discover more about the best time to visit the Maldives.

Best places for Maldives diving

The best Maldives diving spots are Kudah Rah Thila, Cocoa Thila, Hanifaru Bay, Nassimo Thila and Maaya Thila. Found out more below about where they’re located, marine life residing there, difficulty levels for beginner/advanced divers and luxury Maldives diving hotels nearby.

Kudah Rah Thila

In the South Ari Atoll, discover Kudah Rah Thila – a small, stunning reef descending 30 metres.

During your Maldives scuba diving experience here, you’ll come across large schools of blue striped snappers and an array of turtles, including sea and hawksbill varieties. Napoleon wrasses also frequent these waters as well as oceanic whitetip and grey reef sharks.

The protected marine area is more suited to advanced divers. So, it’s best to get some practice in before you visit! At LUX* South Ari Atoll, the designated PADI dive centre provides full training, allowing you to spot the incredible marine life beneath the ocean’s surface. On top of this, its deluxe accommodation along four kilometres of white sandy beaches makes for a real getaway.

Cocoa Thila

Situated in the South Male Atoll, Cocoa Thila is a marine-rich dive site where the pinnacle rises from the depths of the ocean floor of the channel. You’ll swim side-by-side with big schools of eagle rays, feel barracudas darting past you and see whitetip reef sharks resting near overhangs.

Also known as ‘Kandooma Thila’, this spot is more suitable for advanced divers. But with COMO Cocoa Island, you can learn invaluable skills from professional guides. Then explore the platinum sands and soothe away any aches or pains in the world-class Como Shambhala Spa.

Lhaviyani Atoll

Featuring plenty of areas for scuba diving, Lhaviyani Atoll is paradise for manta ray lovers.

Between May and November, the gentle giants congregate to the crystalline waters, searching for plankton to eat. You’ll often find them feeding on the small sea creatures at Fushifaru Thila cleaning station and using their gills to filter the microscopic food from the water. Nearby, there are also two shipwrecks – Skipjack 1 & 2 – which you can explore, sunken since the 1980s.

For an extra touch of luxury on your holiday, stay at Six Senses Kanuhura in the northern part of the atoll and enjoy an expert-led diving session. It’s even home to one of the Maldives’ finest beaches, where you can watch turtles hatching, delicately handled by a marine biologist.

Nassimo Thila

A picturesque dive site on the North Male Atoll, Nassimo Thila offers everything you need for a wonderful experience. Large pinnacles dot all the way across the north of the thila, and beautiful coral formations can be found along with giant sea fans hiding plenty of tropical fish.

This area is more suitable for advanced divers. But over at Gili Lankanfushi, you can delve into an underwater utopia at its PADI-certified Ocean Paradise Dive Centre. Following this, why not relax at your private rooftop or over-water sundeck and enjoy breathtaking Indian Ocean views?

Maaya Thila

Maaya Thila, a Marine Reserve on the North Ari Atoll, is one of the world’s best dive sites.

Grey reef and whitetip sharks are often seen circling the reef while smaller fish – like parrotfish, lionfish and butterflyfish – reside in the large caves. At night, the diving becomes magical. When sundown arrives, the feeding frenzy begins – an unforgettable Maldives scuba diving experience.

More suited to beginner divers, this small thila is a great way to get into diving. Not only that, but there are a range of specialty courses at Constance Halaveli to pack out your Maldivian escape. As well as being trained by a diving professional, the luxury hotel has a PADI dive centre and videographer who you can book to catch ever-lasting memories on film.

How to choose a Maldives diving hotel to suit you

Choosing the best Maldives scuba diving hotel for you should be based on your abilities.

Beginner classes are available throughout the Maldives. Many of the hotels offer these, providing you with a PADI-certified instructor to teach you the basics of diving underwater.

Intermediate dive sites are located nearby some of the hotels as well. If you’re confident in your ability to dive and can spend more time in the water, then it may be right for you.

Advanced diving is available all throughout the region too. These world-renowned sites, which are more difficult to navigate, provide the basis for spectacular memories you can keep forever.

Then consider what you want to see, whether that be manta rays or other majestic marine life. Additionally, there are other wondrous sights to discover. Easily accessible near the luxurious One&Only Reethi Rah, the mysterious Hembadhu wreck presents an incredible experience. Similarly, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is surrounded by six shipwreck sites, all fully explorable.

Dive into the Maldives with Inspiring Travel

From watching manta rays feed in the Lhaviyani Atoll to seeing whitetip sharks circle the reef in the North Ari Atoll, the Maldives is home to some of the world’s most phenomenal dive regions.

By speaking with our Travel Specialists, we can help tailor-make your next luxury holiday with the most spectacular experience diving in the Maldives, ensuring it’s perfect from start to finish.