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Explore Shaviyani Atoll

Shaviyani Atoll, nestled in the northern reaches of the Maldives, offers a serene and intimate diving experience that stands out for its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Less explored than its southern counterparts, this atoll promises divers an exclusive encounter with the vibrant marine life typical of the Maldives, but without the crowds. With 51 islands, only 16 of which are inhabited, Shaviyani Atoll provides a sense of seclusion, allowing for peaceful dives where divers often find themselves as the sole explorers of these underwater paradises.

One of the highlights of diving in Shaviyani Atoll is Lupo Thila, a smaller reef teeming with extensive marine life. Divers can expect to encounter everything from colorful reef fish to majestic manta rays gliding gracefully by. For those seeking a thrill, the aptly named 'Secret Shark Spot' offers unforgettable encounters with reef sharks. This unique dive site is renowned for its regular gatherings of these majestic creatures, providing a rare spectacle for those daring enough to immerse themselves in their world. Whether you're diving from shore, boat, or enjoying a liveaboard adventure, Shaviyani Atoll promises a magical marine adventure that's both captivating and tranquil.

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!

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV
August 16, 2026 +96 More
$257.40
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.

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV
August 16, 2026 +96 More
$1,158.30
Try Mermaid

Try Mermaid

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a mermaid? Join the SSI Try Mermaid program and make your dreams come true! You will complete a mermaid experience with an SSI professional in a pool/confined waters and learn entry-level mermaid skills, including swimming with a mermaid monofin. Earn your SSI Try Mermaid recognition rating. It is the perfect program to do before joining our SSI Mermaid course. Start today!

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV
August 16, 2026 +96 More
$218.79
Mermaid

Mermaid

Learn how to become a mermaid with the exciting SSI Mermaid program! This mermaid training provides all the skills and techniques you need to maximize your mermaid experience, be truly comfortable in the water and get the most out of your equipment. After getting certified as an SSI Mermaid, the next logical step is to take your mermaid adventures to our wonderful oceans! With just 2 additional open water sessions, you can upgrade to become an SSI Ocean Mermaid at any time. Get started today!

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV
August 16, 2026 +96 More
$218.79
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Dive Activity

Diving in Shaviyani Atoll

Shaviyani Atoll diving is less populated by dive resorts and centres than elsewhere in the Northern Atolls. There is only one dive centre available in the whole atoll, though there are several inclusive diving resorts. Perhaps the easiest way to dive Shaviyani Atoll is via a liveaboard. There is a selection that run in the area so you should be able to find one to suit your dream holiday. Many liveaboards require a minimum certification level or number of dives so it’s a good idea to check before you book to avoid being disappointed.

Unless you are staying at a dive resort, it may not be the best location for introductory dive courses. As both of the major dive sites are quite deep, it is generally more suited to the advanced diver. 

Dive Centers

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Sub Oceanic @ Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Dive Sites

Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Nattey Thila (★4.5)

Nattey Thila (★4.5)

Nattey Thila is located 25 minutes to the south of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. The reef features overhangs on the southern part of the thila that are filled with awe-inspiring soft corals. Located in a channel it is prone to stronger currents. Nitrox recommended.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Maroshi Thila (★4.9)

Maroshi Thila (★4.9)

This dive site in the north of the Maldives is a pinnacle starting at 16m with overhangs and canyons. Here you will enjoy great fish life and lots of colorful soft corals.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Faru Hulhangu (★4.7)

Sirru Faru Hulhangu (★4.7)

Sirru Faru Hulhangu is located about 15 minutes west of Sirru Fen Fushi Private . As with most farus, it is a relatively easy drift dive along a beautiful coral covered reef. The top is at 5 meters and then slopes down to 30+ meters. At various depths you will find overhangs, some covered in beautiful soft corals.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Thila (★4.6)

Sirru Thila (★4.6)

Only suitable for experienced divers who feel comfortable with deep dives in potentially strong currents. Nitrox recommended. The rewards are great! The northern part of the thila is covered by overhangs and gorgeous coral life.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll
Maroshi Irumathi (★4.7)

Maroshi Irumathi (★4.7)

A nice and easy site 30 minutes south of Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort. Located on the east of the local island Maroshi, this dive site is usually done as a drift dive. The dive site features a very shallow top reef and a slope reaching to about 25 meters deep.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Fen Fushi House Reef (★4.8)

Sirru Fen Fushi House Reef (★4.8)

A 5-minute boat ride to the east and we arrive at Sirru Faru Irumathi better know as Sirru Fen Fushi’s House Reef! Located on the west side of Sirru Fen Fushi’s private Lagoon Resort, this long drift along the slope is suitable for beginner divers as well as divers who don’t enjoy long boat rides.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Fen Fushi Hulanghu Faru - Manta Point (★4.7)

