The Deep South of the Maldives truly stole my heart. As an experienced diver, I found it to be an absolute dream destination, filled with exhilarating encounters with extraordinary pelagic marine life and stunning coral reefs. The underwater landscapes were nothing short of dramatic! What thrilled me were the strong currents and deep channels that added an element of adventure to every dive. Stretching from Huvadhoo Atoll to Malé, this region is vibrant with biodiversity, making it a haven for divers. Having previously explored the Central Maldives, I was excited to dive into this unique world. Each dive was an incredible experience, with new sights that left me in awe. I can confidently say that the Deep South has a charm and excitement all its own!

Why Dive the Deep South Maldives?

The South Maldives is renowned for its high concentration of sharks, manta rays, and other large marine species. The strong oceanic currents that flow through the deep channels attract large schools of fish, making these waters a magnet for predators. Unlike the more frequented central atolls, the dive sites here remain largely untouched, offering an authentic and adventurous diving experience.

Top Dive Sites in the Deep South Maldives

Huvadhoo Atoll: The Gateway to Shark Diving

Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the deepest and largest atolls in the Maldives, is a hotspot for shark encounters. Divers can expect to see grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and even tiger sharks patrolling the channels. Notable dive sites include:

• Vilingili Kandu – A deep channel dive with strong currents, known for its resident shark population.
• Mareehaa Kandu – Home to an impressive variety of reef sharks and schools of barracuda.

Fuvahmulah: The Ultimate Big Fish Destination

Fuvahmulah Island is often called the ‘Galápagos of the Maldives’ due to its extraordinary marine diversity. The deep waters surrounding the island attract:

• Tiger Sharks – A year-round spectacle for divers, often spotted near the harbor.
• Thresher Sharks – Known for their distinctive long tails, these elusive sharks appear in the deep waters.
• Oceanic Manta Rays – Seen gliding effortlessly through the currents.

Addu Atoll: Wrecks and Manta Cleaning Stations

Addu Atoll offers a unique blend of historical wrecks and rich marine biodiversity. The highlight of diving in Addu includes:

• The British Loyalty Wreck – A sunken WWII oil tanker teeming with marine life.
• Manta Cleaning Stations – Frequented by graceful manta rays, especially during the right season.

Liveaboard Experience

One of the best ways to explore the Deep South Maldives is through a liveaboard safari. These trips typically last 10 nights, covering multiple atolls while ensuring divers experience a variety of sites. Liveaboards offer the flexibility to dive at remote locations that are otherwise inaccessible, maximizing encounters with the Maldives’ incredible marine life. Choose Dune liveaboard, and you will get the best of your diving cruise!

Best Time to Dive the Deep South Maldives

The ideal time to dive in the Deep South Maldives is between January and April, when the northeast monsoon brings clear waters and strong currents that enhance shark sightings. However, diving is possible year-round, with each season offering unique marine encounters.

Who Should Dive in South Maldives?

Due to the deep channels, strong currents, and drift diving conditions, the South Maldives is best suited for advanced divers with experience in current diving. Nitrox certification is highly recommended to extend bottom time and maximize the experience.

My dive cruise in South Maldives with Dune

In April 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable dive cruise through the South Maldives aboard the Dune Black Manta, one of the most comfortable and well-run liveaboards I’ve experienced. This 11-day journey took us from the remote and wild Huvadhoo Atoll all the way north toward the central atolls, with each dive revealing new surprises and unforgettable marine encounters.

Day 1 – Arrival & Warm Welcome

The trip began in Malé, where we were greeted and transferred via domestic flight to Koodoo Airport, nestled deep in the southern Maldives. Upon arrival, the Dune Maldives team was waiting with friendly smiles and seamless organization. A short ride brought us aboard the spacious Black Manta, our floating home for the next 11 days. After a relaxed check-in, safety briefing, and setup, we enjoyed our first sunset over Huvadhoo’s calm waters.

