South Male Atoll Liveaboard: An Underwater Realm in the Heart of Maldives

Delve deep into the pristine waters of South Male Atoll liveaboard diving, a coveted diving destination situated conveniently close to the Maldivian capital of Male. Whether you're an experienced diver or taking your inaugural plunge, the atoll offers unparalleled underwater experience, teeming marine life, and crystal-clear visibility. Get ready to immerse yourself in an extraordinary aquatic journey.

The South Male Atoll liveaboards are all about channel dives. As with all channel dives, rising and falling currents bring different types of marine life. South Male Atoll, however, is famously known for spotting reef sharks which makes it a popular stop for all Maldives liveaboards.

While the Maldives liveaboards visiting South Male Atoll provide multiple durations for the trips, the most popular is the 8 days 7 nights itinerary with one day of 3-4 dives spent here in the South.

About South Male Atoll Liveaboard Diving

South Male Atoll offers more than just dive sites; it's an enthralling underwater universe waiting to be explored. With its close proximity to Male and an array of dive sites suited for all skill levels, it's a must-visit on any diver’s itinerary.

While diving is available throughout the year, the peak season runs from November to April. During these months, the sea conditions are at their calmest, and underwater visibility can extend up to 30 meters. As with most of the dive sites in Maldives, water temperatures typically vary between 26-30°C (79-86°F).

The dive sites frequently visited by South Male Atoll liveaboards offer a range of depths, between 15 and 40 meters, to cater to every diver's comfort and expertise level. It is highly recommended to check carefully the itinerary of your chosen Maldives liveaboard operator to ensure the types of dives they are typically doing.

South Male Atoll is an aquatic treasury the same as the popular North Male Atoll. Expect encounters with grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and sea turtles, to name just a few.

South Male Atoll Dive Sites

Embudhoo Kandu, known for its exhilarating channel dives and powerful currents. Depths here range between 20 to 30 meters and are most suitable for advanced divers. This site offers an opportunity to witness grey reef sharks and schools of fusiliers cutting through the current.

Guraidhoo Kandu South, a perfect blend of soft and hard corals scattered along the ocean floor. Depths here vary between 18 to 30 meters and are suitable for divers of all skill levels. The site is famous for encounters with barracudas and even the occasional hammerhead shark.

Kuda Giri Wreck, offers a thrilling experience for wreck dive enthusiasts. Sunk at a depth of approximately 30 meters, this wreck is home to an array of exotic marine life, including colorful nudibranchs and glassfish. The site is accessible to intermediate and advanced divers, and it adds a touch of mystery to the whole underwater escapade.

Kandooma Thila, is a submerged pinnacle providing depths ranging from 20 to 30 meters. The top of the pinnacle is covered with vibrant soft corals, providing a spectacular view for underwater photographers. This site is recommended for intermediate to advanced divers and is especially popular for spotting grey reef sharks and large schools of jackfish.

Cocoa Thila, is a large submerged reef that's a hot spot for pelagic species. With depths ranging between 15 and 30 meters, the site is accessible for intermediate divers. Cocoa Thila is renowned for the diverse range of marine life, from manta rays to schools of tuna, making each dive an entirely unique experience.

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 fewer waves. However, this is also the period when the liveaboards are at their busiest which sometimes makes dive sites quite crowded.

Tips For Travelers

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.