Explore Southern Atolls

Diving in the Southern Atolls of the Maldives is a unique adventure, offering a blend of uncharted territory and thrilling encounters with marine life. Unlike the more frequented Central Atolls, the Southern Atolls promise solitude and the chance to explore unmapped sites. The region, exposed to the deep ocean, brings divers face-to-face with vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and the occasional wreck. These atolls are a haven for experienced divers, with challenging conditions shaped by strong currents and deeper lagoons.

From December to April, divers can experience the best of the Southern Atolls, as this period offers calm seas and clear waters. This optimal season is perfect for encountering the region's star attraction: a diverse array of sharks, including hammerheads and reef sharks. The less developed nature of the Southern Atolls means fewer dive resorts and centers, but several liveaboards operate here, catering to those ready for this thrilling dive experience. Each dive promises the excitement of discovery, as divers often find themselves the only ones exploring these pristine waters, making every dive a memorable and exclusive journey.

Places to Explore

Addu Atoll

21 Divesites 5 Centers

This southernmost Maldives atoll actually takes the country past the equator and into the Southern Hemisphere.

Southern Huvadhu Atoll

The southern region of the Huvadhu Atoll is also known as Gaafu Dhaalu.

Northern Huvadhu Atoll

The Huvadhu Atoll is broken up into a Northern and Southern region. The northern region is also known as Gaafu Alifu.

Laamu Atoll

14 Divesites 3 Centers

The Laamu Atoll is relatively close to the Central Atolls region and has weaker currents and better visibility than its southern neighbors

Gaafu Alif Atoll

4 Divesites

The Huvadhu Atoll is broken up into a Northern and Southern region. The northern region is also known as Gaafu Alifu.

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

The southern region of the Huvadhu Atoll is also known as Gaafu Dhaalu.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Valu Thila

This Thila starts at 3 meters depth and has beautiful coral live. Can be reached from Rahaa Resort in approx.. 35 minutes. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers .

★★★★☆ Boulder Spot

The name says it all, Boulders around from 5 to 24 meters deep, A dive for all levels, about 35 minutes from Rahaa ResortSnorkelers will also enjoy this site

★★★★☆ Soamahaa Thila

This beautiful thila is about 40 minutes sailing from Rahaa Resort, the fish life is abundant and the corals are beautiful and in a large variation. The site is for all levels of divers.

★★★★☆ Muniyafushi Kandu

This is a very wide Kandu, the reef top in the channel is about 12 to 14 meters deep and the corals here are in good condition, the edge drops down into the deep ocean and you can float in the blue along the wall.

★★★★★ Coral Ridge

Site is about 25 minutes from Rahaa Resort. It is ideal for your fresh-up dive and check out after a long stay away from diving. The depth is max 24m, abundant coral life.

★★★★☆ Maarehaa Kandu

This channel dive site, located to the east of the atoll, is a protected area where fishing has been banned. Due to this you can encounter sharks in large numbers.

★★★★☆ Hedha House Reef

This is on the inside reef fringe near Hedha, about 40 minutes sailing from Rahaa Resort. Snorkelers will also enjoy this reef, that is amazing well covered with live corals.Very easy in the west-east monsoon,

★★★★★ Deep Boulder Thila

As the name says it is a deep dive but the top of the thila is about 3 meters. Great dive for beginners and advance divers alike. Wall, overhang and large boulders, swarming with schools of fish.

★★★★★ Fish Thila

This Thila is about 25 minutes from Rahaa, The top starts at 3-4 meters deep and decent to about 28meter, South East of the thila is a sloping coral plateau, Coral block, black coral trees, groupers and fusilier etc.

★★★★☆ Maava Kandu

The Kandu is situated Noth-West of the Island Mavaah, the channel Bottom is about 14-16 meters and drops off into the ocean. The coral life is good and abundant fish life.Grey Reef shark, Whitetip Shark, Groupers, Triggerfish etc. When the current is slight all level of divers can participate in the dive.

★★★★☆ Nursery Thila

A shallow dive site good for Beginners and Re activate dives, Coral boulders with patches of fine white sand. Mainly 12 meters deep but possible to get deeper, little to no current on this spot.

★★★★☆ Fushi Kandu

Fushi Kandu is one of Laamu Atoll’s top dive sites, an exhilarating channel with vibrant currents attracting sharks, eagle rays, and incredible biodiversity. Perfect for advanced divers seeking adrenaline and pristine underwater landscapes.

★★★★☆ Addu Manta Point

Located in Maakandu channel. Best to be dived on incoming current (sometimes very strong!) starting on the eastern corner of the channel. Once inside, the reef features a year-round manta point in between 19-25m

★★★★★ Deep Thila

This Thila starts at about 8-9 meters and than falls down to 30+ meters on the south there is a big free standing Boulder from 16 meters down to 32 meters this Boulder is fully grown with Corals and a big black coral tree

★★★★☆ Turtle Point

Description: Located on the SW outer reef. Usually done as a drift dive. Reef gently slopes from 5-30m. A non-spectacular top reef but an outstanding amount of sea turtles (others call it Turtle Point).

Diving in Southern Atolls

The Southern Atolls of the Maldives offer some of the most exhilarating dive sites worldwide, renowned for their vibrant underwater ecosystems and thrilling dives. Notable among these is the "British Loyalty" wreck, a fascinating site for wreck diving enthusiasts, where divers can explore the sunken remains of a WWII oil tanker. The atolls are also famous for their unique marine life, including the mesmerizing night dives where glowing plankton create a magical underwater light show. For those preferring shore dives, the Southern Atolls present several accessible sites adorned with colorful corals and abundant marine species. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving options caters to both casual and seasoned divers, allowing for varied diving experiences. Whether witnessing the graceful manta rays or the elusive thresher sharks, the Southern Atolls promise unforgettable adventures for dive travelers.

The best Months to dive in Southern Atolls

Diving in the Southern Atolls is possible year-round, thanks to consistently warm water temperatures ranging from 27°C–29°C/81°F–84°F. This tropical region offers excellent diving conditions with visibility often reaching 20–30 meters/66–98 feet, providing divers with stunning underwater vistas.

While diving conditions are generally favorable throughout the year, the northeast monsoon from December to April brings calmer seas and optimal visibility. Conversely, the southwest monsoon from May to November may introduce stronger currents and occasional rain, which can slightly affect diving conditions. However, diving remains possible during this period, offering a different but equally rewarding experience.