Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives

Ari Atoll

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside a whale shark, Ari Atoll is where that dream comes true! It’s one of the most famous Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives, known for vibrant coral reefs and thrilling underwater encounters. When you dive here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by manta rays, reef sharks, and schools of bright tropical fish that seem to glow in the sunlight. Whether you’re trying scuba diving in Maldives for the first time or you’re already a pro, Ari Atoll will leave you speechless.

Pro Tip: Plan your visit between May and November for the best chance to spot whale sharks.

Highlights

• Regular whale shark and manta sightings
• Suitable for both beginners and pros
• Great liveaboard routes and resort access
• Best time: May–November

Maaya Thila

If adventure runs in your veins, Maaya Thila will thrill you. Imagine drifting around a coral pinnacle that’s alive with white-tip reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish swirling around you. It’s one of the best diving spots Maldives has to offer, perfect for those who love excitement below the surface. You’ll feel your heart race when you spot a hunting shark at dusk or glide past massive moray eels hiding in the rocks. Night dives here are unreal — trust me, it’s something you’ll never forget!

Highlights

• Stunning coral pinnacle teeming with marine life
• White-tip reef sharks spotted regularly
• Excellent night diving opportunities
• Strong currents — guided dives recommended

Hanifaru Bay

This one’s pure magic! At Hanifaru Bay, you’ll find yourself snorkeling among dozens of manta rays as they spin gracefully through clouds of plankton. This UNESCO-protected lagoon is one of the most enchanting Snorkeling Spots in Maldives — though only snorkeling is allowed to protect marine life. If you visit between May and November, you might even see whale sharks joining the feast. The experience feels like swimming inside a living ballet of giants. Remember, entry is limited — so book your slot early!

Highlights

• Seasonal manta gatherings (May–Nov)
• Protected UNESCO Biosphere site
• Snorkeling only — no diving allowed
• Ideal for eco-conscious travelers

Kandooma Thila

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Kandooma Thila is where the ocean comes alive in motion. Known for thrilling drift dives and crystal-clear visibility, this is one of those best diving spots Maldives is famous for. You’ll ride the current past schools of trevally, tuna, and elegant eagle rays while grey reef sharks patrol the edges. It’s fast, wild, and unbelievably beautiful. If you’re confident in the water, this dive will easily become your favorite story to tell.

Highlights

• Exciting drift dive with big pelagic sightings
• Great visibility year-round
• Popular shark cleaning stations
• Best for experienced divers

Banana Reef

If it’s your first dive or snorkel in the Maldives, Banana Reef is the perfect place to begin. It’s one of the oldest discovered reefs and still one of the most popular Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives. The reef gets its name from its curved, banana-like shape — and it’s packed with life! You’ll glide through caves, overhangs, and colorful coral gardens while spotting bannerfish, rays, and moray eels. Since it’s close to Malé, you can easily add it to your Maldives itinerary without much travel.

Highlights

• Iconic banana-shaped reef full of color
• Perfect for both beginners and pros
• Short distance from Malé — easy access
• Excellent visibility and calm currents

Manta Point

If there’s one dive site that defines pure Maldives magic, it’s Manta Point. The first time you drop into these turquoise waters, you’ll see mantas gliding effortlessly above cleaning stations — it feels like a slow-motion movie playing just for you. As one of the most breathtaking Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives, this site near Lankanfinolhu Island attracts dozens of manta rays, especially from May to October. Floating just meters away from these gentle giants is a moment you’ll remember forever. The calm current and shallow reef make it perfect even if you’re new to snorkeling in Maldives.

Highlights

• Frequent manta ray sightings (May–Oct)
• Ideal for snorkelers and beginner divers
• Shallow reefs with great visibility
• Best in calm morning tides

Fotteyo Kandu

If you crave thrill and color, Fotteyo Kandu in Vaavu Atoll is where you should dive next. Known as one of the best diving spots Maldives offers, this channel dive has dramatic coral formations, swim-throughs, and overhangs painted with sponges and soft corals. You’ll often see grey reef sharks, barracuda, and schools of fusiliers dancing with the current. The visibility is insane — sometimes over 30 meters — and when sunlight hits, it turns into a kaleidoscope. For those who’ve tried scuba diving in Maldives before, this site’s current and topography add a wild edge that keeps your heart pumping.

Highlights

• Channel dive with stunning coral walls
• Encounters with sharks and barracuda
• Great visibility and strong currents
• Ideal for advanced divers

Broken Rock

Imagine diving into a reef that’s literally split in half! Broken Rock, located in South Ari Atoll, is one of the most unique Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives. A deep canyon divides the reef into two sections, creating an unforgettable underwater playground filled with soft corals, anthias, and sea fans. You can drift gently through the crevice, surrounded by swirling fish that seem to glow under your torchlight. It’s one of those dives where every turn feels like a cinematic scene. If you love underwater photography, this spot is a dream come true.

