Rasdhoo Atoll scuba diving

MARINE LIFE IN RASDHOO ATOLL

Rasdhoo Atoll scuba diving is known for its early mornings when huge school of sea fish gather and bring the attention of larger, feeding species, like hammerhead sharks. Additionally, at around 25 to 60 meters, the channel located between Rasdhoo Island and Madivaru island is world famous as a premier site for spotting hundreds of hammerheads. Diving in Rasdhoo Atoll is characterized by diverse marine life both large and small. The isolation and deep surrounding sea of Rasdhoo Atoll make it a sanctuary for juvenile fish to mature. However, these large numbers of fish attract predators like game fish, hammerheads and other shark species.

BEST DIVE SITES IN RASDHOO ATOLL

MADIVARU A horseshoe-shaped reef lies between 15 and 22 meters next to the island of Madivaru offering spectacular topography and a little bit of almost every type of marine life found in the Maldives! Grey reef sharks, dogtooth tunas, schools of eagle rays, mobula rays, huge schools of trevally and jacks, stingrays, schooling barracuda, napoleons, whitetip reef sharks, mantas and turtles. Dolphins are often seen feeding on garden eels right out of the sand. Guitar sharks, Scalloped hammerheads, and Silvertips all make this a must do when diving in the Maldives.

MANTA BLOCK The Manta Block has guaranteed cleaning stations the past few years between November and April, or what's known as "manta season". At just 13 meters, gorgeous lighting and close encounters with large rays have made this a favorite scuba diving spot for all levels.

CAVES Large overhangs and fun swim throughs open up to sting rays, white tips and nurse sharks. Only advanced divers are able to reach the depth required at Caves, but open water divers enjoy the one cave within reach and a handful of shallower overhangs. Divers returning to the Maldives often have this dive on their favorite list.

FAN REEF Perfect Rasdhoo Atoll scuba diving for beginners, Fan Reef is an easy, sloped wall dive with several large bays and craggy coral overhangs that also make this dive site a favorite among photographers. Whitetips or leopard sharks are often seen using the cracks and crevices on Fan Reef for a bit of protection while they snooze. Beautiful underwater landscapes are punctuated by sights of turtles, napoleons, eagle rays, tuna and sting rays.

HAMMERHEAD POINT Advanced scuba diving certification allows guests to enjoy an early morning deep dive to 30 meters in search of one thing - hammerheads. One of the few hammerhead hot spots on Earth, even if they decide to dine elsewhere that morning, mantas, sailfish and other shark species don’t disappoint.

BEST TIME TO DIVE RASDHOO ATOLL

The weather in Rasdhoo Atoll is tropical and pleasant year round. A wet season occurs between the end of April and October when visibility can decrease somewhat, but many divers enjoy the slower currents and easier diving. The best time to visit Rasdhoo Atoll is during the dry season from October to March when seas are the calmest. Water temperatures are consistent year round, ranging from about 26 to 29 degrees Celcius.

EXPERIENCE LEVEL FOR DIVING RASDHOO ATOLL

Many scuba diving sites in the Rasdhoo Atoll are adaptable for any experience level. Consulting your liveaboard cruise operator will ensure you have the best scuba diving experience while in the Maldives regardless of your number of dives. There are several dives with spectacular sights in deeper waters, so if comfortable, earning an advanced certification before your Maldives holiday could be beneficial.

HOW DO I GET TO THE MALDIVES - RASDHOO ATOLL

Visitors typically enter the Maldives via its international airport near the capital city Male, situated on the island of Hulhule. Rasdhoo Atoll is a small circular atoll less than 10 kilometers wide and is most easily accessed by about an hour boat ride from Male. A variety of Maldives liveaboards include Rasdhoo Atoll in their cruise itineraries. Many guides will greet guests at the airport and depart directly from Male.