Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, is a small archipelagic state in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 700 kilometres (430 mi) from the Asian continent's mainland. The chain of 26 atolls stretches across the Equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. The land area is roughly 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi). Malé is the capital.
The Maldives has white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear warm waters, numerous scuba diving sites and rich marine life. Most holiday resorts in the Maldives have a scuba diving facility and there are a number of liveaboard operators offering scuba diving cruise holidays.
In the 1998 global coral bleaching, much of the coral in the Maldives was bleached due to the El Niño event combined with global warming. In 2016, global warming and the El Nino event heated the Maldives, which, with land reclamation and water pollution, bleached and killed 75% of corals in the Maldives.
The Maldives has been growing in popularity as a scuba diving destination since the 1970s when the number of resorts began to increase.
Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have been growing steadily for the past ten years, with the exception of 2005 (the year after the tsunami), when the numbers dropped. Around 700,000 tourists visit the Maldives each year (2008).
Climate change has severely impacted coral reefs around the world as has been widely reported such as the effects of the El Niño in late 1990s, according to some around 60%-80% of the corals have been bleached in several areas in the world including the Maldives reefs.
Reports have described the socio-economic impact on the environment as a result of mass tourism expansion in the Maldives.
The Maldives comprises mainly open water, with only 1% of the country being land-based. The land is spread over 1,192 islets, each of which forms part of an atoll. In total, there are 26 atolls in the Maldives. The following atolls are home to some of the dive sites.
The Maldives offers different types of dives, but most are characterized by medium to strong currents.
Each island in the Maldives has its own lagoon, which is usually not very deep.
Terminology:
Located in the western part of the Maldives, Ari Atoll is one of the largest atolls and has a wide selection of dive sites, including:
The Male Atoll is divided into 2 sections, the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll.
The North Male Atoll is one of the most developed atolls in terms of hotel and resort development.
Lhaviyani Atoll is part of Maldives Northern Atolls with several Resort & Local Islands. Diver know Lhaviyani Atoll for its big Turtle and Dolphin population as well as it's high Biodiversity and famous House Reefs.
Shaviyani Atoll is a Atoll located at the Northern Part of Maldives. Very few Resorts and far apart Local Islands make it some of the remotest Diving Areas in Maldives. Hard and soft Coral life is significant healthier than in the rest of Maldives. Shaviyani Atoll is also know for its big Manta and Grey Reef Shark Population. Two special Highlights for Scuba Divers can be found at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort. A semi submerged Museum operated by its Resident Marine Biologist and Maldives longest House Reef with a length of 9 km are part of the Resort.
Addu Atoll is the only area in the Maldives that was not affected by the 1998 global coral bleaching.
Diving in Fuvahmulah Fuvahmulah (locally known as Gnaviyani Atoll), a solitary island atoll situated on the equator in the far south of the Maldives, has become a significant destination for scuba divers seeking encounters with large pelagic marine life.
Unlike the central Maldivian atolls, which are primarily known for reef manta rays, Fuvahmulah's unique geographic location and underwater topography attract an exceptional variety of large open-ocean species for crucial activities such as feeding, grooming, and reproduction.
This confluence has established Fuvahmulah as a key location for observing marine life less commonly seen elsewhere in the archipelago.
The island has gained international recognition, particularly for its dense shark populations, earning it the reputation as a prime "place to be in Asia" for oceanic megafauna encounters.
Notably, Fuvahmulah is reported to have the highest concentration of tiger sharks globally, solidifying its status as a leading destination for divers interested in these apex predators.
Beyond tiger sharks, the waters surrounding Fuvahmulah are rich with other impressive species, including hammerheads, thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips, silvertip sharks, whale sharks, and oceanic manta rays, providing divers with remarkable underwater spectacles.
The consistent presence of such a diverse range of shark species, including those less frequently observed in other Maldivian regions, highlights the rich biodiversity and ecological importance of Fuvahmulah's marine environment.
Divers visiting Fuvahmulah can generally expect favorable underwater conditions throughout the year, with warm waters ranging from 26°C to 30°C.
