THE SCUBA HOTSPOT OF THE MALDIVES

Whale sharks, hammerhead schools, colorful coral gardens and clear water. Dive into an underwater sensation with your next liveaboard trip in the Central Atolls.

The Central Atolls of the Maledives include the capital Male and is easily accessible by plane. It was the first area discovered in the Maldives for scuba diving. Famous atolls in this area are North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, Ari Atoll, Felidhoo (Vaavu) Atoll, and Rasdhoo Atoll. Some of the best dive spots of the Maldives are located in the Central Atolls, for example, the whale shark hotspot at the Ari Atoll or the hammerheads at Rasdhoo Atoll. Other highlights of these atolls are big pelagics, sharks, mantas, channels, pinnacles, and colorful coral gardens.

DIVE SITES OF THE CENTRAL ATOLLS

North Male Atoll´s underwater highlights include drop-offs, caves, coral gardens, and even some artificial reefs that have bloomed on shipwrecks in its shipping channel. The reefs are still in good condition and even some hard coral formations can be discovered. Manta Point is the place to see huge numbers of the gentle manta rays.

South Male´s Atoll is famous for its channels, that connect the inner atoll with the open ocean. These channels called “Kandus” and bring strong nutrient-rich currents attracting tons of fish, reef sharks and other pelagics.

The Ari Atoll is located to the northwest of North Male Atoll and is a hotspot for whale sharks and mantas. Like South Male Atoll it has a few channels, that bring strong current. But also underwater volcanos, also known as thilas, are a magnet for marine life.

Rhasdoo Atoll lays just northeast of Ari Atoll and its highlight are the scalloped hammerhead sharks that are schooling around this atoll. If this is not enough, look out for tuna and dolphins in the blue. The topography includes caves, crevices and some dramatic drop-offs.

LIVEABOARDS IN THE CENTRAL ATOLLS

As this is the most popular area of the Maldives, there are many liveaboards you can choose from. They all offer you a great mix of pelagics, drift dives, coral reefs and relaxing time on spacious luxurious boats.