English
DivingDeal.com

Dive centre · Baa Atoll · Maldives

4.65 Google reviews

Coco Dive Dhuni Kolhu

Dive the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll with direct access to a house reef and a dedicated marine turtle rescue centre.

What sets this centre apart

  • PADI affiliated dive centre located on a private island
  • Situated within the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve
  • House reef and seagrass lagoon accessible directly from the beach
  • On-site Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre
  • Resident turtles found in the local seagrass meadows
  • Manta ray sightings between May and November
  • Seaplane access from Velana International Airport

For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.

Coco Dive Dhuni Kolhu about the centre

Coco Dive Dhuni Kolhu is situated on a private island within the Baa Atoll, one of the Maldives' most significant marine environments and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This location provides a unique opportunity to dive in waters known for their high biodiversity and healthy reef systems.

The centre is integrated into the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort, offering a seamless transition from luxury accommodation to the water. Whether you are looking to explore the local seagrass beds or take boat trips to the wider atoll, the centre is positioned to make the most of the local marine geography.

The club and its team

As a PADI affiliated centre, the dive operation is geared towards providing structured diving experiences within the protected waters of the Baa Atoll. The centre is deeply connected to local marine conservation, hosting the Olive Ridley Project Marine Turtle Rescue Centre on-site.

This facility is managed by veterinarians and allows guests to observe or participate in turtle rescue and rehabilitation activities. It provides a unique perspective on marine biology and conservation that goes beyond a standard dive holiday.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
PADI
Website available in
English
Access and transfers
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is accessible by seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes and covers around 118 km to Baa Atoll. Seaplanes operate only during daylight hours, incur an additional charge and have a baggage allowance of 20 kg per person. Seaplane transfers generally cost between $250 and $600 per person, return, and are booked through the property.
Accommodation
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers 98 villas in total — 84 on land and 14 overwater — ranging from beachfront villas with garden views to overwater categories with private pools. The higher categories include the overwater Sunset Lagoon Villa with a 154 m² infinity pool. All villas are standalone, each with a private patio or balcony. The resort has three restaurants, two bars, a Coco Spa and a fitness centre.
Address
COCO PALM DHUNIKOLHU, Dhunikolhu 06140, Maldives

Courses on offer

The centre offers a range of PADI courses designed for various experience levels. You can begin your training with introductory programmes or work through the standard progression from Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to specialise or advance their skills, the centre provides the necessary instruction to achieve various PADI certifications, ensuring you can explore the atoll's reefs and deeper sites with confidence.

Marine life around Baa Atoll

The local waters are home to a variety of large pelagics. You will regularly encounter Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) around the reefs. During the period from May to November, Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) are frequently sighted in the area.

On the reef and within the atoll, you can find diverse fish life including various species of shark, tuna, and schools of jack and fusiliers. Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), sweetlips (Plectorhinchus), and Batfish (Platax) are also part of the regular marine assembly.

In the shallower seagrass meadows and lagoons, the environment supports resident turtles and a variety of colourful reef fish. This habitat is essential for the local ecosystem and provides a different kind of visibility into the life cycles of the atoll.

Diving conditions

The best time to visit for Manta ray sightings is between May and November. For those preferring calmer seas and more reliable seaplane transfers, the period from November to April is generally more stable.

A question about this dive centre?

Hello, I'm Marina, DivingDeal.com's AI assistant. I answer in detail about hotels, dive centres and liveaboards.

Thinking about the whole trip and the flights? Talk it over with Edith

Marina is an AI. Some links are affiliate links: DivingDeal may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Bookings are made with the partner.

Map of hotels, dive sites and dive centres in Baa Atoll

Hotels in Baa Atoll