Murakabay Maldives Dive and Excursion Centre Ukulhas

Located on the island of Ukulhas in the North Ari Atoll, Murakabay Maldives provides a dedicated base for divers looking to explore the Maldives' rich marine biodiversity. As an SSI Pro certified centre, they focus on high standards of air quality and equipment reliability.

The centre is particularly notable for being the only operator on Ukulhas to offer Nitrox (Enriched Air) diving. This makes it a strategic choice for divers planning multiple dives a day or those looking to extend their bottom time while exploring the local reefs and thilas.

The team is composed of four experienced instructors and divemasters who lead excursions and training programmes. All instruction and dive operations are conducted in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers.

Beyond standard diving, the centre is actively involved in environmental conservation. They run a participatory coral restoration project, allowing you to grow your own coral on provided frames, contributing directly to the health of the local reef ecosystem.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI training, from entry-level programmes like the Bubblemaker to full certification courses including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver. They also provide specialised training for those looking to progress professionally, such as the Divemaster course.

For divers looking to refine specific skills, the curriculum includes Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night Diver, and Nitrox – Enriched Air Diver. They also offer niche training in Fish Identification, Underwater Naturalist, and Underwater Photography.

Excursions are conducted using speedboats that allow for quick transit to the dive sites. These vessels are described as spacious and well-equipped to handle the typical North Ari Atoll conditions, ensuring you reach the reefs in under 30 minutes.

The centre maintains a high standard of kit, with rental equipment sourced from leading brands such as Scubapro and Aqualung. This includes essential items like regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits.

For breathing gas, the centre operates its own compressor and holds the BAUER PURE AIR certification, guaranteeing a high standard of air purity for every cylinder. Nitrox is available on-site for those looking to utilise enriched air during their dives.

The North Ari Atoll is a powerhouse for large pelagics. You can expect to see various shark species, including nurse sharks and the occasional tiger shark, alongside eagle rays and manta rays. Dolphins are also a regular presence in these waters.

The reef ecosystems are home to a wide array of resident species, such as Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and various octopuses. You will also encounter large groups of fish patrolling the reef structures.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant throughout the area, with octopuses and various reef fish providing constant interest for those watching the details of the reef flat and the walls.

Diving in the North Ari Atoll typically involves navigating the currents that flow around the various thilas and reef edges. While conditions can vary, the proximity of the sites to Ukulhas via speedboat allows for efficient dive planning.