© iStock/Anna-Om Diving in Central Atolls The Central Atolls are the most well known and populated region of the Maldives. This area includes the capital city of Male as well as the atolls of, Baa, Rasdhoo Atoll Ari, Vaavuu, Meemu, Nilandhe, and Thaa. Of these spots, Male, Baa, and Ari are some of the best-known diving spots not only in the Maldives but in the world. The Male Atoll is very accessible and traveler-friendly. In the west, the Baa Atoll, in the west, is one of the best manta ray spots in the world, especially during the wet season when feeding frenzies happen. Finally, Ari Atoll is known as the best scuba diving site in a country known for diving and you will find something for everyone here, as well as a denser population of fish than almost anywhere else on the planet. As the tourism center of the country, you will also find a great experience out of the water as well in the Central Atolls regions. Here you can experience white sand beaches, beautiful resorts, a wide range of Maldivian culture and historical sites. If you spend time in Male, which you most likely will (at least when you fly in), you will be amazed by the colorful buildings, ornate mosques and fresh fish and produce markets. Featured places to go in Central Atolls © ScubaproBaa AtollBaa Atoll has over 1,200 types of reef fish and over 250 species of coral, the most in all of the Indian OceanLearn more © MaresVaavuu AtollVaavu is the easternmost atoll of the Maldives and has diving areas for all levels of divers.Learn more © ScubaproMeemu AtollMulee Island is generally considered the best diving location in the Meemu Atoll.Learn more © MaresThaa AtollThaa atoll has great coral gardens to explore with the Caribbean Garden and the Gorgonian Garden being the most famous ones.Learn more © MaresThoddooThoddoo is an island that is part of the Alif Alif Atoll in the Central Maldives.Learn more © ScubaproRasdhoo AtollRasdhoo offers the most beautiful beaches in the Maldives and you have the unique chance to swim with hammerhead sharks.Learn more © ScubaproSouth Ari AtollThe sun island in South Ari atoll has the biggest sharks in Maldives where you can spot the massive, docile whale sharks.Learn more © AqualungNorth Ari AtollConsidered the number one scuba spot in the Maldives, the northern section of the Ari atoll offers two very notable diving regions.Learn more © MaresNorth Nilandhe AtollThe most recognizable channel in the Northern Nilandhe Atoll is Filitheyo Thandu, another protected marine area.Learn more © ScubaproSouthern Nilandhe AtollA great spot for beginners to start their diving journey, the Southern Nilandhe Atoll is wider, shallower and has weaker currents than other areas of Maldives.Learn more © MaresNorthern North MaléNorth Malé offers some interesting dive sites like the Lady Christine shipwreck on the northwest side of Gaafaru.Learn more © ScubaproNorthern South MaléOn the northern side of the South Male area is the Vadhoo Caves where you can explore the great assortment of marine life like unicornfish or turtles.Learn more © ScubaproSouthern North MaléNorth Male has two well-known dive spots: Manta Point and the Victory Wreck.Learn more © MaresSouthern South MaléLike its more northern counterpart, the southern piece of the South Male dive area has fast current too and is for advanced and experienced divers.Learn more Dive Sites in Central Atolls Discover the wonders of the deep with SSI's blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves.