Maldives Scuba Diving: 12 Thrilling Sites Where You Can Explore The Waters In 2024

Famous for having the best waters in the world, Maldives is, without a doubt, the best place on earth to go scuba diving. With more than a thousand islands making this archipelago a paradise, it is assumed that the individual scuba diving sites would probably be in the thousands too.

The islands of Maldives are blessed with a spotless seabed, warm waters, and heavy currents which in turn encourage a healthy marine population. A haven to an array of tropical fish, other aquatic species like rays and sharks, and a vibrant variety of corals, Maldives’ scuba diving is one of a kind experience. It is also one of the few places where you can observe different species of sharks and turtles in their own habitat during the Maldives diving season.

12 Finest Maldives Scuba Diving Sites

Having said that, we have compiled a list of the top diving sites in the Maldives, for all those water lovers. Take a look at these sites before you head here, and add some of these to your Maldives scuba diving holiday!

Maaya Thila
Fesdhoo Wreck
Banana Reef
Kuredu Express
Fotteyo Kandu
Fish Head
Kuda Rah Thila
Broken Rock
Kandooma Thila
Miyaru Kandu
Okobe Thila
Alimatha House Reef

1. Maaya Thila

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Undoubtedly one of the best sites for Maldives scuba diving, Maaya Thila is a rich oasis. Its 5 to 30 meters deep and boasts cave exploration, incredible coral and aquatic life, and even glimpses of the famous grey reef sharks! Angelfish, clownfish, barracuda, and parrotfish are permanent residents here. The uniqueness of this site is its undisturbed beauty, clear transparency, and ever flourishing fauna.

Best time: December to May
Current: Medium

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2. Fesdhoo Wreck

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A site of a shipwreck just off of the coast of the island of Fesdhoo, Fesdhoo Wreck is an intriguing Maldives scuba diving site. While the entire ship seems to be covered in species of sponges, starfish, and coral, the ship itself serves as a haven to a variety of fish including moray eels, grouper fish, and lionfish. White-tip reef sharks can also be spotted here, and if youre lucky, hammerheads too!

Best time: January to April
Current: Easy to medium

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3. Banana Reef

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If you are looking for a thrilling Maldives scuba diving site to explore during your holiday, Banana Reef offers everything from deep caves to overhangs, and coral heads and fish schools. The depth of this site ranges from 5 to 30 meters. Some of the fish species that you can observe here include sharks, eels, bannerfish, and grouper fish.

Best time: All year
Current: Calm

4. Kuredu Express

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Named after the strong currents that pass through this spot, Kuredu Express is considered by most to be one of the top diving sites in Maldives. The sandy bed, colourful reef, and a rich population of aquatic beauties is a usual here. Eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and tuna are some of the easily observed fish.

Best Time: January to April
Current: Strong

5. Fotteyo Kandu

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The list of the sites for scuba diving in Male is incomplete without the mention of Fotteyo Kandu. Very easily amongst the best ones here, this site is famous for its sheer beauty. Stunning underwater landscapes rich with coral reefs and colonies, marine flora and fauna, and unique sightings every now and then, are some things that you can expect here. Be sure to explore the swim-throughs and caves at this best scuba diving sites in Maldives!

Best time: All year
Current: Strong

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6. Fish Head

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Also known as Shark Point by tourists and Mushimasmingili Thila by the locals, Fish Head is a site with a sandy seabed, caves, and a stunning landscape. Sharks are residents here and sightings of grey reef sharks is quite common. It is undoubtedly one of the best sites for scuba diving in Maldives.

Best time: December to April
Current: Strong

7. Kuda Rah Thila

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Meant especially for the advanced divers, this site is a haven to a large variety of marine fauna. Incredible species like triggerfish, puffer fish, and even turtles are residents here. Make your way towards the arch, and the stunning coral colonies are a wonderful sight to behold. Travel enthusiasts should surely add this best site for scuba diving in the Maldives to their list!

