Explore Lhaviyani Atoll

Lhaviyani Atoll, nestled in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives, is a diver's paradise renowned for its proximity to Malé and its captivating underwater landscapes. With only 5 of its 54 islands inhabited, it offers a tranquil yet exciting dive experience. The Atoll is home to over 50 dive sites, including the famed Aquarium, where divers of all levels can encounter guitar sharks and hawksbill turtles. For those seeking a thrill, Madivaru Kandu offers a challenging channel dive with sightings of graceful eagle rays.

The Atoll is celebrated for its pinnacle and drift dives, embodying the quintessential Maldivian topography. Among its standout features is The Shipyard wreck site, where two boats rest close to each other, with one breaching the surface, creating a striking visual. Another highlight includes the Skipjack wrecks, with Skipjack 1 sitting upright at 15 meters/49 feet and Skipjack 2 resting on its side at 28 meters/91 feet. These sites offer divers a glimpse into the vibrant marine life that thrives in the Maldivian waters, making Lhaviyani Atoll a must-visit for any dive enthusiast.

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    Diving in Lhaviyani Atoll

    Like most Maldivian Atolls, diving in Lhaviyani Atoll is characterised by 2 major structures: submerged pinnacles (thilas or giris) and channels (kandus). The thilas allow reef diving that can be catered to all levels in most cases due to the gentle slope of the site. The kandus allow drift diving, which can be beginner friendly or advanced level depending on the specific dive site.

    Lhaviyani Atoll also offers some unique diving opportunities in the Maldives. It is one of the few atolls with diveable wrecks. Actually, in this case, there are 2 - spaced only 40m apart! This dive site can even be seen from the surface as one of these boats lies with its hull protruding above the water.

    There are several dive resorts to choose from in Lhaviyani Atoll. Many of these are catered to the higher end of the price range. There are dive centres available on some of the certain islands - the easiest way to find the nearest one to you is to check with the staff at the hotel you are staying at.

    As ever in the Maldives, if you are planning on diving a lot, a liveaboard may be the best way to go. You know at the offset how many dives you will get and how much the price will be. Due to Lhaviyani Atolls location close to Malé, there is a wider selection of liveaboards to choose from. Another benefit is that you may end up seeing a bigger variety of sites.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Lhaviyani Atoll

    There is marine life to satisfy even the pickiest divers on Lhaviyani Atoll. For those interested in investigating the benthic life on the reef, peering in amongst the rocks will yield nudibranch, tiny shrimp and even lobsters in the bigger overhangs. Sharp eyes can also spot masters of disguise like pipefish, leaf scorpionfish and frogfish blending in with the soft corals.

    For those more interested in the larger species, you will not be disappointed. Even just glancing over the reef will yield swarms of brightly coloured butterflyfish, angelfish, damselfish and the translucent glassfish. Out in the blue there are schooling fusiliers, snappers and sweetlips. Turtles , stingrays, reef sharks and eagle rays are frequent visitors to many sites as well. Depending on the season, site and conditions, it is also possible to glimpse grey reef sharks, whale sharks and manta rays.

    Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    140
    F
    90
    M
    103
    A
    92
    M
    67
    J
    96
    J
    91
    A
    82
    S
    97
    O
    106
    N
    100
    D
    142

    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

    Eagle Ray
    631 Sightings
    J
    80
    F
    35
    M
    59
    A
    45
    M
    61
    J
    48
    J
    37
    A
    45
    S
    27
    O
    52
    N
    61
    D
    81
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    623 Sightings
    J
    75
    F
    47
    M
    52
    A
    50
    M
    60
    J
    34
    J
    51
    A
    53
    S
    29
    O
    37
    N
    70
    D
    65

    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

    Moray Eel
    582 Sightings
    J
    108
    F
    50
    M
    46
    A
    48
    M
    50
    J
    42
    J
    22
    A
    14
    S
    16
    O
    56
    N
    80
    D
    50

    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

    Wrasse
    224 Sightings
    J
    50
    F
    36
    M
    14
    A
    23
    M
    14
    J
    19
    J
    20
    A
    3
    S
    4
    O
    7
    N
    19
    D
    15

    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

    Octopus
    118 Sightings
    J
    38
    F
    18
    M
    2
    A
    7
    M
    7
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    2
    S
    4
    O
    8
    N
    15
    D
    14
    iStock-crisod
    Reef Manta Ray

