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Maldives

Courses

Courses

Dive Sites

Dive Sites

Wildlife

Wildlife

Dive Trips

Dive Trips

Events

Events

© iStock/kurmyshov

Explore the 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
283
Divesites
372
Centers
57
iStock/mahos

Northern Atolls

The Northern Atolls’ best diving locations include Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, and Lhaviyani atolls.
Courses & Events
36
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.
Courses & Events
1
Divesites
49
Centers
13

Courses and Events

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.

April 29, 2026 +271 More
$540.00

Go Pro with SSI: The Ultimate Instructor Training Course

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Learning. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.
On Request

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!

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$250.97

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.

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$1,158.30

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.

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$965.25

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.

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$1,042.47

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!

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$244.53

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.

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$450.45

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.

April 29, 2026 +205 More
$965.25

Dive Centers

Joy Dive Dreamland

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

DivePoint Rannalhi

Adaaran Club Rannalhi, 20026 South Male Atoll, Maldives

Sub Oceanic @ Le Méridien Maldives

Thilamaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Ocean Warriors

Henveiru Meenaaz, 20006 Male’, Maldives

Sub Oceanic Maldives @, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Sirru Fen Fushi, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives

Sub Oceanic @ Hilton Maldives Amingiri

Hilton Maldives Amingiri, 20188 North Male Atoll, Maldives

Drop Dive Maldives

BODU MAGU, 09020 AA. Rasdhoo, Maldives

DivePoint Guraidhoo

Silincoa, K. Guraidhoo, 08080 Guraidhoo, Maldives

Kuramathi Dive Club

Kuramathi Island Resort, 09140 Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives

DivePoint Meedhupparu

Raa Atoll, Meedhupparu, Maldives

Murakabay Maldives

Jumbooreemagyu, 09030 Ukulhas, Maldives

Ocean Junkies

Lot 11647, Dhigga Magu, 23000 Hulhumale, Maldives

Sun Diving @ Siyam World

Siyam World, 20066 Male, Maldives

Dive Sites

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.
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.
Marek T. (#3048856)

Miyaru Kandu (★4.5)

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 ) (★4.8)

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 approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
24k Sightings
J
2.2k
F
2.1k
M
2.4k
A
2.5k
M
1.3k
J
786
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 approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
17k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.7k
M
2.1k
A
2.1k
M
898
J
539
J
994
A
1.3k
S
1.1k
O
1.5k
N
1.8k
D
1.7k
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
14k Sightings
J
1.3k
F
1.4k
M
1.7k
A
1.6k
M
730
J
519
J
1k
A
1.2k
S
906
O
1.2k
N
1.5k
D
1.3k
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
10k Sightings
J
1k
F
1k
M
1.1k
A
843
M
418
J
199
J
392
A
787
S
881
O
1.3k
N
1.4k
D
972
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov

Hawksbill Turtle
8.6k Sightings
J
781
F
766
M
853
A
876
M
457
J
343
J
712
A
753
S
587
O
766
N
923
D
746

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
7.6k Sightings
J
795
F
704
M
716
A
796
M
354
J
303
J
582
A
661
S
454
O
730
N
809
D
660
Alamy/Fiona Ayerst

Tiger Shark
4k Sightings
J
324
F
615
M
717
A
423
M
219
J
86
J
170
A
273
S
233
O
189
N
462
D
298

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
3.6k Sightings
J
380
F
386
M
417
A
438
M
120
J
82
J
204
A
309
S
217
O
293
N
429
D
367

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
3.5k Sightings
J
388
F
329
M
510
A
540
M
165
J
54
J
138
A
136
S
191
O
343
N
417
D
268
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
2.1k Sightings
J
218
F
216
M
244
A
197
M
89
J
58
J
111
A
170
S
173
O
235
N
205
D
175
Show More
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
30k Sightings
J
3k
F
3k
M
3.4k
A
3.3k
M
1.4k
J
792
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 approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
21k Sightings
J
1.9k
F
1.9k
M
2k
A
2.1k
M
1.2k
J
739
J
1.5k
A
1.9k
S
1.6k
O
2.2k
N
2.4k
D
2k
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer

