Scuba diving in the Maldives
5 dive regions in the Maldives, each scored month by month for marine life, coral health, visibility, water temperature, currents and weather. Taken together, the diving here is at its best in December–March, but every region has its own season, so check the grid below before you book.
Also see: Indian Ocean
Best time to dive in the Maldives, region by region
Sorted by each region's best month
| Nov2026 | Dec | Jan2027 | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep South MaldivesMaldives | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.4 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 8.1 |
| Ari AtollMaldives | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 7.6 | 7.4 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| South Malé AtollMaldives | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.4 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.2 |
| North Malé AtollMaldives | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.7 | 7.4 | 6.9 | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 7.2 |
| Baa AtollMaldives | 7.1 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 6.7 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 7.3 | 7.0 | 6.7 |
Overall score out of 10 with balanced priorities, from the current forecast.
Dive regions in the Maldives
- Deep South MaldivesIndian Ocean
Peak season: December–March · Advanced · Day boat, Resort, Liveaboard
Known for tiger shark, thresher shark, scalloped hammerhead, oceanic manta, whale shark
- Ari AtollIndian Ocean
Peak season: August–March · Intermediate · Liveaboard, Resort, Day boat
Known for whale shark, reef manta, grey reef shark, scalloped hammerhead
- South Malé AtollIndian Ocean
Peak season: January–March · Intermediate · Liveaboard, Resort, Day boat
Known for grey reef shark, eagle ray, reef manta, napoleon wrasse
- North Malé AtollIndian Ocean
Peak season: December–March · Intermediate · Liveaboard, Resort, Day boat
Known for reef manta, grey reef shark, eagle ray, napoleon wrasse
- Baa AtollIndian Ocean
Peak season: July–November, January–February · Beginner · Liveaboard, Resort, Day boat
Known for reef manta, whale shark, turtles