Whale Shark
(Rhincodon typus)
North Male Atoll Liveaboard Diving
Without a doubt the most-popular & most-explored area of The Maldives is North Male Atoll. The atoll is 60 kilometres from north to south and 40 kilometres from west to east. It’s made up of dozens of islands, some of which are inhabited. But most are known as ‘resort islands’ which were originally uninhabited until tourism came to the country and resorts were built on them. Male’s Velana International Airport (MLE) is located at the south-eastern tip of this North Male Atoll and therefore, most of the people who live in The Maldives are based in this area. Also in the southeast is one of the most requested dive sites, Manta Point.
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North Male Atoll is also known as North Kaafu, and most of the Maldives liveaboard cruises will include this atoll in their itineraries. This is partly due to ease of logistics, but mainly because the atoll has something for everyone. That includes divers of all levels of experience, as well as their varied needs and desires. Dive site areas include Banana Reef, Hannes Reef, Fairytale Reef, Meeru, Prisca, and many more. Within the dozens of islands that make up North Malé Atoll, there are many reefs, caves, drop-offs and some wrecks. The most famous wreck is Maldives Victory Wreck, which was a cargo vessel from Singapore that hit the reef in 1981. The huge vessel sits almost upright at a depth of 35 metres, with its deck at 25 metres and its mast as shallow as 12 metres. From 2016 the wreck to off-limits to divers for three years while a bridge was being built. In 2019 it reopened to recreational scuba diving.
It’s possible to dive at North Male Atoll from your resort at the ‘house reef’ off the beach, or on the resort’s day trip diving boat. But the best way to really enjoy diving here is to join a Maldives scuba diving liveaboard cruise. These are normally one week in length, offering approximately 18 dives, all at different dive sites.
Conditions at North Male Atoll
Depths
5 - 45 metres
16.4 - 147.6 ft
Temperature
27 - 31 °C
80.6 - 87.8 °F
Currents
Weak - very strong
Visibility
10 - 30+ metres
32.8 - 98.4+ ft
Surface
Usually calm
When to dive at North Male Atoll
Diving all year round is possible, but the weather is better from January to April. May to November has more rain. Water and air temperatures remain quite constant all year.
What type of dive site is North Male Atoll
Reefs, wrecks, caves & drop-offs
Where is North Male Atoll?
North Male Atoll is located in the centre of the area that makes up the majority of The Maldives' atolls. It's on the eastern side of the archipelago, almost 600km. south-west from the southern tip of India.
How to get to North Male Atoll
It's possible to dive from the front of your Maldives resort, on what are referred to as 'house reefs' and those staying in resorts can also join day trips on the resorts' boats. But to best enjoy scuba diving at The Maldives' North Male Atoll you should go on a week-long Maldives liveaboard cruise.
Getting to The Maldives is nearly always done by international flight to Velana International Airport in Male.
Who can dive at North Male Atoll
Divers of all levels of experience and certification can enjoy scuba diving at North Malé Atoll. New and novice divers can dive safely within their limits, normally in sheltered bays with shallow reefs. Experienced divers can dive to the limit of their recreational depths, as well as enjoy caves, wrecks and even technical diving.
You can also see
Summary of North Male Atoll
In summary, North Male Atoll is the best all-round diving area of The Maldives. Its location maximizes the logistical opportunities, because it's not in a remote area, far from airports. It's ideally located near many resorts, the main airport and the most-commonly-used port for the liveaboard boats. Also, it has plenty to offer divers of all levels and with a wide range of needs or desires. Marine life is abundant and diverse. Finally, sea conditions allow for year-round diving in warm water and weather.
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Liveaboard Dive Boats That Visit North Male Atoll
Latest Reviews Average Rating 9.7/10 Based on 12 Diver Reviews for Liveaboards - North Male Atoll
Bob Gilmour
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 22 Feb 2025
Fabulous experience that exceeded expectations.
From reviews i knew it would be good but did not expect such an abundance of sharks, mantas, turtles ...
Susan
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 01 Dec 2024
Diving with Emperor Serenity was superb - travelled first week of Dec and saw so much over the week. Our guide Reekko got us to the best spots and whi...
Toni
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 01 Dec 2024
Just had an amazing liveaboard on the Emperor Serenity - the diving was superb, the crew were really awesome, really anticipating your needs and ensur...
Glenn Ducat
American
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 05 Oct 2024
Good dive trip! The boat was well run and very efficient. The crew was accommodating. The food was good. The dive operations were well run. The d...
Laura
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 21 Apr 2024
I had such an incredible week on Carpe Novo on the 21st April to 28th April (Best of Maldives , Male to Male). I have had many amazing experiences on ...
Kent Hoddle
American
Review score: 8/10
Dived: 26 Nov 2023
Best diving set up EVER.
Great boat, great crew, great tour leader....
Stéphanie
Swiss
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 18 Dec 2022
We had a great time on Serenity.
The boat and the dhoni were very comfortable, the crew was very friendly and service was impeccable, and the food ...
Merlin
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 18 Dec 2021
A great two weeks on board the Emperor Voyager as always. Chris and the team made sure there was abundant shark, manta and whale shark action. Food su...
Merlin
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 28 Feb 2021
Great diving with whale sharks and mantas in abundance.
Staff excellent and we were well looked after from start to finish. Meals were very good with...
Ann Thomas
British
Review score: 9/10
Dived: 28 Feb 2021
Excellent trip. Fab food, great diving buddies and excellent crew. Couldn't fault it! Highly recommend....
Mad Harper
British
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 25 Jan 2020
Absolutely wonderful trip on the Emperor Leo doing Best of Maldives. Great variety of dives - from exhilarating hook-ins in strong currents to potteri...
Raajesh
Indian
Review score: 10/10
Dived: 20 Oct 2019
Upgraded to emperor serenity. Never the less....excellent diving.....excellent food...excellent staff....very helpful. And excellent support from no t...
