Explore Noonu Atoll

Nestled in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives, Noonu Atoll, or South Miladhunmadulu, offers a captivating underwater adventure for divers of all skill levels. Comprising 71 islands with only 13 inhabited, it is a serene escape where divers can explore a variety of enchanting dive sites, including vibrant reefs, dynamic channels, and the mysterious thilas—submerged pinnacles teeming with marine life. Whether embarking on a shore dive, setting out on a boat, or joining a liveaboard expedition, the atoll promises a diverse array of experiences.

One of the atoll's highlights is Salim’s Lot, situated off the edge of Maafaru Island. This site descends from 8 meters/26 feet to 30 meters/98 feet, accommodating both novice and advanced divers. The waters of Noonu Atoll are bustling with life; divers can expect encounters with turtles, colorful reef fish, and even the majestic manta rays during the season. The atoll's remote beauty and the convenience of Maafaru's airport make accessing this diving paradise seamless, captivating the hearts of those seeking both relaxation and exploration beneath the waves.

For an unforgettable dive holiday, Noonu Atoll stands out with its blend of tranquility, accessibility, and abundant marine diversity. The unique seasonal influx of whale sharks adds an element of surprise and delight, ensuring that every dive is memorable. Embrace the allure of the Maldives by exploring the underwater marvels of Noonu Atoll, where each dive unravels a new chapter of the ocean’s fascinating story.

Upcoming Events

    • Try Scuba

    Try Scuba

    The SSI Try Scuba program is the best way to try scuba diving for the first time. You will be in confined water and well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy those first unforgettable breaths underwater and experience the magic of scuba diving. At the end of this short course, you will have earned your SSI Try Scuba recognition card and undoubtedly want to go diving again. Endless scuba diving adventures are waiting for you and this course is where it all begins. Start today!

    Sun Diving Irufushi, Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036, Noonu Atoll, MDV
    On Request
    Scuba Skills Update

    Scuba Skills Update

    It is easy for dive skills to get rusty and to lose confidence when you have not dived for a while. With the SSI Scuba Skills Update, we will get you back in the water and diving with ease in no time. This scuba refresher course allows you to review and practice scuba skills you learned in your Open Water Diver program, under the guidance of an SSI Professional. This is a great course to take just before a dive holiday, so you spend less time worrying about your skills and more time admiring the marine life.If you are a non-certified Open Water Diver student, a Scuba Skills Update is ideal for practicing your dive skills before your open water training dives. With no fixed course duration, you can take your time and focus on the skills you need help with.

    Sun Diving Irufushi, Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036, Noonu Atoll, MDV
    On Request
    Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    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.

    Sun Diving Irufushi, Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036, Noonu Atoll, MDV
    On Request
    Scuba Diver

    Scuba Diver

    Using online learning, confined and open water dives, the SSI Scuba Diver program is a perfect foundation to become a confident and safe diver. You will learn all you need to scuba dive in open water up to 12 meters deep with an SSI Professional. In this program, you will complete almost half of the Open Water Diver course training and can upgrade your certification easily. You just need to complete the remaining academic and confined water sessions, plus two open water training dives.

    Sun Diving Irufushi, Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036, Noonu Atoll, MDV
    On Request
    Find Courses & Events

    Dive Activity

    Diving in Noonu Atoll

    The dive sites around the Gilis are all reef dives and offer stunning hard and soft corals. Gorgonian sea fans, whip corals and anemones stud the reefs hiding a multitude of macro creatures. Stunning rock formations like overhangs, small swim throughs and caves will keep all levels of divers happy.

    The channels of the atoll (also known as kandus) offer drift diving. The nature of the current depends on the weather and tidal conditions. Diving at the wrong moment can turn a gentle drift dive into ripping currents, so it is vital to always follow dive guide who knows these sites well.

    As with several atolls, dive centres are minimal in Noonu Atoll. However, there are several dive resorts on offer. These are all at the top end of the price range though, so if you plan on doing a lot of diving a liveaboard may be a more economical choice.

    As with most atolls in the Maldives, a liveaboard remains an excellent way to see the best dive sites the atoll has to offer. The picturesque surroundings mean the miles will drift by and you can concentrate on seeing all that underwater Noonu has to offer. If you are interested in doing dive courses, check with your resort beforehand as most liveaboards require a certain number of dives or a minimum certification level before you can join them.

