In this article, I share my liveaboard diving experience in the Maldives. If you want to know firsthand about the dive sites, tips, and recommendations, keep reading!
First Impression and Arrival in the Maldives
The first impression upon arriving in Malé (the capital of the Maldives) does not disappoint. Despite having become a popular tourist destination, the crystal-clear waters just meters from the airport inevitably bring a smile to your face and an overwhelming sense of excitement. Because if there’s one thing you know when you see that turquoise color, it’s that you’re going to have an amazing time and that diving in the Maldives will be exceptional.
Once I collected my checked luggage, our dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat used for fishing, transportation, or diving) picked us up to take us to the Odyssey, the boat where we would spend the next 7 nights and which would allow us to sail along the classic Maldives route, also known as “4 atolls” or “the best of Maldives”.
This route is ideal for divers visiting the Maldives for the first time and is suitable for all levels. It is a very complete itinerary as it brings together all the biodiversity that can be found in this archipelago, allowing us to explore several of the best dive sites in the Maldives. Diving takes place around the North Malé, South Malé, Vaavu (Felidhoo), and Ari (north and south) atolls, and sometimes also Rasdhoo. This route is ideal year-round, regardless of the monsoon season.
Once aboard the Odyssey, after placing our belongings in the respective cabins, we did the check-dive. And what a check-dive it was! Honestly, it was difficult to focus on whether I had the right weight for the upcoming days: dozens of spinner sharks nearly two meters long were swirling around the descent point at an impressive speed. Just minutes later, we encountered a massive lemon shark, eagle rays, stingrays, giant trevallies—an absolute spectacle. And to top it off, a huge hammerhead shark and a bull shark. 45 minutes of pure adrenaline. The trip couldn’t have started better!
My Diving Experience
After completing the first dive, our cruise director spent a good while (which tripled in length due to my translation duties, haha) explaining the types of dives we would be doing in the following days:
- Atholhu: A coral island with a circular shape. Also refers to a group of small islands forming a coral reef, with an interior lagoon connected to the sea. The word “atoll” comes from the Dhivehi term “atholhu”.
- Giri/Thila: These are pinnacles (small underwater mountains) that rise sharply near the surface. “Giris” reach a maximum depth of 3 meters, while “Thilas” ascend no higher than 6 meters.
- Kandu: A deep channel between two islands forming an atoll. It connects lagoons with the sea, creating a natural passage where water flows continuously. Incoming water from the sea (east to west) is usually clear, while outgoing currents stir up sediment, reducing visibility. These dive sites often have strong currents, so using a reef hook is recommended to stay anchored without expending energy and observe the marine spectacle. One of our guides said, “Be ready—anything can happen here.”
Diver’s Tip
During the first few days of the cruise, some of my buddies encouraged me to dive in just a swimsuit, so I tried diving without my 7mm wetsuit (yes, I was foolish to bring it). The water was 29°C, and wearing just a swimsuit and a rash guard gave me an unmatched feeling of freedom. It was a decision that was absolutely worth it.
Shark Diving in the Maldives
On the third day of the cruise, we experienced one of the greatest spectacles a diver can witness: diving with a whale shark. Even though it was a juvenile (a “tiny” 5 or 6 meters), its speed was incredible. The strong surface current prevented some divers from getting a good look, but I was lucky to follow it closely, almost 30 meters down. A moment I will never forget.
That night, as I gazed at the turquoise waters of the Maldives, I smiled, knowing that one day—hopefully soon—I would return to enjoy its marine wonders once again.
If you want to experience a trip like this, contact us. At Te Moana Expeditions, we specialize in dive trips worldwide, especially in the Maldives. We look forward to welcoming you soon! 🙂
Author: Bru Eito
