Liveaboard Diving in Maldives

Liveaboard SCUBA diving in the Maldives offers some of the world's most pristine and colourful reefs along with luxury dive boats that satisfy the choosiest of vacationers.

Diving in the Maldives by liveaboard offers the best in many must-have tropical SCUBA experiences. Deserted, white sand islands peep out of the ocean by only two meters, stretching seamlessly into an underwater paradise of wildlife nourished by the Indian Monsoon current. The Maldives' crystal clear waters are home to mantas, whale sharks, and reef sharks, not to mention the brilliant flatworms and ghost pipefish who hide among its wrecks, coral gardens, channels, and pinnacles. Maldives liveaboards offer itineraries encompassing the world-class dive sites of North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, Rasdhoo, and many more, including remote atolls in the far north and south where you'd be hard-pressed to see another liveaboard.

Liveaboards in Ari Atoll come for their submerged, volcano-shaped pinnacles, which attract immense amounts of big marine life. Diving in and near Ari Atoll can bring you face to face with manta rays, pelagic fish, and even hammerhead sharks at Rasdhoo Atoll to the northeast. Within Ari Atoll's 40 km length and 105 small islands, dive sites like the premier Maaya Thila, overflowing with reef life, or Donkalo Thila, one of multiple manta cleaning stations, are only accessible to liveaboards. The most dependable Maldives dive sites for whale sharks and manta rays are located in this area. Experienced divers will be best able to navigate the strong currents that bring the giants to Ari Atoll. Maldivian liveaboards to Ari Atoll are mostly MV luxury yachts.


The length of most liveaboard itineraries to Ari Atoll ranges from 7 to 12 nights. The best time to dive in Aril Atoll is the calm-sea season of December to May. The water temperature usually remains between 26-29 C, and visibility is at 15-20 meters. Budgets for liveaboards in Ari Atoll range between 200 to 400 euros per. day. Ari Atoll liveaboards depart from Male, reachable by short flights from nearby Singapore, Dubai, and Colombo, as well as longer flights worldwide. Places to dive in and around Ari Atoll are North and South Male Atolls, Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll. Ari Atoll's liveaboard itineraries will often include a combination of the above.

Baa Atoll, in the Maldives' Northern Atolls area, offers an array of famously beautiful underwater landscapes and plentiful marine life. At Maavaru Kandu, you can dive below huge rocky overhangs festooned with luminous pastel gardens of blue, yellow, and green soft corals. Dhonfanu Thila and Dhigali Haa dive sites are underwater pinnacles known for their scenic whip corals, bushy black corals, and sea fans, as well as schools of snapper and regular manta rays. Hanifaru Bay even enjoys world-famous manta and whale shark aggregations during the plankton-rich months from August through November. Some diving in Baa Atoll is suitable for beginners with moderate currents. Liveaboards in Baa Atoll are mostly MV yachts and luxury yachts.

Nilandhe Atoll, on the western border of the Maldives' Southern Atolls, is a great destination for liveaboard diving. It comprises two atolls - the northern atoll is known for its big schools of fish, sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and eagle rays. The southern atoll is home to an abundance of protected areas teeming with marine life, including grey reef sharks, schools of fusiliers, snappers, sweetlips, and even tuna, turtles, and mantas. No matter your interests, Nilandhe Atoll will surely have something for you.

Fuvahmulah, in the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, offers an unparalleled diving experience. Diving into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and the chance to spot elusive species like tiger sharks and oceanic manta rays. Fuvahmulah's most popular dive sites include Gahaa Kandu and Thoondu Point; divers are often surrounded by schools of colorful fish and vibrant coral formations. 

The length of most liveaboard dive cruise itineraries to Baa Atoll ranges from 7 to 10 nights. Baa Atoll dive sites can be visited year-round, though the southwest monsoon from May to November can make the seas a bit choppy. The water temperature stays stable at 27-30 C. Budgets for Baa Atoll liveaboards range from 200 to 400 euros per day. Many liveaboards bound for Baa Atoll depart from Male. However, some depart from Hanimadhoo in the north and spend their whole itinerary in that area. Hanimadhoo can be reached by domestic seaplane from Male. Some itineraries on a Baa Atoll-bound liveaboard include North Male and Ari Atoll. Other itineraries may spend more time among Baa's uncrowded neighbors in the north: Lhaviyani, Noonu, and Raa Atolls.

