The central area of the Maldives atolls is the most popular for both dive resorts and liveaboards offering the 'Best of Maldives' itineraries.
The region comprises both Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. Many resorts have exceptional shore diving opportunities from their house reefs, while drift diving in the current swept channels rewards divers with opportunities to encounter large pelagics.
North Malé Atoll features some of the Maldives most quintessential and enduringly popular dive sites, while Ari Atoll is considered by many to have some of the Maldives most consistent big fish sightings, including manta rays and whale sharks. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) is home to a globally significant aggregation of whale sharks and a critical habitat for (predominantly) males in a post-juvenile, pre-mature stage of life.
The smaller Rasdhoo Atoll is well known for some of the Maldives’ finest hammerhead shark encounters.
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. Find Out More about Ari Atoll Diving Experience
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. Find Out More about Best of Maldives Liveaboard
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. Find Out More about Maldives Dive Safari
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. Find Out More about Ari Atoll Snorkelling Experience
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. Find Out More about BIG in the Maldives
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. Find Out More about Discover Maldives & Sri Lanka
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. Find Out More about Learn to Dive Maldives
Staying at guesthouses on local islands allows you to dive the same sites for less, while experiencing more of the local life of the Maldives, adding a new dimension to your holiday. Find Out More about Maldives Island Hopping Adventure
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. Find Out More about Maldives Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
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. Find Out More about Visit the Maldives
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. Find Out More about Maldives Whale Shark Extravaganza
A tiny island located on the northwest side of the North Malé Atoll, Eriyadu is surrounded by a fine white sand beach and a crystal clear lagoon, and is ideal for those seeking a ‘get-away-from-it-all’ holiday. Find Out More about Eriyadu Island Resort
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. Find Out More about Filitheyo Island Resort
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. Find Out More about Vilamendhoo Island Resort
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. Find Out More about Adaaran Club Rannahli
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. Find Out More about Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi
Located on the South Ari Atoll, surrounded by white sand, a crystal clear lagoon and a house reef for snorkelling and diving, this relaxed island paradise is the perfect choice for a romantic break. Find Out More about Angaga Island Resort & Spa
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. Find Out More about Bandos Maldives
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. Find Out More about Boutique Beach
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. Find Out More about Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
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. Find Out More about LUX* Maldives
Located on the North Malé Atoll, this small resort offers a peaceful getaway and a great house reef. Accommodation is in thatched beach bungalows or modern water bungalows built over the turquoise lagoon. Find Out More about Thulhagiri Island Resort
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. Find Out More about Veligandu Island Resort
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. Find Out More about Villa Park Resort
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. Find Out More about M/Y Amba
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. Find Out More about Horizon III
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. Find Out More about M/V Emperor Leo
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. Find Out More about MV Emperor Explorer
This traditional Maldivian vessel comfortably accommodates 18 guests. She spends most of the year delivering exceptional diving itineraries in the Central Atolls, with occasional trips to the deep south for shark encounters. Find Out More about Moonima
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. Find Out More about M/V Emperor Voyager
The luxurious twin vessels of Scubaspa Ying and Yang offer a unique liveaboard experience, visiting the popular sites of the Maldives. Enjoy a week of fantastic diving or relaxing spa treatments, or a mix of both. Find Out More about Scubaspa Liveaboards
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. Find Out More about Emperor Serenity
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. Find Out More about Maldives Blue Force One
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. Find Out More about Mariana
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. Find Out More about M/Y Duke of York
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. Find Out More about Carpe Diem
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. Find Out More about Carpe Novo
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. Find Out More about Carpe Vita