Grey Reef Shark
19k Sightings
J
2k
F
2.1k
M
2.3k
A
1.8k
M
804
J
409
J
955
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 approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
19k Sightings
J
1.8k
F
1.7k
M
1.8k
A
1.8k
M
974
J
684
J
1.3k
A
1.7k
S
1.4k
O
1.9k
N
2k
D
1.7k

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
17k Sightings
J
1.6k
F
1.5k
M
1.4k
A
1.6k
M
904
J
653
J
1.2k
A
1.5k
S
1.2k
O
1.7k
N
1.8k
D
1.5k

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
15k Sightings
J
1.5k
F
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
1.6k
M
757
J
592
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 approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
15k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.3k
M
1.3k
A
1.4k
M
880
J
558
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
1.4k
M
1.5k
A
1.7k
M
703
J
467
J
1k
A
1.3k
S
1k
O
1.5k
N
1.5k
D
1.3k

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
14k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
1.2k
M
1.2k
A
1.4k
M
755
J
578
J
1k
A
1.3k
S
1k
O
1.4k
N
1.5k
D
1.1k

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
13k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1.2k
M
1.1k
A
1.2k
M
691
J
531
J
1k
A
1.2k
S
1k
O
1.4k
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 approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
13k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
1k
M
968
A
1.3k
M
739
J
534
J
977
A
1.2k
S
966
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 approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
12k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
960
M
970
A
1.2k
M
705
J
474
J
924
A
1.2k
S
918
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 approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
11k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
1.1k
M
1.3k
A
1.2k
M
560
J
399
J
583
A
864
S
712
O
936
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 approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
7.4k Sightings
J
798
F
857
M
832
A
663
M
265
J
197
J
476
A
624
S
533
O
644
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 approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
6.6k Sightings
J
644
F
616
M
618
A
551
M
326
J
193
J
483
A
631
S
472
O
619
N
745
D
714

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
6.4k Sightings
J
644
F
480
M
545
A
648
M
390
J
236
J
573
A
573
S
541
O
597
N
626
D
587

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
6.4k Sightings
J
618
F
558
M
487
A
599
M
379
J
269
J
552
A
604
S
514
O
624
N
682
D
542

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
5.8k Sightings
J
607
F
489
M
422
A
484
M
357
J
273
J
472
A
536
S
408
O
668
N
565
D
533

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
5.5k Sightings
J
554
F
467
M
596
A
586
M
297
J
230
J
435
A
487
S
352
O
479
N
490
D
516

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
5.3k Sightings
J
474
F
470
M
471
A
577
M
380
J
219
J
399
A
394
S
384
O
464
N
531
D
497

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
4.6k Sightings
J
456
F
376
M
336
A
404
M
295
J
228
J
415
A
396
S
414
O
502
N
409
D
396
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty

Silvertip Shark
4.3k Sightings
J
530
F
514
M
600
A
360
M
145
J
79
J
233
A
295
S
275
O
317
N
491
D
420

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
3.8k Sightings
J
343
F
297
M
442
A
371
M
210
J
177
J
255
A
302
S
223
O
400
N
378
D
370

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
3.7k Sightings
J
336
F
374
M
331
A
422
M
227
J
153
J
291
A
270
S
278
O
358
N
317
D
321

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
3.4k Sightings
J
382
F
269
M
325
A
319
M
214
J
64
J
229
A
238
S
267
O
296
N
404
D
367

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
2.6k Sightings
J
256
F
169
M
323
A
244
M
109
J
57
J
163
A
174
S
236
O
310
N
269
D
279

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
2.3k Sightings
J
309
F
219
M
167
A
216
M
128
J
81
J
190
A
153
S
176
O
219
N
223
D
192

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
1.7k Sightings
J
181
F
193
M
137
A
132
M
94
J
77
J
126
A
165
S
93
O
181
N
149
D
144

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

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
1.6k Sightings
J
94
F
109
M
160
A
129
M
94
J
39
J
161
A
171
S
112
O
181
N
182
D
203

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
1.6k Sightings
J
112
F
126
M
138
A
151
M
90
J
55
J
117
A
102
S
140
O
224
N
191
D
174