Longer dive safaris include Lhaviyani, Felidhoo, Vaavu, and Meemu atolls, whilst, during January-March, several Maldives dive liveaboards focus their attention on Huvadhoo Atoll in the Deep South close to the Equator. No matter which dive trip you choose, you can be sure to see healthy corals surrounded by colorful reef fish and plenty of pelagic fish action on every dive.

More about the Atolls of Maldives

  • Jump off the plane and hop on a boat for a classic Maldives dive trip in the Central Atolls.
  • Grab your bunk on an exclusive Far North Atolls liveaboard for untouched, pristine diving.
  • Drift dive the Southern Atolls in serenity and witness Maldives' marine life with exceptional visibility.
  • Crack the Maldives' best-kept secret- tiger sharks and oceanic whitetips in the Deep South.

Tips for Travellers

The best time to dive in the Maldives is all year. However, some people prefer to avoid monsoon season, which hits the area in April and continues to rain through October. The water temperature typically ranges between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), with visibility from 20 meters (65 feet) to as far as the eye can see. Water depths include shallow reefs, deep walls, and everything in between, ensuring every diver can find their perfect dive. For the more intrepid diver, there are slow currents in many areas, and extremely strong currents jetting through the atoll pass for the more experienced thrill seeker. Whatever your tastes, Maldives has the diving suited just for you, which can be enjoyed in mild outside weather ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius (75 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit).

In the Maldives, additional liveaboards fees usually include gear rental (not covered by your trip price), which can be in the vicinity of 40 USD per person per night. Every diver must also independently purchase dive insurance before getting in the water. Some other fees like extra alcoholic drinks and special gear such as torches may incur additional charges. In the Maldives, a new Green Tax of 6 USD per person per night applies for every tourist in the country. Some islands and marine parks have national park fees that are not included in liveaboard packages, like Hanifaru Bay's park entrance fee of 20 USD per person. Nitrox is offered on virtually every Maldives liveaboard- some as a complimentary service, and some for a fee. Depending on the route, a fuel surcharge per person per night may be added. This surcharge usually ranges from 10 to 15 USD per night. If you have any questions about extra fees in the Maldives, don't hesitate to contact us directly. We are here for you.

Minimum logged dives are required by many Maldives diving liveaboards, Scubaspa Yang and Ying being the exceptions. Ocean Divine requires 20, MV Orion and Amba require 50, and Carpe Vita requires 100. Safety briefings on boats like Scubaspa Yang and Ying are conducted on day one. Check dives on Maldives liveaboards are often held in Male on the first day.

The official language of the Maldives is Maldivian or Dhivehi.

A free 30 day visa is issued on arrival to all tourists in the Maldives. However, tourists must possess a valid passport, a valid outbound ticket and either a reservation confirmation in a hotel or enough funds to cover expenses for the duration of their stay (30 USD per. day).

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives unless you have been in a country with increased yellow fever risk sometime in the nine days previous to arrival. In such cases, you must have proof of a yellow fever vaccination. We recommend standard protection against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, influenza, typhoid and hepatitis A. There is no endemic malaria risk in the Maldives. However, the rainy season (May through September) elevates the risk of dengue fever. For advice on Malaria and Dengue, seek professional medical advice before travelling.

Electricity voltage runs at 220-240 volts; the standard socket is UK-style three-pin, but many resorts have universal sockets to accommodate non-UK tourists.

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country by land area (300 square kilometres) and population, but its underwater offerings are comparatively huge- 90,000 square kilometres of ocean. Fewer than 300 of its roughly 2000 islands are inhabited, leaving the rest of the white-sand paradises to sharks and corals, and the lucky divers who visit them. At a maximum height of about 2.5 meters above sea level, the Maldives is at incredibly high risk from global warming, which contributes to its activism for carbon-pollution reduction worldwide. Thirty one protected areas exist in the country, and incredible coral restoration projects are common.

