South Malé Atoll Dive Sites
Explore our curated collection of reef, channel, wreck and thila dives within easy reach of Maafushi Island.
Channel Dives
Kandooma Caves
One of the underwater marvels of the Maldives are the huge caves on the reef corner near Kandooma Island. Further inside the channel are overhangs and another two caves.
Highlights
Groupers, Napoleons and White tips swimming around and easy to spot Hawksbill and Green Turtles.
Guraidhoo Corner
A classic channel drift on the edges of the Guraidhoo Kandu MPA with overhangs and ledges. Expect moderate to strong currents; reef hooks recommended.
Highlights
Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, schooling trevally and barracuda; soft corals on protected sections.
Manta Point
Seasonal manta ray cleaning station on the outer reef in South Malé. Best during the Southwest monsoon (approx. May–October). Expect moderate to strong currents; reef hooks recommended when the current is running.
Highlights
Manta rays (in season), cleaner wrasse stations, schooling fusiliers etc.
Thilas & Pinnacles
Kandooma Thila
A submerged pinnacle with a top at ~12–15m, sloping down to 30–40m. Famous for its vibrant soft corals and marine biodiversity.
Best for
Soft corals, schooling reef fish, reef sharks, turtles and schools of eagle rays.
Vilivaru Giri
A small pinnacle with a beautiful coral garden on top and steep walls descending to 30m. Perfect for multi-level diving.
Best for
Overhangs & crevices that shelter smaller/macro creatures as well as larger life.
Shipwreck Dives
Kuda Giri Shipwreck
A small cargo vessel sitting upright starting from 18m down to 30m. Perfect for Advanced Open Water deep dives and wreck specialty training.
House Reef & Training Sites
Maafushi Back
A popular location to see a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, and potentially turtles and sharks.
- Depth: 9-30m
- Experience: All levels
- Highlights: Turtles, reef fish, occasional whale sharks
Biyadhoo Reef
A gentle sloping reef with excellent coral coverage and abundant marine life. Perfect for building confidence.
- Depth: 5-30m
- Experience: Beginner-Intermediate
- Highlights: Coral gardens, reef sharks
Seasonal Highlights
January - March
Peak visibility season with calm seas and minimal currents. Ideal for underwater photography and training.
Highlights
Reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles
April - May
Transition season with changing currents. Good mix of visibility and marine life activity.
Highlights
Manta activity begins to pick up, shark activity increases
June - October
Southwest monsoon brings nutrient-rich waters. Slightly reduced visibility but maximum marine life.
Highlights
Manta ray aggregations, plankton feeders, shark action
November - December
Transition back to northeast monsoon. Improving visibility with still-active marine life.
Highlights
Reef sharks and eagle rays remain active; occasional mantas depending on conditions
Explore our curated collection of dive sites within easy reach of Maafushi Island.
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