© Mares

Explore in South East Haa Alif Atoll

Diving in South East Haa Alif Atoll in the Maldives offers an unmatched underwater adventure that captivates even the most seasoned divers. This region is known for its diverse marine life and stunning dive sites, ranging from vibrant coral reefs to intriguing shipwrecks. One of the standout attractions is the Filadhoo Wreck, resting just 14 meters/45 feet below the surface. It is adorned with a plethora of hard and soft corals, creating an underwater tapestry teeming with life.

Divers exploring this atoll can expect encounters with larger marine species such as whiptail reef sharks and eagle rays, while schools of snappers, fusiliers, and groupers provide a colorful spectacle. The variety of dive environments, whether exploring the intricate coral gardens or the striking walls and wrecks, ensures a thrilling experience. Dive styles in this area are versatile, offering shore dives and boat trips, with liveaboards providing an immersive exploration of the atoll’s remote and pristine sites.

Seasonal currents bring nutrient-rich waters, enhancing visibility and marine biodiversity, making every dive a new discovery. The atoll is an ideal spot for both novice and experienced divers, offering a sense of adventure and tranquility that is uniquely Maldivian. Each dive is a chance to witness the wonders of the ocean in one of the world's most renowned diving destinations.

Dive Activity

Diving in South East Haa Alif Atoll

South East Haa Alif Atoll presents a captivating array of dive sites that attract divers from around the world. Among its standout wreck dives is the SS British Loyalty, a sunken oil tanker that has become a vibrant coral reef and a haven for diverse marine life. The atoll also offers enticing shore dives, with locations such as Baarah Reef providing easy access to a colorful array of underwater flora and fauna.

Divers looking for extraordinary experiences can indulge in night dives that unveil mesmerizing bioluminescent creatures. Moreover, the atoll's liveaboard options enable exploration of remote sites bustling with manta rays and whale sharks. This harmonious balance between shore and liveaboard diving ensures that divers of all skill levels can fully appreciate the underwater treasures of the atoll.

Dive Sites

The Barefoot Diving Center, Hanimaadhoo
Baarah Caves (★4.0)

Baarah Caves (★4.0)

Deep sheer wall to 25-30m from a top reef at around 7m. Deep caverns, overhangs, ledges and small caves at around 16m where white tips and nurse sharks can be seen along with rays resting. Macro life to be found in the deep caverns and along the wall / inside the small overhangs and openings.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Baarah Thila (★4.1)

Baarah Thila (★4.1)

A large plateau like thila, in the channel between Baarah & Hanimaadhoo, this dive site has provided opportunities to see everything from mantis shrimp to manta rays and even sail fish circling above. A large rocky plateau, covered in older rock and coral formations, the top sits at 15m, dropping off at its sides to 30m.
Aqualung
Baarah Corner (★4.3)

Baarah Corner (★4.3)

Reef wall from 8m to 25-30m with interesting boulder and old coral formations at the top to deep overhangs and caverns below, often with a changable current to watch for at times and cleaning stations spaced along the top reef, offering opportunities to spot manta rays and turtles in the right conditions/season.
Scubapro
Baarah Out (★4.0)

Baarah Out (★4.0)

The dive begins on the top of the oceanic plateau at a depth of 8-12 metres, leading to a wall that slopes down to around 28 metres. There are many large coral blocks and small caves.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Tweety and Sylvester (★4.6)

Tweety and Sylvester (★4.6)

This Divesite is located on the east side of the island Baarah and is covered in hardcoral. Easy to dive between 10 - 20m. Also good for beginners.
Mares
Hide and Seek (★0.0)

Hide and Seek (★0.0)

This divesite on the westside of the island Mulidhoo has lots of overhangs and caves that are waiting to be explored. Looking into the blue can be very rewarding too.
Mares
Maafahi Corner (★4.1)

Maafahi Corner (★4.1)

Starting on the shallow top reef at around 5 meters, sloping down to over 20 metres, we explore the reef and in the right conditions, out into the center of the channel to explore a small coral covered thila. Either way, this site offers lots of opportunities to explore many interesting coral and rock formations.
Aqualung
Muraidhoo Corner (★3.9)

