Explore Central Atolls

The Central Atolls of the Maldives offer some of the most captivating diving experiences in the world, weaving together thrilling encounters with diverse marine life, stunning underwater sceneries, and vibrant Maldivian culture. Known for their accessible location due to the proximity of Malé and its international airport, these atolls, including Vaavu, Ari, and Rasdhoo, provide a perfect gateway for divers seeking adventure in the Indian Ocean. Each atoll presents a unique diving character, with numerous dive centers and resorts catering to different preferences. The region is particularly famous for its exhilarating kandu channel dives, where strong currents bring an abundance of pelagic creatures, creating a mesmerizing underwater spectacle. Diving in the Central Atolls is synonymous with encounters with majestic manta rays, especially in areas like Baa Atoll during the wet season, when these gentle giants gather for feeding frenzies. Ari Atoll stands out as a premier diving destination, offering rich marine biodiversity and dense fish populations that captivate both novice and experienced divers. Opting for a liveaboard trip ensures an immersive dive journey, allowing exploration of multiple dive sites with ease and comfort. Beyond the underwater allure, the Central Atolls also enchant with their cultural richness, from the colorful architecture of Malé to the serene white sand beaches and ornate mosques, making it a holistic dive travel experience.

Places to explore

Kaafu Atoll

220 Divesites 30 Centers

Explore Kaafu AtollKaafu Atoll is located in the Central Atolls of the Maldives. It consists of Nort

Ari Atoll

Explore Ari AtollAri Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Maldives with 105 islands. Spread ove

Southern Nilandhe Atoll

A great spot for beginners to start their diving journey, the Southern Nilandhe Atoll is wider, shallower and has weaker currents than other areas of Maldives.

North Nilandhe Atoll

The most recognizable channel in the Northern Nilandhe Atoll is Filitheyo Thandu, another protected marine area.

Thaa Atoll

Thaa atoll has great coral gardens to explore with the Caribbean Garden and the Gorgonian Garden being the most famous ones.

Meemu Atoll

30 Divesites 1 Center

Mulee Island is generally considered the best diving location in the Meemu Atoll.

Vaavuu Atoll

9 Divesites

Vaavu is the easternmost atoll of the Maldives and has diving areas for all levels of divers.

Baa Atoll

13 Divesites 5 Centers

Baa Atoll has over 1,200 types of reef fish and over 250 species of coral, the most in all of the Indian Ocean

Alif Dhaalu

14 Divesites 2 Centers

Explore Alif Dhaalu AtollAlif Dhaalu Atoll (South Ari Atoll) is located in the southwest part of the

Faafu Atoll

13 Divesites

Explore Faafu AtollFaafu Atoll in the Central Atolls is one of the quietest and least visited. The d

Alif Alif

53 Divesites 15 Centers

Explore Alif Alif AtollDiving in Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari Atoll) is diverse and possible for all l

Dhaalu Atoll

1 Divesite 2 Centers

Explore Dhaalu AtollDhaalu Atoll (South Nilandhe) is actually half of the Nilandhe Atoll which also

Upcoming Events

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Diver Level Programs / Courses

Joy Dive Safari

Basic Diver

Contact the Center for more information.

In the SSI Basic Diver program, you will learn the skills and knowledge you need to try diving up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. It is a great way to explore the underwater world more fully as you try diving. The entire Basic Diver program can be credited towards the Scuba Diver or Open Water Dive programs within 6 months, so you can take the next step in your dive adventure.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Ocean Warriors Institute

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

29 Dec 2025 + 227 more

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Apex Dive Rasdhoo

Deep Diving

31 Dec 2025 + 2 more

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Apex Dive Rasdhoo

Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2 (40%)

31 Dec 2025 + 1 more

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Bodu Manta Diving

Open Water Diver

31 Dec 2025 + 2 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Instructor Evaluation

SSI Service Center Maldives

تقييم المدرب (IE) (Instructor Evaluation)

01 Jan 2026

ابدأ اليوم - يجب أن تكون مدرب دايف ماستر (Divemaster) أو ما يعادله للانضمام إلى نهج تدريب المدربين المكون من 3 خطوات في إس إس آي (SSI). تبدأ عملية التدريب بالانضمام إلى دورة تدريب المدربين المساعدين (Assistant Instructor) / دورة تدريب المدربين المصحوبة بالتعلم الرقمي. بعد الانتهاء بنجاح من دورة تدريب المدربين (ITC) ستلتحق بدورة تقييم المدرب (IE) (Instructor Evaluation) للتأهل كمدرب مياه مفتوحة (OWI) من إس إس آي (SSI). هذا البرنامج التدريبي الذي يستمر لمدة 10 أيام يؤهلك لتدريس العديد من برامج إس إس آي الرئيسية بشكل مستقل مثل غواص سكوبا (Scuba Diver)، غواص مياه مفتوحة (Open Water Diver)، غواص الهواء المخصب نايتروكس(EAN) (Enriched Air Nitrox)، غواص إجهاد و إنقاذ (DSR) (Diver Stress and Rescue)، و مرشد غوص (Dive Guide).

