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.
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.
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!
Alif Dhaalu offers some exceptional soft and hard coral reefs and all the brightly coloured life that goes with it. Unfortunately, due to an El Niño event a few years ago, some of the coral on the western side has been bleached, but the local communities are working to improve its health. Turtles, reef sharks, manta rays and schools of fish like barracuda and jacks are all common sights the dive sites here. One of the key highlights of Alif Dhaalu Atoll is the opportunity to see whale sharks all year round! The plankton rich waters draw in more of these gentle giants than North Ari and offer one of the best chances in the world to dive with them.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
Curated by Interest
Mares
Aqualung
Shutterstock-Zi Magine
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Scubapro
Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Mares-Predrag Vuckovic
Mares-Bjoern Dorstewit
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