Ports of Departure and how to get there

Male is the main liveaboard departure location in the Maldives, and the country's capital city, located on the southern edge of North Male Atoll (also called Kaafu Atoll). The main Male departure port is Hulhule, next to the Male airport. Liveaboards diving in the Central Atolls set out from here. North Male Atoll is the best known and explored dive area in the Maldives, long recognized as a world-class manta and reef shark destination with many longstanding, beloved dive sites of pinnacles, wrecks, coral gardens, and cleaning stations. Entry level divers can find offerings around Male, even though currents can be strong. Standard liveaboards departing from Male may visit North Male Atoll, Ari Atoll and Rasdhoo Atoll, and sometimes Baa Atoll as well. Other liveaboards may head south of Male Atoll to include Meemu (Malaku), Vaavu (Felidhu), and Thaa (Kolhumadulu) atolls.

Travellers bound for Male can take direct flights from Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo. Longer international flights from Europe, America, China, India, and Australia are all readily available, often connecting through the airports mentioned above. Flights to the Maldives are available on multiple airlines, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Singapore Airlines, among others. From the UK, expect at least a 13 hour trip. From Germany or Australia, the flight duration is at least 12 hours. Divers arriving from the USA can fly first to Singapore, with a flight duration of 20 hours from Los Angeles.


Maldives Diving Reviews

  • 9.2 Superb
  • 898 Verified Reviews
  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Danya C
  • United States United States

I loved the diversity of the diving. We were lucky to get whale shark interactions one day. The mantas were beautiful and abundant. Reef life is very healthy. Loved the shark wall dive, even with the very strong current! DM did a fantastic job briefing it for real expectations.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Novo

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Seth G
  • United States United States

Very beautiful country, we enjoyed our time in the Maldives.

Diving Maldives in May on the Carpe Novo

  • 6.0 Review score
  • Eric H
  • United States United States

About half the dives were great. disappointed that we did not get more variety or some of the other locations originally listed in the itinerary. Enjoyed the new friends and the good dives.

Diving Maldives in March on the Orca M7

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Robert L
  • United States United States

Great beach time on beautiful sand banks and small islands.

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Ying

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Robert H
  • United States United States

Overall diving experience as outstanding. Some of the best diving we have ever done!

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Serenity

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Roger B
  • United States United States

very good. Some challenging dives, as expected, but our dive guides and boat crews helped prepare us for them and made sure the dives were excellent all around.

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Serenity

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Karl E
  • United States United States

Of all the places I have been diving, Maldives rates in the top 2, with Komodo National Park being the other. The team on this boat this week made this trip an especially wonderful week.

Diving Maldives in May on the Emperor Leo

  • 7.6 Good
  • Matilde S
  • United States United States

Snorkeling was great but the reefs were all dead but one here. There was no information about the reasons. When asked the crew said it’s due to humans touching the reef and not warmer waters. The weather here is the same year round. Global warming is not the reason but over doing human contact is the reason. Team leaders said it’s due to global warming. More information should be provided to build awareness on the health of marine life with credible resources. This is far more important!!!!

Diving Maldives in July on the Princess Dhonkamana

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Steve W
  • United States United States

Excellent whale sharks, mantas and other sharks. Nice warm water 😊

Diving Maldives in September on the Blue Force One

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Kelsey W
  • United States United States

Whether you are diving or snorkeling, the Maldives is an incredible place to experience the beauty of the ocean.

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Dhonkamana

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Fernando R
  • United States United States

One of the top spots in the world. Always plenty of life around and a huge variety of sea creatures.

Diving Maldives in October on the Blue Force One

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Angelos K
  • United States United States

It was excellent. Already planning my next trip here (still on the islands as I type this). The visibility varies quite a bit across dive sites (generally, I’d say a little shorter than in the Caribbean), but the temperature is consistently high (85-86F) — good enough to not need a wetsuit, even with 3 dives a day.

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Haseena

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Samuel P
  • United States United States

Some of the best diving of my life! Incredible encounters with sharks and manta rays.

Diving Maldives in November on the Blue Voyager

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • William S
  • United States United States

Diving the Maldives was excellent. The visibility was good, water was warm and sea life incredible

Diving Maldives in November on the Emperor Serenity

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Ryan V
  • United States United States

Great. Lots of sharks on most dives, Mantas, whalesharks fun current.

