The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives.
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Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
This remote region receives fewer visitors than the rest of the Maldives and stretches from Baa Atoll up to Haa Alifu and Dhallu and includes Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls, as well as Hanifaru Bay, where exceptional numbers of mantas and whale sharks aggregate annually.
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Ideal for viewing: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasse, grey reef shark, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Shore diving, Snorkelling
This region has few resorts, and consequently is best explored by liveaboard. Diving itineraries focus on the pristine and unexplored atolls of Meemu, Thaa, Laamu and in season, Huvadhoo Atoll, which is one of the Maldives' premier shark diving locations.
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Ideal for viewing: scalloped hammerhead shark, reef manta ray, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, tiger shark
The stunning and luxurious islands of the Maldives offer exceptional diving opportunities which can be explored whilst staying at a resort, on a local island, on a liveaboard, or a combination for the ultimate diving trip. The Maldives are home to world-class dive locations suitable for those wanting to learn, and for well-seasoned divers.
17 recommended trips.Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
This trip idea is a great option for those looking to get away and unwind. The tropical paradise of North Malé Atoll is easily accessible and offers diving for all abilities, with coral gardens, wrecks and plenty of marine life.
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The Best of Maldives itineraries are a firm favourite amongst divers of all abilities, with a choice of vessels and durations. Highlights include manta cleaning stations, whale shark encounters and mesmerising drift dives.
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See more of the Maldives on this local island-hopping dive holiday. Enjoy authentic Maldivian hospitality and superb diving in Baa Atoll, with Hanifaru Bay mantas and vibrant reefs just moments away.
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Divers return again and again to the popular dive sites of the South Ari Atoll, Maldives, for photo opportunities of healthy reefs, prolific marine life and large pelagic encounters including turtles, sharks and rays.
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Join a marine biologist from the Manta Trust on an extended liveaboard adventure to the northern atolls of the Maldives. Timed to visit Hanifaru Bay when the reef manta ray aggregation is at its peak.
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Adventure into the hidden gem of Lhaviyani Atoll, with over 50 dive sites including channels, rich reefs, manta cleaning stations, and the odd wreck. This diverse atoll is waiting to be explored!
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Working alongside conservationists, these snorkelling-focused departures offer the chance to encounter manta rays or whale sharks with the opportunity to participate in citizen science projects.
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Designed to ensure a captivating mix of underwater highlights and enchanting topside experiences, discover the Maldives and Sri Lanka on a twin-centre holiday like no other, available throughout the year.
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Visit these legendary Maldivian atolls by liveaboard between August and October, when they become a playground for feeding manta rays and whale sharks, putting on a spectacular show for visitors at Hanifaru Bay.
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Explore world-class dive sites from the comfort of a liveaboard, followed by a few days relaxation in a resort on North Malé Atoll. Highlights include manta ray and whale shark encounters in the central atolls.
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Escape the crowds to the southern Atolls of the Maldives for an exceptional liveaboard experience with an air of discovery and plenty of shark encounters, including grey reef, hammerhead and silky.
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Dive away from the crowds in the Baa Atoll, home to only a handful of resorts. The diversity of marine life is incredible and sightings of manta rays and whale sharks are common in season.
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Step off the beach and into the crystal waters of this Indian Ocean paradise. Famous for its house reef, vibrant marine life, and wonderful accommodation, The Maldives’ South Ari Atoll is a snorkelling gem.
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A world-class destination, the Maldives offer the perfect conditions to learn to dive, with crystal clear blue waters, protected lagoons and prolific reef life. Choose from a number of resorts, guesthouses and dive centres.
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Renowned for big animal encounters, the South Ari Atoll is one of the most popular locations for divers to visit throughout the year and boasts some of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives.
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Experience the camaraderie, exceptional diving and megafauna encounters on our small group departure to the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll. Based at the Maldives’ smallest dive resort, this is a chance to relax, unwind and dive.
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Dive local on the Haa Alifu Atoll - a unique holiday experience with world-class diving opportunities. Discover an untouched area of the Maldives and learn about this secret paradise from the locals.