Sirru Fen Fushi Hulanghu Faru - Manta Point (★4.7)

This prime dive site is located to the northwest of Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi and has everything a diver can dream of. We reach this top dive spot after a 15 minute boat ride.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Fahi Faru (★4.9)

Fahi Faru (★4.9)

Approximately a 30-minute boat ride to the north this nice, easy dive site for all experience levels is found. The dive starts at about 10 meters and then slopes down to a sandy bottom around 20 meters. Not far from that you will find another reef covered in beautiful leather corals.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll
Miyaru Thila (★4.5)

Miyaru Thila (★4.5)

Miyaru Thila is an excellent dive site about 45 minutes south of Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort. It is an underwater mount (thila) with the reef top starting at about 10 meters, going down to 30 meters on all sides. You can find beautiful overhangs all over the thila at various depths.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll
Medhu Faru (★4.6)

Medhu Faru (★4.6)

Medhu Faru is located about 30 minutes south of Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort. The reef is attached to an island and starts at around 2-3 meters deep. From there it slopes to 30 meters and beyond. You will find some nice coral life between 20 and 25 meters as well as many beautiful reef fish.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll
Naainfaru Irumathi (★4.8)

Naainfaru Irumathi (★4.8)

This dive takes place on a faru located on the south-east side of the island of Naainfaru. A faru describes a long reef. It is a fairly easy drift dive that takes you along a beautiful reef sloping down from around 5 meters at the top to 25 meters at the bottom.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Faru Dhekunu (★4.8)

Sirru Faru Dhekunu (★4.8)

Sirru Faru Dhekunu is located just outside the boat channel to the south of the island. It is an easy drift dive along a long slope which is not usually affected by strong currents.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Fahi Thila (★4.8)

Fahi Thila (★4.8)

Located in the inside of the atoll, currents tend to be minor. With the maximum depth being 20 meters, it is the perfect spot for all experience levels. The dive site is known for its amazing hard coral life, both on the thila and the main reef.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll
Medhu Thila (★4.2)

Medhu Thila (★4.2)

This thila is located about 30 minutes south of Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort. It starts fairly shallow at around 5 meters then gradually drops down to 30+ meters on all sides. The dive usually takes place on the northern side of the thila where most of the action can be found as well as some overhangs.
Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Faru Dhekunu Kang (★4.4)

Sirru Faru Dhekunu Kang (★4.4)

A short, 5-minute boat ride to the southwest of the island takes you to another pretty dive site. Sirru Faru Dhekunu Kang is a spot for the experienced diver since its main attractions lie deep: Long overhangs at 25 to 30 meters. These overhangs are filled with beautiful gorgonians.

The best Months to dive in Shaviyani Atoll

Shaviyani Atolls location in the Northern Atolls enjoy a drier climate than the Southern Atolls. During the winter months (November - May), conditions for diving are excellent. With visibility exceeding 30m and few rainy days, it is an excellent time to book a holiday. The only downside is that the resorts are generally more expensive during this high season.

The monsoon season runs from June - November. It is far from a washout with many hours of sunlight during the day, but it does have more frequent downpours. June may offer reduced diving due to choppy seas so it is best to check with your dive operator if you are planning on diving then. As the winds are a little stronger during the monsoon, it pulls in blooms of plankton. This does reduce the visibility a little but it also draws in large pelagic life, meaning you might spy a manta ray or whale shark out in the blue!

Top Wildlife Sightings in Shaviyani Atoll

Diving in Shaviyani Atoll brings offers marine life that is typical of the region. Macro life on the reef is a dream for photographers - a huge variety of nudibranchs will keep divers hunting for hours, just looking for the prettiest individual. Getting up close and personal with the reefs may also yield other treasures. The rare and super weird frogfish and rhinopias are a treat to witness as they walk clumsily along the reef.

The reef systems are very healthy and have an abundance of coral - soft anemones nestle next to hard giants like tables and fans. These healthy reefs mean that there are hundreds of types of reef fish swimming in shoals and dazzling with their colours amongst regular like green and hawksbill turtles.

