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Maldives

Divesites
569
Centers
71
Courses & Events
68
Wildlife
41
© iStock/kurmyshov

Explore Maldives

The Maldives, a diver's paradise, offers an unparalleled experience with its unique atoll formations and vibrant marine ecosystems. Spread across roughly 90,000 km²/55,923 SMI, these atolls provide a stunning backdrop for divers. The term 'atoll' itself is derived from the Maldivian word 'atholhu,' underscoring the country's deep connection to its marine environments. With the lowest elevation of any country, the Maldives enjoys a warm, humid climate ideal for year-round diving.


Divers can explore a variety of environments, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to dramatic walls and intriguing shipwrecks. The Maldives' waters are home to a spectacular range of marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, and an array of colorful reef fish. Whether embarking on a shore dive, a more adventurous boat dive, or an extended liveaboard journey, each option provides unique encounters.Seasonal changes bring different marine spectacles. For instance, manta ray gatherings are more common from May to November, while clearer waters and better visibility can be expected from December to April. This seasonal diversity makes the Maldives a captivating destination for divers seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.

Power Plug Type
C, D, G, J, K, L
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX, DIS, JCB, Cir, Plus
Tipping
0-10% / Restaurant Staff / Service charges are typically added to restaurant bills, eliminating the need to tip.
Currency
MVR
Dial Code
+960
Electricity
230 V / 50 Hz
Time
UTC+5 (MVT)

Places to explore

iStock/Anna-Om

Central Atolls

The Central Atolls are the most well known and populated region of the Maldives.
Courses & Events
50
Divesites
363
Centers
50
iStock/mahos

Northern Atolls

The Northern Atolls’ best diving locations include Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, and Lhaviyani atolls.
Courses & Events
18
Divesites
157
Centers
8
iStock/Ingalvanova

Southern Atolls

Die Region der Südatolle besteht aus dem Laamu-Atoll, dem nördlichen und südlichen Huvadhu-Atoll, dem Fuvahmulah-Atoll und dem Addu-Atoll.
Divesites
49
Centers
13

Courses and Events

Coral Identification

Coral reefs are prized among divers and rightly so; drifting over a healthy reef filled with bustling marine life is magical. These precious ecosystems are fascinating, and the SSI Coral Identification specialty program is the best way to learn more about coral reefs and get the most out of your reef dives. In this coral dive specialty program, you will learn how to identify different corals and earn your SSI Coral Identification specialty certification.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Shark Ecology

In the SSI Shark Ecology program, you will learn how to interpret shark behaviours, why they are often misunderstood and how dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans and for divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Shark Ecology Specialty certification and no doubt become an avid shark diver. Start today!

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Sea Turtle Ecology

Sea turtles are some of the most wonderful animals to dive with. You will want to dive with them even more after completing the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty program! This specialty program provides the skills and concepts you need to recognize and identify common sea turtle species. It teaches you about the fascinating history of sea turtles, their role in marine ecosystems and threats to their survival. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Sea Turtle Ecology Specialty certification.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Advanced Open Water Diver

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures.During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor.By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.
On request

Nudibranch Ecology

Welcome to the Nudibranch Ecology course, where you’ll explore the world of sea slugs in seven detailed sessions. Begin with their classification and habitats, then learn about their movement, sensory, and respiratory systems. Discover their complex reproductive strategies, relationships with other marine organisms, feeding habits, and crucial role in ecosystems. Explore their defense mechanisms and interactions with humans, emphasizing their research and conservation significance. This course will deepen your understanding of these extraordinary creatures, perfect for marine biology enthusiasts, students, or the curious. Join us and uncover the secrets of nudibranchs.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Marine Ecology

In the SSI Marine Ecology specialty program, you will learn how ocean organisms interact with each other and their environments. You will be taught how energy flows through communities and the links between different ocean ecosystems. With your newfound knowledge, you will appreciate the marine life you dive with even more! Start online today and earn your SSI Marine Ecology Specialty certification.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Manta & Ray Ecology

Join the SSI Manta and Ray Ecology specialty program and you will learn how to dive with rays and recognize different ray species. You will be taught how rays contribute to healthy ocean ecosystems and why these precious animals need our protection. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty certification.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

Fish Identification

The world’s oceans are home to thousands of fish species, and you will encounter plenty of these fascinating creatures on your dives! In this course, you will be taught all the skills and concepts you need to identify common families of Caribbean, Indo-Pacific and Red Sea reef fish. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Fish Identification specialty certification.

