The Central Maldives is a dream destination for divers, offering a thrilling mix of vibrant coral reefs, exhilarating drift dives, and encounters with some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. From the bustling marine life of South Malé Atoll to the whale shark hotspots of South Ari and the manta ray havens of North Ari, this itinerary promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. Come along with me on a 7-day diving adventure in Central Maldives aboard the Dune Theia. And unforgettable encounters with Maldives’ extraordinary marine life! And then follow me for my second trip to Central Maldives in April 2025 aboard Dune Black Manta.

Our 7-day diving cruise in the Central Maldives

Day 1: Arrival in Hulhumalé

We began our journey in Hulhumalé, where the crew welcomed us aboard the Dune Theia. A welcome briefing sets the stage for the exciting days ahead.

Our first dive took place at Foah Male, also known as Hulhumale Entrance, and it was truly unforgettable. I had heard about this dive site’s reputation for its impressive variety of shark species. But nothing could have prepared me for that experience. As soon as we jumped into the water, black tip sharks immediately surrounded us. The area fascinated us, as fish guts dumped from a nearby factory attracted not only the sharks but also stingrays, a large marbled ray, and other marine life.

Visibility was not very good, but what really stood out to me during the dive was the sheer number of pretty excited sharks gliding around us. There was this almost surreal moment when I found myself face-to-face with a shark emerging from a cloud of sand. Believe me, it was intense. This dive was the perfect introduction to diving in the central Maldives, offering a mix of wonder and a slight thrill of intimidation.

After our first day of diving, we made a stop at the tiny atoll of Rasdhoo—a sandbank no more than 100 meters long and 10 meters wide, visible only at low tide. It felt like our own private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We spent a carefree moment playing in the soft, white sand, swimming in the warm, turquoise water. And simply soaking in the beauty of this surreal place. One of my favorite memories from that stop is this photo of my friend Roy on my shoulders, both of us laughing like kids in paradise.

Day 2 : North Ari Atoll – Manta Rays and a Night Dive

North Ari Atoll is renowned for its manta cleaning stations, thriving thilas, and intriguing wrecks. Divers encounter eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, batfish, and schooling fusiliers. The ultimate highlight is a manta night dive, where divers observe these graceful creatures feeding just inches from their lights.

Rasdhoo Madivaru

Our first dive at Rasdhoo Madivaru was nothing short of spectacular. As soon as we descended, graceful grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks greeted us by patrolling the currents. A massive Napoleon wrasse made a slow pass by us, its striking colors and sheer size leaving us in awe. Gliding effortlessly through the blue, a squadron of marbled rays added to the magic of the dive. A school of bigeye trevally swirled around us in perfect synchronization, creating a mesmerizing underwater ballet.

Hurawalhi

Our dive at Hurawalhi was an unforgettable encounter with majestic manta rays in their natural feeding ritual. I’m used to diving with manta rays almost every week in Nusa Penida, Bali. But the mantas in Nusa Penida are much more relaxed, simply gliding around the divers. This dive in Maldives, however, was a completely different experience. These graceful giants performed mesmerizing loops underwater, expertly filtering plankton with each turn. Their wide, wing-like fins propelled them with elegance, creating a breathtaking underwater spectacle. The way they moved—turning, rolling, and circling in a rhythmic dance—was almost hypnotic.

Mayaa Thila

Our dive at Mayaa Thila was an incredible exploration of one of Central Maldives’ most famous underwater pinnacles. From the moment we descended, the site was alive with activity. White-tip reef sharks gracefully patrolled the reef, while a grey reef shark made a sudden appearance. We were especially thrilled to spot a sleek silvertip shark, a rarer sight that added an extra thrill to the dive. A baby eagle ray flapped its wings delicately near the reef. While an octopus cleverly camouflaged itself among the corals, changing colors as it moved.

