Ari Atoll - Rasdhoo Atoll

Ari Atoll, specifically the Rasdhoo channels, is where we head when we're chasing big pelagics in the Maldives. It’s a reliable spot, not a guarantee, but your odds of seeing hammerheads at sunrise, or a passing manta ray during the day, are some of the best in the country. We’ve had some cracking dives here with grey reef sharks cruising along the drop-off and big schools of blacktail barracuda swirling in the blue. Keep an eye out for Napoleon wrasse, they’re practically residents on some of the deeper coral patches. It's a site that often has a bit of current, so it’s more for divers comfortable moving with the water.

Location
Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.950000, 72.850000

Marine Protected Area: Mushimasmigili Thila

Best Time to Dive in Rasdhoo Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in Rasdhoo Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.6°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 29.8°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 29.4°C
  • December: 29.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Rasdhoo Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Ari Atoll

Marine Life in Rasdhoo Atoll

Home to 104 recorded species including 42 hard corals, 42 reef fish, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Ari Atoll

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 16 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories