Best Dives Machchafushi - South Ari Atoll

The team at Best Dives Machchafushi are the kind of outfit we love diving with. They operate out of the Centara Grand, and while it’s a resort centre, they keep things personal. Our favourite thing about diving with them is their knack for hitting the thilas and channels at just the right moment – beating the crowds by 20 minutes can make all the difference to a dive. South Ari is known for its whale sharks, of course, and Best Dives Machchafushi run regular trips. We’d suggest going early or late in the day; midday can get a bit busy with other boats. But it’s not just about the big stuff. We’ve had some cracking dives closer to the resort, too, drifting along walls draped in soft corals, purple and orange, while schools of fusiliers swirl so thick they momentarily block the sun. Keep an eye out for the odd guitar shark resting on the sand flats – a beautiful, unexpected sight. They’re PADI 5 Star, so good for courses, but we think they really shine with experienced divers who appreciate smart logistics and a crew that knows their local currents like the back of their hand.

Location
South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.593839, 72.883610
Phone
+960 330-5960
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.bestdivesmaldives.com
Certification Agencies
["PADI"]
Courses
PADI 5 Star Dive Resort [padi:21566]
Address
Centara Grand Island Resort, Machchafushi Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Dive Sites Near Best Dives Machchafushi

Best Dives Machchafushi 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