Fesdhoo Lagoon

Our night dive at Fesdhoo Lagoon was nothing short of magical, offering one of the most mesmerizing manta ray encounters we’ve ever had. As we descended into the darkness, each diver positioned themselves in two parallel lines, holding a torch pointed vertically to create an alley of light. This glowing pathway quickly attracted swarms of plankton, which, in turn, lured the majestic manta rays. It was breathtaking to watch as these graceful giants swooped in, gliding effortlessly above us like planes coming in for a landing on a luminous runway. Their enormous wingspans and fluid movements were hypnotic as they performed loops and barrel rolls to feed, passing just inches above our heads.

Even after the dive, the Manta Rays kept eating plankton, attracted by the boat’s light, to everybody’s great joy. Witnessing these intelligent creatures interact so closely with the lights was truly unforgettable, making this night dive one of the highlights of our Maldives adventure.

Day 3 – North Ari Atoll to South Ari Atoll

Fish Head

Mushi Mas Mingili Thila, also known as Fish Head, is one of the most iconic dive sites in the Central Maldives. It is a reef pinnacle located in the northern part of Ari Atoll, between the islands of Mandhoo and Maamgili. The pinnacle rises in an oval shape, stretching 100 meters (330 feet) long and 60 meters (198 feet) wide. As we descended, grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks glided through the water, gracefully patrolling the reef and creating an electrifying atmosphere. Among the corals, a curious hawksbill turtle swam by, completely unbothered by our presence. Schools of barracuda and trevallies swirled in the blue, adding a dynamic rhythm to the dive. We even spotted a baby eagle ray gliding gently near the sandy bottom, a delicate contrast to the powerful predators nearby.

Noo Giri

Nu Giri, or Noo Giri, offered a beautiful and vibrant dive full of life and colors. As we drifted along the reef, we encountered several grey reef sharks cruising calmly in the blue. Turtles appeared throughout the site, gracefully navigating between coral formations or resting on ledges, seemingly unbothered by our presence. The reef itself was teeming with fish—bright anthias dancing above the coral, schools of fusiliers moving in unison, and curious wrasses darting about. Nu Giri felt like a perfect example of the rich biodiversity that makes diving in the Maldives so special.

Dhangethi

During our cruise dive, our stop at Dhangethi was a lovely change of pace. This charming local island offered us the perfect setting to relax after a day of diving. We spent some peaceful time on the beach, enjoying the soft white sand and warm turquoise waters, with a stunning sunset painting the sky. Later, we headed to a small local restaurant where we had a delicious meal. Fresh seafood, Maldivian curries, and refreshing drinks, all served with genuine island hospitality.

Day 4: South Ari Atoll

Kudarah Thila

Kudarah Thila is one of the most iconic and protected dive sites in the Maldives, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning underwater topography. Situated in the South Ari Atoll, this pinnacle rises about 14 meters from the depths. Bright soft corals, sea fans, and ledges teeming with sea life cover it. As we swam down, a lively group of blue-striped snappers quickly surrounded us, swimming around the coral. Grey reef sharks cruised confidently in the blue. While schools of trevallies and the occasional tuna darted by in the current. Among the rich coral landscape, we spotted a velvet snail nestled quietly on the reef—a rare and beautiful find.

Dhidhdhoo Beyru

Dhidhdhoo Beyru is a beautiful and relaxed dive site in South Ari Atoll. It offers a scenic underwater landscape and rich marine life. As we dove, graceful hawksbill turtles greeted us by calmly cruising along the reef. Remarkably, they seemed completely unbothered by our presence. In addition, the site was full of vibrant oriental sweetlips, their bold yellow and black stripes adding a striking splash of color to the coral. Thanks to the gentle currents and abundance of marine life, Dhidhdhoo Beyru offered a peaceful and enjoyable dive experience. Overall, it’s a perfect spot for observing marine creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Lux Beyru

Lux Beyru is located just off the coast of the luxurious LUX* South Ari Atoll resort. It is a vibrant and colorful dive site known for its healthy coral gardens and abundance of marine life. During our dive, we were surrounded by schools of fusiliers and anthias dancing above the reef while curious reef fish darted in and out of the coral structures. The site offers a gentle slope, making it ideal for a relaxed and scenic dive.

