Indian Ocean · Maldives
South Ari Atoll
Why dive here
- Documented wildlife: Grey Reef Shark, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Reef Manta Ray
- 3 documented dive sites
- Liveaboard not necessary
Wildlife
Grey Reef Shark
Documented at this destination — specific site not yet recorded
See other destinations for Grey Reef SharkHawksbill Sea Turtle
Documented at this destination — specific site not yet recorded
Best months: Feb · Mar
See other destinations for Hawksbill Sea TurtleReef Manta Ray
Documented at Manta Point (Rangali Madivaru)
Best months: Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
See other destinations for Reef Manta RayDive sites
Kudarah Thila
5–30m
A classic South Ari Atoll pinnacle (thila) dive, well documented for overhangs and reef fish activity.
Manta Point (Rangali Madivaru)
5–30m
A well-known manta ray cleaning station on a steep reef at the southwest point of the plateau near Rangali island, western South Ari Atoll. Manta activity peaks during the northeast monsoon (Dec-Apr); sources disagree on the certification level genuinely required, so none is asserted here.
Whale Shark Point (Maamigili Beyru)
6–25m
A dive site within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA, declared 2009) — the only documented resident (year-round, not migratory) whale shark aggregation in the world. Suitable from Open Water level; current can get strong but this is generally considered an easy dive.
When to go
Atoll-channel diving with a wide range of site difficulty; South Ari Atoll in particular is known for a near-resident whale shark population.
Best months overall
Turtles: Feb · Mar
Manta rays: Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
Whale sharks: Feb · Mar
Conditions
Experience & eligibility
Accessible from intermediate level
A certification or experience level is a floor, not an exact match — a more experienced diver can always access an easier site.
Trip cost
- Day boat
- $650–$1,000
- Flights
- Unknown
- Accommodation
- Unknown
Diving + mandatory fees only — flights and accommodation aren't included.
Source price: $825
? Flights
? Accommodation
Destination info from DiveFinder editorial research