The Maldives is a beautiful chain of islands located in the Indian Ocean. These islands are full of corals and attract a lot of people who love scuba diving as their hobby. The Maldives has murky waters but this does not affect its position as one of the best dive sites globally because it also possesses healthy reefs made up of corals and many different species can be found here too. You can go swimming alongside graceful manta rays or even whale sharks which are among some other places where you will see colorful gardens with eerie wrecks that create an incredible experience undersea world around them.
When choosing the right dive centre for safe and enjoyable diving adventures among hundreds of diving spots over its atolls, this becomes very important. This article lists twenty five (25) best rated dive centers according to high ratings given by divers who have visited them before posting positive comments about their services rendered while there. The professionals running these establishments are knowledgeable trainers always prioritizing safety first so that each diver may have an unforgettable time in such paradise-like waters.
These top-rated dive centers cater for all levels whether you are just starting as a beginner who wants his taste from deep blue or intermediate level where he aims at honing skills; even highly skilled divers wanting new discoveries together with PADI and SSI certifications programs, guided dives tours, night dives as well special trips across amazing locations within Maldives which offers some really good diving experiences among others.
Maldives is known worldwide for being one place where people can find themselves face-to-face with crystal-clear seas teaming vibrant reefs harboring myriad kinds marine creatures large small alike – hence having such an extensive list might come handy when making decisions about which center will suit your needs most during holiday period spent on these shores of tropical island heaven.
It’s not easy to decide on a good dive center among the hundreds scattered over the atolls – especially if you’re new to scuba diving or visiting Maldives for the first time. For this reason, we have compiled a list of twenty five (25) highly rated and reviewed dive centers in Maldives. These facilities are operated by experienced trainers who put safety as their top priority and ensure that every diver has an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first plunge into the deep blue or an intermediate diver seeking more challenging sites, these centers will cater to all levels of experience. They offer various services such as PADI and SSI certification courses, guided dives tours, night dives as well as specialized trips across some of the most breathtaking diving spots in Maldives.
The Maldives is famous for its fantastic diving opportunities with clear waters teeming vibrant reefs abundant marine life. Here’s a selection of 25 dive centers in Maldives based on their ratings number positive reviews received. Each one provides excellent diving experiences so they have been ranked according popularity quality service offered.
- Acqua Adventures Rasdhoo | Diving Center
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 176
- Website: acquaadventuresrasdhoo.com
- Diving Rasdhoo | Family Divers Maldives
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 220
- Website: familydiversmaldives.com
- Thoddoo Diving Center (PDH Maldives)
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 104
- Website: divethoddoo.com
- Scuba Divine Maldives- Dhiffushi
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 102
- Website: scubadivinemaldives.com
- Murakabay Maldives Dive and Excursion Centre Ukulhas
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 264
- Website: murakabay.com
- Maafushi Dive & Water Sports
- Rating: 4.6
- Reviews: 223
- Website: maafushidive.com
- Sea Star Diving Maldives
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 184
- Website: seastarsdiving.com
- Kaani Dive Club
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 143
- Website: dive-club.com
- Dune Maldives Liveaboard
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 125
- Website: dune-maldives.com
- ScubaCaribe
- Rating: 4.5
- Reviews: 155
- Website: scubacaribe.com
- Fulidhoo Dive & Water Sports
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 134
- Website: fulidhoodive.com
- Manta Tribe Maldives – Tauchzentrum
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 131
- Website: mantatribemaldives.com
- Dive Ukulhas
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 164
- Website: diveukulhas.com
- Drop Dive Maldives Rasdhoo
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 89
- Website: dropdivemaldives.com
- Dive Bandos
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 85
- Website: dive-bandos.com
- South Ari Dive Center
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 81
- Website: southaridivecenter.com
- Dharavandhoo Divers Maldives
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 62
- Website: dharavandhoodivers.com
- Island Divers
- Rating: 4.5
- Reviews: 60
- Website: islanddivers.mv
- The Dive Squad
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 112
- Website: thedivesquad.com
- Oceanholic Dive Centre
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 34
- Website: oceanholic.com
- Eco Dive Club – Maafushi
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 107
- Website: eco-diveclub.com
- Scuba Therapy Maldives
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 22
- Website: scubatherapymaldives.com
- Deep Divers Maldives
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 27
- Website: deepdiversmaldives.com
- Ocean Dimensions
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 14
- Website: oceandimensions.com
- Sub Oceanic Maldives – Dive Center at Hilton Maldives
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 15
- Website: sub-oceanic.com
These leading scuba diving centers in the Maldives are known for their exceptional customer service, strict safety standards and incredible experiences offered to divers at all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver these establishments will offer unforgettable underwater adventures in the beautiful marine environments of the Maldives.