Day 5: South Ari Atoll to Vaavu Atoll

Reethi Thila

Five Rocks, also known as Reethi Thila, is a captivating dive site located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. This site features five submerged pinnacles adorned with vibrant coral formations, including impressive gorgonian fans. During our dive, we encountered a variety of marine life: a graceful marbled ray gliding over the reef, a majestic Napoleon wrasse, and the elusive ghost pipefish camouflaged among the corals. Additionally, the presence of velvet snails added to the site’s rich biodiversity.

Miyaru Kandu

Miyaru Kandu, translating to “Shark Channel,” is a renowned dive site in the Vaavu Atoll of the Maldives. This narrow channel is adorned with overhangs and large coral blocks festooned with soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. During our dive, we encountered a variety of marine life: graceful eagle rays gliding through the currents, white-tip reef sharks patrolling the channel, and a resting nurse shark nestled among the coral formations. Additionally, schools of barracudas and trevallies added to the dynamic scene. The combination of diverse marine species and the captivating topography makes Miyaru Kandu a must-visit destination for divers seeking thrilling underwater experiences.

Alimatha Jetty

Alimatha Jetty sits in the Vaavu Atoll of the Central Maldives and boasts vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for divers. During our dive at this location, we encountered an impressive group of over 30 nurse sharks resting on the sandy seabed and swimming gracefully around us. The blacktip reef sharks added extra thrill as they patrolled the edges of the dive site. Additionally, we observed several eagle rays gliding effortlessly through the water, their elegant movements enhancing the dive’s allure.

Day 6: South Malé and North Atoll

Kandooma Thila

Kandooma Thila, also known as Cocoa Thila, is a renowned dive site located in the South Malé Atoll of the Central Maldives. This teardrop-shaped pinnacle rises from depths of around 40 meters to approximately 12 meters below the surface. During our dive, we experienced medium currents that provided ideal conditions for observing the site’s abundant marine life. We were fortunate to encounter graceful eagle rays gliding effortlessly through the water, adding to the site’s allure. The pinnacle is adorned with vibrant soft corals, creating a colorful underwater landscape that enhances the diving experience.

Banana Reef

Banana Reef, one of the most iconic dive sites in North Malé Atoll, offers a colorful and lively underwater experience. During our dive, we were delighted by the playful appearance of a baby boxfish—tiny and perfectly cube-shaped—nestled among the corals. Tuna and barracuda cruised past us in the blue while vibrant oriental sweetlips hovered near the reef, showing off their bold stripes. The reef itself, shaped like a banana, features dramatic ledges and overhangs that create a stunning backdrop for the rich marine life.

Fish Factory

The Fish Factory dive site, also known as Fish Tank or Stingray City, is located near a fish processing plant in the Maldives. This unique site is renowned for its abundant marine life, particularly various species of moray eels. During our dive, we observed eight different types of moray eels, including giant morays and honeycomb morays, nestled among the coral formations. The site’s proximity to the fish factory results in nutrient-rich waters, attracting a diverse array of marine creatures. Additionally, we noticed snorkelers nearby enjoying the opportunity to swim alongside numerous stingrays that frequent the area. The combination of diverse eel species and the presence of stingrays makes the Fish Factory a captivating destination for both divers and snorkelers.​

The next day, after breakfast, we bid farewell to the Maldives, leaving with unforgettable memories of encounters with sharks, manta rays, and the breathtaking marine biodiversity that makes Central Maldives one of the world’s top diving locations.

Exploring the Central Atolls – From Laamu to Malé

After five thrilling days diving the wild south of the Maldives in April 2025, my liveaboard adventure aboard the Dune Black Manta continued north into the more frequented, but still spectacular, Central Atolls. That was a perfect contrast to the remote southern waters.

Day 6 – Laamu Atoll

Our first stop was Laamu Atoll, beginning with Dive 13 at Hitadhoo Manta Point, where a solitary but majestic manta ray glided gracefully through cleaning stations, joined by grey reef sharks and eagle rays soaring by in formation. Dive 14 at Fushi Kandu treated us to large schools of barracuda, batfish, and groupers, framed against the vibrant coral slopes. The highlight of the evening came after dinner, when many devil rays appeared, dancing under the boat’s stern light, feasting on the plankton drawn in. A mesmerizing natural show that lasted late into the night.

