Malé, located in the Central Atolls, is the bustling capital city of the Maldives. As the only airport in the Maldives with international flights, it is the epicentre of the archipelago. It is also one of the most densely populated cities on earth. It is located on the southern edge of North Malé, or Kaafu, Atoll. Because space is at such a premium, a nearby island called Hulhumalé has been reclaimed to provide more room.

It is the most easy-to-access part of the Maldives for tourists so it is unsurprising that there are lots of liveaboards, dive centres and dive resorts within easy reach. Most liveaboards that go and explore other atolls leave from here. It is also some of the most well established diving, as it is so close to the capital.

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Basic Diver

Basic Diver

Have you always wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater? The SSI Basic Diver program is the perfect introduction to scuba diving for complete beginners. No previous diving experience is required – just bring your curiosity and sense of adventure!During this 4–5 hour experience, your dedicated SSI Instructor will be with you every step of the way. You'll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving in a safe, relaxed environment before taking your very first dive in the ocean.What you will experienceA friendly introduction to the world of scuba divingLearn how scuba equipment works and how to use it safelyUnderstand the basic rules and safety proceduresPractice essential diving skills in shallow waterEnjoy your first open water dive under the direct supervision of your SSI InstructorDiscover the incredible marine life while building confidence underwaterPerfect for Absolute BeginnersThis program is specifically designed for people who have never participated in a diving course before. There is no certification required and no prior experience needed. Your instructor will guide you through every step, answer all your questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience.DurationApproximately 4–5 hoursMaximum Depth Up to 12 metres, always under the direct supervision of an SSI Professional.Continue Your Diving JourneyIf you fall in love with diving—and many people do—your Basic Diver experience can be credited towards the SSI Scuba Diver or SSI Open Water Diver program within 6 months, making it the perfect first step into becoming a certified scuba diver.

Ocean Junkies, Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000, Hulhumale, MDV
September 27, 2026 +108 More
$110.00
Open Water Diver

Open Water Diver

Take the first step towards a lifetime of underwater adventures with the SSI Open Water Diver program. This internationally recognized certification is the world's most popular scuba diving course and is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to dive safely and confidently.No previous diving experience is required. Whether you've never worn scuba equipment before or have already completed the SSI Basic Diver program, this course will teach you everything you need to become a certified diver.What you will learnThroughout the course, your experienced SSI Instructor will guide you through each stage of your training, ensuring you gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to dive independently with a buddy.The program includes: Digital learning with interactive SSI training materials Classroom and theory sessions Confined water (pool or shallow water) training to master essential scuba skills Open water dives to apply everything you've learned in real diving conditions Comprehensive safety procedures, dive planning, buoyancy control, underwater communication, and equipment use By the end of the course, you'll be comfortable preparing your own equipment, planning dives, and exploring the underwater world safely. Course DurationTypically 3–4 days (approximately 10–15 hours of training, depending on schedule and local conditions). Your CertificationAfter successfully completing the course, you'll earn your SSI Open Water Diver Certification, recognized worldwide.As a certified Open Water Diver, you can: Dive independently with another certified diver Explore dive sites all over the world Dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet) (age restrictions apply for junior divers) Continue your education with advanced and specialty diving courses Perfect for BeginnersThe SSI Open Water Diver program is ideal for anyone who wants to learn scuba diving from the ground up. Your instructor will support you throughout the entire course, helping you build confidence while progressing at a comfortable pace. Every skill is introduced step by step in a safe and enjoyable learning environment.Prerequisites Minimum age: 10 years Comfortable in the water No previous diving certification required Start your adventure today and earn a certification that opens the door to incredible diving experiences anywhere in the world. ????????

Ocean Junkies, Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000, Hulhumale, MDV
September 27, 2026 +108 More
$500.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Malé

Diving in Malé is characterised by submerged pinnacle reefs (thilas), caves, swim throughs, channel (kandu) drift dives and even some wrecks. Almost all liveaboards leave from here, meaning you have a wide selection to choose from. If you want to dive a lot and see as many sites as possible, this may be your best option. There are several dive resorts on nearby islands if you wish to stay close to the capital. There are also plenty in the wider Kaafu Atoll if you wish to go further afield. There are a couple of dive centres on the island itself, perfect if you want to do a dive course while staying in the city with even more on Hulhumalé.

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

The best Months to dive in Malé

Malé enjoys constant temperatures all year round, with the water temperatures rarely dropping below 27°C/81°F. There are two distinct seasons—the rainy and the dry. During the dry season (December–April) the winds are almost nonexistent, the seas are calm, and the visibility is often 40 meters/131 feet or more. This is the best time to dive, but it is also the most expensive time.

The rainy season from June–November brings higher winds (and rougher seas as a result) with more rain, though there is plenty of sunshine as well! The winds bring in plankton, which decreases the visibility, but it does attract manta rays and whale sharks! Also, the prices go down during this season as it is less busy.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Malé

North Malé provides many healthy reefs to look for macro and reef fish in. The corals that coat many sites provide excellent macro hunting which can yield rare nudibranch, shrimp and pipefish. There are clouds of fish to enjoy; parrotfish munching on coral, hunting trevally and schools of fusiliers and jacks are present on almost every dive site and mean you’ll never be bored!

Diving in Malé can yield great sightings of pelagic life - chiefly reef sharks and manta rays. Certain dive sites like Manta Point offer the best chances of seeing them, especially during the monsoon season.

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

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

11k Sightings
J
945
F
778
M
1k
A
1.2k
M
789
J
505
J
801
A
1k
S
899
O
1k
N
1.1k
D
1.1k
Green Turtle

Green Turtle

6.8k Sightings
J
597
F
528
M
639
A
697
M
424
J
384
J
575
A
707
S
409
O
578
N
673
D
612

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray

6.1k Sightings
J
420
F
364
M
569
A
807
M
479
J
276
J
432
A
575
S
504
O
489
N
614
D
544
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

4.1k Sightings
J
391
F
328
M
390
A
423
M
252
J
238
J
406
A
395
S
268
O
302
N
353
D
365
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

3.2k Sightings
J
126
F
97
M
133
A
163
M
148
J
149
J
211
A
400
S
416
O
508
N
575
D
278

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

2.5k Sightings
J
285
F
145
M
201
A
244
M
170
J
148
J
161
A
263
S
189
O
218
N
213
D
223
Tiger Shark

Tiger Shark

2.1k Sightings
J
178
F
161
M
329
A
183
M
113
J
73
J
124
A
258
S
130
O
62
N
290
D
164
Bull Shark

Bull Shark

1.4k Sightings
J
115
F
125
M
278
A
194
M
156
J
97
J
89
A
98
S
87
O
20
N
46
D
52

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

1.1k Sightings
J
134
F
104
M
127
A
157
M
59
J
18
J
32
A
39
S
73
O
100
N
154
D
74
Great Hammerhead Shark

Great Hammerhead Shark

746 Sightings
J
49
F
47
M
104
A
88
M
62
J
30
J
74
A
89
S
61
O
36
N
50
D
56

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

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

589 Sightings
J
37
F
52
M
45
A
77
M
53
J
24
J
50
A
75
S
51
O
29
N
61
D
35
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

509 Sightings
J
20
F
25
M
24
A
13
M
17
J
16
J
37
A
72
S
68
O
92
N
83
D
42
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

336 Sightings
J
28
F
19
M
23
A
58
M
29
J
6
J
42
A
48
S
19
O
34
N
21
D
9
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

11k Sightings
J
938
F
785
M
981
A
1.1k
M
660
J
581
J
840
A
1k
S
819
O
955
N
1.1k
D
901

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

8.9k Sightings
J
730
F
658
M
776
A
886
M
687
J
498
J
698
A
897
S
715
O
744
N
790
D
840

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

8.3k Sightings
J
735
F
591
M
755
A
834
M
579
J
466
J
627
A
832
S
675
O
684
N
738
D
806
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark

7.1k Sightings
J
469
F
540
M
554
A
815
M
453
J
355
J
563
A
667
S
591
O
717
N
748
D
601

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

7.1k Sightings
J
661
F
502
M
669
A
715
M
474
J
392
J
523
A
727
S
547
O
587
N
540
D
717

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

7k Sightings
J
642
F
510
M
602
A
655
M
528
J
434
J
541
A
708
S
567
O
576
N
566
D
640

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

6.4k Sightings
J
577
F
458
M
543
A
581
M
501
J
341
J
470
A
658
S
541
O
572
N
571
D
613

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

6.4k Sightings
J
502
F
467
M
635
A
807
M
421
J
278
J
383
A
625
S
467
O
500
N
751
D
554