    Top Wildlife Sightings in Noonu Atoll

    Noonu atoll diving is characterised by its awesome marine life encounters. All of the dive sites give the opportunity to see the array of reef fish on offer. Snapper and fusiliers swarm out in the blue while bigger fish like sharks, trevally and tuna hunt. Turtles are frequent visitors to the atoll and you can see up to five species of turtle, though green and hawksbill are the most common.

    Peering deeper into the reef offer rich rewards too. The usual suspects of lobster and moray eels lurk in the crevasses, and more camouflaged scorpion fish and frog fish hide among the corals. For the nudibranch hunters, these reefs offer unparalleled variety and will keep you occupied for hours - or until the end of your dive!

    Though manta rays are not as common as they are at some of the other atolls, they can be glimpsed out in the blue from the eastern edges of the atoll. A “Noonu Atoll” special is its resident pod of spinner dolphins. If you’re lucky, you will glimpse them out in the blue when diving. If you’re not lucky enough to see that, they will hopefully come and play in your diveboat’s slipstream.

    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

    Moray Eel
    550 Sightings
    J
    34
    F
    47
    M
    36
    A
    82
    M
    30
    J
    38
    J
    59
    A
    71
    S
    37
    O
    47
    N
    34
    D
    35

    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
    472 Sightings
    J
    41
    F
    51
    M
    41
    A
    55
    M
    36
    J
    4
    J
    38
    A
    23
    S
    48
    O
    50
    N
    49
    D
    36
    Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle
    263 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    39
    M
    28
    A
    43
    M
    3
    J
    10
    J
    40
    A
    1
    S
    24
    O
    11
    N
    20
    D
    20
    Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
    Hawksbill Turtle

    Hawksbill Turtle
    170 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    2
    M
    21
    A
    32
    M
    18
    J
    2
    J
    20
    A
    16
    S
    12
    O
    22
    N
    6
    D
    3

    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
    112 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    21
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    20
    J
    9
    J
    32
    A
    16
    S
    8
    O
    3
    N
    0
    D
    1

    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
    41 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    4
    M
    6
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    1
    J
    7
    A
    0
    S
    0
    O
    5
    N
    7
    D
    3

    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
    39 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    15
    A
    0
    M
    0
    J
    1
    J
    2
    A
    2
    S
    7
    O
    7
    N
    1
    D
    3

    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
    572 Sightings
    J
    29
    F
    55
    M
    47
    A
    67
    M
    40
    J
    37
    J
    66
    A
    84
    S
    47
    O
    49
    N
    29
    D
    22

    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
    553 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    33
    M
    52
    A
    60
    M
    50
    J
    42
    J
    74
    A
    83
    S
    45
    O
    42
    N
    35
    D
    31

    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
    551 Sightings
    J
    11
    F
    27
    M
    49
    A
    57
    M
    46
    J
    49
    J
    77
    A
    94
    S
    51
    O
    46
    N
    21
    D
    23
    Show More

    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
    511 Sightings
    J
    24
    F
    32
    M
    44
    A
    31
    M
    41
    J
    44
    J
    73
    A
    88
    S
    44
    O
    35
    N
    33
    D
    22

    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
    491 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    37
    M
    42
    A
    37
    M
    32
    J
    45
    J
    73
    A
    86
    S
    51
    O
    33
    N
    31
    D
    22

    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
    419 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    16
    M
    25
    A
    36
    M
    38
    J
    43
    J
    62
    A
    81
    S
    34
    O
    40
    N
    18
    D
    14

    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
    417 Sightings
    J
    12
    F
    27
    M
    36
    A
    31
    M
    30
    J
    45
    J
    68
    A
    59
    S
    45
    O
    35
    N
    7
    D
    22
    iStock-June Jacobsen
    Whitetip Reef Shark

    Whitetip Reef Shark
    404 Sightings
    J
    57
    F
    22
    M
    38
    A
    50
    M
    11
    J
    22
    J
    51
    A
    27
    S
    37
    O
    37
    N
    27
    D
    25

    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
    396 Sightings
    J
    37
    F
    57
    M
    52
    A
    47
    M
    15
    J
    8
    J
    30
    A
    37
    S
    34
    O
    31
    N
    19
    D
    29

    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
    381 Sightings
    J
    18
    F
    24
    M
    31
    A
    36
    M
    29
    J
    33
    J
    62
    A
    66
    S
    36
    O
    27
    N
    7
    D
    12

    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
    370 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    29
    M
    27
    A
    34
    M
    22
    J
    39
    J
    68
    A
    59
    S
    30
    O
    23
    N
    18
    D
    17
    AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
    Blacktip Reef Shark

    Blacktip Reef Shark
    300 Sightings
    J
    20
    F
    17
    M
    8
    A
    60
    M
    12
    J
    17
    J
    40
    A
    32
    S
    34
    O
    33
    N
    12
    D
    15

    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
    264 Sightings
    J
    10
    F
    5
    M
    25
    A
    11
    M
    28
    J
    30
    J
    53
    A
    57
    S
    26
    O
    4
    N
    14
    D
    1

    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
    216 Sightings
    J
    5
    F
    8
    M
    9
    A
    3
    M
    19
    J
    27
    J
    52
    A
    36
    S
    26
    O
    16
    N
    12
    D
    3

    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
    208 Sightings
    J
    3
    F
    1
    M
    20
    A
    0
    M
    19
    J
    26
    J
    47
    A
    48
    S
    29
    O
    11
    N
    3
    D
    1

    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
    196 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    3
    M
    6
    A
    0
    M
    26
    J
    25
    J
    50
    A
    58
    S
    17
    O
    4
    N
    6
    D
    1

    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
    164 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    8
    M
    25
    A
    16
    M
    15
    J
    25
    J
    12
    A
    27
    S
    22
    O
    6
    N
    4
    D
    2

    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
    161 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    19
    J
    23
    J
    33
    A
    44
    S
    21
    O
    10
    N
    5
    D
    3
    AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
    Grey Reef Shark

    Grey Reef Shark
    152 Sightings
    J
    16
    F
    20
    M
    19
    A
    19
    M
    2
    J
    9
    J
    11
    A
    5
    S
    13
    O
    16
    N
    15
    D
    7

    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
    150 Sightings
    J
    9
    F
    21
    M
    4
    A
    27
    M
    4
    J
    5
    J
    21
    A
    15
    S
    18
    O
    11
    N
    7
    D
    8

    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
    139 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    4
    M
    16
    A
    3
    M
    23
    J
    17
    J
    28
    A
    32
    S
    11
    O
    4
    N
    0
    D
    1

    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
    134 Sightings
    J
    2
    F
    17
    M
    15
    A
    3
    M
    12
    J
    1
    J
    23
    A
    33
    S
    17
    O
    8
    N
    0
    D
    3
    AdobeStock_cherylvb
    Garibaldi Damselfish

    Garibaldi Damselfish
    72 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    2
    J
    3
    J
    14
    A
    30
    S
    20
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    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
    58 Sightings
    J
    4
    F
    5
    M
    3
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    3
    J
    6
    A
    17
    S
    9
    O
    0
    N
    7
    D
    1

    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
    46 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    2
    M
    3
    A
    0
    M
    1
    J
    3
    J
    32
    A
    4
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    1

    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
    41 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    7
    M
    1
    A
    0
    M
    3
    J
    4
    J
    7
    A
    11
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    3
    D
    5

    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
    39 Sightings
    J
    6
    F
    6
    M
    12
    A
    4
    M
    1
    J
    9
    J
    0
    A
    0
    S
    1
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

    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
    35 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    0
    M
    2
    A
    0
    M
    17
    J
    4
    J
    7
    A
    5
    S
    0
    O
    0
    N
    0
    D
    0

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

    Total number of species approx.: 55

    Shutterstock-RLS Photo
    Lobster

    Lobster
    31 Sightings
    J
    0
    F
    1
    M
    0
    A
    4
    M
    1
    J
    1
    J
    0
    A
    11
    S
    3
    O
    2
    N
    3
    D
    5

    The best Months to dive in Noonu Atoll

    Diving in Noonu Atoll is accessible nearly all year round. Due to its location in the Northern Atolls, it enjoys a drier climate than the Southern Atolls, though it does have a monsoon season from June to November.

