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Maldives Diving Holidays

Destination Overview

Located to the southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator, the Maldives is a collection of 1,190 coral islands forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretching 820km north to south and 120m east to west, 200 of the islands are inhabited and over 90 are exclusive resort islands. The Maldives is one of the most exotic and romantic tourist destinations you can visit, and a trip here will reward you with more than you can dream of. It is also a world class scuba diving destination attracting travellers from all over the world wanting to discover a multitude of underwater wonders such as whale sharks, manta rays and large pelagics.

The Maldives is the perfect place to enjoy a combined tour, starting with an exhilarating 7-night liveaboard safari where the motto is eat, sleep, dive, repeat before checking in to your beachfront hotel ready for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Most resorts offer fantastic spa and wellness facilities with experts on hand to calm your mind, body and soul using treatments inspired by traditional and modern techniques with influences of regional healing rituals from Asia and Africa. You can indulge as a couple or just enjoy some ‘me’ time experiencing some of the wonderful treatments available from massage, pedicures, manicures, and facials, to something a little different such as a Sound Bath where Himalayan singling bowls are used to balance your entire physical being.

If after all this down time you are feeling energised then try a jet ski ride for an adrenalin injection, or there are plenty of water sports to get your teeth into. Windsurfing is the perfect choice for those windy days, or for something a little more relaxed grab a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and get exploring. Resorts also offer excursions to get you out and about, sailing days and snorkelling trips are great for water babies, or join an Island Excursion and immerse yourself in the local culture. A visit to the lively capital Male is great for city lovers with its bustling souvenir shops and wonderful architecture and art. Marvel at the Arabesque architecture of the Islamic Centre with its large gold dome, and wander down to the harbour where the fish and produce market is said to be the soul of Male!

This destination really is a magical place, it draws you in with white sand beaches surrounded by crystal blue water, and a warm welcome that is hard to forget.

Average temperatures in Summer (May-November) Air 25-30°c / Sea 28-30°c

Average temperatures in Winter (December-April) Air 26-32°c / Sea 28-30°c

Diving Information

The Maldives is renowned for the large pelagics that visit the area and the reefs that form channels and lagoons, along with encounters with some of our ocean favourites such as whale sharks, mantas, eagle rays, reef sharks, nurse sharks, and hammerheads. There are also some stunning channels with beautiful soft corals, along with amazing pinnacles to be explored.

Diving the Maldives is year-round, with its hot tropical climate. There are two monsoons, the southwest from May to October and the northeast from November to April. Generally, the southwest brings more wind and rain in June and July, and a plankton bloom in early May can cause lower visibility but attracts whale sharks and manta rays. The peak time to visit is generally November to March.

Liveaboard safaris are a popular choice for divers as they get you to those harder to reach dive sites, that are further from land, in style and comfort. Itineraries such as ‘The Best of The Maldives’ take you to some of the most iconic sites of North Male, South Male and Aril Atoll giving a wonderful mix of shark and manta dives, along with reef dives and abundant macro life. Experience the multiple manta cleaning stations, a night dive in sheltered moorings, and snorkelling with whale sharks if you’re lucky!

If you are staying at a resort then your package will usually include house reef diving and boat dives, although this can be tailormade to suit your preferences. Often the house reef diving is unlimited so you can spend as much time in the water as you wish, and then jump aboard a boat when you feel like going further afield. Get kitted up, or grab your snorkel gear and go and explore the house reef where you could come across turtles, schools of jacks, eagle rays and napoleons to name but a few.