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

6.2k Sightings
J
597
F
434
M
519
A
576
M
455
J
400
J
444
A
635
S
468
O
480
N
568
D
581

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

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

6k Sightings
J
606
F
403
M
477
A
590
M
414
J
342
J
446
A
637
S
506
O
467
N
516
D
573

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

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

5.8k Sightings
J
599
F
404
M
497
A
555
M
417
J
261
J
447
A
521
S
462
O
519
N
515
D
601

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

5.6k Sightings
J
473
F
326
M
474
A
455
M
423
J
359
J
452
A
592
S
501
O
493
N
514
D
496
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

2.9k Sightings
J
278
F
245
M
244
A
346
M
187
J
102
J
191
A
268
S
225
O
243
N
276
D
287

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

2.8k Sightings
J
269
F
233
M
223
A
283
M
168
J
166
J
172
A
295
S
220
O
213
N
264
D
309

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

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

2.8k Sightings
J
285
F
212
M
270
A
231
M
180
J
143
J
210
A
298
S
271
O
234
N
231
D
240

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

2.7k Sightings
J
275
F
211
M
214
A
224
M
190
J
160
J
175
A
271
S
276
O
231
N
268
D
249

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

2.6k Sightings
J
252
F
152
M
264
A
270
M
157
J
166
J
193
A
230
S
210
O
205
N
224
D
307

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

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

2.6k Sightings
J
333
F
218
M
219
A
186
M
185
J
154
J
166
A
232
S
185
O
252
N
192
D
272

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

2k Sightings
J
172
F
134
M
157
A
212
M
169
J
121
J
128
A
192
S
174
O
181
N
183
D
200

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

Total number of species approx.: 2

Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark

2k Sightings
J
205
F
176
M
138
A
243
M
130
J
119
J
192
A
186
S
118
O
185
N
137
D
175

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

1.9k Sightings
J
185
F
101
M
227
A
192
M
143
J
141
J
114
A
142
S
122
O
152
N
151
D
184

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

Total number of species approx.: 15

Tuna

Tuna

1.8k Sightings
J
195
F
194
M
158
A
137
M
95
J
92
J
117
A
205
S
141
O
106
N
171
D
162

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

1.8k Sightings
J
168
F
92
M
130
A
128
M
162
J
110
J
147
A
158
S
161
O
194
N
122
D
198
Lemon Shark

Lemon Shark

1.6k Sightings
J
178
F
149
M
237
A
260
M
173
J
70
J
101
A
121
S
73
O
54
N
98
D
86

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

1.1k Sightings
J
153
F
114
M
99
A
61
M
65
J
62
J
89
A
91
S
92
O
77
N
105
D
107

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

Total number of species approx.: 20

Guitarfish

Guitarfish

1k Sightings
J
126
F
93
M
65
A
95
M
24
J
30
J
65
A
113
S
61
O
68
N
175
D
113

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

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

1k Sightings
J
97
F
27
M
93
A
76
M
85
J
43
J
57
A
97
S
117
O
132
N
88
D
100
Silvertip Shark

Silvertip Shark

886 Sightings
J
109
F
65
M
72
A
80
M
60
J
25
J
60
A
83
S
97
O
41
N
107
D
87

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

714 Sightings
J
111
F
71
M
81
A
61
M
52
J
27
J
27
A
65
S
45
O
45
N
33
D
96

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

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

668 Sightings
J
54
F
34
M
45
A
86
M
49
J
28
J
38
A
56
S
57
O
93
N
73
D
55

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

Total number of species approx.: 80

Emperor

Emperor

624 Sightings
J
112
F
76
M
62
A
21
M
31
J
44
J
40
A
60
S
33
O
32
N
39
D
74

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

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

515 Sightings
J
48
F
20
M
38
A
48
M
27
J
15
J
50
A
56
S
52
O
63
N
37
D
61

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

449 Sightings
J
30
F
38
M
52
A
30
M
34
J
14
J
34
A
49
S
35
O
33
N
37
D
63
Oceanic Blacktip Shark

Oceanic Blacktip Shark

368 Sightings
J
36
F
26
M
23
A
44
M
10
J
3
J
21
A
49
S
23
O
18
N
63
D
52

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

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

343 Sightings
J
52
F
64
M
40
A
26
M
35
J
27
J
19
A
16
S
15
O
14
N
18
D
17

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Underwater Beginner