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Scuba Diving in the Maldives

This guest blog is written by Rutger Thole who is a passionated scuba diver and instructor. After traveling the world and the seven seas he founded Book Your Dive. Where divers can review, compare and book their scuba dives.
Maldives Promotion House – There are several great places around the world to take a unique and wonderful scuba diving vacation. Among the locations that even the most seasoned of scuba divers should visit is the Maldives. A beautifully rich and colourful location, scuba diving in the Maldives will leave you stunned because of the beauty and enjoyment that comes from the waters here. The following includes important information about your scuba adventure to the Maldives and what you should expect before you get there.
Beauty
There is no doubt that the Maldives are beautiful in their geography. Many believe this beauty only extends from the land onto the water’s surface. Beneath the surface, however, the beauty only continues. There are coral reefs that are created by nature and create a visual representation of what sea life is. Around these reefs and constantly swimming are large schools of colourful fish. It would be a rare and unheard of occurrence to dive into these waters and not be enchanted by the aquatic life there. This is one of the highlights that make this trip a favourite among scuba divers.
You will see a whole host of fish in the Maldives including parrotfish, barracudas, and Napoleon wrasse as well. There are also other structural and natural beauties that will await you and attract other underwater species of animals. The caves and underwater cliffs are home to the larger fish of the sea as well as other more exotic animals like manta rays and several varieties of sharks.
Where to Go
There are several different spots that you should frequent while on a scuba diving trip to the Maldives. The Ari Atoll is among the top for those interested in seeing larger underwater creatures. The Vaavu Atoll is another must see spot. Here you will have the chance to experience faster moving waters and the unique caves and reef creations that are under the waters. This has been a top rated spot in the Maldives for divers past and present. North Male Atoll is another location that those who know the islands and those that know scuba diving say is a must. You will catch a different current level and have a completely unique diving experience.
Trip Details
It is recommended that all divers planning a visit to the Maldives stay for at least one week, preferably longer. There is so much variety in the water that the trip can be interesting and unique every day. With so much to see, a few days stay can seem short lived and it will go by too quick. There are several chaperoned trips available with experienced scuba divers guiding your way. However, these can book fast so it is important to plan at least six months ahead to ensure that you get the spots that you want and see the locations of interest to you. November to May are the peak months so be sure that if you want to travel during this time and get the best out of your dive that you make your reservations well in advance.
Excursions
From first visit to thousand dives: Love story anchored at Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives recently marked a significant milestone with two of its most loyal guests, Kate and Andy, who have shared a long-standing connection with the island.
Andy achieved an impressive feat by completing his 900th dive, all undertaken with Dive Bandos. His wife, Kate, surpassed this accomplishment by reaching her 1000th dive, with over 900 of those dives also completed alongside the Bandos team.
The Dive Bandos team joined the couple in celebrating this memorable occasion, recognising not only their dedication to diving but also the enduring bond they have formed with the resort over the years.
Kate and Andy’s relationship with Bandos extends far beyond statistics. Having first visited the island in 2006, they have returned every year since, making Bandos an integral part of their lives. In 2014, the couple even chose to exchange their wedding vows underwater at the resort — a unique moment that forever linked their love story with Bandos.
“Celebrating guests like Kate and Andy reminds us of what Bandos truly represents,” said Ismail Rasheed, General Manager of Bandos Maldives.
For Bandos Maldives, moments such as these exemplify why guests continue to choose the island for both adventure and a sense of belonging. With stories like Kate and Andy’s, Bandos stands not merely as a dive destination, but as a home — both beneath and above the waves.
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Dive into inspiration: Alessia Zecchini at Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Sun Diving will host a special ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13 October 2025. The event is scheduled to take place at Sunrise Beach, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, offering guests the opportunity to meet the athlete widely recognised as ‘The Deepest Woman in the World.’
Born in Rome in 1992, Zecchini began freediving at the age of 13 and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to reach a depth of 100 metres in free immersion and has since achieved 123 metres in constant weight with monofin. Her career has been celebrated internationally, including in the film Vertical Breath and the Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. She continues to advance the sport while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
The event at Olhuveli will feature an informative talk where Zecchini will reflect on her freediving journey, achievements, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. Guests will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A session with her and the Sun Diving team. In addition, Sun Diving will organise an interactive beach activity where participants can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow waters under the guidance of instructors. Guests will also be able to capture photographs, collect autographs, and learn more about diving at the dedicated booth, which will highlight special offers from Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honour for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Centre Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving division of Sun Siyam Group, provides SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programmes across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard training, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable marine-based activities.
Featured
Finolhu showcases Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer

Dive Butler International, in collaboration with Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort, is highlighting the achievements of Mara Restelli, recognised as the Maldives’ only certified PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer.
With this rare qualification, Restelli offers a series of exclusive experiences designed to introduce guests of all ages to the art of mermaiding. The programmes range from playful introductory sessions to advanced courses and professional-level Instructor Development Courses (IDC).
“Mermaiding is more than a trend — it is a joyful way to connect with the water, express creativity, and feel empowered,” Restelli explained. “I enjoy watching guests discover confidence, freedom, and a sense of fun in the ocean. It is as much about transformation as it is about adventure.”
As part of Finolhu’s extensive marine offerings, the PADI Mermaid programmes provide an engaging complement to the resort’s diving and snorkelling activities. Participants may learn to glide gracefully underwater in a mermaid tail, capture striking images during professional photo sessions, or pursue advanced training that strengthens skills and deepens their connection with the ocean.
By hosting the Maldives’ only PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course, Finolhu reinforces its reputation as a pioneering destination for distinctive and life-enriching marine experiences.
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