    Reef Manta Ray
    117 Sightings
    J
    7
    F
    2
    M
    7
    A
    14
    M
    7
    J
    8
    J
    8
    A
    7
    S
    4
    O
    17
    N
    14
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 27

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Barracuda

    Barracuda
    113 Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    8
    M
    11
    A
    11
    M
    10
    J
    11
    J
    3
    A
    2
    S
    4
    O
    6
    N
    9
    D
    8

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock/Extreme-Photographer
    Stingrays

    Stingrays
    1.2k Sightings
    J
    164
    F
    80
    M
    80
    A
    72
    M
    81
    J
    81
    J
    73
    A
    79
    S
    92
    O
    103
    N
    103
    D
    155

    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

    Parrotfish
    601 Sightings
    J
    108
    F
    68
    M
    58
    A
    49
    M
    28
    J
    39
    J
    35
    A
    14
    S
    26
    O
    54
    N
    65
    D
    57
    Show More

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 12

    iStock/cinoby
    Lionfish

    Lionfish
    581 Sightings
    J
    94
    F
    61
    M
    45
    A
    50
    M
    46
    J
    45
    J
    27
    A
    28
    S
    10
    O
    38
    N
    83
    D
    54

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 28

    Udo Kefrig
    Clownfish

    Clownfish
    572 Sightings
    J
    104
    F
    50
    M
    66
    A
    47
    M
    35
    J
    36
    J
    17
    A
    20
    S
    14
    O
    44
    N
    76
    D
    63

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Rich Carey
    Angelfish

    Angelfish
    517 Sightings
    J
    94
    F
    49
    M
    56
    A
    40
    M
    30
    J
    34
    J
    28
    A
    11
    S
    11
    O
    49
    N
    69
    D
    46

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-wrangel
    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish
    497 Sightings
    J
    90
    F
    52
    M
    40
    A
    46
    M
    34
    J
    31
    J
    31
    A
    9
    S
    10
    O
    40
    N
    66
    D
    48

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 85

    iStock-mirecca
    Surgeonfish

    Surgeonfish
    491 Sightings
    J
    98
    F
    46
    M
    47
    A
    32
    M
    29
    J
    30
    J
    30
    A
    11
    S
    22
    O
    32
    N
    56
    D
    58

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
    Butterfly Fish

    Butterfly Fish
    470 Sightings
    J
    73
    F
    51
    M
    51
    A
    38
    M
    30
    J
    32
    J
    27
    A
    10
    S
    13
    O
    41
    N
    55
    D
    49

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Shutterstock-aquapix
    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts
    444 Sightings
    J
    78
    F
    42
    M
    41
    A
    34
    M
    23
    J
    28
    J
    30
    A
    11
    S
    10
    O
    40
    N
    54
    D
    53

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 110

    iStock-Rainer von Brandis
    Snapper

    Snapper
    427 Sightings
    J
    89
    F
    49
    M
    34
    A
    30
    M
    26
    J
    25
    J
    25
    A
    8
    S
    8
    O
    41
    N
    51
    D
    41

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 90

    Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
    Goatfish

    Goatfish
    349 Sightings
    J
    53
    F
    40
    M
    38
    A
    28
    M
    11
    J
    25
    J
    19
    A
    7
    S
    10
    O
    38
    N
    41
    D
    39

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    iStock-Hoatzinexp
    Jackfish

    Jackfish
    347 Sightings
    J
    51
    F
    35
    M
    28
    A
    29
    M
    28
    J
    32
    J
    12
    A
    4
    S
    7
    O
    29
    N
    37
    D
    55

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Soldierfish

    Soldierfish
    326 Sightings
    J
    76
    F
    31
    M
    21
    A
    29
    M
    12
    J
    24
    J
    15
    A
    6
    S
    9
    O
    34
    N
    36
    D
    33

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 8

    Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
    Bannerfish

    Bannerfish
    325 Sightings
    J
    58
    F
    40
    M
    21
    A
    29
    M
    29
    J
    25
    J
    24
    A
    10
    S
    8
    O
    24
    N
    27
    D
    30

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Alamy-Andre Seal
    Damselfish

    Damselfish
    319 Sightings
    J
    60
    F
    37
    M
    20
    A
    29
    M
    9
    J
    26
    J
    15
    A
    3
    S
    6
    O
    32
    N
    41
    D
    41
    AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
    Grey Reef Shark

    Grey Reef Shark
    231 Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    11
    M
    18
    A
    16
    M
    24
    J
    16
    J
    12
    A
    14
    S
    15
    O
    23
    N
    18
    D
    34

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets
    184 Sightings
    J
    39
    F
    31
    M
    15
    A
    7
    M
    9
    J
    9
    J
    13
    A
    5
    S
    9
    O
    26
    N
    12
    D
    9

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 60

    iStock-Global_Pics
    Squirrelfish

    Squirrelfish
    178 Sightings
    J
    51
    F
    19
    M
    17
    A
    25
    M
    8
    J
    5
    J
    7
    A
    3
    S
    7
    O
    11
    N
    8
    D
    17

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish
    176 Sightings
    J
    22
    F
    17
    M
    11
    A
    20
    M
    11
    J
    18
    J
    20
    A
    3
    S
    5
    O
    5
    N
    21
    D
    23

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    iStock-bearacreative
    Emperor

    Emperor
    167 Sightings
    J
    30
    F
    21
    M
    7
    A
    18
    M
    9
    J
    16
    J
    12
    A
    3
    S
    3
    O
    24
    N
    19
    D
    5

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
    Boxfish

    Boxfish
    157 Sightings
    J
    28
    F
    16
    M
    8
    A
    22
    M
    7
    J
    15
    J
    11
    A
    4
    S
    3
    O
    2
    N
    19
    D
    22

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
    Tuna

    Tuna
    152 Sightings
    J
    33
    F
    16
    M
    11
    A
    11
    M
    13
    J
    5
    J
    5
    A
    5
    S
    7
    O
    8
    N
    16
    D
    22
    iStock-June Jacobsen
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark
    123 Sightings
    J
    15
    F
    10
    M
    10
    A
    10
    M
    12
    J
    3
    J
    9
    A
    6
    S
    13
    O
    11
    N
    14
    D
    10

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 2

    AdobeStock-hakbak
    Nurse Shark

    Nurse Shark
    99 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    7
    M
    8
    A
    20
    M
    10
    J
    4
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    11
    O
    17
    N
    12
    D
    3
    AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
    Blacktip Reef Shark

    Blacktip Reef Shark
    98 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    2
    M
    11
    A
    10
    M
    7
    J
    6
    J
    10
    A
    5
    S
    5
    O
    9
    N
    11
    D
    10

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3

    Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish
    81 Sightings
    J
    31
    F
    7
    M
    4
    A
    4
    M
    11
    J
    2
    J
    7
    A
    1
    S
    3
    O
    2
    N
    5
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish
    79 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    8
    M
    8
    A
    4
    M
    11
    J
    1
    J
    3
    A
    9
    S
    2
    O
    10
    N
    5
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shutterstock-Shane Gross
    Shrimp

    Shrimp
    77 Sightings
    J
    26
    F
    12
    M
    5
    A
    0
    M
    4
    J
    3
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    1
    O
    5
    N
    15
    D
    2

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
    Garfish

    Garfish
    72 Sightings
    J
    8
    F
    16
    M
    7
    A
    5
    M
    6
    J
    13
    J
    5
    A
    1
    S
    3
    O
    0
    N
    4
    D
    4

    The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Shutterstock-s_a_j
    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel
    62 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    19
    M
    1
    A
    4
    M
    2
    J
    2
    J
    1
    A
    1
    S
    1
    O
    16
    N
    6
    D
    3

    The best Months to dive in Lhaviyani Atoll

    The diving in Lhaviyani atoll can differ depending on the time of year. Though there is no time of the year when you should definitely not dive, there are a few things to bear in mind.

    The months of December - May tend to be known as the dry (or high) season. The rainfall and wind are minimal which makes for fantastic dive conditions. The water is clear and calm and everything you could want for a dive holiday in the sun! The only downside to this time of year is that the prices will be at their highest.

    May to November is technically known as the monsoon season. Though there is increased rainfall and winds, it is still possible to have fantastic diving conditions during this time. The exception is the month of June, during which the seas can sometimes be too choppy - this is important to bear in mind if you are planning on diving at this time. On the upside, the prices of many resorts come down slightly during this period. The increased winds also draw in plankton blooms which increase the chance of seeing pelagic giants like manta rays and whale sharks.

