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.
Dive Sites in Central Atolls
Featured places to go in Central Atolls
Baa Atoll
Vaavuu Atoll
Meemu Atoll
Thaa Atoll
Thoddoo
Rasdhoo Atoll
South Ari Atoll
North Ari Atoll
North Nilandhe Atoll
Southern Nilandhe Atoll
Northern North Malé
Northern South Malé
Southern North Malé
Southern South Malé
Aquatic Life in Central Atolls
Although the Central Atolls of the Maldives are the most populated and popular area of the country, but that doesn’t scare away marine life. Just like the other regions, you can find hundreds of varieties of reef fish. Two of the big draws of this area though are manta rays and sharks. There are a few areas in this region where manta rays gather during the monsoon season that will provide you the chance to see a breath-taking natural phenomenon, the manta ray feeding frenzy. In addition to that, the Central Atolls are a great place to see reef, hammerhead and whale sharks in this region as well.