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Dhonkamana

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Marcela R
  • United States United States

Really nice! A place to came back!

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Force One

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Grant G
  • United States United States

Overall, amazing! Some dives the visibility was questionable and we couldn’t see far into the blue.

Diving Maldives in December on the Carpe Vita

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Esther H
  • United States United States

Surprised to see trash floating whenever we were sailing or anchored

Diving Maldives in January on the Blue Force One

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Laura S
  • United States United States

At least half of the dives had at least some current, with a couple having some strong currents that I was not used to. Recommend bringing a reef hook (but you can rent them). The reefs are gorgeous and have a lot of life. You'll see at least one pelagic on every dive <3. Also, it rained on nearly half the days, even during the "dry" season.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Sara

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Charles C
  • United States United States

Great experience! Currents were more than expected but quite tolerable. Would have liked to have visited more reefs with micro but that's being picky.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Sara

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Anne C
  • United States United States

Overall it was great! Great dive masters also. Expected better visibility. Lots of new fish to see.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Sara

  • 7.6 Good
  • Paul T
  • United States United States

Visibility was bad but the marine life was amazing

Diving Maldives in February on the Top Class Cruising - Sunseeker

  • 7.6 Good
  • John U
  • United States United States

Good diving, good visibility, nice corals & decent fish life. Sharks, Mantas and a few whale sharks (at night by the boat)

Diving Maldives in February on the Horizon 3

  • 7.6 Good
  • Ella S
  • United States United States

Did not expect such poor visibility n poor coral conditions. Mantas, whale sharks and sharks were impressive.

Diving Maldives in February on the Ocean One

  • 6.0 Review score
  • Anthony L
  • United States United States

Would like to have dived more sites without only focusing on sharks

Diving Maldives in February on the Conte Max

  • 6.0 Review score
  • Katja R
  • Germany Germany

We love diving in Maldives, but it has changed due to climate change. Less fish and corals bleached

Diving Maldives in November on the Amba Liveaboard

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Jan-Eric M
  • Germany Germany

Overall, scuba diving in the Maldives is an incredible experience that offers divers the opportunity to explore a breathtaking underwater world. With its warm waters, abundant marine life, and stunning coral reefs, it's no wonder the Maldives is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.

Diving Maldives in August on the Maldives Aggressor II

  • 8.4 Very good
  • holger P
  • Germany Germany

Die Sicht war so das einzige, was meinen Erwartungen nicht entsprach. Da hatt ich tatsächlich klarere Verhälnisse erwartet, wie man es aus dem fernsehen kennt. Aber das kann man eben nicht ändern. Alles andere fand ich super interessant und hat mich begeistert. Tauchtechnisch auch wieder einiges dazugelernt.

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Virgo

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Alejandro G
  • Spain Spain

Dives where great although water was a little bit murky hence visibility was reduced

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Leo

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Tanja L
  • Germany Germany

Much better deep south then central atolls

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Leo

  • 7.6 Good
  • Leandro S
  • Brazil Brazil

Half our dives were below average, the other half were good dives - we expected more from the Maldives. Visibility was ok, reefs weren't pristine, pelagic life was average.

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Explorer

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Cathy B
  • Canada Canada

Loved seeing whale shark at back of boat. Disappointed we didn’t see any Mantas which the Maldives is famous for

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Serenity

  • 7.2 Good
  • Csilla K
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Sometimes challenging but impressive

Diving Maldives in February on the Princess Sara

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Christina I
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Nice especially with current

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Leo

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Jakob B
  • Denmark Denmark

We dived from Malé & 7 days South. We saw & experienced more than we could ever imagine. The only thing we didn't come for & see much were the large sharks, but we saw schools of 100-200 smaller sharks, whaleshark, mantas & SO much more.

Diving Maldives in February on the Sachika

  • 6.8 Review score
  • Monique K
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Very nice, although some coral reef bleaching going on sadly

Diving Maldives in February on the Soleil 2

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Lis T
  • Luxembourg Luxembourg

There was something interesting to see on EVERY dive!