بالنسبة لأولئك الذين يرغبون في أخذ المزيد من الوقت للتعلم واكتساب خبرة تعليمية قيمة بين البرامج التدريبية، يمكن أيضًا أخذ الأجزاء الثلاثة كخطوات فردية - مساعدي المدربين (AI)، ودورة تدريب المدربين (ITC) وتقييم المدربين (IE) واحدًا تلو الآخر بالسرعة التي تناسبهم وبجدول زمني مرن.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Ocean Warriors Institute

Zero to Hero - Dive Master Training Program

04 Jan 2026 + 4 more

Ready to be a dive leader? Become an SSI Dive Master and dive into a world of leadership and expertise! Join our program to master your diving skills, guide others, and transform your passion into a profession. The Divemaster program is the first step on an exciting journey. Earn the respect of your dive buddies and become an ambassador for diving by taking the Divemaster program. All you need to get started are 40 verified/logged dives and certifications in Deep Diving, Navigation, Night & Limited Visibility or at least 5 logged/verified dives experience in each area plus Diver Stress & Rescue. You will be certified as a Dive Guide after successfully completing the Divemaster program. When your interest is to turn your passion into a profession by guiding certified divers, teaching Ecology programs, assisting instructors or even becoming an instructor yourself, your next step is the Divemaster Upgrade with a minimum of 60 logged/verified. Upgrade to Divemaster right away or any time after by self-studying the Science of Diving materials, passing the Digital Final Exam which makes you an SSI Professional.

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Dive Point Guraidhoo

Assistant Instructor

10 Feb 2026 + 4 more

The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training. If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Noku Divers

Open Water Diver

10 Jan 2026

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Apex Dive Rasdhoo

Open Water Diver

12 Jan 2026 + 1 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Ocean Warriors Institute

Advanced Open Water Diver

12 Jan 2026 + 33 more

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Instructor Evaluation

SSI Service Center Maldives

教练评估 - IE

13 Jan 2026

教官评估（IE）是 SSI 两步教官培训法的最后一步 潜水长或同等水平的专业人员必须首先成功完成教官培训课程（ITC），在该课程中您将学习如何

- 开展学术课程
- 领导封闭水域训练
- 教授开放水域潜水员和各种专业课程，如高氧空气、潜水员压力与救援、完美浮力等
- 培养学员管理和沟通技巧

已经是其他机构的资深教练？您可能有资格获得缩短的上船选项，您只需完成教练培训课程 (ITC) 的某些部分，然后通过教练评估 (IE)。请联系您附近的 SSI 培训中心了解详情。
已在其他机构获得助理教官认证？您可以在 SSI 继续您的职业旅程。请与当地的 SSI 培训中心联系，了解您的选择。

Dive Sites Show on map

DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Aquarium / Lhohifushi Corner (★4.6)

This dive site is located right next to the island. The long reef ends into a corner of the canal. Here you can see several highlights. A very nice dive site for beginners as well as experienced divers.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

HP Reef / Rainbow Reef (★4.6)

One of the most colorful dive sites in North Male Atoll. On the south side of Girifushi island with abundant fish life and very nice soft corals, there are numerous blue soft corals and a swim through. The current can be strong!
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

West Rock (Wreck) (★4.5)

West Rock is home to a small wreck that is easy to dive, which lies upright in a small bay at a depth of about 26m. Parts of the hold can be explored. The superstructure and the mast come down to 10m.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Okobe Thila (★4.3)

This amazing reef are 3 blocks. The biggest begins in the south between 80-100m long and it's full of corals, it would be nice we can start here. In the east we have another wonderful block a bit similar to east block Maya Thila covert full with corals. In the north is the smallest block. AOW or higher
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Sunlight Thila (★4.1)

Sunlight Thila is a formation of two small reefs that attract giant manta rays between March and October. Between the reefs lies a 60-meter long sandy bottom boasting small coral formations with plenty of cleaner wrasses.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Himmafushi Corner (★4.4)

