Swim with Mantas & Whale Sharks and Many More

Warm water, effortless drifts and big life—Maldives diving shines when you match season + atoll + your skill level. This guide maps the classic sites, a practical 7-day plan, and land-based vs liveaboard choices so you can book with confidence

Snapshot (what divers really ask)

• Water: 27–30°C most of the year (3mm shorty is plenty for most).
• Style: Drift diving in channels (kandu) and pinnacles (thila); house-reefs for easy warm-ups.
• Who it suits: Confident snorkelers to advanced divers; beginners welcome with try-dives and sheltered reefs.
• Budget (typical ranges): Fun dives $60–110; try-dive $90–150; liveaboards often €200–€400/night depending on boat/season. (Check exact inclusions with your operator.)

Where to Dive (by atoll, human-style notes)

Wildlife is never guaranteed—think probabilities, not promises. Currents decide a lot here.

North Malé (Kaafu)

• HP Reef / Banana Reef / Lankan Manta Point
  Why go: Easy access from Malé; reliable schooling fish and seasonal mantas at cleaning stations.
  Who for: OW+; great first Maldives trip.

Ari Atoll (North & South)

• Maaya Thila (famous night dive), Fish Head, Moofushi & Dhigurah area
  Why go: Variety in short boat rides; South Ari is known for whale shark searches (often snorkel).
  Who for: All levels; macro + big life mix.

Rasdhoo

• Hammerhead Point (early-morning bluewater), Rasdhoo Madivaru
  Why go: Compact hub with classic channels and a chance of early hammerhead sightings.
  Who for: AOW+ preferred for the bluewater dawn dive.

Vaavu

• Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha Jetty (nurse-shark night experience)
  Why go: Photogenic channels and an unforgettable (guided) night encounter.
  Who for: OW+ for channels; follow briefings closely.

Baa

• Hanifaru Bay (snorkel-only manta feeds), Dharavandhoo cleaning stations (May–Nov peak)
  Why go: Manta action when plankton blooms; diving with mantas typically at cleaning sites outside the Bay.
  Who for: Families and photographers; snorkel fitness helps.

Lhaviyani

• Kuredu Express, Shipyard (twin wrecks)
  Why go: Sharky channel drifts and a rare two-wreck site in one dive.
  Who for: AOW+; comfortable in current.

Addu (Seenu)

• British Loyalty wreck, outer-reef drifts
  Why go: WWII wreck, fewer crowds, southern charm.
  Who for: Wreck lovers; all levels with guide selection.

Fuvahmulah (far south, advanced)

• Oceanic big animals (tigers, threshers—specialist operations)
  Why go: High-adrenaline bluewater encounters with strict protocols.
  Who for: Experienced AOW+ only with reputable, specialist guides.

7-Day Diver Plan (land-based)

Day 1 – Easy Check Dive + House-Reef
Sort buoyancy, weights, and camera. Sunset snorkel to reset your body clock.

Day 2 – Channel Day
Two morning drifts on an incoming tide (sharks, pelagics). Afternoon lagoon chill.

Day 3 – Signature Pinnacle (Thila) + Night Dive
Soft corals, schooling fish; Maaya Thila-style night dive if you’re in Ari.

Day 4 – Big-Animal Flex Day

• In South Ari → whale-shark search (snorkel).
• In Baa (May–Nov) → Hanifaru snorkel when conditions align; otherwise manta cleaning station dive.

Day 5 – Photography Day
Sheltered thila or outer-reef with mild current; slow, deliberate shooting.

Day 6 – Wildcard
Pick your favourite: more channels, a wreck, or repeat mantas if the window is hot.

Day 7 – Off-Gas & Explore
No diving 18–24h pre-flight. Sandbank picnic, dolphin cruise, or SUP before goodbye.