South Male Diving in the Maldive Islands - South Malé Atoll

South Malé Atoll gives you classic Maldives drift diving, often a rollercoaster ride. We’ve found some solid shark action here, especially grey reef sharks, and when the currents are right, the schooling fish are so thick they can dim the light. You'll find yourself pushing through channels or along outer reefs, occasionally dipping into a cavern or overhang. It’s definitely a spot for advanced divers comfortable with a fast pace and big pelagics.

Location
South Malé Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
3.900000, 73.450000

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 South Male Diving in the Maldive Islands

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 South Male Diving in the Maldive Islands

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