Muraidhoo Corner (★3.9)

This can be a very easy dive in normal conditions, but also quite challenging in the case of strong currents. The reef starts in shallow waters and goes slowly down to 20 and to 30m in some areas. A large ’aquarium’ section is the highlight of this dive, along with small canyons and large overhangs full of soft corals.
Scubapro
The Ridge (★4.5)

The Ridge (★4.5)

Between the two islands Mafaahi and Muraido, near the canal to the port of Muraido, two long ridges can be found. Depth varies between 15m and 22m.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Thakandhoo Corner (★4.9)

Thakandhoo Corner (★4.9)

This dive is located on the south reef of Takandhoo Island. Suitable for all levels of experience. We start in shallow water on the top reef, heading deeper on the slope to some small caves / openings, ending at the corner of the reef around some interesting rock formations, between 18 and 30 metres deep.
Mares, Janez Kranjc
Utheemu Reef (★3.8)

Utheemu Reef (★3.8)

The top reef at Utheemu starts shallow, with a slope/drop off reaching up to 25m+ at the sand. Often with a reasonable current, this site offers opportunities to explore some older coral and rock formations with frequent sightings of grey reef, nurse sharks and eagle rays.
Scubapro
Mulidhoo Aquarium (★4.4)

Mulidhoo Aquarium (★4.4)

Aquarium is a dive site located at Mulidhoo Island. It is suitable for all levels of experience. The dive site has a drop off which gives way to a sloping reef dropping down to 25 meters.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Dhonakulhi Kandu (★4.6)

Dhonakulhi Kandu (★4.6)

A beautiful channel location, with a very shallow top reef, sloping to sand at 18-25m, covered with hard and soft corals, abundant with marine life, often with a slight to medium current.
Aqualung
Filladhoo Thila (★4.7)

Filladhoo Thila (★4.7)

This dive site is a pinnacle on the west side of Filladhoo Island. Suitable for all levels of dive experience. There are some nice overhangs along the pinnacle wall.
Mares
Alidhoo Caves (★4.1)

Alidhoo Caves (★4.1)

Starting on a beautiful top reef at just 5 meters deep, progressing to a drop off and wall that reaches depths of 30 meters. Along the reef wall there are some large overhangs, where it is possible to see sleeping sting rays or turtles, lion fish, moray eels and lobsters.

The best Months to Dive in South East Haa Alif Atoll

South East Haa Alif Atoll offers favorable diving conditions year-round, with the possibility of diving throughout all seasons. Water temperatures typically range from 27°C–30°C/81°F–86°F, providing a warm and comfortable environment for divers. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 20 to 25 meters/66 to 82 feet, ensuring clear views of the vibrant marine life.

Diving is primarily influenced by the monsoon seasons. The northeast monsoon from November to April brings calm seas and light winds, making this period ideal for diving. However, the southwest monsoon from May to October can introduce stronger winds and currents, slightly reducing visibility and making diving conditions less predictable. Despite this, diving remains possible during these months, though divers should be prepared for variable conditions.

Top Wildlife Sightings in South East Haa Alif Atoll

South East Haa Alif Atoll, situated in the Maldives, boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with diverse reef fish and seasonal visitors. Commonly encountered species include parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, which thrive amidst the coral gardens. These colorful residents provide a constant spectacle for divers exploring the atoll's waters.

Seasonal highlights enrich the diving experiences, with sightings of larger marine life such as reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays. From May to November, manta rays are frequently spotted, especially around cleaning stations. Reef sharks are prevalent year-round, while turtle encounters are most likely during nesting season in the warmer months. The variety and abundance of marine life make Haa Alif Atoll a compelling destination for divers.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
192 Sightings
J
19
F
8
M
27
A
16
M
5
J
13
J
15
A
25
S
21
O
16
N
15
D
12

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
151 Sightings
J
9
F
20
M
15
A
18
M
11
J
5
J
12
A
15
S
15
O
8
N
17
D
6

