The northernmost atoll is typically visited by liveaboards. The diving here comprises wide, shallow channels with mild currents and a vibrant selection of hard and soft corals. The reefs’ overhangs and walls are covered in table corals, while caves, pinnacles, and swim-throughs hide a good variety of macro. Expect to spot reef sharks, turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and mantas, as well as reef species such as grouper, moray eels, lionfish, and a variety of crustaceans.

Raa atoll's lagoon boast an impressive array of tubastrea corals and some fantastic marine life. In the south of the atoll, Fenfushi Thila boasts overhangs and crevices teeming with bannerfish and huge schools of orange basslets. On the western side of the atoll, tuna, grouper, and Napoleon wrasse can be found circling deep drop-offs and overhangs, while eagle rays and turtles frequent the eastern reefs and walls.

One of the most visited regions in the Maldives, North Male Atoll is within easy reach of the countries’ capital and main airport, Male. The well-known Manta Point is located in the southeast of the atoll, and as the name suggests this is a prime spot for encounters with manta rays, as well as schools of barracuda, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse.

Centrally located, Vaavu Atoll is a great beginner destination with shallow channels and protected sites offering gentle drift diving over vibrant coral reefs. Vattaru Reef offers a relaxed dive full of butterflyfish and oriental sweetlips, while whitetip reef sharks can often be seen patrolling nearby.

The marine life around Dhaalu Atoll is diverse and unique, with several unusual species living around the region’s wide channels and shallow drop-offs. Inside the lagoon, Lohi Island cave is a drift dive that features sea fans and sponges encrusting overhangs around the cave entrance. Mobula rays and frogfish may be seen here, as well as several types of anemonefish.

The first of the Deep South atolls, Huvadhu boasts healthy reefs in excellent condition and a good number of shark species patrolling the region’s diverse topography. There is diving here for beginners and experienced divers alike, where a substantial outer reef protects an inner lagoon sheltered from ocean currents and swells. Fascinating underwater features including caves, drop-offs, and deep walls are prime for exploration.

Haa Dhall also boasts wide channels and shallow sites facilitating gentle drift dives through reefs and pinnacles of colorful soft and hard corals. The Filadhoo wreck is a great introduction to wreck diving, and at a depth of 46ft is an exciting artificial reef surrounded by snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional eagle ray.

This popular atoll is well explored and offers over 50 dive sites suitable for all levels. The sheltered Aquarium site is great for novices and boasts electric schools of blue snappers amongst the abundant corals. Hawksbill turtles and guitar sharks can also be spotted using the coral as a cleaning station.

South Male Atoll is the quieter sister of North Male, and while it doesn’t boast the same marine diversity as the northern atoll, dramatic topography and strong currents bring large pelagics close to shore. Diving here can be exciting and sometimes challenging, with deep channels and rapidly changing conditions facilitating exciting drifts through ravines and past overhangs. Cocoa Thila, one of the best dive sites in the Maldives.

Boasting a variety of diving and some untouched reefs, Faafu Atoll offers something for all tastes and abilities. Deep channels with brisk currents attract manta rays and the occasional whale shark year-round, and sites such as Jumping Jack are characterized by numerous submerged pinnacles overgrown with bright corals.

Characterized by dramatic topography, impressive coral gardens, and some great pelagic encounters, Thaa Atoll’s varied diving holds something for everyone. The best sites feature strong currents but offer bountiful reefs with steep drop-offs smothered in gorgonians and soft coral. Gorgonian Garden’s deep wall plunges to 131ft, and mantas, turtles, inquisitive batfish, and schools of fusiliers can be found playing in the fast-moving water.

Far less explored than many of the other atolls, Fuvahmulah is a pelagic haven that attracts numerous shark species, manta and mobula rays, and mola mola year-round. Uncharted reefs are a backdrop to regular appearances from thresher, tiger, silvertip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks, as well as open ocean giants such as scalloped hammerheads and whale sharks.

Noonu offers a variety of diving suitable for different levels of experience, including some exciting drift dives and unique shark encounters. Christmas Rock, a submerged island with the top at 46ft, is home to whitetip reef sharks and stingrays, while the occasional nurse shark can be spotted snoozing in cracks in the reef.

Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the Baa Atoll supports some of the Maldives’ most diverse and unique marine life. Horubadhoo Thila, on the eastern side, is home to plentiful macro as well as attracting large pelagic species, such as mantas, to numerous cleaning stations.

The best pelagic destination in the region, Ari Atoll’s exposed pinnacles and deep channels don’t support as much reef life as some of the other atolls, but instead attract mantas, whale sharks and schooling hammerheads. Strong currents mean diving here is not best suited to novices, however, experienced divers will thrill in deeper drift dives sporting loads of shark action, schools of eagle rays, and abundant vibrant fish.

Similar to nearby Faafu Atoll, Meemu Atoll offers divers deep inner reefs with bright currents supporting healthy coral and abundant fish life. Cleaning stations along the reefs attract several manta rays at one time, and tuna, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse can be seen loitering off the reef.

Gentle currents and shallow channels make Laamu Atoll ideally suited to new divers, or those looking to relax on gentle drifts through exotic coral gardens. Mini underwater islands are a focal point for reef sharks and mobula rays, while mantas are often sighted in the clear visibility of the channels.

The most southerly of the atolls, Addu is as picturesque above the waterline as it is below. Sharks, turtles, and mantas are regularly sighted on deeper dives, and the sheltered site of Gan Inside offers you close encounters with stingrays along the white sandy bottom.