10 February +324 More
EUR 179.42
USD 212.00

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.
On request

Dive Centers

Joy Dive Dreamland

Dreamland Unique Island Resort and Spa, 0000 Baa Atoll, MDV

Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives

Thilamaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll, MDV

DivePoint Rannalhi

Adaaran Club Rannalhi, 20026 South Male Atoll, MDV

Ocean Warriors

Henveiru Meenaaz, 20006 Male’, MDV

Sun Diving Irufushi

Sun Siyam Irufushi, 2036 Noonu Atoll, MDV

Sub Oceanic @ Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Hilton Maldives Amingiri, 20188 North Male Atoll, MDV

Sub Oceanic Maldives @, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll, MDV

Drop Dive Maldives

BODU MAGU, 09020 AA. Rasdhoo, MDV

Kuramathi Dive Club

Kuramathi Island Resort, 09140 Rasdhoo Atoll, MDV

Sun Diving @ Siyam World

Siyam World, 20066 Male, MDV

DivePoint Meedhupparu

Raa Atoll, Meedhupparu, MDV

Ocean Junkies

Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, MDV

Apex Dive Rasdhoo

Ghaazee Magu, 09020 Rasdhoo, MDV

Dive Sites

Peter S. (#417559)

Kuda Rah Thila (★4.6)

A stunning underwater pinnacle just minutes away from the island of Kuda Rah. This dive site has been declared a protected marine area. The dive site is better for Advanced certified divers and those who are experienced with a bit of current. Nitrox is recommended.
Maldives Passions, 08090 Maafushi

Kandooma Thila (★4.5)

This “Thila” is in the middle of the kandooma kandu. From 2000 to 2009 this dive site was ranked world 10th place of shark diving. The top of the reef is full of hard corals. The sides of the “Thila” are covered with soft corals. The currents are strong here and highly recommend for Advanced and Nitrox divers.
Marek T. (#3048856)

Miyaru Kandu (★4.4)

This channel site is in the northeast of Vaavu atoll. This site is more suited to advanced divers as you can encounter strong currents. When there is less current, the dive site can also be for less experienced divers.
Peter J. (#2913988)

Merikafalhu ( Tiger point ) (★4.7)

Centuries of discarded fish remains outside the harbor drew in tiger sharks, now a resident population. Today, structured dives let groups descend to 10–11m (30-40ft), settle on the seabed (max 30 mins), and watch tiger sharks arrive after chum is released—an intense, unforgettable experience.
Mares

Madivaru Corner (★4.7)

This dive site starts as a wall dive and leads into the channel, here you can enter the channel to enjoy a deeper dive or stay on the drop off point of the channel where you can enjoy all the fish life in the current.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Maldives

The Maldives is renowned for its vibrant marine life and diverse ecosystems, making it a prime destination for divers. The coral reefs here are home to a myriad of common reef fish, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, which are easily spotted year-round. Divers can also expect to encounter the iconic Napoleon wrasse and schools of fusiliers. Seasonal highlights include manta ray sightings, particularly from May to November in sites like Hanifaru Bay. Sharks, including reef and hammerhead species, are often seen, with Lankanfinolhu Thila being a notable spot. Green and hawksbill turtles are frequent visitors to the Maldivian reefs, with higher chances of sightings around turtle nesting season.

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: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
23k Sightings
J
2.2k
F
1.6k
M
1.9k
A
2.1k
M
1.3k
J
781
J
1.6k
A
2.1k
S
1.8k
O
2.5k
N
2.7k
D
2.2k

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
16k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.3k
M
1.7k
A
1.8k
M
900
J
536
J
989
A
1.3k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.8k
D
1.7k
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
13k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.1k
M
1.4k
A
1.3k
M
725
J
510
J
998
A
1.2k
S
897
O
1.2k
N
1.4k
D
1.3k
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
9.7k Sightings
J
1k
F
794
M
845
A
680
M
415
J
199
J
391
A
785
S
875
O
1.3k
N
1.4k
D
958
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins

Hawksbill Turtle
8k Sightings
J
782
F
571
M
675
A
670
M
451
J
340
J
709
A
747
S
580
O
763
N
928
D
745

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
7.1k Sightings
J
797
F
531
M
597
A
608
M
355
J
300
J
576
A
660
S
451
O
734
N
806
D
660
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst

Tiger Shark
3.5k Sightings
J
317
F
394
M
527
A
345
M
218
J
86
J
168
A
272
S
232
O
179
N
454
D
297

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
3.4k Sightings
J
379
F
307
M
334
A
344
M
119
J
79
J
203
A
306
S
216
O
296
N
427
D
369

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
3k Sightings
J
381
F
223
M
306
A
355
M
162
J
54
J
138
A
138
S
194
O
334
N
413
D
260
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
2k Sightings
J
216
F
185
M
205
A
143
M
88
J
56
J
111
A
169
S
173
O
230
N
202
D
174
Show More
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
28k Sightings
J
2.9k
F
2.3k
M
2.7k
A
2.7k
M
1.4k
J
787
J
1.8k
A
2.3k
S
2k
O
2.9k
N
3.5k
D
2.8k