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
143 Sightings
J
18
F
16
M
21
A
15
M
15
J
9
J
10
A
9
S
7
O
8
N
12
D
3
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray
74 Sightings
J
8
F
8
M
6
A
9
M
3
J
3
J
4
A
4
S
6
O
7
N
12
D
4
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
69 Sightings
J
9
F
5
M
3
A
6
M
4
J
9
J
13
A
5
S
0
O
2
N
10
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
57 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
7
A
12
M
0
J
4
J
7
A
2
S
4
O
2
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.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
24 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
3
A
4
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
3
O
4
N
6
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
23 Sightings
J
2
F
6
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
4
O
0
N
5
D
0
AdobeStock-wildestanimal
Common Dolphin

Common Dolphin
11 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
1
N
3
D
2
iStock/Extreme Photographer
Whale Shark

Whale Shark
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
5
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
1
O
2
N
0
D
1
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

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

Bottlenose Dolphin
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
202 Sightings
J
21
F
24
M
40
A
14
M
16
J
13
J
14
A
13
S
10
O
12
N
17
D
8

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
141 Sightings
J
13
F
16
M
18
A
15
M
3
J
4
J
10
A
13
S
11
O
6
N
26
D
6

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
130 Sightings
J
14
F
15
M
13
A
15
M
3
J
4
J
7
A
8
S
13
O
9
N
22
D
7

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
106 Sightings
J
10
F
13
M
16
A
15
M
2
J
4
J
8
A
2
S
8
O
2
N
23
D
3

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
104 Sightings
J
7
F
7
M
23
A
6
M
8
J
7
J
10
A
10
S
11
O
6
N
7
D
2

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
99 Sightings
J
6
F
14
M
14
A
14
M
1
J
4
J
7
A
9
S
7
O
11
N
10
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

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
94 Sightings
J
12
F
16
M
11
A
12
M
2
J
4
J
8
A
3
S
10
O
1
N
11
D
4

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
92 Sightings
J
9
F
9
M
15
A
14
M
5
J
3
J
7
A
4
S
9
O
4
N
9
D
4

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
88 Sightings
J
6
F
12
M
12
A
13
M
2
J
4
J
5
A
6
S
8
O
9
N
10
D
1

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
79 Sightings
J
9
F
12
M
10
A
11
M
1
J
1
J
6
A
1
S
12
O
8
N
6
D
2
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark
61 Sightings
J
6
F
8
M
14
A
5
M
2
J
2
J
5
A
0
S
5
O
6
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 approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
61 Sightings
J
4
F
9
M
8
A
13
M
4
J
3
J
4
A
3
S
4
O
0
N
8
D
1

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
57 Sightings
J
5
F
11
M
6
A
10
M
4
J
3
J
4
A
2
S
5
O
3
N
3
D
1
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
53 Sightings
J
6
F
5
M
7
A
6
M
5
J
1
J
7
A
3
S
3
O
4
N
6
D
0

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
45 Sightings
J
6
F
4
M
9
A
2
M
4
J
7
J
1
A
3
S
1
O
1
N
5
D
2

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
42 Sightings
J
4
F
12
M
6
A
4
M
0
J
2
J
5
A
0
S
6
O
0
N
1
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
42 Sightings
J
4
F
6
M
4
A
7
M
0
J
3
J
6
A
1
S
5
O
1
N
4
D
1

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
42 Sightings
J
2
F
13
M
6
A
0
M
3
J
1
J
3
A
4
S
3
O
1
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.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
41 Sightings
J
4
F
9
M
3
A
7
M
1
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
8
O
0
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.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
41 Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
3
A
8
M
0
J
3
J
4
A
0
S
5
O
0
N
8
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
40 Sightings
J
1
F
8
M
4
A
6
M
2
J
1
J
3
A
2
S
6
O
1
N
5
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

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
29 Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
3
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
1
O
1
N
11
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

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
25 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
4
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
1
O
0
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.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

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

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
21 Sightings
J
0
F
9
M
3
A
8
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
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.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
18 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
3
A
5
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
0
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.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
18 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
5
A
1
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
1
S
3
O
0
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.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
2
S
2
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.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
6 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
0
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
3
O
0
N
1
D
0

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