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When to go: Jan-Dec
Duration inc. flights: 10 days
Price inc. flights: From £2,695 pp
Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea
When to go
The Maldives weather is influenced by two monsoons. Marine life is excellent throughout the year.
Seasons
Southwest monsoon
May to Nov: During the southwest season, resorts with access to sites on the west side of the atolls offer the most spectacular diving
Northeast monsoon
Dec to Apr: The northeast monsoon brings fast currents, superb visibility and prolific marine life on the eastern side of the atolls
Wildlife events
Dec to Apr:
Manta rays commonly found on west side of atolls
May to Nov:
Manta rays commonly found on east side of atolls
Aug to Sep:
Whale sharks and manta rays gather around the Baa Atoll
Mar to Apr:
Currents abate – the best time for a leisurely dive
Dive Resorts
25 recommended places to stay.Please contact us for further suggestions.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, swaying palm trees, a 900 metre long white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, this resort in the South Ari Atoll is popular amongst the diving community.
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Located on the unspoilt Faafu Atoll, and with an on site dive centre, the 4-star Filitheyo Resort is a popular choice for divers and snorkellers looking for big marine encounters and a relaxing time in paradise.
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Ideally located at the southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this intimate dive resort of just six rooms is a great option for those looking for excellent diving with a local twist. It's in a perfect spot for whale shark encounters.
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Embudu Village is nestled on a tiny island, with simple comforts and relaxed, welcoming vibes. Green canopies cover soft white sand, leading to a vibrant house reef and exhilarating channel dives.
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Located within an almost untouched forest on the local island of Hanimadhoo in the northern atolls, this boutique resort sits alongside a stunning turquoise lagoon and offers the perfect combination of privacy and relaxation.
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Experience the original Maldives on this quiet and intimate island, where just 36 thatched bungalows meet white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Spectacular diving is just minutes away.
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Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is an activity packed resort with accommodation designed to pamper guests. It is located on Ellaidhoo Reef on the eastern fringe of North Ari, the largest of the Maldives’ atolls.
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The unique location of this island sets it apart from others on the North Malé Atoll. Club Rannalhi is an all inclusive resort located off the southern tip offering visitors an idyllic island hideaway.
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A tropical hideaway, this all inclusive 4-star resort is located on Hudhuran Fushi island on the eastern edge of the North Malé Atoll, and offers plenty of facilities for divers before or after their liveaboard holiday.
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Located on the remote Raa Atoll, this private island 5-star resort offers guests a spacious hideaway embraced by the wonders of nature, and an incredible underwater world full of surprises.
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Located on the North Malé Atoll, this popular resort in the Maldives is a short boat transfer from Malé yet a million miles away from busy everyday life. Accommodation varies from cosy classic rooms to luxurious water villas.
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Nourish, charm, and inspire is the mantra at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort. Inside Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famed for manta rays, the resort offers rustic-elegant villas and rich marine life.
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Situated on a small, densely forested island in the remote Raa Atoll, this premium all-inclusive resort offers a luxurious, innovative escape and adventure for all the family, in an idyllic setting.
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A tiny island located on the northwest side of the North Malé Atoll, Eri Maldives is surrounded by a white sand beach and a crystal clear lagoon, and is ideal for those seeking a ‘get-away-from-it-all’ holiday.
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Nestled between sandy roads and the local island's natural fauna is Island Luxury Dive Hotel. Ideal for divers seeking an authentic and simple Maldivian escape, seasonal manta rays, and fun reefs.
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Discover the Maldives differently at Island Luxury Retreat Maalhos, Baa Atoll, where a harmony of sustainability and cultural heritage has created a unique destination. Hanifaru’s manta rays await!
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With something for everyone, Kuredu Resort & Spa is a popular choice. Divers love the vibrant resort, diverse house reef, seasonal manta rays, and famous dive sites including Kuredu Express and Turtle Airport.
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Drift into island luxury at the award-winning Lily Beach Resort & Spa. This private island is bordered by a soft white sand beach turning to clear blue waters with vibrant reefs and whale sharks waiting.
