DivePlnr
    Diving in North Malé Atoll

    Diving in North Malé Atoll

    Maldives
    185 dive sites
    53 dive centres

    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 April, May, July.

    Best timeOct–Dec
    WetsuitNo wetsuit needed, or a rash guard
    Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Sea Turtles, Spinner Dolphins and Whale Sharks · 95+ species recorded
    Water29-31°C · warmest April, May, July
    Dive sites189 sites · reef, pinnacle, wreck

    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.

    18m

    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.

    21m

    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.

    24m

    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.

    25m

    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.

    5-20m

    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.

    25m

    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.

    10-25m

    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.

    21m

    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.

    17m

    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.

    26m

    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.

    19m

    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.

    20m
    Show all 189 dive sites in North Malé Atoll

    North Malé Atoll Dive Centres

    53 dive shops and operators in North Malé Atoll

    Agua Zone

    Amba Dive Maldives

    Website

    Amphibuzz Dive

    Website
    Phone

    ATD Conte Max and Duke of York

    Website
    Phone

    Best Dives Centara Mirage Lagoon

    Website
    Phone

    Best Dives Olhahali

    Website
    Phone

    Coast Guard Diving Centre

    Website
    Phone

    Coco Dive Bodu Hithi

    Website
    Phone
    Show all 53 dive centres in North Malé Atoll

    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 - Sunday 11 October

    Sunrise

    05:52

    Sunset

    17:55

    Daylight

    12h 2m

    Golden Hour

    17:27

    First light (dawn) at 05:31 · Last light (dusk) at 18:16

    Monthly Averages

    Month
    Jan06:1918:1311h 53m
    Feb06:2218:2111h 59m
    Mar06:1318:1912h 5m
    Apr06:0018:1312h 13m
    May05:5418:1312h 19m
    JunLongest05:5618:1812h 22m
    Jul06:0218:2312h 21m
    Aug06:0418:1912h 16m
    Sep05:5818:0712h 9m
    OctNow05:5217:5312h 2m
    Nov05:5417:4911h 55m
    DecShortest06:0617:5811h 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

    Reef and Lagoon areas
    All
    97 km²

    South Ari Marine Protected Area

    Reef areas
    IUCN IV
    All
    51 km²

    V.Fussaufaru Sarahahdhu

    Sandbank, Reef and Lagoon areas
    IUCN VI
    All
    37 km²

    K.Rasfari Sarahahdhu

    Reef areas
    IUCN VI
    All
    24 km²

    Fushi Kan'du

    Reef areas
    All
    24 km²

    B.Maahuravalhi Faruge Sarahahdhu

    UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve
    IUCN Not Applicable
    All
    18 km²

    Lh.Maagandu (Anemone) Thila

    Dive Site
    IUCN IV
    All
    16 km²

    Lh.Fusheefaru Thila

    Reef areas
    IUCN IV
    All
    14 km²

    V.Miyaru Kan'du

    Reef areas
    All
    14 km²

    Karibeyru Thila

    Reef areas
    All
    13 km²

    Aa.Orimas Thila

    Reef areas
    All
    13 km²

    V.Hin'gaakulhee Finolhu Sarahahdhu

    Sandbank, Reef and Lagoon areas
    IUCN VI
    All
    12 km²

    Showing 12 largest of 64

    Getting to North Malé Atoll

    Malé

    MLE
    24 km~41 min

    Noonu Atoll

    NMF
    157 km~3.1 hrs

    Haa Dhaalu Atoll

    HAQ
    263 km~5 hrs
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