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
20k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
1.5k
M
1.6k
A
1.7k
M
1.2k
J
735
J
1.5k
A
1.9k
S
1.6k
O
2.1k
N
2.4k
D
2k

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
18k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
1.5k
M
967
J
683
J
1.3k
A
1.7k
S
1.4k
O
1.9k
N
2k
D
1.7k
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
18k Sightings
J
2k
F
1.6k
M
1.8k
A
1.5k
M
806
J
406
J
951
A
1.4k
S
1.2k
O
1.8k
N
2.2k
D
2k

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
16k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.1k
M
1.2k
A
1.3k
M
900
J
650
J
1.2k
A
1.5k
S
1.2k
O
1.7k
N
1.7k
D
1.5k

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
14k Sightings
J
1.5k
F
1.1k
M
1.2k
A
1.2k
M
753
J
587
J
1.2k
A
1.3k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.5k
D
1.5k

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
14k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
987
M
1.1k
A
1.2k
M
875
J
556
J
1.1k
A
1.4k
S
1.1k
O
1.6k
N
1.6k
D
1.3k
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin

Blacktip Reef Shark
14k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1k
M
1.2k
A
1.4k
M
695
J
466
J
1k
A
1.2k
S
1k
O
1.5k
N
1.4k
D
1.3k

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
13k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
912
M
993
A
1.1k
M
748
J
573
J
1k
A
1.3k
S
1k
O
1.4k
N
1.5k
D
1.2k

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
12k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
897
M
842
A
961
M
685
J
527
J
1k
A
1.2k
S
1k
O
1.4k
N
1.4k
D
1.2k

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
12k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
805
M
807
A
975
M
729
J
531
J
973
A
1.2k
S
968
O
1.3k
N
1.4k
D
1.2k

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
12k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
776
M
799
A
967
M
701
J
473
J
924
A
1.2k
S
917
O
1.3k
N
1.4k
D
1.1k

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
10k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
882
M
1.1k
A
960
M
561
J
397
J
580
A
858
S
709
O
932
N
1.2k
D
1.1k

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
6.9k Sightings
J
800
F
682
M
674
A
532
M
267
J
197
J
473
A
622
S
530
O
641
N
821
D
677

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
6.2k Sightings
J
643
F
469
M
535
A
437
M
323
J
192
J
474
A
630
S
471
O
610
N
744
D
715

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
6.2k Sightings
J
646
F
416
M
477
A
557
M
388
J
235
J
570
A
575
S
537
O
597
N
622
D
589

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
6.2k Sightings
J
615
F
469
M
454
A
454
M
372
J
267
J
549
A
607
S
518
O
624
N
676
D
550

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
5.5k Sightings
J
607
F
429
M
355
A
378
M
349
J
270
J
468
A
537
S
405
O
666
N
548
D
533

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
5.1k Sightings
J
554
F
300
M
488
A
461
M
295
J
226
J
435
A
489
S
352
O
480
N
483
D
516

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
5k Sightings
J
480
F
386
M
369
A
504
M
378
J
219
J
396
A
387
S
386
O
465
N
530
D
499

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
4.4k Sightings
J
455
F
310
M
247
A
315
M
295
J
226
J
415
A
396
S
409
O
504
N
407
D
400
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty

Silvertip Shark
3.8k Sightings
J
524
F
358
M
435
A
249
M
145
J
77
J
231
A
295
S
276
O
314
N
490
D
421

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
3.5k Sightings
J
347
F
210
M
352
A
281
M
211
J
177
J
256
A
303
S
221
O
402
N
378
D
369

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
3.4k Sightings
J
334
F
280
M
272
A
341
M
220
J
153
J
290
A
269
S
275
O
347
N
314
D
321

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
3.2k Sightings
J
380
F
201
M
263
A
258
M
214
J
61
J
227
A
238
S
265
O
294
N
405
D
377

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
2.3k Sightings
J
262
F
86
M
219
A
174
M
107
J
57
J
165
A
174
S
235
O
311
N
268
D
279

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
2.1k Sightings
J
311
F
177
M
127
A
170
M
126
J
79
J
189
A
154
S
172
O
223
N
222
D
192

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
1.6k Sightings
J
179
F
144
M
101
A
101
M
94
J
77
J
126
A
165
S
93
O
180
N
147
D
145

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

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
1.5k Sightings
J
95
F
99
M
102
A
98
M
92
J
39
J
161
A
173
S
108
O
182
N
181
D
202

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
1.5k Sightings
J
113
F
91
M
105
A
100
M
88
J
56
J
117
A
101
S
139
O
224
N
189
D
179

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
1.4k Sightings
J
196
F
140
M
114
A
90
M
70
J
65
J
152
A
125
S
108
O
115
N
124
D
142