Diving in Maafushi
For those who enjoy the thrill of diving, Maldives is probably one the destinations on your bucket list, and a dream for the dive enthusiast. With its impressive colorful collection of corals with vibrant spices of marine life residing in them, everyone should look forward to exploring the bountiful waters of Maldives, regardless of whether you are an advance diver or a person who wants to learn.
Maafushi, is one local island in Maldives that certainly does not lack in its dive centers, known for their exceptional service along with thrilling diving experiences. You can easily enjoy liveaboards or diving safaris through on of the diving centers in Maldives.
The island of Maafushi is also ideally located near multiple diving sites spread across the waters male atoll, so there is plenty of unique locations to explore
Best dive sites accessible from Maafushi
Embudhu Kandu
Located south east of Male’ atoll Emdbudhu Kandu is famous for sharks, deep, caverns and caves with exotic species of fauna residing in them. Divers can explore depths of the water thoroughly as they can descend to 30 meters beneath the surface..
Aside from sharks, here you can see napoleon wrasses, eels, lion fish, and octopi among other interesting marine life. This dive site can be enjoyed by both intermediate and advanced divers.
Kuda Giri Wreck
To the south of Mae’ Atoll, the Kuda Giri features a pinnacle and a small wreck which is about 20 years old. Flooded with tube corals and sponge coral, you can find aquatic species of Maldives such as, batfish glass fish, shrimp, trigger fish, wrasses, eels, and even turtles.
In some cases, you could even spot the bizarre guitar fish residing in the depths of Kuda Giri. Fun fact, the guitar fish was mistaken for a Jinn by some of the locals in one of the island of Maldives (who could blame them). Kuda Giri Wreck is a fantastic site to explore in even for novice divers.
Kandooma Thila
Kandooma Thila is known as one of the best diving site among the entirety of the north male’ atoll. Perfect for advanced divers, the thila features over hangs and small caves among the various soft corals all over the place.
Here you can see groupers, jacks, eagle rays and barracudas. The overhangs attract gray reefs sharks and turtles making the Kandooma Thila an awesome diving experience that you can enjoy at Maafushi.
Guraidhoo corner
Guraidhoo corner is located in the south of Male Atoll. Along the impressive array of faunas, the dive site is famous for its underwater landscapes with walls slopping down and healthy reefs unique to the place.
Guraidhoo Thila is a dive site that can be enjoyed all year around. All levels of divers can enjoy watching eagle rays, gray reef sharks, parrot fish, and other unique fauna residing in this habitat.
Cocoa Corner
Located in the waters of South Male’ atoll, the Cocoa corner is a 500meter long pinnacle with an impressive drop off. Filled with sponge corals, the dive site is home to eagle rays, tunas, barracudas, snappers, trumpet fish, and even gray reef sharks.
The current in Cocoa corner is minimal to strong allowing divers from intermediate to advance to the spectacular dive site from Maafushi.
Miyaru Faru
You could guess what the main attraction of this dive site is by translating its name. The word “Miyaru” means sharks, and “faru” means reef in the Maldivian language. Yes, a shark reef! Miyaru Faru features very strong currents which is the main reason that attracts sharks.
Among sharks you can also find Turtles, Napoleon wrasse, trigger fish, snappers, and eagle rays.The site is 15 minutes away from Maafushi and can be enjoyed by all level of divers.
Dive centers and courses in Maafushi
The most ideal way to experience diving at Maafushi would be through one of the dive centers located in the local island. The dive trips to the sites mentioned above are usually provided by these dive centers and cost about roughly about $80 for a dive trip and $1200 for a liveaboard with 2 dives per day with equipment provided.
SSI and PADI courses which are internationally recognized are also featured by some of the dive centers in Maafushi. These courses can last for 2- 3 days with 5 -9 dives. Courses for both kids and advanced divers are available at the dive centers meaning you don’t have to worry about the lack of diving option in Maafushi.
Some important points to remember
- It is acceptable to wear soft contact lenses while diving but remember to bring spare ones in case they get washed away.
- Do not touch the marine creature, photos are allowed
- Sharks here are not dangerous!
- Remember to follow the instruction of your instructor carefully for a fun and safe experience.