Maldives Scuba Diving

Frequently Asked Questions

The Maldives is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, famous for its abundant marine life, including manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, and large schools of fish. Spanning over 1,000 coral islands across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives offers breathtaking underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

Diving in the Maldives can be enjoyed in 2 main ways. The best way to explore multiple atolls and remote dive sites, liveaboards provide access to shark-filled channels, manta cleaning stations, and vibrant coral reefs while offering a seamless diving experience. However, the choice of routes can be a little overwhelming to first time visitors. Luxury resorts have house reefs and daily boat dives, making them ideal for those who prefer comfort and flexibility while enjoying spectacular diving right from their doorstep. Additionally, there are local dive centres that provide affordable dive and stay packages by teaming up with local guesthouses and lodges.

This page covers everything you need to know about diving in the Maldives, including the best seasons, top dive sites, marine life encounters, and how to choose between the large number of different dive regions. Whether you're an experienced diver seeking thrilling drift dives and megafauna encounters, or a beginner looking for relaxed reef diving, this guide will help you plan the perfect Maldivian diving adventure.

Questions and Answers

Diving FAQ

What about scuba diving in the Maldives, is it any good?

Reef life is prolific, with over 700 common Indian Ocean fish species and many more still to be discovered and classified. Marine diversity is considered to be one of the strong points of diving in the Maldives with invertebrate species believed to be in their tens of thousands. Sharks are protected species in the country and all shark fishing is illegal.

Coral coverage, following bleaching events like El Nino and to a lesser extent the Asian Tsunami, have taken their toll and there are better places in the world for vibrant, colourful coral reefs. However they are recovering well and in some areas can now be described as excellent. Because much of the diving is in current-swept channels and pinnacles, you should not expect to see vast hard coral fields anyway, rather rich soft coral walls, overhangs, caves, swimthroughs, and an abundance of fish life.

What is the best way to dive there?

Liveaboards, or diving cruises, are without doubt the best way to see the best of the Maldives. A resort stay means staying on a small island and diving around it. On some islands this can mean good quality, but somewhat limited, diving. A Maldives liveaboard tour gives you the freedom to move from one area of great diving location to the next.

This allows you to experience the Maldives' full range of dive sites and topographies as well as exposing you to an overview of its diverse marine life. In addition, you get to see much more of the country and feel like you have really explored more than the route from your bungalow to the bar and back.

If you plan to visit for only a short stay, are on a very tight budget, or want to try diving on earn your scuba license, then we do have a selection of resort diving packages in the more popular atolls.

Where are the best places?

Everyone's preference is different so it is impossible to say. Most Maldives diving safaris will follow a route that takes in all or some of North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll and Ari Atoll. These liveaboard routes take in some of the Maldives best loved sites to showcase pinnacles, channels, wrecks and marine life such as sharks, mantas and whale sharks.

Some Maldives liveaboards go to the Northern Atolls, the Far North Atolls and the Southern Atolls, where you may be on the only boat you see on the water during your entire trip. If you like to get away from the crowds and go to some of the more remote and no-less-rewarding dive sites the country has to offer, then the Northern Atolls could be for you.

In recent years, the Deep South of the Maldives has grown in popularity, particularly Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo and Addu Atoll. Divers can encounter the 'big stuff' down here, such as tiger sharks, mola mola, threshers, great hammerheads, silvertips, oceanic whitetips, oceanic mantas, sailfish. Big marine life is so common here that it has earned itself the reputation as the Shark Capital of Asia.

When is the peak season for diving?

November to April is generally considered the peak tourist season. Low season sees many fewer tourists but often the scuba diving conditions are still very good. Many Maldives liveaboards divide the year into 3 or more seasons and prices vary accordingly.

Will a single supplement need to be paid as a solo dive traveller in the Maldives?

On all the Maldives liveaboards it is normal for single travellers to share a cabin and the published price is normally based on 2 people occupying each cabin. If you want a private cabin to yourself, you will need to pay a single supplement. Not all the liveaboards have defined policies so we may be able to negotiate a good deal with the operator on your behalf. Of those that do have a stated policy, the boats' policies vary from requiring a supplement of 40% to 100% of the published price. 65% is around the average in the Maldives. If you are a single traveller we can help find the best deal for you.

Will I have an internet connection on my Maldives liveaboard?

Check the web page for the boat of your choice for details of the internet connection on board. If you must be online you can purchase a local sim card or a USB stick at the airport in Male. These may not function in the more remote areas of your liveaboard route.

Why are the Maldive Islands called "The Last Paradise”?

This vast chain of tiny islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise. Due to the remoteness from other nations and the fact that no island, except for the capital Male, is built up means that a typical Maldives diving safari is a cruise from one tiny low-lying tropical island to the next. This means it is like no other destination on earth and deserves its paradise title.

