Rasdhoo Atoll, nestled in the heart of the Maldives, offers an extraordinary diving experience for enthusiasts seeking both excitement and tranquility. Despite being one of the smaller atolls with only four islands, it is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and accessibility from Malé, just 58 kilometers away. Divers can explore a captivating underwater world that boasts three intriguing wrecks, mysterious cave systems, and vibrant horseshoe reefs off Madivaru Island. These diverse dive environments cater to various styles, whether you prefer thrilling boat dives or more leisurely shore explorations. A highlight of Rasdhoo Atoll is the exhilarating opportunity to dive with hammerhead sharks, a rare spectacle in the diving community. Schools of these majestic creatures, numbering over 200, can be seen emerging from the deep waters surrounding the atoll, providing an unforgettable encounter. Rasdhoo Madivaru and Hammerhead Point are particularly celebrated spots, offering steep walls that plunge dramatically into the ocean depths. This unique setting, combined with the allure of encountering schooling hammerheads, makes Rasdhoo Atoll a must-visit destination for divers seeking both adventure and the chance to witness one of nature's true wonders.
Rasdhoo Atoll is unusual in this area because it is surrounded by deep waters - the wall dives on the outside of the atoll have drop offs down to 200m. This cooler water attracts large pelagic life like manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The wall has gentle currents, but the stronger drifts tend to be in the channels (kandus) within the atoll.
There are three wrecks to choose from, located at 40m, 34m and 7m. If wreck diving is your passion, it may be advisable to get your advanced qualification with deep specification before you come as not all places facilitate dive courses. A highlight is the opportunity to dive the 40m wreck at night!
There is a choice on how to dive in Rasdhoo Atoll. The island of Rasdhoo has 5 dive centres to choose from, some of which also function as dive resorts. As they are dive centres as well, you can stay elsewhere on the island if you wish. One of the best ways to dive here is on a liveaboard. Most liveaboards leave from nearby Malé which means that there is a lot to choose from! They also cater for a variety of budgets and desired trip durations.
The marine life in Rasdhoo Atoll is typical of the region. Most dive sites offer opportunities to see larger life such as reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda, napoleons, stingrays and green and hawksbill turtles. Schools of snapper, jacks, trevally and fusiliers are almost omnipresent. Looking deeper into the reefs will yield more hidden beasties like moray and ribbon eels, lobster and all manner of colourful reef fish. For the really eagle eyed, there is also the masters of camouflage like ghost pipefish, frogfish and leaf fish. Manta rays can be seen at certain sites from October - April and occasionally whale sharks are sighted to the north.
One of the highlights of Rasdhoo Atoll diving is the opportunity to dive with hammerheads. Early morning dives along the walls will yield a few but that’s not the really amazing bit. On a good day, the hammerheads come schooling out of the deep blue in numbers of over 200. It is one of the last places in the world where this can be seen and it’s not one to miss.
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: 25
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
The weather and diving in Rasdhoo Atoll is generally very pleasant all year round. Both the water and air temperatures stay constant and there is always great diving to be had.
The wet season is between April and October. Due to the winds, the visibility reduces slightly but the currents are less fierce and the diving can be easier which is favoured by some divers. The best time to dive here is between October and April. There is less rain, the visibility improves and it is the perfect time to spot manta rays!