Diving Conditions in the Maldives
The Maldivian picturesque sandy beaches and clear blue oceans create perfect conditions for worldwide diving. Being aware of these conditions can greatly improve your diving expeditions making them more fun.
Water Temperature
All year round, Maldivian waters remain warm at temperatures between 26°C – 30°C (79°F – 86°F). This constant warmth means that divers do not need thick wetsuits to keep warm while diving here. Most of the time, only a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit is required during dives below.
Visibility
Maldivian water visibility is indeed impressive; it can exceed 20 meters (65 feet) and sometimes even reach up to 40 meters (130 feet). Usually, visibility is best between November and May when the northeast monsoons are stronger thus causing calm seas and clearer waters. However, during southwest monsoon from June to October visibility is still good enough; hence one can dive there any time throughout year.
Currents
Nutrient rich currents with different intensities brought about by various marine life characterize the Maldives. Additionally, channels separating atolls called “Kandus” have strong current flow which provides exciting drift diving experience. Such currents may be difficult therefore requiring a skilled local guide for safe diving while on other hand beginners can find sheltered reef sites as well as lagoons having calm conditions.
Best Times to Dive
Although one can dive all year round here but generally dry season which occurs from November through May is considered as prime time for scuba holidays in Maldives. During this period there is sunny weather, calm seas and high underwater visibility. On the other hand, rainfall increases accompanied by strong winds during wet season but this does not affect diving since it provides more chance of meeting large pelagic species such as manta rays and whale sharks.
Marine Life
There is a rich and diverse marine ecosystem found in Maldives. Divers can see different types of marine species including:
- Manta Rays: Abundant between May and November when they feed on plankton brought by currents.
- Whale Sharks: These are very popular among many divers because of their enormous size; often seen at South Ari Atoll.
- Reef Sharks: For example grey, whitetip reef or blacktip reef sharks.
- Turtles: Hawksbill and green sea turtles are frequently sighted during most dives.
- Colorful Coral Reefs: There are various kinds of fish, invertebrates and coral species here.
Safety Tips
- Know the Currents: Always dive with a guide who has good understanding about tides which will assist you in passing through them safely.
- Keep Hydrated: Due to hot weather it is recommended to drink plenty of water before and after scuba diving activities so as to avoid dehydration caused by tropical climate.
- Sunscreening: Ensure that your sunscreen does not harm environment or your skin as you will be diving near reefs where harmful substances may enter food chain.
Recommended Equipment
- Wetsuit: With warm waters one can comfortably use either a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit.
- Reef Hook: Using a reef hook at this point would be perfect for staying in one place during strong currents while watching marine life from afar.
- Underwater Camera: Taking pictures is the best way to capture the hidden jewel of moments that awaits any underwater photographer in this part of Maldives.
Seasonal Variations
The summer season (June – August) has two major parts: early summer (June – July) which is characterized by cool temperature, and late summer (August) which is warmer.
Dive Sites and Conditions
For different levels of skill among divers, there are many types of dive sites available in Maldives:
- North Male Atoll: There are plenty vibrant coral gardens here due to abundance marine life found within this area alone.
- Ari Atoll: Both easy and challenging diving spots can be found here; it’s known for whale shark encounters as well as Manta ray sightings too.
- Baa Atoll: Going to Hanifaru Bay during rainy season is an absolutely amazing experience because manta rays are plentiful at such times there.
Knowing also what conditions are like when diving in the Maldives will let you plan your dives better so that they become safe underwater adventures forever etched into memory. The underwater world of Maldives offers different experiences for divers whether new or skilled.
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