Travel to Maldives

Maldives - A Dive Vacation with Magical Charm

The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka, comprising 19 island groups and are highly popular for dive vacations. The island groups are arranged in a north-south direction, spanning 871 kilometers. The Maldives consist of 26 atolls and a total of 1,196 islands, with 144 designated for tourism and 220 utilized by locals. Not all islands, mainly only resort islands or those accessible by safari boats, are open to tourists. Islands visited during the day usually must be vacated before sunset in most cases.

The Maldives experience a tropical climate with high humidity, resulting in temperatures rarely dropping below 25 degrees Celsius. The climate is influenced by the southwest monsoon from May to October and the northeast monsoon from November to April. The southwest monsoon brings wind and intensified rainfall.

The months of January to April are considered the best travel times for your dive vacation or leisure trip.

The partially untouched coral reefs protect the 26 atolls and were formed by the subsidence of massive volcanoes. Over time, coral formations and breathtaking barrier reefs developed, visible from an airplane. Existing currents within the Maldives led to the formation of elongated channels, now explored by divers from around the world. The flora and fauna are spectacular, with diverse corals and schools of fish (both large and small) defining the Maldives.

The Maldives offer excellent visibility and varying current conditions (from gentle to strong). A dive vacation between December and April is recommended in the eastern atolls, while between May and November, the western atolls are preferable.

The Atolls of the Maldives:

North Male Atoll:

The capital, Malé, and an international airport on Hulhulé Island are located in the North Male Atoll. This atoll is the most developed for tourism, featuring numerous renowned resorts and good infrastructure. North Male has a large number of well-known dive sites and is well-protected against monsoons due to its channel.

South Male Atoll:

The Cadu Channel separates the South Male Atoll from the North Male Atoll. The main island of the South Male Atoll is Maafushi, where locals reside, preserving tradition and culture. Another local island in this atoll is Guraidhoo, offering souvenir shopping and strolls through its streets. Gulhi is the third and last local island in this atoll. The South Male Atoll has numerous holiday and uninhabited islands, suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. Snorkelers can also enjoy the good visibility on the east side of the atoll. Popular dive sites in South Male include Coral Gardens, The Canyon, and Cocoa Thila.

Ari Atoll:

The largest atoll, Ari Atoll, comprises over 100 islands and over 10,000 residents. The northern dive spots attract countless tourists annually. Locals mainly reside in the southern part of Ari. Tourists can stay in one of the many resorts or in vacation homes of various price ranges. Tourism is a significant part of the economy for locals, although fishing remains the most important sector. Ari Atoll is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The west side offers the chance to spot mantas and whale sharks, while the north side boasts beautiful coral formations. Popular dive sites in Ari include Kudarah Thila, Broken Rock Thila, and Tinfushi Thila.

Gaafaru Atoll:

Gaafaru Atoll consists of Gaafaru Island and Velifaru Island, located 3 kilometers north of the North Male Atoll. The Gaafaru Channel separates the North Male Atoll from the Gaafaru Atoll. Fishing is the primary source of income for approximately 1,000 locals residing on the east side of Gaafaru Island. Velifaru Island has few locals but features a reef with a fascinating wreck worth seeing.

Felidhu Atoll:

In contrast to the North Male Atoll, Felidhu Atoll sees less tourism. Tuna fishing is the primary income for friendly locals. The atoll includes many uninhabited islands. Gray reef sharks, whale sharks, and mantas inhabit the outer coral reefs, where most dive sites are located. Steep walls dropping into the depths are the hallmark of Felidhu Atoll. A dive in Fotteyo Kand and the surrounding area is highly recommended.

Wataru Atoll:

Wataru Atoll is near Felidhu Atoll and includes a total of 35 islands, with only about 10 inhabited. The most famous and important island is Muli. Locals on the island rely mainly on fishing. Divers will find the coral reefs beautiful and untouched.