7 curated Scuba Diving spots in the Maldives, each with its own note and source.
Seenu · Best time: Nov–Apr · All levels
The wreck of the British Loyalty lies on its starboard side between 16 and 33 metres — a 140-metre tanker. Advanced Open Water is the minimum certification; penetration needs a wreck qualification. Visibility is usually 15 to 30 metres with mild to moderate current, and January to April are the calmest months. Getting there: a 1.5-hour flight Malé–Gan.
Sources: aMaldives
Ari · Best time: Year-round · All levels
More than 50 mapped sites: thilas run from 6 to over 40 metres, the Fesdu wreck sits at 27 to 30 metres. Visibility 10 to 30 metres, current strong in places — intermediate to advanced level is recommended, safety stops are often in blue water, so a marker buoy belongs on your kit. Seas are calmest December to May, mantas mainly August to November.
Sources: Dive The World
Baa · Best time: Jun–Nov · Beginner
Scuba diving is banned inside Hanifaru Bay — snorkelling only, and no certification is required. Manta season runs May to November, with the focus from June to October. Video lights, strobes and selfie sticks are not allowed in the bay.
Sources: Liquid Salt Divers
Gnaviyani · Best time: Year-round · Advanced
Tiger Harbour is a horseshoe-shaped plateau at 8 to 10 metres, one minute by boat from the harbour; over 230 registered tiger sharks live here, around 90 percent of them female. The island sits exposed in the Indian Ocean — current, waves and swell are the norm, and deep plus current specialty training is expected. Conditions are calmest January to April.
Sources: SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Lhaviyani · Best time: Dec–Apr · All levels
The 18-metre Kuredu Express has sat upright at a maximum of 11.5 metres since February 2023, its highest point 3 to 4 metres below the surface — shallow enough for course divers and snorkellers. Stingrays and turtles are regular on the surrounding sand, and the blocks at 5 to 8 metres hold scorpionfish and octopus.
Sources: Kuredu Island Resort / Prodivers
Kaafu · Best time: Year-round · Beginner
Channels (kandus) with drop-offs at 30 to 35 metres and pinnacles between 12 and 40 metres, plus the Kuda Giri wreck at 15 to 30 metres. Visibility 15 to 30 metres, water 26 to 29 degrees; the channels often run strong current, so the sites suit intermediate to advanced divers. Conditions are calmest from late December through May.
Sources: Dive The World
Vaavu · Best time: Jan–Apr · Advanced
Fotteyo Kandu is a channel dive between 15 and 40 metres with 1 to over 3 knots of current — Advanced Open Water is the minimum, reef hook and SMB are part of the kit, and many operators want 50 logged dives. The night dive at Alimatha jetty stays shallow at 5 to 15 metres, where nurse sharks gather. December to April are the calmest months.
Sources: aMaldives