Diving Maldives in February on the Sunseeker

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Benoit A
  • France France

Very nice. Lots of small fishes or several big ones depending on the dive. Not the most colorful coral gardens I have seen but most dives were great. Only a few were of little interest.

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Virgo

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Haydn C
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Maldives is the best. Simple as that... you get to see everything possible in 1 single trip. Amazing.

Diving Maldives in March on the Sachika

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Walid A
  • Antigua & Barbuda Antigua & Barbuda

Maldives offers a lot of amazing diving but timing is everything and flexible dive plans will make it a wonderful experience

Diving Maldives in March on the Duke of York

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Ben W
  • Germany Germany

All diving in the maldives was a real treat. Lucky with big fish as well! Highlight was a big bull shark on the very last dive. Amazing experience overall with sometimes very strong currents though!

Diving Maldives in March on the Orca M7

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • samantha V
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Excellent overall. Some of the channel dives can be tricky with the currents but the guides really do their best to find the best routes and keep you relaxed and safe. Vis was great for the majority of sites. But sometimes some extra plankton can be worth it when the mantas make an appearance. The second boat (dhoni) is a god send.

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Ying

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Cecilia W
  • Sweden Sweden

Amazing diving and great variety

Diving Maldives in March on the Scubaspa Yang

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • janice H
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Excellent. Water temps great and mostly good visibility. Plenty of varied fish species.

Diving Maldives in March on the Blue Force One

  • 7.6 Good
  • Kim B
  • Canada Canada

Our favourite sites were the most southern ones. We lucked out with tigers and hammerheads.

Diving Maldives in March on the Carpe Novo

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Tana Z
  • Hong Kong Hong Kong

Good marine life, not a lot of healthy corals, need some experience diving with current

Diving Maldives in April on the Carpe Vita

  • 8.0 Very good
  • luis fernando R
  • Spain Spain

Overall, Maldives is a place to visit at least 1once. Unique opportunity to see big mantas, medium whale shark and grey sharks. Reefs are not as well preserved nor impresive as in other areas. Diving in kandus is exciting and rewarding, but many people will feel stressed. Diving out of kandus is quite crowded and not worth the travel in my opinion

Diving Maldives in April on the Blue Force One

  • 6.8 Review score
  • Robert T
  • Czech Republic Czech Republic

Overall good, just worse visibility Expected more coral gardens on top of tila

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Explorer

  • 6.8 Review score
  • Bruce L
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Varied diving with a wide range of marine encounters

Diving Maldives in April on the Sachika

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Laurence P
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Incredible! Best we’ve done. Perfect visibility! And the wildlife all had great personalities!

Diving Maldives in April on the Scubaspa Yang

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Ella C
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

There was at least a soft to medium current on every dive, and several dives involved swimming into a strong current for a time which was quite tiring. But worth it to see the sights we experienced

Diving Maldives in April on the Blue Voyager

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Wing Ka L
  • Hong Kong Hong Kong

Nice drifting experience. White tips black tips Nurse Sharks. Manta Rays. Dolphins. Whale shark. String Rays. Eagle Rays.

Diving Maldives in April on the Emperor Leo

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Hussam G
  • Canada Canada

Enjoyed most of my dives, and we were able to see a lot, despite the weather not always cooperating. The staff always had an alternative plan if the current was to strong or doing in the opposite direction

Diving Maldives in April on the Sachika

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Ales M
  • Slovenia Slovenia

Excellent, great mix of relaxed diving with some tougher current to spice it up

Diving Maldives in April on the Sachika

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Shirin M
  • Iran Iran

Great / but underwater world is a little bit damaged and needs lots of care

Diving Maldives in April on the Scubaspa Yang

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Tan A
  • Malaysia Malaysia

Good experience. First time close counter of whale shark, many manta ray at cleaning station, big hammer head shark, 4 guitar shark circle around. Also hundred of stingray circle around.

Diving Maldives in May on the Carpe Diem

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Arpita S
  • India India

Exciting and one of a kind! Learned a lot of new things! on board, as well as, off board!

Diving Maldives in May on the Emperor Leo

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Marianne B
  • Germany Germany

We loved the trip and the diving. You get to see all of the maldives classics.