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.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
319 Sightings
J
26
F
41
M
35
A
45
M
14
J
19
J
18
A
21
S
22
O
13
N
18
D
47
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
310 Sightings
J
22
F
33
M
34
A
45
M
22
J
25
J
17
A
16
S
18
O
21
N
11
D
46

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
227 Sightings
J
16
F
37
M
32
A
28
M
5
J
14
J
9
A
13
S
15
O
26
N
18
D
14
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray
199 Sightings
J
20
F
34
M
25
A
30
M
11
J
7
J
0
A
9
S
4
O
12
N
8
D
39

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
138 Sightings
J
7
F
19
M
21
A
24
M
4
J
6
J
3
A
3
S
11
O
21
N
5
D
14
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
78 Sightings
J
4
F
12
M
7
A
11
M
6
J
2
J
6
A
6
S
7
O
4
N
7
D
6

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
36 Sightings
J
8
F
4
M
2
A
6
M
4
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
1
O
3
N
3
D
0

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
30 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
12
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
3
O
3
N
3
D
6
Tobias Friedrich
Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin
13 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
2
A
5
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
2

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
338 Sightings
J
24
F
46
M
39
A
52
M
17
J
20
J
20
A
13
S
16
O
31
N
18
D
42

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
254 Sightings
J
16
F
36
M
26
A
41
M
10
J
20
J
15
A
8
S
13
O
26
N
12
D
31

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
232 Sightings
J
12
F
36
M
22
A
39
M
8
J
19
J
14
A
5
S
11
O
29
N
10
D
27

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
227 Sightings
J
19
F
27
M
22
A
38
M
12
J
19
J
12
A
5
S
11
O
25
N
11
D
26

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
226 Sightings
J
17
F
33
M
22
A
32
M
7
J
18
J
9
A
6
S
11
O
23
N
17
D
31

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
218 Sightings
J
22
F
37
M
31
A
33
M
14
J
8
J
7
A
13
S
5
O
15
N
18
D
15

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
217 Sightings
J
12
F
40
M
24
A
35
M
5
J
11
J
10
A
5
S
10
O
23
N
10
D
32

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
203 Sightings
J
16
F
31
M
21
A
30
M
6
J
16
J
5
A
7
S
13
O
22
N
11
D
25

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
190 Sightings
J
17
F
28
M
21
A
34
M
8
J
10
J
11
A
5
S
9
O
22
N
5
D
20
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
165 Sightings
J
11
F
14
M
24
A
27
M
9
J
10
J
14
A
15
S
7
O
3
N
8
D
23

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
132 Sightings
J
9
F
16
M
24
A
20
M
4
J
11
J
2
A
4
S
8
O
14
N
8
D
12

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
128 Sightings
J
6
F
20
M
21
A
10
M
0
J
8
J
10
A
3
S
6
O
19
N
8
D
17
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
109 Sightings
J
10
F
4
M
11
A
17
M
15
J
7
J
9
A
8
S
6
O
7
N
4
D
11

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
108 Sightings
J
7
F
18
M
11
A
12
M
4
J
7
J
0
A
5
S
9
O
16
N
5
D
14
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark
107 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
17
A
14
M
7
J
8
J
9
A
6
S
6
O
7
N
13
D
9

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
102 Sightings
J
9
F
16
M
17
A
8
M
8
J
7
J
9
A
7
S
5
O
1
N
4
D
11

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
95 Sightings
J
8
F
15
M
9
A
11
M
3
J
7
J
1
A
3
S
4
O
16
N
4
D
14

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
88 Sightings
J
12
F
11
M
10
A
17
M
1
J
5
J
1
A
4
S
5
O
14
N
6
D
2

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
80 Sightings
J
9
F
11
M
5
A
11
M
1
J
3
J
2
A
2
S
6
O
15
N
3
D
12

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
77 Sightings
J
6
F
13
M
3
A
4
M
3
J
1
J
5
A
3
S
9
O
13
N
5
D
12

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
65 Sightings
J
7
F
2
M
9
A
5
M
4
J
2
J
0
A
3
S
5
O
6
N
4
D
18

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
59 Sightings
J
7
F
7
M
5
A
12
M
2
J
5
J
1
A
3
S
3
O
10
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.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
59 Sightings
J
5
F
17
M
10
A
3
M
5
J
4
J
2
A
0
S
1
O
5
N
4
D
3
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty
Silvertip Shark

Silvertip Shark
53 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
10
A
9
M
0
J
3
J
3
A
3
S
3
O
2
N
5
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett
Guitarfish

Guitarfish
49 Sightings
J
4
F
11
M
8
A
8
M
2
J
3
J
0
A
3
S
1
O
3
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.: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach
Pipefish

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

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
38 Sightings
J
5
F
6
M
0
A
9
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
2
S
3
O
9
N
2
D
0

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
33 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
1
A
2
M
3
J
3
J
0
A
2
S
1
O
4
N
2
D
4

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
32 Sightings
J
3
F
13
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
0
A
1
S
3
O
4
N
2
D
1

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
29 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
6
A
1
M
2
J
4
J
1
A
0
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
8

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
19 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
3
J
1
J
5
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
2
D
1

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

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
19 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
1
A
2
M
1
J
0
J
5
A
2
S
1
O
2
N
1
D
1
AdobeStock-Magnus
Zebra Shark

Zebra Shark
14 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
3
A
5
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

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
13 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
1
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
5
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0