Aquaholics-Nova - South Ari Atoll

The team at Aquaholics-Nova are genuinely dedicated to finding the big stuff, but without the chaotic rush you sometimes get in the Maldives. We consistently found their guides to be patient, really tuning into what *we* wanted to see, whether that was spending an extra five minutes watching a white-tip reef shark cruise past or lingering over a particularly beautiful patch of anemones. It’s a PADI 5-star centre, so all the usual courses are on offer, but we think they truly shine on their guided fun dives. Our favourite part about diving with them is their knack for hitting the quieter moments at popular sites. We’ve been on several trips where, thanks to their timing, we had a manta cleaning station almost to ourselves, watching those huge wings glide overhead, barely stirring the water. The South Ari Atoll is famous for whale sharks and mantas, and Aquaholics-Nova delivers on both, often heading out early or late to avoid the crowds of other boats. We'd suggest picking their brains about current movements; they have a real feel for the local conditions, which means more drift dives and less finning. Expect to see plenty of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling fusiliers, especially around the thilas. It’s a solid choice for divers who appreciate thoughtful guiding and want to maximise their chances of encountering the pelagics without feeling like part of a cattle call.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.578639, 72.901860
Phone
+960 779-1223
Email
[email protected]
Website
https://nova-maldives.com/offers/advance-purchase-offer/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2eilBhCCARIsAG0Pf8uZsb1179zweT5q58Bii4KII3NxBVtRJ9O_2ZPoOSsSnAmWMQFgqrEaAtGaEALw_wcB
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI 5 Star Dive Center [padi:28362]
Address
Nova Maldives, Vakarufalhi island, Maldives

Dive Sites Near Aquaholics-Nova

Aquaholics-Nova provides access to 15 dive sites in South Ari Atoll.

Other Dive Centres in South Ari Atoll

Best Time to Dive in South Ari Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Ari Atoll occur in January, averaging 28.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • February: 28.7°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • March: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • April: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • May: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • June: 28.7°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 28.7°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.7°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • October: 28.7°C (air: 27.7°C)
  • November: 28.7°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • December: 28.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Marine Life in South Ari Atoll

Home to 152 recorded species including 85 hard corals, 50 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Marine Life

Recommended Packing List for South Ari Atoll

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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