Easy Start, Big Life

Your adventure begins here, with relaxed dives to ease into the week — perfect for adjusting gear and buoyancy. But don’t be fooled by the easy start: North Male Atoll is a true underwater playground.

Known for its vibrant reefs, pelagic action, and macro life, this region offers a spectacular mix of highlights:

• Shark Encounters – Spot up to five shark species, often in impressive numbers.
• Macro Life – Nudibranchs, crabs, shrimps, and critters make it a paradise for photographers.
• Thilas & Long Reefs – Dive into dramatic pinnacles and extended reef systems teeming with marine life.
• Manta Rays – Enjoy seasonal encounters at the famous Lankan Manta Point.

Even during your first dives, expect eagle rays, turtles, and reef sharks — a thrilling start to an unforgettable week.

Mantas & Channel Magic

This compact atoll packs a punch — and it’s a long-time favourite among shark lovers. While hammerhead sightings have become rare in recent years, Rasdhoo still offers an exceptional dive experience with plenty to discover.

• Sharks – Grey reef sharks are almost guaranteed, patrolling the channels in impressive numbers.
• Schooling Fish – Barracudas, tunas, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse bring energy to the blue.
• Manta Rays – Madi Gaa remains a highlight, offering graceful manta encounters at its renowned cleaning station when conditions align.
• Macro Life – Hidden among the coral, divers can spot nudibranchs, shrimps, and other fascinating reef critters.

The nearby channels may even reward lucky divers with fleeting glimpses of rarer species like tiger sharks — adding a layer of thrill to every dive.

Iconic Thilas & Shark Action

North Ari is a diver’s paradise — a hotspot for big fish action and stunning coral reefs. This atoll is home to some of the most iconic thila dives in the Maldives, where strong currents attract large marine life and vibrant reef ecosystems thrive.

• Shark Sites – Explore renowned sites like Maaya Thila, Hafsa Thila, Kan Thila, Kuda Giri, and Bathala Thila — all known for reliable shark encounters.
• Pelagics – Grey reef sharks, schooling trevally, stingrays, and even the occasional whale shark add excitement to every dive.
• Healthy Coral Gardens – Enjoy rich, colourful reefs that are alive with marine biodiversity.

Don’t miss the Maaya Thila night dive — an adrenaline-filled experience where sharks and rays circle confidently under the torchlight. These predators are used to divers and put on an unforgettable show.

Mantas, Whale Sharks & Drift Dives

This region is a must for every diver — especially those dreaming of close encounters with the ocean’s gentle giants. South Ari is home to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), one of the most important whale shark habitats in the world.

Renowned for the year-round presence of whale sharks, SAMPA offers one of the best chances globally to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment. Many whale sharks are believed to mature in these protected waters before venturing into the open ocean, making it a truly unique and vital ecosystem.

• Whale Sharks – Frequent surface sightings and slow-moving encounters ideal for divers and snorkelers alike.
• Manta Rays – Regular visits to cleaning stations, especially in the western part of the atoll.
• Soft Corals – Sites like Kudarah Thila boast massive sea fans and vibrant coral formations.
• Unique Dive Sites – Discover spectacular reefs such as Seventh Heaven and other world-class locations.
• Sharks & Rays – Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and seasonal mantas add excitement to every dive.

Add in sweeping drift dives, healthy coral gardens, and diverse marine life — and South Ari easily earns its spot as a highlight on any Maldivian dive itinerary.

Channels, Adrenaline & Sharks

A thrill-seeker’s paradise, Vaavu Atoll is all about fast-paced channel diving, pristine reefs, and unforgettable shark encounters. Famous for both its adrenaline-filled day dives and one of the most iconic night dives in the Maldives, this region delivers excitement from all angles.

• Nurse Shark Night Dive – Witness 200+ nurse sharks in shallow waters at Alimatha Jetty, circling divers under torchlight — a surreal and unforgettable experience.
• Miyaru Kandu – A classic channel dive with strong currents, featuring grey reef sharks, schooling barracudas, eagle rays, and tunas.
• Healthy Reefs – Excellent visibility, hard and soft corals, and a vibrant mix of marine life.

For those craving close shark action and dramatic underwater landscapes, Vaavu Atoll ticks all the boxes — day and night.

A Strong Finale

On the return route, South Male delivers a powerful end to the week with high-current channels, colourful overhangs, and the chance for surprise pelagic encounters. This atoll combines thrilling drift dives with beautiful reefscapes and reliable big fish action.

• Mantas & Sharks – Regular sightings at several well-known dive sites.
• Banana Reef – One of the Maldives’ most famous reefs, featuring manta rays, vibrant coral, and dramatic rock formations.
• Kandooma Thila – A top site for schooling fish, eagle rays, and consistent grey reef shark encounters.

With a mix of reef diving, pelagic life, and stunning underwater topography, South Male is the perfect grand finale to a spectacular diving adventure.