Diving Maldives in June on the Scubaspa Yang

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Fred H
  • Australia Australia

Little to no current

Diving Maldives in June on the Horizon 3

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Catriona G
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Easy diving, some fun currents, unbelievably diverse and always something new to see

Diving Maldives in June on the Scubaspa Ying

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Shitai Z
  • China China

The weather is great on the first day and the last when we departure, however the rest days are raining unfortunately. It somehow affect the visibility under water. Coral is quite stunning at FIVE ROCKS, that's the most vast and beautiful corals that I have seen in my life.

Diving Maldives in June on the Scubaspa Ying

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Darren B
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

I really enjoyed my time in the Maldives. The abundance of different fish, the sharks, rays, shrimp, and nudibranch. Also the different types of coral. Diving with the use of a Dhoni makes the experience so much easier and better.

Diving Maldives in July on the Emperor Voyager

  • 6.8 Review score
  • Fredrik N
  • Sweden Sweden

Decent. Unfortunately we didn't get the best visibility and some feedback that our diveguide took really poorly soured the last dives.

Diving Maldives in July on the Horizon 3

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Daniel B
  • Switzerland Switzerland

The diving is done from the Dhony, so no dive equipment on the main boat, which makes diving very comfortable and easy. The only small downside is the 45 mins maximum dive time.

Diving Maldives in August on the Sachika

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Karin R
  • Germany Germany

Zur richtigen Zeit an den richtigen Orten. Mantas ohne Ende

Diving Maldives in August on the Carpe Novo

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Rene S
  • Austria Austria

good, though not extraordinary - dive spots were the most famous ones, maybe there woukd have been better ones off the beaten track

Diving Maldives in August on the Sunseeker

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Hazel B
  • Singapore Singapore

Snorkeling was nice! Choppy waters probably due to the season but who doesnt love the Maldives!!

Diving Maldives in August on the Scubaspa Ying

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Petr K
  • Czech Republic Czech Republic

First time in this period of year (out of the peak season) and again really good and enjoyable.

Diving Maldives in September on the Felicity

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Simon T
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Lot‘s of stuff to see, great fish life and corals. Highly recommend to do a dive safari rather than diving in resorts as you can see much more different dive sites and it‘s a better value for money deal.

Diving Maldives in September on the Carpe Novo

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • HANYU J
  • China China

Can not wait for the next trip in Maldives for more sharks in different season and areas.

Diving Maldives in September on the Carpe Diem

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Antoine F
  • Canada Canada

Very good! Some dives with a lot of current

Diving Maldives in October on the Blue Voyager

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Vincent V
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Exactly what I was expecting

Diving Maldives in October on the Sachika

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Neil P
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Ok just not as colourful as i thought it may be

Diving Maldives in October on the Emperor Leo

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Melissa R
  • Canada Canada

Loved it. Was some of my best dive experiences. Loved the variety of life. Good place to see mega fauna. Currents are present and might be something to consider

Diving Maldives in October on the Princess Sara

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Carlos C
  • Portugal Portugal

All sites where up to my expectations, with special emphasis to the ones we dove with Whale Sharks Vaavu Atoll and Manta S.Ari Atoll

Diving Maldives in October on the EcoPro Moonima

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Maria T
  • Germany Germany

Amazing for pelagic life!

Diving Maldives in October on the Carpe Novo

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Christian F
  • Germany Germany

Sehr sehr gut, viele "Großfische", viele unterschiedliche Haie, Mantas, Schildkröten, aber auch Schnecken, Clownfische und schöne Korallen

Diving Maldives in November on the Princess Sara

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Betina W
  • Germany Germany

Lovely experience, except for all the plastic trash in the ocean around some populated islands and specifically Male.

Diving Maldives in November on the Carpe Novo

  • 8.0 Very good
  • Harri W
  • Finland Finland

Every trip to Maldives has something new to offer

Diving Maldives in December on the EcoPro Mariana

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Sascha F
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Plentiful sharks, Mantas, Eagle Ray's, Whalesharks. Mostly strong currents with the need to descend quickly. Sometimes not so good visibility.

Diving Maldives in December on the Ocean One

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Bernard S
  • Singapore Singapore

Diving in the Maldives is world-class for the amount of life and the variety of dives. Should be on the bucket list for all serious divers. If you love sharks, come to the Maldives.

