Explore Alif Dhaalu Atoll

Alif Dhaalu Atoll (South Ari Atoll) is located in the southwest part of the Central Atolls. It is also known as the Alif Dhaalu Atoll. It features shallower and easier diving that North Ari. Due to its large number of dive resorts and dive centres, is popular for dive courses. It is one of the largest and most well established atolls in terms of tourism and it is busier than others as a result.

Diving in Alif Dhaalu Atoll is a diverse mix of kandus (channels), thilas and barrier reefs. Drift dives are common, some of which feature strong currents only really suited to advanced divers. It also boasts several wrecks including the Kudima. The protected Maamingili Reef at the southernmost point of the atoll offers some of the best chance to see whale sharks in the world.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Kuda Rah Thila

A stunning underwater pinnacle just minutes away from the island of Kuda Rah. This dive site has been declared a protected marine area. The dive site is better for Advanced certified divers and those who are experienced with a bit of current. Nitrox is recommended.

5,471
Logs
4,234
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Rangali Madivaru

Rangali Madivaru (Madi = Manta, Faru = long Reef) is a manta cleaning station located in the channel at approx. 9 meters on the edge where the sloping bottom meets a plateau reef. This dive site is best visited during the manta season when the current is outgoing, otherwise when the current is incoming.

1,837
Logs
1,446
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Kudimaa (Wreck)

This medium-sized steel wreck was sunk on purpose in 1998, this was to provide the many divers visiting South Ari Atoll with a wreck dive site. This site is very close to the house reef of Machafushi island.

1,922
Logs
1,648
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Maamigili Beyru

Dive site right on the corner of Maamigili Island at the southern end of the Ari Atoll, which also has an airport. Outer reef slowly sloping down to approx. 10 m, then more or less steep wall up to over 40 meters with smaller overhangs and crevices. Depending on the current, right or left shoulder along the reef.

2,259
Logs
1,618
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Angaga Thila

Underwater seamount- called Thila in Maldives, top reef at 7-10 meters. Negative decent needed away from the reef if there is current. High concentration of fish on the current side. Lots of schooling fishes, Tunas and big stuff such as sharks and rays. Beautiful cracks and holes with all kind of surprises.

749
Logs
556
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Mahibadhoo Rock (Manta Point)

Manta Rays cleaning station. Great amount of mantas spotted here during outgoing currents between May and December. Maximum depth is 18 meters. Possible strong currents, when this happens, visibility tends to be poor, around 10 meters.

1,787
Logs
1,459
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Dhigurah Beyru

Outer reef diving site on the local island of Dhighura - reef slowly sloping down from 0 to approx. 10 m, then more or less steep wall up to over 40 m with smaller overhangs. Depending on the current, right or left shoulder along the reef.

1,384
Logs
998
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lily manta point

There is a coral block in 19 Meters of depth, still beautiful and untouched, with all kind of corals. and surrounded by sand. There are a lot of cleaner wrasses around, so the reef mantas come in to get cleaned. Divers can sit on the sand and watch the mantas coming in and out, without harming corals.

1,182
Logs
968
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Aiyabe Thila (Hollywood)

One of the best dive sites in this area, it offers almost everything. Top Reef 5 Meters , excellent for safety stop. Big overhangs with fantastic coral life, schooling fishes and predators wich hunt for them . Negative decent needed if there is current

125
Logs
111
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Magey Modu Thila

Small Thila. Top at about 7 Meters, lots so re-growing stone corals, black corals in the deep part. Especially in current challenging as negative decent is needed away from the site.

64
Logs
54
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Five Rocks

This dive site is quite unique in the fact that the pinnacle has split into five pieces over thousands of years of erosion. The pieces of pinnacle lay at depths of between 12m and 40m.

1,528
Logs
1,351
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Vilamendhoo Thila

Just off the end of the main island reef, this thila sits on the edge of the atoll just in the channel. As such, it gets good pelagics when the current runs like whitetip reef sharks, and occasional manta and hammerheads. Come up on the deep side to check out the frequent eagle rays found cruising this dive site.

1,765
Logs
1,287
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Dhigu Faru Kuda Thila

Small beautiful Thila, reef top 10-12 meter deep. Negative decent needed. You can swim around if the current is not too strong several times. Overhangs gives you protection from current and to watch fish life.

137
Logs
100
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Bulaloghi Faru

Surrounding Reef of Bulaloghi, an inhabited Island . Depending on current right or left should along the wall which has many caverns full wit corals and fish life

48
Logs
46
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Alif Dhaalu Atoll

Alif Dhaalu Atoll is known for having some of the most beginner friendly diving in the Maldives. As the dive resorts and dive centres are numerous, this makes it one of the most famous atolls for beginner dive courses. It has over 15 dedicated resort islands and several dive centres to choose from. If you wish to dive a lot, a liveaboard is often the most economical choice. There are lots of options to suit many budgets and it is the easiest way to travel between dive sites which may be many kilometres apart.

The actual diving is diverse. There are the easier sloping reefs, perfect for beginners, and thilas which offer overhangs and caves to explore. In the kandus, you can do drift dives - some of which are very strong and only suitable for those experienced in diving with currents. There are several wrecks you can explore too, some of which can be penetrated and all of which are spectacular artificial reefs.

The best Months to dive in Alif Dhaalu Atoll

Alif Dhaalu Atoll diving is possible year round, though it is subject to monsoons. The best season for diving conditions is from December to April. The winds are gentle and warm which leads to crystal clear, calm seas. The rains at this time are minimal, so the sunshine is near constant.

From May to November, the winds change directions and pick up a little. This change can make the air feel a little cooler and mean that the seas are choppier. The rains increase as well, but you would be unlucky to see more than a short, heavy downpour. Due to the ocean conditions at this time, some dive operators suspend their services so if you plan to dive at this time, be sure to check beforehand. The upside of this season is that the winds blow in higher densities of plankton. Though it reduces the visibility, it draws in more manta rays and whale sharks to feast on the extra food!

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Goby dive center

Goby dive center, 00040 A.Dh Mahibadhoo, MDV

Island Scuba

Island Scuba Inn, 00060 Dhangethi, MDV