The Maldives is ranked one of the top dive destinations in the world
The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a dream destination for scuba divers. The archipelago offers year-round warm waters, diverse dive sites with thrilling drift dives, and close encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, and colorful reef fish. With luxurious resorts and serene island settings, it’s ideal for both underwater adventures and peaceful relaxation.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a tropical paradise located just 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs with easy access to renowned dive spots like Kandooma Thila, Guraidhoo Corner, and Banana Reef. The resort’s house reef comes alive at night, where divers can witness manta rays gracefully gliding through illuminated waters, creating an extraordinary diving experience. Diving here offers encounters with diverse marine life, including green sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, moray eels, and schools of blue-striped snapper, making it an ideal destination for underwater exploration.
The dive sites in South Male Atoll cater to all skill levels, from calm, shallow lagoons suited to beginners to exhilarating channels with strong currents that attract larger pelagic species. The coral landscape is equally impressive, featuring stunning formations of staghorn, brain, and table corals, alongside vibrant gardens of soft corals like gorgonians and sea fans. This colorful underwater world provides shelter for countless reef fish, nudibranchs, and crustaceans, creating a breathtaking backdrop and an unforgettable diving experience.
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is a secluded haven just 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, renowned for its pristine diving conditions and luxurious overwater villas. With over 30 nearby dive sites, including Alika Reef, Manta Point, and Stephen Thila, divers can explore varied underwater landscapes ranging from coral gardens to caves and dramatic walls. These vibrant reefs are home to a diverse mix of hard and soft corals, such as staghorn and brain coral, as well as gorgonians, creating a breathtaking backdrop for encounters with reef sharks, sea turtles, large schools of snapper, and graceful manta rays during the season.
Dive sites around Vilu Reef cater to all experience levels, providing unforgettable underwater experiences at every turn. Sites like Napoleon Reef and Anemone City teem with life, where divers can spot colorful reef fish, moray eels, and sometimes an octopus hiding among the corals. The deeper currents at Madivaru Express attract larger pelagic species, including barracudas and tuna, while tranquil sites like Hulhudheli Kandu offer vibrant coral scenery, ideal for beginners. From exploring intricate coral terraces to spotting dolphins and marveling at the vast marine diversity, each dive promises a unique and memorable experience.
Sun Siyam Iru Veli
Sun Siyam Iru Veli is a luxurious retreat just 40 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, offering access to Dhaalu Atoll’s unspoiled underwater world. The resort provides easy entry to over 30 nearby dive sites, shared with Vilu Reef, including Alika Reef, Napoleon Reef, and Anemone City. Divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes, such as coral walls, caves, and terraces teeming with marine life.
The reefs around Iru Veli feature vibrant coral formations like staghorn, brain coral, and gorgonians, creating a stunning backdrop for encounters with reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of fish. The crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make every dive an extraordinary experience, ideal for divers of all skill levels.
Siyam World Maldives
Siyam World, located in Noonu Atoll, is a luxurious resort just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The resort offers a range of accommodations, from overwater villas to beach suites, blending a high-end island experience with exciting diving opportunities. With its all-inclusive concept and extensive amenities, Siyam World is the perfect destination for both luxury travelers and underwater enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable escape.
The surrounding waters of Siyam World boast over 30 dive sites, including Koen’s Dream, Christmas Tree, and Saeed ge’ Hadhiyaa. These sites feature diverse underwater landscapes, such as coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and intriguing caves, with vibrant coral formations, including table and brain corals, as well as soft corals like sea fans and gorgonians. The marine life here is abundant, with frequent sightings of reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and large schools of snapper and fusiliers. Pelagic species like barracudas are common at sites like Kuday Kan’du, while manta rays can often be spotted at cleaning stations during the season. Whether exploring swim-throughs at Minaavaru Faru or the unique overhangs at Toshi Caves, Siyam World’s dive sites offer a captivating glimpse into the Maldives’ vibrant marine biodiversity for divers of all experience levels.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a luxurious resort in Noonu Atoll, just 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport. The resort offers spacious villas, an award-winning spa, and a variety of dining options, making it the perfect upscale island getaway. It combines relaxation with thrilling diving experiences, providing guests with an unforgettable escape.
The resort provides access to over 30 dive sites, including Koen’s Dream, Christmas Tree, and Saeed ge’ Hadhiyaa, featuring vibrant coral gardens, deep channels, and captivating caves. The reefs are rich with hard and soft corals, such as table and brain coral, creating an ideal environment for marine life. Divers can encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, and schools of snapper and fusiliers, while thrilling dives at Toshi Caves and Koen’s Dream offer glimpses of pelagic species. Manta rays are frequently spotted during the season, making Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s dive sites a true highlight of the Maldives’ marine biodiversity.