    Dive Centers

    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives

    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives

    Thilamaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

    Dive Sites

    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    CANDICE THILA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    CANDICE THILA (★4.7)

    Candice Thila is a beautiful small reef with it’s reef top around 5m and its bottom at around 30 meters. It is located 15 boat minutes north of Le Meridien Maldives
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    Miyaru Gaa <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Miyaru Gaa (★4.7)

    Miyaru is the Dhivehi (Maldivian) word for shark. Gaa means as much as “Block“ in the local language. Putting both parts together creates the perfect description of this place. To be more precise “Nurse Shark Block“ would hit the nail on its head...
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    Le Meridien House Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    Le Meridien House Reef (★4.8)

    A vibrant and beautiful House Reef at Le Meridien Maldives is located at the north side of Le Meridien. It is sheltered from the elements and accessible almost the entire year for divers and snorkelers alike. Le Meridien Maldives stunning House Reef offers more than 5 different dive sites. Including a small wreck.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    Runway <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    Runway (★4.7)

    Runway got its name from the parallel established Seaplane runway. It is an easy and beautiful dive along a coral slope full of marine life. Starting from 2 meters at the top the reef reaches a depth of approximately 20 meters.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    Ahga Giri <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    Ahga Giri (★4.8)

    Ahga Giri is a small reef with its reeftop at 5 meters. The place is famous for its resident nurse sharks which grow quite big at the place. A stunning experience without any comparison!
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    OOKOLHU FARU <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    OOKOLHU FARU (★4.7)

    The dive site itself actually consists of two dive sites that are divided by a sandy plateau at 8 meters. South of the plateau we can find a large lagoon with an average depth of about 12 meters. On the other side towards the north and north west a sloping and long reef called faru ranges from 10 to 30 meters.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    Fushifaru Thila <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Fushifaru Thila (★4.6)

    This pinnacle is located in the northeast channel of Lhaviyani Atoll. You can find a large plateau covered in coral blocks that act as cleaning stations for the manta rays during the southwest monsoon.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    ALIGHAA BEYRU EDGE <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    ALIGHAA BEYRU EDGE (★4.2)

    Alighaa Beyru Edge isn’t only located at a channel corner; the dive site actually sits directly at the south western corner of Lhaviyani Atoll. Drive time from Le Meridien Maldives is 35 minutes. The highlight of this dive site is surely the very impressive oceanic edge. Best dived on a nice south western current.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    ALIGHAA BEYRU FARU <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    ALIGHAA BEYRU FARU (★4.8)

    Alighaa Beyru Faru is located about 40 minutes south west of Le Meridien Maldives. As with most farus, it’s a relatively easy drift dive along a beautiful coral covered reef. The top is at 5 meters and then slopes down to 30 meters and beyond (100 meters plus)
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    HALAAKU THARI THILA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.0)</span>

    HALAAKU THARI THILA (★3.0)

    Halaaku Thari Thila lies a 10-minute ride to the north. The name translates into “broken star thila” and this is exactly what the topography looks like. Overall, the dive site offers a beautiful underwater landscape including an almost vertical wall with lots of healthy hard corals around.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    GAA VEHTUNU THILA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

    GAA VEHTUNU THILA (★5.0)

    Gaa Vehtunu Thila translates into “fallen stone” reef. The fallen stone actually describes a reef structure west of the main reef consists of a big mushroom coral block at 19 meters depth. The main thila has a small top reef at 5 meters from where it drops gradually to about 20 meters.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    MADUVVARI DHEKUNU KANN <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

    MADUVVARI DHEKUNU KANN (★4.8)

    One of our best dive sites! Maduvvari Dhekunu Kann is located on a channel corner west of Le Meridien Maldives. A 25-minute boat ride takes us to this prime dive spot, which is suitable for experienced divers who feel comfortable with deep dives in potentially strong currents.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    THIN SEHLI THILA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    THIN SEHLI THILA (★4.6)

    The dive at Thin Sehli starts fairly shallow at around 5 meters then gradually drops down to 25 meters on all sides. The dive site features some really nice coral blocks and is home to several cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses are waiting for larger fish to come by to get “cleaned”.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    NEYFAI HAEH THILA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★5.0)</span>

    NEYFAI HAEH THILA (★5.0)

    The reef starts at about 5 meters, where you’ll find a few rocks and hard coral blocks. Make sure to have a look underneath the various blocks to spot some lobsters. The main thila drops to about 25 to 30 meters and features some very nice coral gardens in the north east that are teeming with life.
    Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives, 00000 Malé
    MADUVVARI HAA <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

    MADUVVARI HAA (★4.7)

    This beautiful thila is located south west of Le Meridien Maldives. The top of the reef is at about 5 - 8 meters, going down to around 30 meters. Overall, Maduvvari Haa is teaming with life. In the South west is a nice overhang and the north east you’ll find a beautiful coral garden mainly consisting of hard coral