Bodu Manta Diving

Located on the peaceful island of Bodufolhudhoo in the North Ari Atoll, Bodu Manta Diving offers a direct connection to the Maldivian marine environment. The centre is founded by local divers who aim to share the biodiversity of the atoll, from its expansive coral gardens to its famous pelagic visitors.

As part of the Paguro Maldives family, the centre provides a more authentic, local experience compared to the larger resort-based operations. It is an ideal base for those looking to explore the reefs of the North Ari Atoll while maintaining a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.

The team is a mix of experienced local divers and international instructors, led by Fathuhulla Ahmed, who holds both PADI and SSI instructor qualifications. This blend of local knowledge and international standards ensures you benefit from a deep understanding of the local currents and dive sites.

The centre operates with a focus on small dive groups, allowing for more personalised attention and a higher standard of safety during each excursion. Their approach is built on rigorous protocols and a commitment to environmentally respectful diving practices.

Bodu Manta Diving is an SSI affiliated centre offering a full spectrum of training. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to refine their skills can opt for the Scuba Skills Update or the Scuba Explorer programme for younger divers aged 8 to 10.

For more advanced divers, the centre provides the Diver Stress & Rescue Course, focusing on safety and emergency response. The curriculum is designed to take you from your very first breath underwater through to more technical proficiency.

The centre provides a range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes wetsuits, regulators, fins, and masks to ensure you are fully equipped for the atoll's conditions.

For those looking to extend their diving into the evening, torches are available for hire to facilitate night dives on the reef.

The North Ari Atoll is renowned for its regular sightings of manta rays and various shark species. While exploring the reef flats and walls, you will encounter a high density of colourful reef fish that inhabit the coral structures.

The hard and soft coral gardens provide the essential architecture for this ecosystem, supporting a vast array of marine life. These reefs are the primary habitat for the resident fish populations that make the atoll so biodiverse.