Day 7 – Thaa and Meemu Atolls

We started the day with Dive 15 at Dhiffushi Kandu in Thaa Atoll, where we encountered the “usual suspects” that never get old — reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and green turtles. In the afternoon, we moved to Meemu Atoll. Dive 16 at Kurali Manta Point was a standout, offering prolonged encounters with several manta rays, plus a cowtail stingray barely visible beneath a blanket of sand. Dive 17 at Hakura Thila was a vibrant finale to the day with enormous clouds of yellow snappers swirling over the reef.

Day 8 – Meemu to Vaavu Atoll

Our last dive in Meemu, Dive 18 at Raabandhihuraa Kandu, offered dramatic currents, shark sightings, and coral-covered walls. Then we pushed further north to Vaavu Atoll, starting with Dive 19 at Rakheedhoo Kandu, a lesser-known but beautifully preserved site. The true highlight of the day was Dive 20 — the famous night dive at Alimatha Jetty. Under torchlight, we were engulfed by a whirlwind of nurse sharks, stingrays, and jacks — all gracefully circling within arm’s reach. An adrenaline-filled, unforgettable experience.

Day 9 – Vaavu to South Malé Atoll

We kicked off the day with Dive 21 at Miyaru Kandu, a dive site true to its name — “shark channel” — where multiple grey reef sharks escorted us along the drop-off. We then entered South Malé Atoll for Dives 22 and 23 at Kandooma Thila, known for its coral-covered pinnacles and pelagic action, featuring tunas, trevallies, and even a spotted eagle ray at the end of the drift.

Day 10 – Farewell Dives in North Malé Atoll

Our final day brought us closer to Malé, but the diving continued to deliver. At Hulhumalé, we did dives 24 and 25, where we encountered spinner sharks, whip rays, and large schools of bannerfish and jacks — a fitting and high-energy end to a truly epic dive cruise across both South and Central Maldives.

Dune Theia Dhoni

Diving from a dhoni—the traditional Maldivian boat that accompanies liveaboards—is incredibly convenient and smooth. These boats are specifically designed for diving, with spacious decks, designated gear setup areas, and easy water entry points. Tanks are already set up for each diver, and the crew is always on hand to help with equipment and provide support. Getting in and out of the water is quick and effortless, thanks to wide platforms and ladders. The dhoni follows the divers during the dive, making pickup easy wherever you surface. It truly makes the whole diving experience in the Maldives more relaxed and enjoyable.

Life on Board the Dune Theia

Life aboard the Dune Theia felt like a slice of paradise for me! It perfectly blended luxury and comfort, creating an unforgettable experience in the stunning waters of the Maldives. I enjoyed staying in one of the 10 cozy cabins, which could host up to 20 divers. The options from Standard to Sea View cabins were thoughtfully designed for relaxation between dives.

I absolutely loved the common areas! The spacious living room offered breathtaking panoramic views, and I spent plenty of time on the sun deck soaking up the tropical rays. The sky bar was a personal favorite—sipping cocktails as the sun set was such a magical experience. Dining on the outdoor deck was another highlight, as I got to enjoy delicious meals under a blanket of stars.

What truly stood out for me was the amazing crew and dive guides. They went above and beyond to ensure I felt comfortable and safe throughout my journey. Trust me, cruising on the Dune Theia is an experience I will cherish forever!

Book Your Own Diving Cruise in Central Maldives Aboard the Dune Theia!

Embark on an unforgettable scuba diving adventure in the Maldives aboard the luxurious Dune Theia Liveaboard! This journey offers breathtaking underwater landscapes, encounters with incredible marine life, and the ultimate comfort on board. With its spacious cabins, relaxing common areas, and top-tier service, life on Theia is as enjoyable as the dives themselves.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or looking for your next great adventure, this cruise is the perfect way to explore the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites. Dune Theia’s schedule is set through the coming seasons. So all that’s left for you to do is book your dream dive trip!