About North Male Atoll Liveaboard Diving
From colorful corals, anemones, and reef fish to larger pelagics like mantas, sharks, and the occasional whale shark, North Male Atoll is a diver's dream come true.
Diving in North Male Atoll is not just an activity; it's an experience, a journey into a world that promises wonder at every turn. With the unmatched convenience and luxury of liveaboard diving, you're in for an immersive experience, both above and below the waves. So, gear up and let the magic of North Male Atoll captivate your senses.
Dive Sites in North Male Atoll
Manta Point: As the name suggests, this site is famous for its resident manta rays. From May to November, divers can watch these gentle giants glide gracefully, feeding on plankton.
Banana Reef: One of the first diving sites discovered in the Maldives, it's shaped like a banana. Here, you'll encounter a diverse collection of marine life, from bannerfish and moray eels to grey reef sharks.
Kuda Haa: This small pinnacle, also known as the 'Chimney,' features two main caves and an abundance of soft and hard corals. Look out for frogfish, nudibranchs, and other macro critters.
Girifushi Thila: An underwater mountain, home to schools of fusiliers, trevally, and the occasional hammerhead shark.
Lankanfinolhu Faru: Another hotspot for manta rays, especially during the southwest monsoon.
For the Maldives liveaboards itineraries, almost all of them visit both the North and South Male Atoll. With the typical 8 days 7 nights trips, the north male atoll liveaboard diving adventure is simply incredible spotting manta rays, hammerheads, guitar sharks and of course, the all popular whale shark.
When To Go To South Male Atoll?
Scuba diving in Maldives is an all year round activity. Even during the more rainy months such as August or September, divers will get the maximum of what Maldives has to offer with little effects on visibility or marine life.
The best season for Maldives and of course the South Male Atoll is between November and April, mainly because of the overall better sea conditions with less waves. However, this is also the period when the liveaboards are at their most busiest which sometimes makes dive sites quite crowded.
Tips For Travellers
In the Maldives, most diving is done from a smaller vessel called a Dhoni which accompanies the liveaboard. These boats have specific entry/exit protocols. Make sure you're comfortable with back-roll entries or giant stride entries, as required.
Water visibility in the Maldives can vary by season and location. November to April usually offers the best visibility, particularly in the western atolls. If underwater photography is a priority, this is especially important to consider.
Maldives liveaboards typically prefer US Dollar ($) for currency. Consider having some cash for gratuities although credit card payments while onboard are widely available among the liveaboard operators.
Most liveaboards provide WiFi Internet but it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card from the airport with a data package that typically costs USD 50 for about 50 GB.
How to get there & Ports of Departure?
To arrive in Maldives travelers should book their flights landing in Male International Airport (Velana International Airport - MLE). Upon landing, you’ll proceed to immigration. Citizens of most countries receive a free 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity.
If your liveaboard embarks from Male, a speedboat will likely pick you up from the airport or a designated meeting point in Male. This ride usually takes less than an hour. Some liveaboards start from other atolls, requiring a domestic flight. These usually depart from the same airport, but you'll need to check-in separately for the domestic leg.
Essential Travel Tips for Liveaboard Adventures
- Marine Park Fees: Be aware of per person, per day marine park fees. Some liveaboard packages include these fees, while others require onboard payment. Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, cash, or travelers checks.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned entry date. Most countries require this, along with a return ticket. Check visa requirements in advance.
- Health Preparations: Consult your doctor 8 weeks prior to your trip for vaccinations or preventive measures recommended for your destination.
Note: Please review the specific terms and conditions of your chosen liveaboard for any additional marine park fees or travel requirements.