Explore Kaafu Atoll
Kaafu Atoll is located in the Central Atolls of the Maldives. It consists of North Malé and the quieter South Malé Atolls, as well as the islands of Kaashidhoo and Gaafaru. It is also home to the capital island of Malé and its sister island of reclaimed land (and which has the international airport), Hulhumale. It is the largest atoll, both in terms of economy and tourism.
Kaafu Atoll diving is some of the most well established as it has been open to tourism for longer than other atolls. Though some of the dive sites may be busier, there is more choice in terms of dive resorts, centres and liveaboards. Diving in Kaafu Atoll is diverse and beautiful - it has manta cleaning stations, caves, drift dives, wrecks and barrier reefs covered in unparalleled coral formations.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in Kaafu Atoll
Because of its proximity to the capital city Malé, there is no shortage of choice in Kaafu Atoll. With over 40 resort islands, and nearly countless inns and guest houses on the inhabited islands like Dhiffushi and Maafushi, you will be spoilt for choice. Most dedicated resorts will have a dive centre attached, but not all facilitate diving courses so check before you go if this is something you are looking for. If you are not staying at a specific dive resort, check with your guesthouse to see if there is a dive centre on the island so you’re not disappointed.
Liveaboards are by far the easiest way to dive a lot and in lots of dive sites. It is close to Malé which is where many boats leave from so many pass by Kaafu Atoll early in their journey. There are lots of liveaboards for all budgets but do check on the minimum dive requirements before booking.
The best Months to dive in Kaafu Atoll
The diving in Kaafu Atoll is accessible all year round due to consistent air and water temperatures. It is subject to a monsoon season from May to November. The dry season, from December to April makes for some fantastic diving conditions. Minimal wind and rain and maximum sunshine means that the days are warm and the oceans are still, with excellent visibility.
During the monsoon, the winds increase and there are more frequent rain showers, though they usually only last for a couple of hours. The winds make the seas rougher, which can disrupt diving trips. They also blow in blooms of plankton which can reduce the visibility in some places. The upside of this is that it also attracts filter feeders like manta rays and whale sharks to hoover up the extra food!
Statistics
Historical data and trends
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Centers Map
MALDIVES BLUEFORCE 3
C/Navarra 6, 2° dpto 6, 48001 Bilbao, VI - ESP
MALDIVES AGGRESSOR II
Male, MDV
Ocean Warriors Institute
Henveiru Meenaaz, 20006 Male’, MDV
Ocean Explorer Marine Sports
P.O Box 2168, North Male Male, MDV
Ocean Junkies
Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, MDV
Master Liveaboards Maldives
FW Residence 07-03,Kurikeela Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, MRT
Dive Point Hudhuran Fushi
H. Crest Finifenmaa Goalhi, 200015 Male, Henveyru, MDV
DivePoint Rannalhi
Adaaran Club Rannalhi, 20026 South Male Atoll, MDV
Lifeguard & Rescue Academy Maldives
H. Crest,, 20015 Male’, MDV
MALDIVES BLUEFORCE ONE
C/Navarra 6, 2, dpto 6, 48001 Bilbao, VI - ESP
Dive Mission Joy
Joy Island, 08080 K. kasanfaru Lagoon, MDV
Salted Ventures
Ma. Beach House, Vaidheri Higun Male, MDV
Diverland Embudu
Diverland, 00000 Embudu Village, MDV
SSI Service Center Maldives
H. Crest, 200015 Male, MDV
My Dive
G. Neelofaruhigun, 20138 Male, AS - MDV
Maldivers Dhiffushi
Faruma, Dhiffushi, MDV
Other Divers @Huraa
Nikagass Magu, 08050 Huraa, MDV
Diverland Summer Island
Summer Island Maldives, 00000 Male, MDV
Getaway Divers Maldives
Sanoara, 08030 K. Dhiffushi, MDV
Sun Diving Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives, 2005 South Male Atoll, MDV