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Sara

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Shaurya C
  • India India

The best diving so far. Great for Pelagic as well as reefs.

Diving Maldives in December on the Ocean Divine

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Tsz Hin C
  • Hong Kong Hong Kong

Small current, different species of sharks and rays That's awesome to see whale shark!

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Sara

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Lorenz S
  • Netherlands Netherlands

Tne water was nice and warm. Visibility could be hit or miss. On a bad day you are looking at about 40ft and on the best day we probably had 150+ft. But we saw almost everything there is to see. Mantas, whalesharks, eagle and sting rays, big fish, small fish, turtles incl. a giant one that was easily 6ft long from head to tail and much more. Ofc some of the rare species like leopard sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads etc. are just pure luck and very rare to see. Don’t count on it.

Diving Maldives in December on the Princess Sara

  • 7.6 Good
  • Susan R
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Very poor visibility, South Ari was boring

Diving Maldives in December on the Emperor Virgo

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Philippe B
  • Switzerland Switzerland

Incredible amount of fish and pelagic

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Voyager

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Bee bee K
  • Singapore Singapore

10 out of 10 for its amazing sightings, abundance fishes. Highly recommend to have 40-50 dives before coming to Maldives, for your own safety sake.

Diving Maldives in December on the Theia

  • 9.2 Superb
  • MICHAL K
  • Slovakia Slovakia

Very good. Variety of fish. Large fish: mantas, sharks, turtles,

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Force One

  • 9.6 Exceptional
  • Muyang W
  • China China

As expected with strong currents and many pelagic animals. Visibility in late Dec was not as ideal as imagined.

Diving Maldives in December on the Sachika

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Trond S
  • Norway Norway

Great trip - even with pretty crappy weather

Diving Maldives in December on the Amba Liveaboard

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Piotr D
  • Poland Poland

wonderful, unforgettable, amazing

Diving Maldives in December on the Blue Voyager

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Derek N
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

5 star still one of the best places to dive and see the big ones (W/shars / Mantas / Sharks

Diving Maldives in January on the Emperor Serenity

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Mark B
  • Israel Israel

Amazing for shark and manta lovers. Challenging for less experienced divers.

Diving Maldives in January on the Amba Liveaboard

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • paul S
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

Sea temperature is warm. Around 29 degrees in January so no wetsuit was needed certainly for divers from the UK. Visibility in generally very good although there was some murkiness is the mouth of the channels. Some beautiful corals were seen on a couple of the dives. Some pretty fish life around too. The sea needs extra respect in the Maldives. Currents can be very strong and unpredictable in direction

Diving Maldives in January on the White Pearl

  • 8.8 Fabulous
  • Pablo S
  • New Zealand New Zealand

Overall the experience was very good but must note the following: I found many dives with different current grades. Few were probably not appropriate for beginners. The development didn't go always as planned. Visibility was another issue. I was expecting greater visibility in this part of the world and came back a bit disappointed.

Diving Maldives in January on the Princess Dhonkamana

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Fiona S
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom

It was disappointing tbh - the outgoing currents meant the vis was bad.

Diving Maldives in February on the Infinity X

  • 7.2 Good
  • Juhee P
  • South Korea South Korea

The overall diving was at a satisfactory level. I thought there were more diving sites suitable for advanced dives than beginners because there were some places with some current.

Diving Maldives in February on the Horizon 3

  • 9.2 Superb
  • Ahmad R
  • Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia

Dive sites are very good to excellent. Currents are medium to strong most of the dives. Use of reef hooks is highly recommended. Water temperature is stable at about 29C most of the time.

Diving Maldives in February on the Emperor Explorer

  • 8.4 Very good
  • Lee R
  • Australia Australia

Definitely good for large sharks, Mantas etc. Would like a few coral reef dives interspersed with the shark dives.

Diving Maldives in February on the Amba Liveaboard

  • 10.0 Exceptional
  • Ilco V
  • Netherlands Netherlands

The water wasn’t always as clear as expected, but overall it was an amazing and inspiring experience

Diving Maldives in March on the Orca M7