Maafushi Lagoon - South Malé Atoll

Maafushi Lagoon is a gentle introduction to the Maldivian underwater world, perfect for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed afternoon float. We found it’s a calm, shallow spot, topping out around 19 meters, with plenty of space to get comfortable. The coral formations here are a nice mix, providing cover for little reef sharks and rays that often cruise through. It’s a pleasant, easy dive, a good way to shake off the travel rust before tackling some of the more demanding channels in South Malé.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.943900, 73.494900
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
19m
Difficulty
Beginner

Marine Protected Area: K.Guraidhoo Kan'duolhi

Best Time to Dive in South Malé Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in South Malé Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 30.1°C
  • June: 29.6°C
  • July: 29.7°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in South Malé Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Maafushi Lagoon

Marine Life in South Malé Atoll

Home to 106 recorded species including 44 reef fish, 41 hard corals, 6 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sharks & rays, 2 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Maafushi Lagoon

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • 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