    The dry season is usually January-April this time is also high season. The winds are low, the temperatures are constant and high and the seas are millpond calm. As a result it is a joy to dive at this time because the visibility is so good. There may be the occasional rain shower but it is likely you won’t see one if you go at this time.

    The rainy season still offers a great opportunity for diving. Despite the increased rain, there is still an average of 7 hours of sunshine a day. The rates of some resorts decrease during these months due to reduced demand. The winds pick up which does make the sea a little choppier and bring in plankton blooms, reducing visibility at times. The benefit of this, however, is that it attracts ocean giants like mantas and whale sharks to feast on the plankton. The only caveat is that diving in June is sometimes suspended due to rough seas, so be sure to check before you book with your dive centre.

    Dive Centers

    Sun Diving @ Siyam World

    Sun Diving @ Siyam World

    Siyam World, 20066 Male, Maldives
    Sun Diving Irufushi

    Sun Diving Irufushi

    Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036 Noonu Atoll, Maldives

    Dive Sites

    Sun Diving Ptv. Ltd., 2036 Noonu Atoll
    Saeedh Ge&#039;Hadhiyaa <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Saeedh Ge'Hadhiyaa (★4.3)

    The inside wall of this channel rises up from a depth of 24 meters to an incredible top reef completely covered with hard corals.The overhangs in the wall are filled up with black corals and a number of other animals like the giant winged pearl oyster.
    Sun Diving Ptv. Ltd., 2036 Noonu Atoll
    Minaavaru Faru <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Minaavaru Faru (★4.3)

    The East side of the Island Minaavaru has a beautiful reef dropping from 2 meters until 18 meters of depth.An easy dive, even when currents appear. Between varieties of hard corals, cream colored ’loped pore corals’ are scattered around the reef
    Sun Diving Ptv. Ltd., 2036 Noonu Atoll
    Kaalhu Maizaan <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Kaalhu Maizaan (★4.2)

    The maximum depth is 18 meters with a steep reef, small over hangs at different depths with colorful decorated roofs and purple whip corals are mixed with small gorgonian and spiral black corals on the bottom.
    Mares
    Than&#039;buru Canyon <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Than'buru Canyon (★4.5)

    The swim through experience 40 min by boat. Max Depth:30m / Average depth: 17m. Canyons and swim through for all levels of divers, it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced diver. The reef drops down to 30 meters and is full of small crevices and openings.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Snow White <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.0)</span>

    Snow White (★4.0)

    The reef is gently sloping downwards to a sandy bottom at a depth of 18 meters, which makes it easy for beginners to make their first open water dives and divers conducting their check dive.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Toshi Caves <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Toshi Caves (★4.3)

    Kudey Kandu is known for its unique dive site, featuring the Toshi Caves, which can be described as a rounded and expansive corner. Despite the strong currents in the area, this dive offers an easy channel experience. The reef drops steeply from the surface to a depth of 30 meters, and the varied shapes and sizes.
    Mares, Janez Kranjc
    Dhigu Faru <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

    Dhigu Faru (★4.3)

    A long reef extends from northwest to southeast, starting at around 6 meters deep and sloping down to 24 meters before transitioning to a sandy bottom.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Irufushi House Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

    Irufushi House Reef (★4.2)

    The reef has a gentle slope that descends to a sandy bottom at a depth of 18 meters. This depth makes it ideal for beginners making their first open water dives, as well as for divers conducting their check dives.
    Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
    Vavathi Kurolhi / Christmas Tree <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

    Vavathi Kurolhi / Christmas Tree (★4.5)

    This dive site is one of the best and most precious thilas / pinnacles in Noonu atoll. It gets its name from the fact that the pinnacles of the reef are stacked to resemble a christmas tree.
    Aqualung
    Orimas Thila <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

    Orimas Thila (★4.6)

    Orimas Thila is a deep thila dive site with the top of the thila at approx. 20m and is known as shark point due to the sharks that hang around in this area. If the current is strong you may need to hook into or hold onto the rocks to stay up current with the fish life.