Maldives
Channel dives full of sharks, and manta feeding frenzies in the wet season.
At a glance
- Best months
- December to April for visibility and calm seas
- Water
- 27–30°C3 mm or a rash guard
- Visibility
- 15–30 m
- Current
- ModerateModerate to strong in the channels between atolls
- Certification
- AdvancedSome sites possible for Open Water
- How you dive
- Liveaboard or land-based
When to go
December to April for visibility and calm seas; June to November for mantas, including Hanifaru Bay.
Overview
The Maldives are a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. The best diving happens in the channels that cut through the atoll rims, where tidal water rushes in and out and draws grey reef sharks, eagle rays and schooling fish. Manta rays are present all year, and South Ari Atoll is known for whale sharks.
There are two seasons. The northeast monsoon, roughly December to April, brings calm seas, sunshine and the best visibility. The southwest monsoon, roughly June to November, is wetter and windier, but plankton draws mantas in large numbers, most famously to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, where access is regulated.
Divers either stay at a resort with its own dive centre or join a liveaboard, which reaches far more channels. Channel dives can have strong current and are best for Advanced divers. Water is warm all year, around 27 to 30°C.
Who it suits
Open Water divers will enjoy resort reefs. Channel dives, where the sharks gather, suit Advanced divers with drift experience.
What you'll see
Know the risks
- Strong channel currents
- Swell during the southwest monsoon
Sources
- Liveaboard.com: Best time to dive in the Maldives
- Original Diving: Best time to dive in the Maldives
- Dive The World: Maldives central atolls
Last reviewed 2026-10. Where sources disagree we use the more conservative range.