The Best of Maldives Islands Diving?

Ari Atoll

After Male Atoll, Ari Atoll is considered the next most open to tourism and this is thanks in no small part to the quality of the diving. Many divers consider the dive sites of the Ari Atoll to be the best in the Maldives and it features prominently on the itineraries of many Maldivian liveaboards.

Topographically, Ari Atoll diving differs from many others in the Maldives since it does not feature many long stretches of barrier reef. Instead, there are a lot of thilas here where submerged pinnacles both inside and outside the atoll lagoons act as sites of marine aggregation, making for wonderful diving both in and around the pinnacles and in the channels.

Sharks, manta rays and other pelagic fish are more commonly encountered around Ari Atoll and even the mighty whale shark regularly puts in appearances. Although there are spots elsewhere for sharks and mantas the most reliable sites for this ever popular passing trade are located here.

Highlights

Maaya Thila - If not the premiere dive site in the Maldives, then one of the best. This pinnacle has a tumultuous assortment of sea life, with an amazing variety and volume of creatures. Brightly coloured nudibranchs vie for your attention with giant frogfish. Turtles can be seen happily munching on the reef, and the elusive guitar shark can be spotted by the alert diver.

Fish Head - Another Ari Atoll pinnacle, this one being a favourite for packs of grey reef sharks, that buzz past in search of food. Neverending trains of fusiliers and batfish often shoot past on the ocean highway, to further destinations at the atoll.

Hammerhead Point - This dive site is often visited by liveaboards early morning. Its proximity to deep waters lends the location the best chances of getting close to schooling hammerhead sharks.

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How to Dive Ari Atoll

Being over 40 kilometres long, Ari Atoll is the second largest atoll in the Maldives. Due to the long distances between the best dive sites, a liveaboard is really the only way to see more than just a few of these excellent sites. Most of the dive sites are concentrated in the northern section of the atoll, but with 105 small islands it is clear that there are many great dive spots throughout.

Liveaboards in the Maldives become booked up well in advance so we recommend that, to avoid disappointment or having to settle for a sub-standard liveaboard, you plan to book your trip at least 6 months prior to your proposed dates of travel.

Diving Season

Diving in Ari Atoll is all the year round although some times of the year are better for certain marine encounters. Mantas are most common between December and mid April. Whale sharks are most common in South Ari in May and November. Other sharks are present throughout the year.

The recommended months for confirmed liveaboard departures is from November to May. If you wish to come outside of these months then it may be more difficult to find a departure date that suits you.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, underwater photography and wrecks
Not so great for: Small animals, non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - 40m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Usually calm but can be choppy
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate
Number of dive sites: >30
Distance: ~35 km south west of North Male
Access: Liveaboard
Recommended length of stay: 1 - 2 weeks

Dive Site Descriptions

More detailed information on the Ari Atoll dive sites:

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