Explore Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Maldives with 105 islands. Spread over an area of 267km square, it is split into 2 regions. South Ari, also known as Alif Dhaa, has 49 islands and North Ari is also known as Alif Alif and has 33 islands.
It is also one of the most well established and populated atolls, over 20 islands are dedicated resorts, almost all of which have a dive centre. Many other islands have standalone dive centres as well. The diving in Ari Atoll has fewer barrier reefs than others in the Central Atolls, and has mostly pinnacles (thilas) and channels (kandus).
It is considered by many to have some of the best diving in the Maldives. One of the most common reasons people dive here is to see large pelagic life, as mantas can be seen year round and there are frequent visitations from hammerheads and whale sharks too.
Places to Explore
Top Ari Atoll Dive Sites
1. Maya Thila
Maya Thila is renowned for its vibrant marine life, with colorful nudibranchs, batfish, and moray eels. At greater depths, divers may encounter eagle rays, turtles, and guitar sharks. This site is suitable for all levels when currents are minimal but can be challenging with stronger currents. Both scuba and freediving are possible, with stunning night dives offering a chance to see fusiliers and hunting white tips.
2. Fish Head (Shark Point)
Located in a marine protected area, Fish Head features a sloping pinnacle with blue line snappers, grey reef sharks, and black coral. Divers can enjoy schools of fusiliers, batfish, eagle rays, and bumphead parrotfish. This site is ideal for advanced divers using scuba gear due to its depth and strong currents. Its protected status ensures vibrant marine biodiversity.
3. Broken Rock
Broken Rock is known for its unique deep crevasse, allowing divers with good buoyancy to navigate between rock walls adorned with fans and soft corals. Whale sharks occasionally visit the area. This site is suitable for advanced scuba divers, offering an exhilarating experience among colorful marine life.
4. Fesdu Wreck
The Fesdu Wreck, an artificial reef created from a sunken fishing trawler, sits at 30m. It hosts glassfish, butterfly fish, lionfish, and more. This site is best suited for advanced scuba divers due to its depth. The wreck attracts marine life, providing a unique underwater adventure.
5. Maamgili Beru
Protected since 2009, Maamgili Beru is famous for frequent whale shark sightings. The reef, starting at 8m and dropping to 30m, houses moray eels, frogfish, and eagle rays. Occasionally, mobula manta rays are spotted. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, this site offers a chance to see majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat.