Shore Diving in the Maldives

If you imagine a bizarre world in which Robinson Crusoe has won the Euromillions Jackpot and set up a high-end hotel on his desert island, you’re halfway to imagining the Maldives. The tiny, sand-covered specks in the Indian Ocean, often with little other than one luxury hotel built upon them, offer a unique blend of opulence and seclusion. Factor in the world-class diving and bountiful reefs which circle the Maldivian islets, and we have a scuba diver’s paradise. And with fringing reefs surrounding the atolls creating shallow lagoons, the shore diving in the Maldives is second to none.

The Maldivian archipelago is comprised of twenty-six atolls straddling the Equator. From Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south, this string of pearls is an idyllic location, perfect for some well-earned R&R, palatial pampering and relaxing shore diving. In the Maldives, life is simple yet sumptuous.

Whether you're looking to take in the northern atolls of Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani and Noonu; the central area, including the Malé atolls, Ari Atolls and Felidhoo; or the southern atolls of Laamu and Hadahaa, we can help tailor your perfect itinerary to ensure you get the most from your Maldivian adventure.

Northern Atolls

What could be more opulent than an over-the-water villa with sunset views over a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve? Hanifaru Bay and Baa Atoll are famed for their manta dives, and with vibrant house reefs frequented by reef sharks, turtles and frogfish, you will immediately understand why the shore diving in the Maldives is among the best in the world.

Central Atolls

The central atolls of the Maldivian archipelago are just a short speedboat ride from the airport in Male, and the diving is spectacular. With regular manta and whale shark sightings, and some of the world's leading hoteliers providing the accommodation options, the central atolls are a popular choice. While boat diving may require you to share dive sites with a few other divers, shore dives on the house reefs can be enjoyed in relative solitude, with rarely another diver in sight.

Southern Atolls

Traditionally viewed as the more remote atolls in the island chain, the southern atolls are now becoming idyllic dive getaway destinations as more high-end resorts open up. With endless visibility, healthy corals and an abundance of large pelagics, the southern atolls are perfect for shark lovers. Turtles and eagle rays patrol the house reefs, and if the shore diving in the Maldives hasn't already stolen your heart, it will do after a few dives in the southern lagoons...

Itineraries

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons and Solo Travellers

Liveaboard Island Hopping in the Maldives

Ideal for divers and non-divers alike, this trip sees you sail around the Maldives' turquoise atolls on the Scubaspa floating resort. Dive in...

Best for: Couples, Honeymoons, Families and Solo Travellers

Sailing the Maldives’ Central and Northern Atolls

On this nine-day itinerary experience the North and South Ari Atolls on the Four Seasons Explorer, dipping into different turquoise lagoons, diving...