Underwater visibility is often excellent, typically between 20 to 30 meters and occasionally exceeding 100 meters during the dry season from December to April.
However, currents around Fuvahmulah can vary from moderate to strong, making some dive sites more suitable for divers with intermediate to advanced experience.
These currents, while potentially challenging, are vital in attracting the abundant pelagic life that makes Fuvahmulah a highly sought-after diving destination.
Detailed Profiles of Fuvahmulah Dive Sites Fuvahmulah offers a variety of dive sites, each with unique characteristics and marine life:
Tiger Harbor (also known as Tiger Zoo, Neremathi, Tiger Shark Point, Femunu Kol): Located at the entrance of the island's harbor, this site features a reef and sandy bottom ranging from 8 to over 30 meters. It is world-famous for near-guaranteed, year-round encounters with numerous tiger sharks, attracted by historical fish waste disposal. Divers can also see silvertip reef sharks, giant trevallies, rainbow runners, and snappers, with occasional sightings of leopard sharks, star sharks, giant moray eels, and oceanic manta rays. Visibility is generally good, especially during the dry season (up to 100 meters), but strong waves can occur. Recommended for Open Water certified divers and above, with some operators suggesting Advanced Open Water certification and logged dives. The coordinates are approximately -0.30660 latitude and 73.44128 longitude, and also noted as -0.30181, 73.42623. The attraction of sharks through fish waste raises ethical considerations.
Farikede (also known as Farimikede, South Reef, Plateau): Situated at the southernmost tip of Fuvahmulah, this renowned drift dive site encompasses reef and ocean environments, with the reef top between 10 to 15 meters sloping to depths exceeding 30 meters and dropping off to over 300 meters. It attracts a vast array of pelagic species, including barracuda, sunfish (mola mola), tuna, whitetip reef sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, mako sharks, silvertip sharks, trevally, grey reef sharks, oceanic mantas, hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, and even humpback whales. Strong currents are frequent. Recommended for advanced and expert divers. Coordinates are approximately -0.33286 latitude and 73.44720 longitude. It is a Protected Marine Area.
Thoondu Kandu (also known as Hudhukede, Thoondu Beach, Thundi): Located on the northern corner, this site offers drift, reef, and wall environments, with the reef starting at around 6 meters and extending beyond 30 meters. It is known as a cleaning station for thresher sharks, often seen at depths of at least 30 meters. Other encounters include whale sharks, various reef sharks, turtles, oceanic mantas, tiger sharks, and diverse reef fish. Strong currents can occur. Visibility can reach up to 100 meters between December and April. Deeper sections are recommended for experienced divers with Advanced Open Water certification.
Maaneyre: Once a landing beach, this reef and wall dive site features abundant hard corals starting at 12 meters and sloping into the deep ocean. It is rich in colorful reef fish and known for macro life. During the northeast monsoon, it offers calm conditions. Maximum depth is around 30 meters, generally considered beginner-friendly.
Kudhu Falhagando: A reef, wall, and ocean dive site reaching approximately 30 meters. Known for attracting various shark species, including whitetip reef sharks, thresher sharks, tiger sharks, and grey sharks, as well as silvertip sharks and oceanic mantas.
Haandhi Elhe: This reef, wall, and ocean dive site with a maximum depth of around 30 meters is notable for its diverse fish population, including pipefish, butterflyfish, scorpionfish, grouper, clownfish, tuna, barracuda, Napoleon fish, and other pelagic species.
Aruh Fanno: A reef, wall, and ocean dive site extending to about 30 meters, captivating for its stunning array of corals, including large coral heads and healthy fire corals. Divers can also observe grouper, moray eels, and numerous other reef fish. Generally recommended for advanced divers.
Anbul: A reef, wall, and ocean dive site reaching approximately 30 meters, known as a good location for spotting barracuda and grey sharks.
