The Maldives is made up of nearly 1,200 islands spread out over a large area. There is excellent diving to be had in most parts areas but it is important to choose the area and the island that works best for you. Here are some of our ideas.
Where to Go Diving in the Maldives
Where to go in Maldives
Northern Atolls
Choose the right season and this is the place for mantas and whale sharks.
Southern Atolls
Venture south to uncharted territories and you are in for a treat.
Central Atolls
The islands, hotels and diving of the central atolls are all first-class.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 destinations
Luxury Hotels in Maldives
Showing 1 - 3 of 22 hotels
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W Retreat and Spa
As if choosing where to stay in the Maldives wasn't hard enough, along comes the W Retreat & Spa.
Anantara Kihavah
Located in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, on the doorstep of the UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve Hanifaru Bay, Anantara Kihavah is an exquisite base...
Baros
A small coral island encircled by a living house-reef, boutique hotel Baros Maldives’ two marine centres mean scuba adventures are guaranteed,...
Cheval Blanc Randheli
The Maldives has its fair share of luxurious hotels, but Cheval Blanc Randheli is arguably the most elegant. Designed by world-renowned architect...
Constance Halaveli
The Constance Halaveli Resort in the Maldives has villas either on stilts over a beautiful lagoon or on the pristine beach.
Gili Lankanfushi
Only 20 minutes away from Malé on the private island of Lankanfushi, the intimate coral island is characterised by powder fine beaches dissolving...
Huvafen Fushi
Less than half an hour by speedboat from Malé International Airport, set on a powder white island protected by one of the Maldives’ best house...
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
At least 10km away from any other inhabited island, sitting on an untouched atoll, surrounded by one of the most beautiful reefs you will find...
One&Only Reethi Rah
Located 40 minutes from Malé, One&Only Reethi Rah is one of the largest, most luxurious islands in the North Male Atoll.
Soneva Fushi
Set in the remote Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi, offers a Robinson Crusoe-style escape. The epitome of barefoot luxury, adhere to a ‘no news, no...
Six Senses Laamu
Hidden deep in the Indian Ocean, a breezy domestic from Malé followed by a short boat ride brings you to Six Senses Laamu, the only resort in...
Velaa Private Island
Guests are first greeted to Velaa Private Island with a spectacular aerial view of the turtle-shaped island (“Velaa” means turtle in the...
Constance Moofushi
Constance Moofushi is located in one of the archipelago’s finest dive spots, the South Ari Atoll, where guests can spot baby reef sharks just...
COMO Maalifushi
Located in the remote south-western Thaa Atoll, Maalifushi is the second luxurious Maldives hideaway from the COMO hotel group.
LUX* Maldives
Located on the postcard-perfect island of Dhidhoofinolhu in the South Ari Atoll, LUX* Maldives is a luxurious escape full of surprises. From...
Soneva Jani
Surrounded by the azure waters of the Edufaaru lagoon, on the beautiful tropical island of Medhufaru, is Soneva Jani - the brand’s newest resort....
Scubaspa Ying and Yang
Luxurious liveaboards Scubaspa Ying, and sister vessel Yang, cruise the idyllic lagoons and atolls of the Maldives, giving divers access to some...
Milaidhoo Island
Tucked away in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sits Milaidhoo private island resort. With an idyllic setting and fantastic diving this...
OBLU Helengeli
Voted the second best dive resort in the world by Dive Magazine in 2017, OBLU Helengeli has certainly proved its worth in the diving stakes,...
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Reached by a 40-minute seaplane from the Maldivian capital of Malé, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a remote island paradise at the forefront...
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Experience luxury and impeccable service with excellent diving at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa that occupies a private coral island in the Central...
Angsana Ihuru
Angsana Ihuru, meaning ‘old palm trees’, is Banyan Tree’s funky eco-friendly little sister, home to pristine coral reefs in just about...
Showing 1 - 3 of 22 hotels
Load moreKey Facts & Useful Links
Language: Divehi; Dhivehi; Maldivian;
Currency: Rufiyaa
Visa: Not required for stays under 30 nights
Religion: Muslim
Food & Drink: Fish, fish and more fish
Time difference:
GMT +6 hrs
Best months to visit: December to April
Flight from London:
10:15 hrs
Best Diving in the Maldives
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If you're looking for desert islands bedecked with luxurious living and fringed with world-class diving, then a trip to explore the Maldives could be on the cards for your next holiday. The best diving in the Maldives ranks alongside the best diving anywhere on the planet: whale sharks,…
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Best Diving in the Indian Ocean
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The vast Indian Ocean contains around twenty percent of the world's water and is home to idyllic islands that are blessed with luxurious hotels and fringed by world-class dive sites. If you're looking for the best diving in the Indian Ocean, then your choice is between two of the ocean's…
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Best Diving in Asia
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While it may rank second behind Latin America in terms of being home to the most overall biodiversity, Asia does hold the ace in the hole when it comes to being the king of marine biodiversity. With the Coral Triangle taking centre stage and covering the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia,…
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Summer of Giants
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How do you decide where to go on your next diving holiday? Do you return time and again to a place that welcomes you as an old friend, where you annually reconnect with the same dive guides who have watched your children grow and learn to dive as well? Or, do you methodically tick off bucket…
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Philantourism: The Best Dive Spots for Doing Good
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Often, when catastrophe strikes, or a community falls on hard times, we watch and wonder 'how can I help?' Some people choose to donate money, participate in food/clothing drives, volunteer their time or open their homes. Short-term relief is just the beginning though. To truly extend a…
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