Best time: December to May
Current: Medium to strong

8. Broken Rock

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One that is not meant for the light-hearted, Broken Rock is spectacular, but a little intimidating too. It is in its distinctive structure that this mystic lies. It is a canyon that splits the entire reef into 2 parts in such a way that you can swim between them. The strong currents pose as quite a challenge, but the view of the Napoleon wrasse, anthias, angelfish, puffer fish and many more is completely worth at this amazing site for scuba diving in Maldives.

Best time: January to April
Current: Strong

9. Kandooma Thila

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If you have come here in search of the best, then your Maldives scuba diving dive trip must include a dive in Kandooma Thila. While the luckiest divers catch a glimpse of schools of dogtooth tuna and eagle rays, even on a lazy day, you will get to see groupers, white-tip reef sharks, and jacks. The view from this sight is mind-blowing. You can end your dive at a point that is home to a number of species of turtles, thus ending with a high!

Best time: All year-round
Current: Strong

10. Miyaru Kandu

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Looking for the best Maldives scuba diving spot to get up close with the majestic sharks- There is no better site than Miyaru Kandu! One of the best sites in Maldives to see the hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays and dogtooth tuna too have made this their home.

11. Okobe Thila

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A site that changes according to the current, Okobe Thila is for the explorers. Small in size, it is perfect for a little beginner diving in the Maldives. This entire region has 3 main pinnacles that serve as havens to tuna, moray eels, long finned batfish, and some other fish variety. It may be interesting to note that this Maldives scuba diving site is also known as Barracuda Thila.

Best time: December to May
Current: Medium

12. Alimatha House Reef

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Not only popular for being one of the cheap diving Maldives sites but also famous for its night dives, Alimatha House Reef is perfect for beginners. The two most incredible fish species that make this site special are the-cowtail stingrays and nurse sharks! Maldives scuba diving cost in Alimatha House Reef is right under your budget.

Best time: December to April
Current: Strong

Further Read: Planning A Cruise To Maldives And Don’t Know Where To Start? Look No Further!

One of the best scuba diving destinations in the entire world, Maldives scuba diving is a perfect combination of land and waters. Dive into the currents, make some new marine friends, and have a time of your life on your next trip to Maldives.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives Scuba Diving Sites

What is the Maldives known for?

Maldives is one of the most romantic places on earth and is known for its breathtaking natural environs, clear blue waters, serene white sand beaches, and tranquility. The Maldives provides the ideal setting for a number of exciting water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kite-boating and more!

Is the Maldives good for scuba diving?

The Maldives provides unique and beautiful surroundings for scuba diving. Its clear and calm water makes it an excellent diving site.

What is there to do in the Maldives?

Fun things to do in Maldives for an amazing experience are:
1. Sunset cruising
2. Whale Shark Sighting
3. Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding
4. Water Skiing
5. Parasailing

Which is the best time to visit the Maldives?

November to April has the best weather conditions in Maldives and is the best time to visit this beautiful island country.

Is scuba diving in the Maldives safe for first-timers?

Yes. It’s absolutely safe if you are following the proper guidelines of scuba diving and have proper training for it.

Do you have to be certified to scuba dive in Maldives?

No. But its highly recommended that you get yourself certified from any authorized diving centers for safety reasons.

Is scuba diving in Maldives expensive?

On average, scuba diving in Maldives can cost you INR 4000 ($55) per dive per person which is not very expensive as compared to other countries.

Which are some scuba diving sites for beginners in Maldives?

Maaya Thila, Ellaidhoo House Reef, and Bodu Thila are some of the scuba diving sites in the Maldives for the beginners. In case you are looking for options with cheap scuba diving in Maldives, then Vaavu Atoll and South Ari Atoll have some scuba diving options on a budget.

Are there any Maldives scuba diving Resorts?

Yes, there are. Constance Moofushi, Biyadhoo Island Resort, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort, and Spa Maldives, and Gangehi Island Resort are some of the great options for Maldives scuba diving resorts.