Neregando (also known as Neregando Fanno, Nere Muli): Located on the northwestern reef, this reef, wall, and ocean dive site reaches around 30 meters. The thriving coral life attracts many reef fish. Certain coral blocks at 20-30 meters are congregation points for snappers, groupers, trevallies, and reef sharks. Pelagic species like thresher sharks, oceanic mantas, and occasionally whale sharks can be seen with favorable currents. Renowned for year-round hammerhead shark sightings. Divers may also encounter barracuda, sea turtles, and schools of trevally and silvertip sharks. Can experience challenging spinning currents in strong conditions. Generally recommended for advanced divers.
GEMMISKIH FANNO (also known as Gehmiskiy fanno, Gemmiskih Fanno): Situated on the north side, this reef, wall, and ocean dive site has a maximum depth of approximately 30 meters. It boasts countless varieties of vibrant reef fish grazing on rich coral life. Schooling fish and large milkfish are frequently seen. Opportunities exist to encounter oceanic mantas, thresher sharks, and whale sharks.
Tiger Harbor (Tiger Wall Dive Site): A reef and sandy bottom dive with a shallower maximum depth of around 12 meters, located near the southern coastline. Features a unique wine glass-shaped bottom from harbor construction, creating swirling effects with currents. Divers can observe tiger sharks, silvertip sharks, hard corals, and reef fish.
Rasge Fanno (also known as Rasgefaanu): A reef dive site where the top reef starts at 5 to 7 meters and slopes off. Healthy coral life harbors many colorful reef fish. Predatory fish patrol the blue waters. Scattered coral formations between 18 to 30 meters serve as cleaning stations for mantas and thresher sharks. Also suitable for snorkeling.
Bondo Fanno: Located north of the harbor, this beautiful reef features sea fans from 20 meters down, with many coral blocks and crevices with soft corals. Colorful reef fish and hard corals occupy the top reef down to 20 meters. Good chances of encountering mantas, tiger sharks, and other special marine life.
Gotha Kandu: Situated at the southernmost point, widely recognized for thrilling current dives and diverse marine species. Strong currents and vertical drops attract sharks, eagle rays, and barracuda schools. Experienced divers can enjoy drift dives, while less experienced divers can explore protected coral gardens.
Wadi Kandu: Located southeast, offering a unique diving experience with swim-throughs and underwater caves. Known for its nurse shark population lying on sandy cave bottoms, and colorful coral gardens with anemones and soft corals.
Masparra Thila: Just off the north coast, a fascinating underwater pinnacle famous for a wide range of aquatic life, including batfish, fusiliers, and snappers in shoals. Eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and whale sharks may also be seen.
Kalho Akiri (also known as Kalho akirigando): Located southwest, a thriving reef offering a delightful drift dive along pristine coral gardens with over 28 diverse hard coral species. For advanced divers.
Hawwa Faro (also known as Havihtha fanno): A historic dive site with a thriving reef and vibrant coral life, ideal for drift dives. Also popular with fishermen. Divers may encounter thresher sharks, sand tiger sharks, oceanic manta rays, mola mola, and sea turtles. Recommended for advanced divers.
Ebithe Faro: The southwest reef drops dramatically, starting with a 40-meter sandy slope plunging to over 100 meters. A favorite for underwater photographers and suitable for advanced divers.
Kandasho (also known as Kandhoval): A well-known reef favored by fishermen for bait during the southwest monsoon. Its half-bay shape provides shelter from the main current. Suitable for beginner divers.
Thona Faro (also known as Cheers Reef): Located near the south entrance, boasting a distinctive wine glass-shaped bottom from harbor construction, creating thrilling swirling currents. Features vibrant hard coral formations, diverse reef fish, and occasional tiger shark sightings. Recommended for advanced divers.
Abadhas: Situated midway between the harbor and the southernmost point, consistently delivering encounters with large sharks, including giant silvertips, threshers, tigers, and whale sharks. Recommended for advanced and expert divers due to strong currents and deep depths.
Bilhifeyshi: A notable dive site known for encounters with thresher sharks, whale sharks, and oceanic manta rays.