Himmafushi Corner is a drift dive, best suited for divers with a lot of experience as this dive is deep and can have strong currents. The corner slopes from 5 to 30m and after that comes to a small drop off to 45/50m. This dive should only be conducted during the incoming current.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Karens Block (★4.7)

Really nice drift dive on a sloping wall and blocks in the more sloping area full of soft corals and marine life. It starts at 4 to 5 meters and goes down to 30+ meters and is one side of a channel. You can expect current but not too strong.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Back Kani (★4.6)

Easy but always nice dive. The top of the reef drops down from 7m to 30/35m and then runs into the sand. Depending on the current, you simply dive the right or left shoulder. With a little luck, this dive site offers everything that makes diving exciting!
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Lohis (★4.4)

This drift dive is a slope from 5 to 25m. Some big blocks are on the way. There you will find big turtles and sharks passing by. On top of the reef, you see parrotfish, napoleon, morays, and eagle rays.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Kani Thila (★4.6)

Kani Thila is about 400m from Kani inside and should only be dived by experienced divers. It is already very deep and you must always keep an eye on the air supply. There are overhangs with black coral bushes and on the reef top there are bubble anemones.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Nassimo Thila (★4.2)

Probably one of the best Thilas in the whole North Male area. There are several pinnacles on the north of the Thila, where the main fish are, along with beautiful coral formations and sea fans. Wonderful dive for experienced divers due to the strong current.
DivePoint Meedhupparu, 960 Meedhupparu

Digufaru Thila (★4.7)

This is a small thila 80m long and 70m wide in the middle of a channel which promises a lot of currents. Due to the current, this dive site should be dived by experienced divers only, or those who are willing to learn! Smart diving in the current’s shade required or the right place to be shown by an experienced instructor.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Huraa Etere (★4.3)

An easy dive site which is ideal for open water dives 3 and 4 OWD, but also offers nice macro stuff. You can find them at the mini wreck or the cargo that lies around the hull on the ground (16-19m). A little further out west (20m) we find a small thila.
DivePoint Hudhuran Fushi, 20193 Male

Fish Tank (★4.4)

This dive site has many names, Fish Tank, Fish Factory, Stingray City and they all fit! There is actually a fish factory on the island and this is the reason why there are so many rays and moray eels.
DivePoint Meedhupparu, 960 Meedhupparu

Maarikilu Caves (★4.5)

nice drift dive first in a small bay and later on a steep wall. In the bay, sloping from 4 to 22m to then have a small dropoff. With a bit of luck you can see the wonderful manta rays passing by here from January to April.

Diving in Central Atolls

The Central Atolls in the Maldives offer a mesmerizing array of dive sites known for their vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. Among the top dive spots is the Machchafushi Wreck, an enthralling dive experience where divers can explore a sunken cargo ship teeming with marine life. This site is a favorite for wreck enthusiasts and provides a unique glimpse into the region's underwater history.

For those preferring shore dives, the Central Atolls do not disappoint. Dives along the house reefs of island resorts offer easy access to thriving underwater ecosystems, making them popular with beginners and experienced divers alike. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving ensures divers can tailor their experiences, whether they seek the comfort of daily dives from a resort or the adventure of exploring multiple sites on a liveaboard. Night dives reveal the magical behavior of marine life, such as the mesmerizing feeding frenzies of manta rays, adding another layer of excitement to these underwater adventures.

The best Months to dive in Central Atolls

The Central Atolls offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F. Visibility is typically impressive, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet. The region is known for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, making it a favorite among divers.

Diving is possible throughout the year, but the best conditions are generally from November to April when the northeast monsoon ensures calmer seas and milder currents. During the southwest monsoon from May to October, divers may encounter stronger currents and less predictable weather, although diving remains feasible. Planning your trip during the peak diving season can enhance your experience with optimal conditions.

Statistics

Dive Activity

Top Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
18k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.2k
M
1.5k
A
1.7k
M
1.1k
J
575
J
1.3k
A
1.6k
S
1.5k
O
1.9k
N
2.3k
D
1.8k
iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
13k Sightings
J
880
F
942
M
1.3k
A
1.5k
M
703
J
396
J
794
A
1.1k
S
868
O
1.2k
N
1.5k
D
1.3k
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
11k Sightings
J
766
F
752
M
977
A
1.1k
M
623
J
368
J
816
A
1k
S
731
O
1k
N
1.3k
D
1k
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
7.4k Sightings
J
601
F
560
M
646
A
563
M
347
J
135
J
278
A
624
S
715
O
1k
N
1.2k
D
721
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
6k Sightings
J
439
F
428
M
543
A
537
M
336
J
231
J
540
A
577
S
463
O
586
N
761
D
564
iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
5.4k Sightings
J
460
F
334
M
441
A
481
M
274
J
228
J
429
A
533
S
372
O
612
N
707
D
497
iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
2.5k Sightings
J
158
F
223
M
225
A
284
M
83
J
53
J
174
A
264
S
179
O
250
N
357
D
284
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
2.1k Sightings
J
154
F
143
M
210
A
302
M
125
J
40
J
120
A
112
S
122
O
234
N
363
D
199
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst

