Diving in North Malé Atoll
Why dive here
North Malé Atoll offers some of Maldives's richest diving, with 95+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and whale sharks. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
North Malé Atoll is where a lot of Maldivian diving stories begin, and for good reason. It’s got a huge number of sites, meaning plenty of space to spread out, even with the number of resorts. We especially love the channels and thilas here - they act like superhighways for pelagics, especially when the currents are running. Expect some lively drift dives, often with manta rays gliding in for a clean, particularly around June to October at places like Manta Point. Our favourite sites are definitely the pinnacles, or 'thilas'. They rise from the depths, acting as magnets for fish. You'll find schools of fusiliers and snappers so thick they almost block out the light, circling the coral formations. We’ve seen belted wrasse darting between the staghorn corals, and the lineated butterflyfish are always a colourful sight. The currents can be significant, so pay attention to your guide’s briefing. Dive early for fewer boats and often clearer water, especially on the popular sites like Banana Reef. It's a great place to experience the quintessential Maldivian drift.
North Malé Atoll Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in North Malé Atoll
North Malé Atoll Dive Sites
189 dive sites in North Malé Atoll
5 Palms, Thulusdhoo
5 Palms sits just off Thulusdhoo and it's a lovely, gentle drift over a relatively shallow reef. We like to drop in near the channel and let the current carry us along the coral slope, usually around 12 to 15 metres. You’ll spot plenty of reef fish here: parrotfish nibbling at the coral, fusiliers schooling in the blue, and sometimes a few blacktip reef sharks cruise by, especially in the mornings. It’s perfect for newer divers getting comfortable with drift diving, or for those days when you just want a relaxed potter without too much exertion.
Abaandance Faru
Abaandance Faru in North Malé Atoll is one of those easy-going reef dives that's perfect for getting your fins wet after a long flight. Dropping down to about 21 metres, it's a gentle drift along the coral, good for stretching out your no-decompression limits. You’ll spot the usual suspects here: parrotfish nibbling on the reef, busy wrasse darting between the hard corals, and maybe a few resident damselfish guarding their territory. It’s a comfortable dive, making it a solid choice for newer divers or those who just want to unwind and enjoy the simple beauty of a Maldivian reef without any challenging currents or deep sections.
Ahmedbe Thila
Ahmedbe Thila is a solid pinnacle dive in North Malé, good for when you want a relaxed dive with nice fish action. It’s not the deepest site, topping out at 24 metres, which makes it an easy run for newer divers, but there's plenty to keep you looking. We’ve often found schools of oriental sweetlips tucked into the overhangs and a good number of reef sharks patrolling the edges. It’s a comfortable dive, usually with manageable current, perfect for an afternoon cruise.
Airport Beyru
Airport Beyru, tucked away in North Malé Atoll, often serves as a gentle introduction to Maldivian diving. The reef here slopes down to a comfortable 25 meters, making it perfect for newer divers finding their fins. You'll drift past table corals and brain corals, often spotting reef sharks patrolling the drop-off and schools of snapper hanging in the blue. It’s not the most dramatic reef in the Maldives, but it offers a solid, pleasant dive with reliable encounters.
Akirifushi
Akirifushi isn’t one of those big-name sites, but we’ve had some truly tranquil dives here. It’s a pleasant spot, a quiet alternative to the more boisterous drift dives nearby. We’ve found ourselves lingering over the sandy bottom, which, for us, is the real draw. Forget the pelagics; this site is all about the macro life. We often spot the humpbacked conch trundling along, leaving its distinct trail in the sand. Keep an eye out for the sand-dusted cone, too. It’s a master of camouflage, blending perfectly with the substrate. We love the feeling of slowing right down here, almost meditating on the small details. It’s a good place for a second dive of the day, when you want to relax and just watch the ocean do its thing. Visibility can vary, but we’ve always enjoyed the gentle drift and the feeling of being undisturbed. It’s a lovely site for photographers or anyone who appreciates the quieter side of the reef.
Akirifushi Kandu
Akirifushi Kandu in North Malé is one of those drift dives where you just let the current carry you. It’s pretty straightforward, a channel dive, really, maxing out around 25m. We’ve had some good luck here spotting grey reef sharks cruising along the channel edge, and sometimes eagle rays glide by in the blue. Keep an eye out for schooling snapper too. It’s a solid pick for intermediate divers who enjoy a relaxed drift without too many complicated turns.
