Difficulty
Intermediate
Best Season
November – April (northeast monsoon)
Water Temp
27–30°C (81–86°F)
Visibility
20–40m (65–130ft)
Why Dive Maldives?
Luxury liveaboards, manta rays, and pristine channel diving
Choose between luxury resorts (island-based diving) or liveaboards (best sites). The Maldives offers world-class hospitality and pristine environments.
Dive Highlights
- Manta ray cleaning stations (year-round)
- Whale shark encounters (especially August–November)
- Channel drift dives through atolls
- Luxury resort and liveaboard options
Signature Dive Sites
Manta Point (Baa Atoll)
Fish Head (Ari Atoll)
Maaya Thila
HP Reef
Banana Reef
Marine Life You Might See
Manta raysWhale sharksGrey reef sharksEagle raysMoray eelsNapoleonwrasse
Photo Gallery
Conditions & Logistics
Certification Level
Advanced Open Water recommended
Typical Conditions
Channel diving with incoming currents, calm inside atolls
Getting There
Fly to Malé International Airport (MLE). Transfer to resorts by speedboat or seaplane, or board liveaboards directly.
Travel Tips
- Book liveaboards for best sites and value
- Visit Baa Atoll for manta ray action
- August-November for whale sharks
- Expect premium prices for luxury
Recommended Training
Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives
QResort diving vs liveaboard in Maldives?
Liveaboards offer better diving value and access to remote atolls with mantas and whale sharks. Resorts provide luxury and are better for non-diving partners. Liveaboards cost $2,000-4,000/week.
QWhen can I see manta rays?
Manta rays are present year-round in the Maldives! Peak season is May-November when southwest monsoon brings plankton. Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay offers incredible aggregations.
QDo I need Nitrox certification?
Highly recommended! Maldives diving involves multiple channel dives per day, often at 20-30m depth. Nitrox increases safety margins and bottom time.
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