Tiger Shark
1.5k Sightings
J
139
F
112
M
195
A
132
M
91
J
56
J
108
A
192
S
106
O
38
N
202
D
122
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
1.4k Sightings
J
170
F
122
M
146
A
105
M
67
J
36
J
65
A
109
S
116
O
164
N
178
D
142

Dive Centers Show on map

Dive Point Hudhuran Fushi

H. Crest Finifenmaa Goalhi, 200015 Male, Henveyru, MDV

Bodu Manta Diving

Nikagas Magu, 09050 Bodufolhudhoo, MDV

Ocean Junkies

Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, MDV

Awequatic Divers

Breeze, 09020 Rasdhoo, MDV

Coast Guard Diving Centre

Coast Guard Building, 200095 Male’, MDV

Island Scuba

Island Scuba Inn, 00060 Dhangethi, MDV

Goby dive center

Goby dive center, 00040 A.Dh Mahibadhoo, MDV

Ocean Explorer Marine Sports

P.O Box 2168, North Male Male, MDV

Sub Oceanic @ Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Hilton Maldives Amingiri, 20188 North Male Atoll, MDV

Dive Point Guraidhoo

Silincoa, K. Guraidhoo, 08080 Guraidhoo, MDV

Drop Dive Maldives

BODU MAGU, 09020 AA. Rasdhoo, MDV

Diving Centers Werner Lau Bathala, Bathala Island Resort

Nord Ari Atoll, 09090 Bathala Island Resort, MDV

Sun Diving Olhuveli

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, 2005 South Male Atoll, MDV

Salted Ventures, VALHO

Ma. Beach House, Vaidheri Higun Male, MDV

Amphibuzz Dive

Amphibuzz Dive, Male’, MDV

Seacrest Scuba

Miraaz, Vashaamagu, 09030 AA.Ukulhas, MDV

Jerry’s Dive Club Rasdhoo

Cooperation rd, 09020 Rasdhoo, MDV

Kuramathi Dive Club

Kuramathi Island Resort, 09140 Rasdhoo Atoll, MDV

DivePoint Rannalhi

Adaaran Club Rannalhi, 20026 South Male Atoll, MDV

Dive Club Buoyancy

Chaandhanee Magu, 09040 Mathiveri, MDV

Murakabay Maldives

Jumbooreemagyu, 09030 Ukulhas, MDV

Eco Dive Club Maafushi, Ahmed Nihaal

Maafushi, 08090 Maafushi, MDV

Apex Dive Rasdhoo

Ghaazee Magu, 09020 Rasdhoo, MDV

SSI Service Center Maldives

H. Crest, 200015 Male, MDV

Sun Diving Vilu Reef

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, 20155 South Nilande Atoll, MDV

Seafari Maldives

Seafari Maldives Pvt Ltd, 1200 Male, MDV

Feenaa Diving Thulusdhoo

Araamu, K.Thulhusdhoo, Kaafu male’, 08040 THULUSDHOO, MDV

Joy Dive Safari

Safari Island Resort, 20119 North Ari Atoll, MDV

Maldive Queen Dive Center

FW Residence 07-03,Kurikeela Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, MDV

Lifeguard & Rescue Academy Maldives

H. Crest,, 20015 Male’, MDV

Ocean Warriors Institute

Henveiru Meenaaz, 20006 Male’, MDV

MALDIVES BLUEFORCE 3

C/Navarra 6, 2° dpto 6, 48001 Bilbao, VI - ESP

MALDIVES BLUEFORCE ONE

C/Navarra 6, 2, dpto 6, 48001 Bilbao, VI - ESP

Sun Diving Iruveli

Sun Siyam Iruveli, 13080 Iruveli, MDV

Diverland Embudu

Diverland, 00000 Embudu Village, MDV

My Dive

G. Neelofaruhigun, 20138 Male, AS - MDV

Noovilu Sports

Kandolhu, North Ari Atoll, MDV

Aquatic Adventures

Faalandhoshu magu, 08070 Gulhi, MDV

MALDIVES AGGRESSOR II

Male, MDV

Other Divers @Huraa

Nikagass Magu, 08050 Huraa, MDV