Diving with Whale Sharks

The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to dive. But with so many islands and reefs, where do you go? How do you decide on which of the 1,192 islands? Easy!

Whale sharks!

South Ari atoll is the only atoll in the Maldives where whale sharks are spotted throughout the year. Over 400 “gentle giants” are spotted and registered in our area in South Ari Atoll. The sharks have an average length of 5.92 meters, which means the majority are juvenile.

If diving with whale sharks in the Maldives is on your bucket list, don’t look further!

Other frequently spotted marine mega fauna include manta rays, turtles and dolphins.

Dhigurah is the most popular island in the atoll for tourism and well known for its beautiful woods and long stretched sandbank. It is one of the most popular islands among locals.

All in all, a paradise that shouldn’t be missed!

PADI DIVE SCHOOL

Safety of our guests is our highest priority. Therefore, our dive center invests in quality equipment and renews it regularly.

The dive boat (or “Dhoni”), with a rooftop tanning deck is fully equipped for a full  day of diving.  It is possible to hop on board to join for one, two or even three dives and the boat goes out every day!

Our PADI licensed instructors and dive guides are ready to take you on an underwater adventure!

Courses & Certifications

Our PADI dive center provides the following courses and certifications:

• Discover Scuba Diving
• Bubble Maker (8-10 yo)
• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water
• Nitrox Enriched Air
• Rescue Diver
• Emergency First Response
• Dive Master

Maldivian Whale Shark Research Programme

Did you know? The Maldivian Whale Shark Research Programme (M.W.S.R.P.) is located on Dhigurah and goes on daily expeditions to gather data about these gentle giants!

KudaRah Thila

Travel time: 15 minutes

One of the most famous dive sites in South Ari Atoll that became a marine park already in 1995. It is a wonderful small reef with lots of soft corals and an abundance of fish life that makes this dive an unforgettable experience. There are two big overhangs with beautiful sea fans, a little arch to dive through and two big coral blocks. All this is covered with blue striped yellow snappers and fusiliers. You might see jack fish hunting and also white tip reef sharks. On the 12 meter plateau there are lots of pink anemones. Just amazing and not a dive to miss!

Kudhimaa Wreck

Travel time: 30 minutes

Kudhimaa Wreck is a medium sized steel wreck that was purposely sunk in 1998. It has easy access to the cargo holds on both sides. You might find a school of bat fish, some puffer fish, box fish and the customary large lion fish on and around the shipwreck. Needless to say, the wreck is bursting with macro subjects for photographers and film makers. Another interesting feature of the wreck is the competition for space that has sprung up on the surface itself. Algae, sponges, sea squirts and corals are all competing for that valuable piece of structure to lay their foundation.

Manta point

Travel time: 50 minutes

The place to see mantas! Also known as “birds of the sea”, mantas visit from around January until May and should definitely be on your list apart from Whale Sharks. You can watch these large rays during one of their cleaning visits as there are a few cleaning stations they visit to get cleaned by the small cleaner fish. Don’t try to touch or swim after them as they’ll disappear in the blue. The reef has a shallow top reef which makes the site a good place for beginners as well. Even if the mantas are not around, no problem! There is other interesting underwater life around, such as napoleons, moray eels and turtles!