Auof Dive & Nature Journeys Ukulhas

Auof Dive & Nature Journeys is situated on Ukulhas, a beautiful island in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives. The centre is positioned to provide direct access to some of the most significant dive sites in the region, focusing on personalised, private guiding for those looking to explore the atolls at their own pace.

Whether you are looking to complete your initial certification or seeking a refresher to sharpen your skills before exploring deeper reefs, the centre provides a structured and safe environment. The focus is on delivering high-quality underwater encounters through a deep, local understanding of the North Ari and South Ari ecosystems.

The centre is led by Ali Aouf, a PADI certified instructor who brings a lifetime of local knowledge to every dive. Having been born in the southern atolls of the Maldives and starting to dive as a child, Ali has spent years mastering the nuances of the local waters. He has been a PADI Divemaster since 2008 and has worked as an instructor since 2014.

Ali's expertise extends across the Male North and South Atolls, Vaavu, Baa, and both the North and South Ari Atolls. This extensive experience means he possesses an intimate understanding of the local reef structures and the predictable current patterns that define these dive sites.

The centre offers a range of PADI training programmes designed for both beginners and those looking to maintain their proficiency. You can complete your PADI Open Water Diver course here, or opt for refresher dives if you have been away from the water for some time.

Instruction is handled with a focus on safety and practical skill application, ensuring that every diver feels confident in their buoyancy and navigation before moving on to more advanced environments.

The North Ari Atoll is famous for its large pelagic life. At sites like Madivaru, you can expect to see frequent shark encounters, while Manta Point is a reliable location for observing large manta rays. These encounters are the hallmark of the local diving experience.

Thilas such as Maaya Thila, Ukulhas Thila, and Hafsa Thila serve as vibrant hubs for reef life. These submerged pinnacles are often teeming with various fish species and diverse coral formations that thrive in the nutrient-rich currents.

Macro life enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among the reef structures and within the cave systems. The diverse topography provides numerous hiding spots for smaller, more secretive creatures that require a keen eye to spot.

Diving in this region requires a good understanding of the local reefs and the currents that flow through the channels. Many of the best sites, particularly around the Madivaru area, are influenced by the movement of water through the atoll, which can create significant drift.

Local knowledge is essential for navigating these currents safely, especially when visiting sites like Fish Head or the Rasdhoo Channel, where the water movement is a defining characteristic of the dive.