Ali Giri
Ali Giri is a classic Maldivian pinnacle dive, well-suited for a relaxed drift. The top of the thila usually sits around 10 meters, dropping away to deeper sandy bottoms. We often see reef sharks cruising the perimeter and plenty of colorful reef fish hanging out in the overhangs. It's a comfortable dive for most skill levels, particularly good for photographers wanting to take their time.
Amin Faru
Amin Faru is a solid choice for a mellow dive in North Malé, perfect if you’re just getting your fins wet or prefer a relaxed pace. The reef here is quite pretty, gently sloping down to its max depth of 21 metres. We’ve drifted along, spotting plenty of reef fish going about their day, often with a few white-tip reef sharks cruising in the distance. It’s a comfortable dive, usually with manageable currents, making it an easy introduction to Maldivian reefs without feeling overwhelming.
Amingiri Sandbank Reef
Amingiri Sandbank Reef is a gentle introduction to Maldivian diving, perfect for those getting comfortable in the water. It’s a shallow spot, topping out at 17 metres, which means plenty of light filters down. We’ve often found groups of juvenile reef sharks patrolling the sandy bottom, and sometimes a few eagle rays glide through too. Expect a relaxed drift along the reef, with plenty of time to really look at the smaller stuff, like the anemonefish darting amongst their host anemones.
Amra
Amra offers an easy drift dive along a gently sloping reef, reaching a maximum depth of 26m. It’s a good spot for newer divers to experience the Maldivian current without feeling overwhelmed. Look for reef sharks patrolling the drop-off and schools of snapper sheltering in the overhangs. Visibility here can vary, but it's generally a relaxing dive.
Anemone Thila
Anemone Thila is a nice, straightforward pinnacle dive in North Malé. It’s a good spot for beginners, topping out at 19m, making it easy to manage your air and enjoy the surroundings. We often find ourselves just floating above the thila, watching the resident clownfish dart through their anemones – they really are everywhere here. Keep an eye out for small reef sharks cruising the perimeter and maybe a stingray tucked into the sand flats nearby. It’s a relaxed dive, perfect for getting comfortable in the water and enjoying the smaller details.
Anniela Thila
Anniela Thila is a nice little pinnacle in North Malé, perfect for easing into Maldivian diving. It’s a shallow spot, topping out around 20 metres, which makes it great for beginners or those just looking for a relaxed dive. We usually see a decent scattering of reef fish here, parrotfish crunching on coral, and often a few white-tip reef sharks cruising around the edges. Currents are typically mild, allowing plenty of time to explore the nooks and crannies.
North Malé Atoll Dive Centres
53 dive shops and operators in North Malé Atoll
Agua Zone
Amba Dive Maldives
Amphibuzz Dive
ATD Conte Max and Duke of York
Best Dives Centara Mirage Lagoon
Best Dives Olhahali
Coast Guard Diving Centre
Coco Dive Bodu Hithi
Ocean Wildlife in North Malé Atoll
95 species recorded in North Malé Atoll
North Malé Atoll Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for North Malé Atoll, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
06:03
Sunset
18:16
Daylight
12h 14m
Golden Hour
17:48
First light (dawn) at 05:41 · Last light (dusk) at 18:38
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:19 | 18:13 | 11h 53m |
| Feb | 06:22 | 18:21 | 11h 59m |
| Mar | 06:13 | 18:19 | 12h 5m |
| Apr | 06:00 | 18:13 | 12h 13m |
| May | 05:54 | 18:13 | 12h 19m |
| JunLongest | 05:56 | 18:18 | 12h 22m |
| Jul | 06:02 | 18:23 | 12h 21m |
| AugNow | 06:04 | 18:19 | 12h 16m |
| Sep | 05:58 | 18:07 | 12h 9m |
| Oct | 05:52 | 17:53 | 12h 2m |
| Nov | 05:54 | 17:49 | 11h 55m |
| DecShortest | 06:06 | 17:58 | 11h 52m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in North Malé Atoll.
Where to Stay near North Malé Atoll
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Marine Protected Areas near North Malé Atoll
64 protected areas near North Malé Atoll - please respect local regulations when diving
Vattaru Kan'du
South Ari Marine Protected Area
V.Fussaufaru Sarahahdhu
K.Rasfari Sarahahdhu
Fushi Kan'du
B.Maahuravalhi Faruge Sarahahdhu
Lh.Maagandu (Anemone) Thila
Lh.Fusheefaru Thila
V.Miyaru Kan'du
Karibeyru Thila
Aa.Orimas Thila
V.Hin'gaakulhee Finolhu Sarahahdhu
Showing 12 largest of 64
Getting to North Malé Atoll
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