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General FAQ

What is the weather like in the Maldives?

Air temperatures remain reasonably constant throughout the year averaging around 29°C. Water temperatures range from 28 to 30°C. It is warm all year round, however the driest months are usually between late December and April. When rain does fall, it tends to be a sudden 10-15 minute shower.

Do I need a visa to visit on vacation?

All visitors to the Maldives receive a tourist visa upon arrival, with no pre-approval required for any nationality except holders of Israeli passports. Travellers simply need to meet basic entry requirements: a passport valid for at least 1 month, confirmed hotel booking, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, an onward/return flight ticket, permission to enter their next destination (if applicable), and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an affected region. Additionally, all visitors must complete an online traveler declaration within 96 hours before their flight. The standard visa granted on arrival allows for a 30-day stay.

For the most current entry requirements and procedures, visit the Maldives Immigration website. The 30-day Entry Permit is issued at all designated ports of entry, with no prior visa arrangements necessary. For complete details, please check the Maldives Immigration website before travelling.

What is there to see and do in the Maldives?

Beaches

For sun, sea and sand perfection, the Maldives is unmatched - 99% of its territory is water, with the remaining 1% featuring breathtaking beach scenery, including countless sandbars and uninhabited islands with picture-perfect shores. Some of the finest are accessible through liveaboard trips. These cruises frequently feature island barbecues on completely deserted islands, offering that perfect "away from it all" feeling as you walk along pristine white sands untouched by footprints.

While the atolls are dotted with incredible beaches, the capital Malé has limited natural shorelines. However, its artificial beach serves as a vibrant social hub, especially in late afternoons, where locals and visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and entertainment like live music and carnivals. Nearby Hulhumalé island complements Malé with long white beaches lined with palms and a central park for strolling.

Water Sports & Marine Activities

The Maldives offers world-class surfing thanks to consistent Indian Ocean swells, with 2 main areas: North Malé Atoll and the outer atolls (450 km to the south). The surf season runs mid-February through November (peaking March-April), coinciding with ideal diving conditions.

Most visitors spend their time diving and island-hopping, while resorts provide abundant aquatic activities like parasailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, catamaran sailing and sea kayaking.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

Malé's cultural gems include the National Museum, housed in the old Sultan's Palace, displaying artefacts from colonial and pre-colonial eras - from royal antiquities to Thor Heyerdahl's archaeological finds and intricate stone carvings (open Saturday-Thursday). The 1906 Mulee-aage Palace, now the presidential office, contains tombs of Maldivian saints. The impressive Friday Mosque (Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-Azzam), the nation's largest, accommodates 5,000 worshippers and features stunning minarets and domes alongside national heroes' tombs.

Local Markets & Daily Life

For authentic local experiences, visit Malé's vibrant fish market on the waterfront - a sensory explosion of colours, sounds and smells. Nearby firewood and fruit bazaars offer further glimpses into Maldivian daily life.

For more travel ideas, visit The Maldives Tourism Board website.

How do I contact my family?

The Maldives has an efficient telephone system with international calling available from all resort islands. Resorts provide telephones in rooms or at reception, though call charges are typically high. Visitors can make cheaper international calls using WhatsApp,= or Viber instead. The country code for the Maldives is +960, and international calls require dialing '+' or '00' before the number.

2 cellular network providers, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo, offer coverage in most tourist areas though a few atoll regions still lack service. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards at Male International Airport, Male City and other inhabited islands, but these are not available at resorts. Pay-as-you-go SIM cards provide affordable mobile access while international roaming is also available.

Fixed-line internet service remains limited and expensive throughout the islands, including in Male. Most resorts provide free WiFi for guests, and many liveaboard vessels also offer WiFi connectivity. In Male City proper, traditional internet cafes are scarce but many restaurants and cafes provide internet access.

Mail sent from resorts typically reaches international destinations within 7-10 days. Standard overseas postal delivery takes about one week to arrive. For faster service, international courier companies operate from Male City.

How can I charge my devices?

Most resort islands and liveaboard boats in the Maldives use 220/240 volt AC at 50 cycles but there is no standard socket types and it is worth carrying an international adaptor. Plugs are usually either the 3 square pin British type or the 2-pin European style. If you are used to a 110V supply you will need a small transformer to convert from 240V to 110V.

What clothing should I take?

The Maldives is a conservative Muslim country with strict rules regarding clothing and public behavior. Nudity is completely forbidden throughout the nation. While visitors might feel they're in a remote paradise, local customs regarding modesty must be respected. When wearing swimwear, it should be decent at all times - this applies even at resort beaches unless you're at a completely private beach or pool area. For dining occasions, guests are advised to cover up reasonably well with modest clothing.

