Island Divers

Island Divers provides access to two of the most significant marine environments in the Maldives. Their primary base in Dhigurah, located in the South Ari Atoll, offers one of the few places on earth where you can encounter whale sharks throughout the entire year. This makes the area a reliable destination for those seeking large pelagics regardless of the month.

The second location in Kamadhoo, within the Baa Atoll, places you near the Hanifaru Bay UNESCO marine reserve. This area is world-renowned for its seasonal manta ray aggregations. Whether you are looking for the deep, current-swept channels of the South Ari or the protected feeding grounds of Baa Atoll, the centre's dual presence covers the best of both worlds.

The centre is PADI affiliated and run by a team of local professionals who bring an intimate knowledge of the atoll's currents and seasonal shifts. This local expertise is central to their approach, ensuring that you are directed to the best sites based on real-time conditions.

Instruction is tailored to the individual, with a focus on small groups to ensure personalised attention. The team is equipped to handle everything from initial training to advanced professional development, maintaining a high standard of safety and local environmental stewardship.

Island Divers offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses for all experience levels. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their skills can progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver programme.

For divers looking to move into professional territory, the centre provides training for Divemaster and EFR Instructor Trainer levels. This allows for a structured progression from recreational diving into professional instruction within the local Maldivian context.

Full rental kit is available on-site for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks, all of which are meticulously maintained by the local team.

For night dives, torches are provided for hire. The centre is set up to support both day trips and night excursions, ensuring all necessary equipment is ready for your scheduled dives.

The atolls are famous for their large pelagics. In the South Ari Atoll, whale sharks are present year-round, while hammerhead sharks can be encountered between November and April. You will also regularly see grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, and eagle rays patrolling the reefs and channels.

During the season from May to November, the Baa Atoll becomes a focal point for manta rays, particularly around Hanifaru Bay. Other frequent visitors to the reefs include green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, and various species of large jacks and barracuda.

The reef architecture provides a home for many colourful species, including Napoleon wrasse and various species of snapper. You will find resident populations of turtle species and various reef sharks throughout the different dive sites.

For those interested in smaller life, the pinnacles and ledges host a variety of nudibranchs and gorgonians. The crevices and coral structures also provide habitat for nurse sharks and various species of grouper and wrasse.

Diving in the Maldives involves a variety of environments, from shallow lagoon dives to deeper channel and pinnacle dives. Many of the best sites, such as the various 'Kandu' (channels) and 'Thila' (pinnacles), can involve drift diving where you will follow the current along a wall or over a reef top.

Seasonal patterns heavily influence the presence of certain species. While whale sharks are a year-round fixture in South Ari, the manta ray aggregations in Baa Atoll are specific to the May to November window.