Explore Haa Alif Atoll
North West Haa Alif Atoll, nestled in the Northern Atolls of the Maldives, offers a tranquil diving escape that remains a hidden gem for underwater enthusiasts. Known as North Thiladhunmathi, this atoll is the northernmost in the Maldives and the third largest, providing an expansive playground for divers. Its accessibility, thanks to Hanimadhoo's airport, contrasts with its uncrowded dive sites, where you're often the only boat exploring the waters. Diving here offers a serene yet exhilarating experience, with diverse sites ranging from vibrant coral reefs to thrilling overhangs and caves.
The atoll is renowned for its marine life spectacles, particularly in its North West channels, where manta rays and whale sharks are frequent visitors. The shallower and wider channels, with gentler currents, make it ideal for beginners, providing ample opportunities to encounter majestic mantas gliding through the waters. The reefs teem with life, featuring colorful lionfish, lobsters, and various pufferfish amidst coral formations. While dive resorts are limited, liveaboards offer expansive tours of this underwater paradise, ensuring you don't miss the marvels hidden beneath these tranquil, warm waters.
The best Months to dive in Haa Alif Atoll
Haa Alif Atoll diving is generally very good all year round. The water temperature stays consistently in the high twenties Celsius/high seventies Fahrenheit, and the air temperatures rarely drop below 27°C/81°F.
Like other islands in the Northern Atolls, it is drier than the south. From December to May, the rainfall is minimal. The seas are calm, the winds are almost nonexistent, and the visibility is flawless. During the monsoon season of June–November, the winds pick up, and there is some more rain. Though the winds draw in more plankton and reduce the visibility, this isn’t a negative. The plankton blooms draw in manta rays and whale sharks from the deep ocean, and they grace the dive sites with majestic displays.
One thing to bear in mind is that many dive operators do not run in June. This is because the winds are stronger, and the seas can be too choppy to be safe. If you are planning to dive in June, be sure to communicate with your dive operator beforehand.
Top Haa Alif Atoll Dive Sites
Filadhoo Wreck
This dive site, lying at 14 meters/46 feet, is perfect for both scuba and freediving enthusiasts. It's an easy adventure level, offering sightings of macro marine life such as fusiliers, snapper, eagle rays, and green turtles. The wreck and surrounding table corals provide excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
Ihavandhoo Channel
Ideal for advanced scuba divers, this channel offers thrilling drift dives. Divers can encounter sharks, rays, lobster, and lionfish. The thila here is also a manta cleaning station and showcases a stunning overhang. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking adventure with a chance to see large marine life.
The Aquarium
Known for its vibrant marine life, this site offers both scuba and freediving. It's an easy dive, ideal for those who enjoy a colorful display of fish in crystal-clear waters. As its name suggests, it feels like diving in an actual aquarium, surrounded by schools of brightly colored fish.
Utheemu Kandu
This site is suitable for advanced scuba divers, featuring strong currents. Divers can encounter pelagic species such as barracudas and trevallies. The site also has beautiful coral formations and serves as an ecological zone of importance, with healthy populations of reef sharks.
Dhoragali Thila
An advanced dive site, primarily for scuba diving, with stunning underwater topography. Divers can explore overhangs and caves teeming with lionfish and moray eels. The site offers an adventurous dive experience with the chance to see larger marine species like eagle rays and tuna.