With its tapestry of pearly white beaches surrounded by sun-dappled waters, a trip to the Maldives is all about island hopping. From the serene Northern Atolls to the pristine Southern Atolls, many of the best islands in the Maldives are just a speedboat or seaplane away from the capital. Head to Baa Atoll for close encounters with manta rays, or venture to North Ari Atoll for mysterious wreck dives, where you'll likely encounter reef sharks, hawksbill turtles and eagle rays. Read on for our roundup of the best islands in the Maldives for diving...
South Ari Atoll
Just half an hour by seaplane from Male Airport, South Ari Atoll is one of the top dive spots for sightings of the ocean's gentle giants - whale sharks are here year-round, and manta rays seasonally. Head to South Ari Atoll between October and May to witness the latter diamond-shaped creatures gliding through shallow, fauna-rich waters where natural cleaning stations form. Or, turn your diving fins towards Kudhima Wreck near the Machchafushi house reef to admire colourful sponges and detailed macro life. Purposefully sunk in 1998, this old tuna boat lies 30m beneath the water's surface and is often surrounded by schools of bat, puffer and box fish.
Baa Atoll
Speaking of mesmerising manta rays, Baa Atoll is renowned as the world's largest manta aggregation site. Appointed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the atoll's 75 islands offer more than just silky stretches of sand. Between May and November, head to Hanifaru Bay, on the eastern side of the atoll, to spot up to 100 hungry mantas as they feed on the plankton-packed waters. Back on land, lizards and geckos dart across mangrove-fringed beaches while thatched-roofed villas await your arrival. For hot, dry weather - perfect for basking in the sunshine in between dives - plan your trip between December and March.
Laamu Atoll
Next up on our top picks of the best islands in the Maldives is the laid-back Laamu Atoll. Hop in a private speedboat and zoom towards Six Senses Laamu - the ideal resort for your remote diving experience. From tranquil shallow reefs to dramatic cave drop-offs, there's a wide variety of dive sites suitable for curious beginners and seasoned pros alike. Plunge beneath the surface between November and April for the chance to spot hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and eagle rays - just be sure to book ahead, as it's high season.
Fuvahmulah Atoll
Calling all thrill seekers - Fuvahmulah Atoll is the island for you. Located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, this secluded spot is home to over 20 diverse dive sites and is the best place for consistent shark encounters. We're talking whitetip, grey reef, silvertip, scalloped hammerhead, tiger and thresher sharks all in one place (gulp). Beneath the flint-blue waters surrounding the island, advanced divers can glide past the steep canyons and submerged reefs for an added adrenaline rush. Prefer to stay dry? Take a breather on land and explore Fuvahmulah's tropical woodlands and coastal mangroves. You could even try your hand at fishing (yellowfin tuna and wahoo are popular catches).
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll rounds off our list of the best islands in the Maldives for diving. Just a speedboat ride away from Male Airport, there's something on offer for every kind of diver here. Visit Fish Head (one of the world's most famous dive sites) for a chance to spot giant trevallies, barracudas and grey reef sharks drifting among the soft coral. To glimpse into the past, dive 37m below the water's surface and explore the Maldives Victory Wreck; this extensive cargo ship sank in 1981 and continues to attract myriad marine life to its rusted remains. Or, if you're after a run-in with mantas, these barrel-rolling beauties are often spotted at the iconic Manta Point between May and November.