Day 2 – First Dives in Huvadhoo Atoll (Vilingili area)

Our first full diving day began with excitement and anticipation, and Huvadhoo did not disappoint. We explored dive sites near Vilingili Island, just next to Koodoo:

• Dive 1: Turtle City
  True to its name, we were welcomed by several green turtles, calmly grazing along the reef. Reef sharks patrolled the edges while leaf fish and even a spinner shark made an appearance in the blue.
• Dive 2: Vilingili Kandu
  This classic Maldivian channel dive offered a beautiful drift, featuring grey reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of snappers and groupers. An elegant eagle ray glided by, adding a graceful touch to an already spectacular dive.
• Dive 3: Koodoo Jetty
  Not far from the island, this site offered surprises galore — Napoleon wrasse, a dense school of bigeye jacks, reef sharks, and several curious turtles joined us in the fading afternoon light.

Day 3 – Exploring More of Huvadhoo

We continued deeper into the atoll, diving three new sites:

• Dive 4: Nilhandoo Kandu
  A thrilling current brought in pelagics and schools of reef fish. Sharks cruised effortlessly alongside us while fusiliers shimmered in the blue.
• Dive 5: Gemana Fushi (near Dhiyadhoo Island)
  This reef was teeming with life. From moray eels to hunting trevallies, the coral-covered site buzzed with activity.
• Dive 6: Alibe Giri (near Gadhdhoo Island)
  A more relaxed dive but equally rich in life — nudibranchs, turtles, and a playful school of batfish accompanied us across the reef.

Day 4 – Fuvahmulah: The Tiger Shark Capital

This day was a highlight of the trip. Fuvahmulah is unlike any other island in the Maldives — a solitary atoll rising from the deep ocean, famous for its large pelagics.

• Dive 7: Fuvahmulah South
  The visibility was incredible as we descended into a world of barracudas and big predators. We caught a thrilling glimpse of a tiger shark, circling just below.
• Dive 8: Tiger Harbor (Tiger Zoo)
  A controlled and ethical feeding experience with tiger sharks — one of the most intense and spectacular encounters of the entire trip. Seeing these powerful creatures up close, moving with purpose and grace, was absolutely unforgettable.
• Dive 9: Fuvahmulah North
  Our final dive at Fuvahmulah brought even more sharks, including a stunning sighting of an oceanic manta ray soaring above us — a magical end to the day.

Day 5 – Returning North through Huvadhoo

As we began our journey back north, we explored new sites with just as much life and beauty:

• Dive 10: Maarehaa Kandu (near Gemanafushi)
  A wide channel rich in corals, this dive gave us more reef shark action and a great drift along vibrant overhangs.
• Dives 11 & 12: Around Funadhoo
  These two final dives in Huvadhoo were calm and scenic, full of macro life, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and the ever-present reef sharks. It was the perfect way to wrap up our exploration of this incredible atoll.

The Days Ahead – Central Maldives Awaits

After our deep dive into the wild and remote southern atolls, we continued our journey back to the central Maldives for the following 5 days, where more stunning dives, soft coral gardens, and classic sites awaited. But the wild spirit of the South — with its sharks, mantas, and untamed beauty — would remain one of the most memorable parts of the entire cruise.

Life On Board the Black Manta

Life aboard the Dune Black Manta Liveaboard was as much a highlight as the dives themselves. The boat is spacious, elegant, and thoughtfully designed for comfort. The cabins were spotless, well-equipped, and surprisingly spacious — the perfect retreat after a full day underwater. We were spoiled with delicious meals served buffet-style, offering a tasty variety of Asian and Western specialties, from fresh seafood curries to pasta, grilled meats, and vibrant vegetarian options.

Between dives, there were plenty of places to relax: several sun decks, shaded lounge areas, and even a cozy indoor salon with air-conditioning. And as a cherry on top, a Balinese massage therapist was on board, offering professional treatments — the ultimate way to unwind after a day of diving.

The dive operation was flawlessly run, with very experienced guides and detailed briefings before every dive. Each site was presented with clear maps, current info, entry/exit strategies, and even educational insights into the marine life we were about to encounter. Whether you were a seasoned diver or just starting out, you always felt safe, informed, and inspired.

Conclusion

For divers seeking an adrenaline-filled underwater adventure, the Deep South Maldives offers an unparalleled experience. From diving with tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah to exploring deep channels teeming with marine predators, this region is a must-visit for anyone looking to push their diving limits. Whether on a liveaboard or a dedicated dive resort, the Deep South guarantees encounters that will leave you in awe of the ocean’s wonders.