Highlights

• Famous canyon-style reef formation
• Brilliant coral colors and sea fans
• Great for underwater photography
• Best explored with a dive guide

Fish Head

If you want to see the ocean at its busiest, dive into Fish Head — a marine traffic jam in the best way possible! Located in North Ari Atoll, this reef buzzes with life. You’ll be surrounded by thousands of fusiliers, jacks, and snapper, while grey reef sharks cruise just below. It’s no surprise this site makes it to every list of best diving spots Maldives. The strong currents bring in tons of nutrients, attracting all this activity. Just make sure you descend with a guide and camera — the energy here is unmatched anywhere in the Maldives!

Highlights

• Huge schools of fish and reef sharks
• High-energy dive with strong currents
• Great for experienced divers
• Iconic site in North Ari Atoll

Rasdhoo Atoll

If you love early-morning dives, Rasdhoo Atoll will steal your heart. The moment you descend into its blue depths, you’ll often spot hammerhead sharks cruising gracefully in the current — a true Maldives signature moment! It’s one of the most thrilling Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives, known for clear visibility, coral walls, and pelagic encounters. Between dives, the quiet island vibe of Rasdhoo is perfect for relaxing with a coconut in hand. Early risers get rewarded here — the sunrise dives are simply unforgettable!

Highlights

• Hammerhead shark sightings at sunrise
• Shallow reefs for snorkeling and deep dives for pros
• Calm local island atmosphere
• Ideal for experienced divers

Vaadhoo Caves

If you crave mystery beneath the waves, you’ll love Vaadhoo Caves, a hidden gem among the best diving spots Maldives offers. Located in Raa Atoll, this site features beautiful swim-throughs illuminated by shafts of sunlight — it feels like diving into an underwater cathedral. The coral formations are vivid, and you’ll encounter soldierfish, groupers, and the occasional turtle passing through. If you visit at night, the nearby beach glows with bioluminescence — it’s pure magic both above and below the surface.

Highlights

• Underwater caves with light beams
• Excellent site for photographers
• Bioluminescent beach nearby
• Calm current — good for intermediate divers

Okobe Thila (North Malé Atoll)

Ask any local dive instructor, and they’ll say Okobe Thila is where the real magic of scuba diving in Maldives begins. This dive site features three pinnacles covered in soft coral and swarming with anthias, snappers, and barracuda. As you circle each pinnacle, you’ll discover hidden caves and overhangs packed with color. It’s one of the best diving spots Maldives has for intermediate divers looking for variety and vibrant life. Keep an eye out for eagle rays gliding past in the blue — they’re frequent visitors here!

Highlights

• Three coral pinnacles full of marine life
• Ideal for intermediate divers
• Frequent eagle ray sightings
• Great visibility year-round

Kuredu Express

When you’re ready for speed and excitement, Kuredu Express delivers! Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, this site earned its name for the strong currents that sweep through its channel. You’ll drift past grey reef sharks, giant trevallies, and barracuda while feeling the rush of ocean energy around you. It’s easily one of the most exhilarating Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives for experienced divers who love adrenaline. The marine density here is unreal — every glance reveals something new.

Highlights

• High-speed drift dive with sharks
• Ideal for advanced divers
• Massive schools of trevally and snapper
• Strong currents and deep channels

Miyaru Kandu (Felidhoo Atoll)

Looking for a dive where you can meet big fish up close? Head to Miyaru Kandu, one of the best diving spots Maldives has for shark lovers. “Miyaru” means shark in Dhivehi, and the name fits perfectly — you’ll find grey reef sharks cruising right past you, along with eagle rays and tuna. The currents can be strong, but that’s what brings in the marine action. Dive guides often take you to the edge of the channel for a front-row seat to this underwater spectacle.

Highlights

• Shark encounters almost guaranteed
• Great channel dive for advanced divers
• Strong currents = more pelagic life
• Clear visibility year-round

Bathala Maagaa Kan Thila

For those who love vibrant reefs and calm conditions, Bathala Maagaa Kan Thila in Ari Atoll is pure bliss. The top of the reef sits at just 5 meters, making it a perfect choice for snorkeling in Maldives. You’ll spot parrotfish, clownfish, and turtles lazily grazing across the coral gardens. Deeper sections reveal stingrays resting on sandy patches. It’s peaceful, colorful, and beginner-friendly — perfect if you want a relaxing day beneath the waves without heavy currents.

Highlights

• Perfect for snorkelers and beginners
• Colorful coral gardens and turtles
• Calm waters and easy access
• Great for photography and family trips

Scuba Diving vs Snorkeling in the Maldives

When it comes to exploring the underwater world, you might wonder: should you try scuba diving in Maldives or stick to snorkeling? From personal experience, both are unforgettable, but each offers a unique adventure.

Snorkeling lets you float over shallow reefs, discovering colorful corals, clownfish, and turtles — perfect if you’re short on time or new to marine exploration. You can enjoy most Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives without certification and still feel fully immersed in the vibrant underwater world.

Scuba diving, on the other hand, lets you glide deeper into channels, pinnacles, and drop-offs where you can swim alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and whale sharks. If you crave adventure and want the full marine experience, diving is unbeatable. Many Indian travelers combine both — snorkeling over house reefs in the morning and diving at iconic sites like Maaya Thila or Fotteyo Kandu in the afternoon.

Quick Comparison Table: Snorkeling vs Scuba Diving

Tips for Indian Travelers:

• Beginners can try snorkeling first or a Discover Scuba Dive before certification.
• Experienced divers should consider currents and peak marine life seasons for maximum encounters.
• Always go with eco-friendly operators to protect the reef while you explore.

Whether you float on the surface or glide deep beneath, both give you a front-row seat to the Maldives’ mesmerizing underwater world.

Maldives Diving Season: When to Visit?

If you’re planning your underwater adventure, knowing the Maldives diving season is key to making the most of your trip. From experience, the Maldives is magical year-round, but each season offers something unique for Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives.

• High Season (December – April): Expect calm waters, sunny skies, and excellent visibility — ideal for beginners and families trying snorkeling in Maldives for the first time. This is the best time for reef exploration, gentle dives, and photographing vibrant corals.
• Low Season / Monsoon (May – November): The currents get stronger, which means bigger marine life encounters. Manta rays and whale sharks are more abundant during this plankton-rich period, making it perfect for adventure-seekers and those aiming for scuba diving in Maldives. Occasional showers don’t affect dives much — the ocean still delivers unforgettable experiences.

Maldives Diving Season at a Glance

📝 Pro Tips:

• Book dives early during monsoon season — fewer crowds but high marine life activity.
• Morning dives are generally calmer and offer the best visibility.
• Combine diving with island-hopping for an unforgettable Maldives experience.

Knowing the right diving season in Maldives ensures you don’t miss the chance to swim with manta rays, spot whale sharks, or drift along pristine reefs — every season offers a magical underwater world!

Maldives Diving & Snorkelling Costs (2026)

If you’re planning your underwater adventure, here’s what you can expect to pay for diving and snorkelling in the Maldives:

• Snorkelling Excursions: USD 40–100 per trip. Guided tours usually include equipment and visits to popular reefs.
• Introductory Dive (Discover Scuba): USD 100–150. Perfect for beginners who want a first-hand experience of scuba diving in Maldives.
• PADI Open Water Certification: USD 500–700. Includes theory sessions, pool training, and open water dives — a must if you want to dive independently.
• Resort Packages: Start at USD 250 per person per day. Typically includes accommodation, meals, and multiple dives or snorkelling trips.
• Liveaboard Diving Trips (7–10 nights): From USD 3,000. All-inclusive packages with onboard accommodation and several dives per day.

Insider Tips for Indian Travelers

Planning your Maldives snorkeling and diving trip can feel overwhelming, but with the right insider tips, you can make it smooth, fun, and truly unforgettable.

1. Visa & Travel Info: Indian citizens don’t need a pre-arrival visa — you get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Malé Airport. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months. Flights from India are plentiful, with direct options from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Book early to grab the best fares, especially during peak season (December–April).

2. Diving Certifications: Beginners can start with a Discover Scuba Dive, while serious divers should consider a PADI Open Water Certification. This allows you to explore the deeper, more adventurous Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Maldives safely and confidently.

3. Local Etiquette: Respect Maldivian culture by dressing modestly when visiting local islands. Avoid public displays of affection, and always seek permission before taking photos of locals. At dive sites, never touch coral or chase marine life — the reefs are fragile, and your responsible behavior ensures the magic lasts for everyone.

4. Combining Snorkeling/Diving with Island Hopping: One of the most rewarding ways to explore is by planning multi-island trips. Spend mornings snorkeling over house reefs, then hop to nearby atolls for afternoon dives or sandbank picnics. Liveaboard trips also allow you to reach remote dive sites like Fotteyo Kandu or Fish Head, which are inaccessible from most resorts.

⭐ Pro Tip: Booking Maldives tour packages with Book Your Own, including transfers, excursions, and dives, is smarter and more economical than arranging everything separately. This way, you save time, stay safe, and enjoy a hassle-free underwater adventure.

Your Ultimate Maldives Adventure Awaits!

The Maldives offers experiences that go beyond sightseeing — it’s about discovery, thrill, and making memories that last a lifetime. From planning the perfect dive to navigating the best snorkeling spots, every choice shapes your underwater journey. With the right preparation, insider tips, and smart planning, Indian travelers can enjoy a seamless, unforgettable adventure. Exploring these waters is not just a trip; it’s a chance to connect with nature, embrace adventure, and truly experience the magic of the Maldives.