Haa Dhaalu Makunudhoo
The Makundhoo island is the westernmost island in the Maldives and populated by humans and filled with wonderful dive sites.
Explore Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Haa Dhaalu Atoll, located in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives, offers an exceptional diving experience that appeals to both beginners and advanced divers. The atoll is renowned for its wide channels and shallower thilas, which create the perfect conditions for novices to explore the underwater world with ease. These vibrant reefs are teeming with marine life, showcasing the Maldives' rich biodiversity. Divers can expect to encounter unique species such as the Napoleon fish, longnose hawkfish, and a variety of eels, sea turtles, and reef sharks in this underwater paradise.
One of the standout features of Haa Dhaalu Atoll is the Fushi Kandu dive site, where diverse marine environments can be explored. This site is characterized by its five distinct thilas located in a wide channel stretching one kilometer/half mile across. The underwater landscapes here vary from stunning reefs to drop-offs and caves, offering an adventurous experience for divers of all skill levels. Seasonal changes also bring varied sightings, enhancing the allure of diving in this region and making it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.
Top Regions to Explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Diving in Haa Dhaalu Atoll is accessible for all. Because of its underwater topography it makes it perfect for beginner diving courses. To benefit from one of these, have a look at the local dive resorts and dive centres. Most bg resorts have access to a dive centre but if you’re unsure, check before you travel.
For the more advanced diver, there are other myriad delights in store. The dive sites go deep enough to explore drop offs and overhangs to satisfy even the toughest customer. A fantastic advanced level dive site is Heaven and Hell which promises dramatic coral formations. A good option for an experienced diver might be a liveaboard. Many require a certain number of dives or certification level but they are a fantastic way to see all the dive sites and the atoll at large. If you plan on doing a lot of dives, it may also be the most cost effective choice.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
The marine life in Haa Dhaalu Atoll is classically Maldivian. Schooling fusiliers and groups of hunting trevally and tuna out in the blue are only the start of it. If you’re into macro hunting on the reefs, you will not be disappointed. Big pelagic life is present all over the Northern Atolls. At certain dive sites, mantas may be seen during the monsoon season. All year round, you can see large tuna, schools of fish and reef sharks - there is no hunting for the interesting life here, it will find you!
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
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
94 Sightings
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5
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7
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14
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17
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6
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5
J
2
A
5
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5
O
16
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9
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3
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
59 Sightings
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2
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7
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13
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6
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4
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2
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0
A
5
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2
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12
N
2
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4
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
53 Sightings
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0
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3
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11
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10
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2
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3
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5
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3
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1
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11
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2
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
50 Sightings
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2
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3
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15
A
10
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1
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0
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1
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2
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5
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2
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7
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2
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle
25 Sightings
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1
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2
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4
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6
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1
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3
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0
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3
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0
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2
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3
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0
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
20 Sightings
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0
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3
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2
A
1
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3
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0
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0
A
1
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1
O
4
N
4
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
14 Sightings
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0
F
1
M
8
A
2
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0
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0
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0
A
0
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0
O
2
N
1
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0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
13 Sightings
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0
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0
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0
A
1
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0
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0
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0
A
2
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1
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5
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1
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3
AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin
6 Sightings
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0
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0
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4
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1
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0
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1
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
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0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
101 Sightings
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1
F
10
M
20
A
12
M
5
J
4
J
9
A
7
S
4
O
14
N
13
D
2
The best Months to dive in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Haa Dhaalu Atoll’s location in the Northern Atolls means that it enjoys a drier climate than its southern cousins. The weather year-round rarely dips lower than 26°C/79°F and peaks in the low 30s°C/high 80s°F. The water temperature is classic of the tropics, with temperatures comfortably staying in the high 20s°C/mid-80s°F, meaning that a shortie wetsuit is usually enough to keep you warm.
Between the months of November and May is the dry (and high) season. The winds are low, the seas are calm, the rain is minimal, and the visibility is excellent. The only downside is that the prices sometimes rise due to increased demand on the resorts.
Between June and November is the monsoon season. This is a bit of a misnomer as it just means that there are more frequent rain showers—but it’s still perfect for a diving holiday. The only exception to this is that some diving may be suspended during June due to choppy seas. The prices come down slightly, and the islands are relaxed, leading to a more laid-back vibe. The large plankton blooms during this time also bring in large pelagic life like manta rays and whale sharks!