General Information for Diving in Fuvahmulah The optimal diving period in Fuvahmulah is generally between November and May, the dry season with calmer seas and better visibility. However, year-round diving is possible, with each season offering unique marine encounters.
Tiger sharks are present throughout the year, with November to May being prime time.
Thresher and scalloped hammerhead sharks are most likely seen between September and December.
Whale sharks and oceanic manta rays are most common from January to May, with large congregations of black oceanic mantas for mating between March and May. Interestingly, whale sharks are reported more frequently during the wet season (June to October).
Water temperatures remain consistently warm, 27°C to 30°C, but can drop to around 25°C in deeper waters, making a wetsuit advisable.
Underwater visibility is generally excellent, 30 to 40 meters for most of the year, potentially reducing to 15 to 20 meters during the wet season (June to September). February and March often have exceptional visibility, sometimes exceeding 100 meters.
Fuvahmulah is served by several reputable dive operators committed to safety, including Dive Blue Maldives, Fuvahmulah Dive School, Fuvahmulah Central Dive Centre, Extreme Dive Fuvahmulah, Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah, and Scuba Shark Fuvahmulah.
Safety is paramount, with detailed briefings, experienced guides (many with shark specialty certifications), and well-maintained equipment. Specific safety protocols are often in place at sites like Tiger Zoo. Some operators may require orientation dives. Certain dive centers have government research permissions and may have marine biologists on staff.
Local dive centers increasingly emphasize sustainable tourism, often adhering to no-baiting policies and small group sizes. While tiger sharks are attracted to harbor fish waste, there is growing awareness towards responsible marine life interactions.
Conservation initiatives, including protected marine areas and citizen science projects, are underway. Fuvahmulah's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020 highlights its commitment to biodiversity preservation. Local dive centers actively promote shark conservation.
The diverse dive sites cater to various skill levels. While some are suitable for beginners, many with strong currents and deeper depths are better for advanced divers.
Advanced Open Water (AOWD) certification is often recommended, especially for deeper sites and pelagic encounters. Some operators may recommend or require AOWD for Tiger Zoo.
Obtaining a Deep Adventure Dive Course or Advanced Open Water Diver certification is highly recommended for fully appreciating the deep dives.
Divers should assess their certification and experience to choose appropriate sites for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Dive Destination
Fuvahmulah stands as an exceptional diving destination, offering unparalleled opportunities to encounter a remarkable array of pelagic species, most notably its diverse shark populations and graceful manta rays.
The island's unique underwater landscape and generally favorable diving conditions solidify its reputation as a world-class location for underwater exploration.
Its significance as a global hotspot for marine megafauna encounters provides unforgettable and adrenaline-filled diving experiences for divers of varying skill levels, provided they choose sites appropriate for their experience and certifications and follow the guidance of local professionals.
Works cited
The Maldives have a range of different habitats including deep sea, shallow coast, and reef ecosystems, fringing mangroves, wetlands and dry land. There are 187 species of coral forming the coral reefs. This area of the Indian Ocean, alone, houses 1,100 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtle, 21 species of whale and dolphin, 400 species of mollusc, and 83 species of echinoderms. The area is also populated by a number of crustacean species: 120 copepods, 15 amphipods, more than 145 crab and 48 shrimp species.
Among the many marine families represented are pufferfish, fusiliers, jackfish, lionfish, oriental sweetlips, reef sharks, groupers, eels, snappers, bannerfish, batfish, humphead wrasse, spotted eagle rays, scorpionfish, lobsters, nudibranches, angelfish, butterflyfish, squirrelfish, soldierfish, glassfish, surgeonfish, unicornfish, triggerfish, Napoleon wrasse, and barracuda.
These coral reefs provide habitats to a variety of marine organisms that vary from plankton to whale sharks.
The most Biodiverse Atolls are Lhaviyani Atoll and Baa Atoll. Both Atolls are located next to each other in the North. Due to its status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll receives a significant higher exposure for its Biodiversity. However, the amount of different species is noteworthy higher in Lhaviyani Atoll. This is mainly based on the high occurrence of Seagrass Meadows in Lhaviyani Atoll.