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.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Baarah Caves

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.

172
Logs
88
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Baarah Thila

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.

81
Logs
56
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Baarah Corner

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.

152
Logs
72
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Baarah Out

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.

144
Logs
71
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Tweety and Sylvester

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.

29
Logs
9
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

☆☆☆☆☆ Hide and Seek

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

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.

227
Logs
113
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Muraidhoo Corner

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.

193
Logs
105
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ The Ridge

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.

5
Logs
5
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ Thakandhoo Corner

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.

28
Logs
20
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Utheemu Reef

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.

26
Logs
13
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Mulidhoo Aquarium

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.

125
Logs
68
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★★ Dhonakulhi Kandu

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.

74
Logs
51
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★★ Filladhoo Thila

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.

35
Logs
23
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Alidhoo Caves

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.

217
Logs
104
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

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.

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.

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