The requirements become more stringent when visiting local inhabited islands, where both men and women must wear clothing that covers from the torso down to at least the knees.

Note: displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, may offend local people.

What are the tipping norms?

The practice of tipping is a Maldivian custom and a 10% service charge is mandatory since 2021. Since the introduction of this charge, it is no longer necessary to give anything for staff members who look after you well throughout your stay, e.g. in a resort you may have the same waiter for your entire vacation, although you can of course. Local boat crew on a liveaboard will also expect a tip at the end of your trip; some boats include the charge in the price, others add it to check-out bills as a mandatory extra. For small acts like luggage carrying, a dollar or two is normal.

What are the health issues?

The Maldives has no serious endemic disease problems, though cases of dengue fever and Zika virus have been reported recently. Resorts and liveaboards maintain self-sufficient water and electricity systems. While some resort tap water is technically drinkable, it often has an unpleasant taste, and many provide bottled water either free (with limits) or for purchase.

Sun-related injuries and diving accidents account for most tourist health issues. Visitors should stay hydrated, seek shade regularly, and dive within their certification limits to prevent overheating, sunburn, or decompression sickness.

Most resorts employ an on-site doctor or nurse, and many are located within reasonable distance of a decompression chamber. For emergencies, dial 102 to request an ambulance. Major hospitals include:
• Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) - government-run, doesn't accept insurance
• ADK Hospital - private facility that accepts some insurance plans
• Several other private clinics operate in Malé and Hulhumalé.

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised, as is specialised diving insurance. The islands' remote location makes medical evacuations extremely costly and logistically challenging.

Consult your physician or a travel medicine specialist for personalised vaccination recommendations when planning your trip, as requirements may vary based on your itinerary and medical history.

Maldives is in which time zone?

The time throughout the country is 5 hours ahead of Universal Coordinated Time (UTC +5).

What are the languages spoken?

Dhiveli is the national language, but English is used widely in commerce and education. Also, many people working in the tourism industry are competent in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese. The same range of languages can be found among the Maldives liveaboard diving cruises that we offer.

What currencies are used?

The national currency is Rufiyaa (MRF). Many tourism related business accept payments via credit card and in most hard cash currencies, particularly US dollars, and many tourists never even witness a Rufiyaa note during their stay.

What credit cards are accepted?

America Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card are generally accepted.

Some options require an internal flight. Is that not an additional hassle?

Most liveaboards depart from Male close to where your flight comes in. Trips departing from the Northern and Southern Atolls require an internal flight but it many ways this is a bonus. The Maldives has the world's largest fleet of seaplanes and the smooth running of the organisation is impressive. Any flight over the atolls is a glorious way to see the country and the sky is the best place for that.

You fly, at reasonably low altitude, over one gorgeous island after another and it may well prove to be a significant memory of your holiday. There are also many benefits to being on a dive cruise far from where all the other Maldives boats are, so consider the flight not only an important element in seeking pristine, quiet reefs but also a fun way to get there.

Any advice about tourist security and safety in the Maldives?

The Maldives maintains very low crime rates by international standards, making it one of the safer tourist destinations. This security stems from multiple factors including the country's Muslim values that discourage alcohol and drug use, plus the economic importance of maintaining tourism's safe paradise image. Most visitors remain within their resorts or liveaboards, which significantly limits exposure to criminal activity.

However, tourists should follow basic precautions like using in-room safes for valuables and not leaving belongings unattended at pools or beaches. While incidents are rare, the capital Malé presents the highest potential risk, especially at night - staying in well-lit areas and avoiding displays of wealth can prevent most issues. Occasional protests occur in Malé, which visitors should avoid.

* Customs Regulations:
The Maldives enforces strict import rules:
- Alcohol must be declared at customs for storage and later retrieval
- Prohibited items include pork products, religious idols, and spearguns
- Authorities may confiscate materials deemed inappropriate (books, magazines, DVDs)
- All incoming luggage undergoes X-ray screening

* Legal Considerations:
The country maintains severe penalties for certain offences:
- Drug trafficking carries life imprisonment sentences
- Homosexuality remains illegal, though resorts haven't reported issues with LGBTQ+ guests
- The 2007 bombing appears to have been an isolated incident

* Resort Safety:
The resort-focused tourism model naturally enhances security:
- Properties maintain their own safety measures
- Isolated locations deter casual criminal activity
- Staff are trained to handle guest security concerns

Can you arrange my accommodation in the Maldives?

Our affiliated hotel reservation agents hotelscombined.com have a variety of accommodations throughout the Maldive Islands. Browse the choices on their website, use their live chat to ask your questions, and then simply use your credit card to make your reservation.

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