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This 5-star luxury resort is located on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, on the South Ari Atoll. The island is surrounded by a magnificent sheltered lagoon, with an infinite wealth of marine life.
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Derived from the word “beauty” in the native Dhivehi, Nala Maldives lets guests take it easy. In Lhaviyani Atoll, this island resort combines barefoot luxury with adventure and superb diving opportunities.
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Surrounded by a fringing reef and infinite blue ocean, this tranquil 4-star resort is a stunning tropical bio-luxury island paradise located in the middle of the southern Raa Atoll. Divers can expect big fish action here.
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A luxurious oasis in the Baa Atoll, Royal Island Resort & Spa is located just a few minutes from Hanifaru Bay. This 5-star resort offers a tropical paradise and incredible underwater experiences.
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Located on the Rasdhoo Atoll, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and long stretches of white sandy beach, Veligandu Island Resort is the perfect getaway for those seeking something special.
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Nestled on the charming island of Nalaguraidhoo in the South Ari Atoll, this fun, relaxed, family friendly resort is ideal for divers who like their marine life big and their holidays in paradise.
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Surrounded by uninhabited islands, this 4-star eco-friendly resort offers divers the opportunity to explore the Baa Atoll and relax on isolated beaches – the perfect Maldivian retreat
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Liveaboards
15 recommended liveaboards.
Please contact us
for further suggestions or search for liveaboard availability.
A home away from home, the comfortable Carpe Diem liveaboard offers superb week long diving and snorkelling experiences in the central atolls of the Maldives throughout the year.
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The latest edition to the Carpe Diem fleet, the luxurious Carpe Novo cruises the very best sites of the central and southern atolls of the Maldives throughout the year, offering exceptional service and diving experiences.
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The flagship vessel of its small fleet offers unique itineraries based on the best pelagic migration patterns around the central atolls in the Maldives, accompanied by a custom built diving dhoni.
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This contemporary, spacious liveaboard has been purpose built, offering exceptional standards and facilities, bringing a class of her own to Maldivian waters. Dive the best sites throughout the year from here.
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This highly respected Maldivian liveaboard accommodates up to 24 divers in comfort and style. She operates itineraries in the central Maldives for much of the year, heading to the south between December and April.
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Part of the Emperor Fleet, this stylish, modern liveaboard offers weekly itineraries year round to the some of the best diving spots in the Maldives, including the southern atolls in season.
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Departing weekly from Malé, this modern purpose-built liveaboard explores some of the best dive sites in the Maldives. Diving is from the accompanying 20 metre long, customised dhoni.
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Operating unique and exclusive itineraries to the far reaches of the Maldives, this comfortable vessel is suited to divers who enjoy extended diving adventures to a variety of spectacular locations.
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Sophisticated and exclusive, the M/Y Duke of York liveaboard cruises the central and southern atolls of the Maldives throughout the year, as well as offering exclusive Manta Trust conservation trips.
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Experience both the classic central and seasonal southern atoll itineraries on board the luxurious Maldives Blue Force One liveaboard. The week long trips are suited to divers seeking exceptional pelagic encounters.
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This traditional Maldivian vessel comfortably accommodates 16 guests offering a choice of itineraries in the Central and Southern Atolls, encapsulating the best marine life encounters in season.
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The contemporary MV Emperor Explorer liveaboard is making waves in the Maldives, offering stylish and spacious accommodation for 26 divers on itineraries around the Central and Southern Atolls.
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Discover the Maldives aboard the elegant Nautilus Two: a beautiful liveaboard offering superb diving, exceptional comfort, and unforgettable encounters with marine life in the heart of the Indian Ocean.
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The Seascape blends luxury and eco-friendliness, hosting 28 guests in elegant, air-conditioned cabins. Enjoy top-deck relaxation, gourmet dining, and incredible diving adventures in the Maldives.
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The Spirit of Maldives is a purpose-built vessel designed with the divers at the forefront. Personal service and exceptional dining makes your Maldivian liveaboard experience exceptional.
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Availability
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