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.

Courses and Events

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!

11 February +282 More
EUR 216.37
USD 257.40

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.

11 February +282 More
EUR 973.67
USD 1,158.30

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

11 February +282 More
EUR 378.65
USD 450.45

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!

11 February +282 More
EUR 183.91
USD 218.79

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!

11 February +282 More
EUR 183.91
USD 218.79

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. 

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

Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
288 Sightings
J
19
F
19
M
31
A
42
M
22
J
26
J
17
A
16
S
18
O
22
N
12
D
44

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

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
261 Sightings
J
20
F
19
M
25
A
37
M
13
J
20
J
17
A
20
S
21
O
13
N
17
D
39

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

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
199 Sightings
J
16
F
25
M
23
A
21
M
6
J
13
J
10
A
13
S
15
O
27
N
17
D
13
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
175 Sightings
J
16
F
21
M
21
A
26
M
11
J
7
J
0
A
9
S
4
O
13
N
9
D
38

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

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
124 Sightings
J
8
F
14
M
16
A
19
M
4
J
7
J
3
A
5
S
11
O
21
N
4
D
12
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
70 Sightings
J
4
F
10
M
6
A
9
M
5
J
2
J
6
A
6
S
5
O
4
N
8
D
5

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

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
41 Sightings
J
10
F
3
M
4
A
3
M
5
J
2
J
3
A
0
S
1
O
3
N
7
D
0

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

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
40 Sightings
J
5
F
1
M
1
A
13
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
3
O
3
N
4
D
6
Tobias Friedrich

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

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

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
302 Sightings
J
21
F
37
M
31
A
41
M
18
J
18
J
20
A
13
S
16
O
32
N
16
D
39
Show More

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
226 Sightings
J
14
F
27
M
21
A
34
M
10
J
18
J
15
A
9
S
13
O
26
N
11
D
28

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

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
220 Sightings
J
12
F
29
M
19
A
36
M
8
J
17
J
16
A
6
S
11
O
30
N
10
D
26

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

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
202 Sightings
J
17
F
22
M
17
A
29
M
6
J
17
J
9
A
7
S
11
O
24
N
15
D
28

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

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
199 Sightings
J
15
F
19
M
18
A
30
M
12
J
18
J
12
A
6
S
11
O
25
N
10
D
23

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

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
190 Sightings
J
13
F
29
M
19
A
27
M
5
J
10
J
9
A
6
S
10
O
24
N
9
D
29

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
179 Sightings
J
16
F
19
M
17
A
25
M
6
J
14
J
5
A
7
S
13
O
22
N
10
D
25

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
177 Sightings
J
14
F
22
M
25
A
27
M
13
J
8
J
7
A
15
S
5
O
15
N
16
D
10

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

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
172 Sightings
J
13
F
19
M
17
A
32
M
8
J
10
J
11
A
6
S
9
O
22
N
4
D
21
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
133 Sightings
J
7
F
5
M
19
A
16
M
8
J
10
J
13
A
15
S
7
O
3
N
8
D
22

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

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
130 Sightings
J
10
F
16
M
17
A
11
M
1
J
8
J
10
A
4
S
7
O
20
N
9
D
17

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

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
120 Sightings
J
10
F
9
M
16
A
19
M
4
J
11
J
2
A
5
S
8
O
16
N
8
D
12
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
100 Sightings
J
8
F
1
M
6
A
16
M
16
J
7
J
9
A
9
S
6
O
7
N
5
D
10

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

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
100 Sightings
J
8
F
15
M
8
A
7
M
4
J
8
J
1
A
6
S
9
O
17
N
4
D
13

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
96 Sightings
J
12
F
12
M
11
A
14
M
2
J
8
J
1
A
6
S
5
O
17
N
5
D
3

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

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
96 Sightings
J
8
F
15
M
7
A
9
M
4
J
8
J
1
A
4
S
5
O
17
N
4
D
14
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
94 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
9
A
13
M
9
J
8
J
9
A
7
S
6
O
7
N
13
D
8

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

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
85 Sightings
J
9
F
11
M
7
A
10
M
1
J
4
J
2
A
4
S
6
O
16
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: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
84 Sightings
J
7
F
7
M
12
A
12
M
9
J
6
J
10
A
7
S
5
O
1
N
2
D
6

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

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
82 Sightings
J
6
F
11
M
4
A
3
M
4
J
3
J
5
A
4
S
10
O
14
N
6
D
12

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

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
72 Sightings
J
7
F
9
M
8
A
11
M
2
J
5
J
1
A
4
S
4
O
12
N
3
D
6

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

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
61 Sightings
J
6
F
11
M
8
A
3
M
5
J
6
J
2
A
2
S
1
O
6
N
4
D
7

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

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

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

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

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
48 Sightings
J
6
F
7
M
2
A
6
M
2
J
2
J
1
A
4
S
4
O
11
N
3
D
0
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty

Silvertip Shark
47 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
8
A
7
M
0
J
3
J
3
A
3
S
3
O
2
N
5
D
10

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

Total number of species: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
41 Sightings
J
5
F
9
M
1
A
2
M
3
J
3
J
0
A
4
S
2
O
6
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: 130

iStock-Christian von Mach

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

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

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
36 Sightings
J
3
F
8
M
3
A
0
M
0
J
6
J
0
A
3
S
3
O
5
N
2
D
3

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

Total number of species: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett

Guitarfish
35 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
1
A
6
M
2
J
2
J
1
A
3
S
1
O
4
N
4
D
5

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

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
30 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
3
A
1
M
3
J
4
J
0
A
1
S
1
O
2
N
1
D
8

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

Total number of species: 55

k

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

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

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
28 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
5
A
2
M
1
J
1
J
6
A
2
S
2
O
5
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: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
22 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
3
A
0
M
3
J
0
J
6
A
2
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
2

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!

Dive Centers

Sub Oceanic Maldives @, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV

Dive Sites

Sub Oceanic (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll

Nattey Thila (★4.0)

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)

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 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)

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 (Ventures Pvt. Ltd.), Shaviyani Atoll

Sirru Coco Miyaru Thila (★4.8)

A 20-minute boat ride to the south takes us to Sirru Coco Miyaru Thila. The thila is located in a channel, which makes it prone to strong currents. The top reef starts at 18 meters dropping to about 40 meters in total depth.
Sub Oceanic @ Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll

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)

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)

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)

About a 30-minute boat ride to the north is this nice, easy dive site for all experience levels. 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 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 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)

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 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)

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)

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.