Whale Shark
(Rhincodon typus)
South Male Atoll Liveaboard Diving
One of the most popular diving destinations in The Maldives is South Male Atoll. Its northernmost point is just 5 kilometres from the southern end of its bigger brother, North Male Atoll. South Male Atoll is 35 kilometres from its north to its south and 19 kilometres from west to east. The atoll is made up of 30 islands, 10 of which are uninhabited, 3 are inhabited by locals, and 17 are resort islands. Most of the islands are located on the atoll's eastern side, with just a few on the western side, which is mostly made up of sandbars. The eastern side mainly consists of three long island areas (two to the north and one to the south), plus three smaller island areas in the middle.
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There are three types of dive sites here, which are 'outside', 'inside'(thilas) and 'passes.' The names of the outside and inside dive sites are simply explaining their location either outside of the atoll or inside. The passes are the channels between islands which make up the outer edge of the atoll. These passes are where you will experience the strongest currents, but also the best marine life. In particular, the pelagic species tend to hang out at the entry points of passes, mainly to hunt.
There is a wide choice of dive sites, for all levels of scuba diver, but more choice for experienced divers. These include drift dives, caves, drop-offs and even a wreck.
Conditions at South Male Atoll
Depths
5 - 40+ metres
16.4 - 131.2+ ft
Currents
Weak - very strong
Visibility
15 - 30 metres
49.2 - 98.4 ft
Surface
Generally calm during high season
When to dive at South Male Atoll
Best Times:December to April
It's possible to dive all year round at South Male Atoll, but the best conditions are from December to April. From April to July you have the best chance to see large filter feeders. June & July are the wettest months, and visibility is reduced. The monsoon changes in May, which results in the winds and currents changing direction.
What type of dive site is South Male Atoll
Blue-water diving, Cave, Deep diving, Coral reef, Wall diving, Wreck Diving, Swim-through, Drop Offs, Snorkeling
There is a wide choice of dive sites at South Male Atoll. These include sloping reefs, pinnacles, a wreck, caves, drop-offs and drift dives. Most of the dive sites are on the eastern side of the atoll, with some on the outside of the atoll, some on the inside (known as 'thilas'), and several exciting drift dives through the gaps between islands. These are known locally as 'kandus' and there are six on South Male Atoll's eastern side.
Where is South Male Atoll?
South Male Atoll
How to get to South Male Atoll
Liveaboard Boat
Firstly, getting to The Maldives requires an international flight. then from Male Airport you can travel to South Malé Atoll by speedboat or if your destination resort is in the north of the atoll, maybe by a dhoni. but to best enjoy diving at South Male Atoll, you need to join a Maldives liveaboard diving cruise, which will depart from near Male Airport and take you on a week-long diving safari to several atolls.
Who can dive at South Male Atoll
All levels.
Minimum 4 logged dives.
Every certified diver can dive at South Male Atoll, and in some cases, you can learn to dive there or even do a 'try dive.' However, some dive sites are too deep or conditions not suitable for novice or inexperienced divers. Most of our liveaboard diving guests already have the Advanced certification, but this can also be done on board some trips.
What marine life can you see at South Male Atoll?
There is a vast range of marine life to be seen at South Male Atoll, including tiny critters and large pelagic species. The larger fish tend to hang around just outside the atoll, and there are several dive sites there to see them. Inside the atoll at the 'thilas' the marine life is colourful and abundant but tends to be smaller species that live all their lives here.
You can also see
Summary of South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll is among the best places to dive in The Maldives. There's something for everyone, and the location isn't too far from the airport. Many Maldives diving liveaboards include South Male Atoll on their itineraries. They don't do this because it's nearby, but because it offers excellent diving and a wide range of dive sites and marine life.
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Liveaboard Dive Boats That Visit South Male Atoll
Latest Reviews Average Rating 9.6/10 Based on 9 Diver Reviews for Liveaboards - South Male Atoll
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...
