Maldives Scuba Diving

The Southern Atolls

Venture into the Maldives Archipelago in the extreme south and you will know how the pioneers felt years ago. So much of the ocean and reefs have been unexplored and each liveaboard safari returns with a list of pristine, spectacular new thilas to investigate on the next trip. Resorts are rare and, with only a few liveaboards cruising the Southern Atolls of the Maldive Islands, you will often be the only boat as far as you can see.

Visibility is superb in the warm waters surrounding the atolls. Healthy corals are virtually untouched by humans. Large pelagics including whale sharks are attracted into the channels to feed on the profusion of smaller reef fish schooling close to the coral walls and submerged thilas.

Manta cleaning stations are spots of lively activity. Napoleon wrasse and barracuda are prevalent. There is a good chance of meeting eagle rays, sting rays and grey reef sharks on almost every dive.

Exhilarating drift dives, using the strong currents in the channels surrounding the islands and traversing channels to dive in calm waters in the lee of the current, are the profiles which constitute the majority of Southern Atolls liveaboard diving in the Maldive Islands.

Highlights

Medhufushi Thila, Meemu Atoll – Reef sharks meander along the steep walls of this thila as they feed among the plentiful smaller fish. Meet trevally and tuna as you descend to check out the caves. Manta rays swoop energetically nearer the coral-bedecked overhangs and whale sharks can often be seen gliding majestically into this calm northern lagoon.

Olhugiri Kandu, Thaa Atoll – White tip reef sharks and eagle rays feature at this challenging drift dive. Curious Napoleon wrasses keep close to the walls of the wide channel and tuna hunt effortlessly among the glut of schooling reef fish.

Fotteyo Kandu, Vaavu Atoll features a vast array of marine life plus fascinating topography in the form of a narrow channel with swim-throughs, small caves and large overhangs. Colourful soft corals abound. Titan triggerfish, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, tuna and barracuda are commonly sighted. If you're lucky, potato groupers, eagle rays and even hammerhead sharks can appear.

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How to Dive the Southern Atolls

Since there are very few resorts in the area, a Maldives liveaboard safari is the best way to reach the more exciting dive sites. Your cruise departs from Medhufushi and, as there is an airport on the island, a return flight from Male to Medhufushi makes it easy to reach the Southern Atolls.

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Diving Season

Calm seas and consistently warm temperatures allow you to dive the Southern Atolls all year round. Although short spells of heavy rainfall can be experienced during the months of April to September, manta rays are still in abundance at cleaning stations.

The summer months, from October to March, are characteristically hot and dry, and the wind is non-existent. The stronger currents create the perfect environment for large pelagics and the eagerly anticipated appearance of whale sharks.

Reef Summary

Good for: Large animals, underwater photography, value-for-money, drift dives and advanced divers
Not so good for: Beginner divers and small animals
Depth: 5 - 30m
Visibility: 20 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience level: Preferably advanced with proof of 30 logged dives
Number of dive sites: ~100
Distance: 200 km south of Male
Access: Maldive Islands liveaboards
Recommended length of stay: 7 - 12 days

Dive Site Descriptions

More detailed information on the Southern Atolls dive sites:

• Maldives tourist information

View a map of:
•  Southern Atolls  -   The Maldives

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