DIVING IN MALDIVES
Dive into paradise
The Maldives is famous for its crystal clear water, tropical temperatures and an abundance of large marine life, such as manta rays, whale sharks & reef sharks.
Featured diving trips
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
An archipelago made out of atolls
Atolls are essentially the skeletons of extinct, sinking volcanoes that emerged from the ocean floor along the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge millions of years ago. As these volcanic peaks gradually eroded and submerged, coral polyps grew around them and continued stretching upward toward the sunlight, leaving behind the circular coral rings we see today. In the Maldives, these ring-shaped coral reef systems encircle central lagoons, forming an archipelago of exactly 26 natural atolls and roughly 1,200 tiny coral islands that stretch 900 kilometers across the Indian Ocean. Because the land is entirely of coralline origin, the islands are extremely low-lying, averaging just 1.5 meters above sea level.
Diving
Sea turtle in the Maldives
Whale shark spotting
Diving in the Maldives
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Frequently asked questions
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Yes! The Maldives is excellent for both beginners and seasoned divers. You must have a certification to join regular fun dives, but you can also choose to complete your diving course at one of these pristine beaches.
The Maldives is famed for its channels (kandus) and barrier reefs. Expect to see reef sharks (whitetip, blacktip), nurse sharks, eagle rays, turtles, and massive schools of tropical fish. Manta rays and whale sharks are year-round highlights in specific areas like the Ari Atoll.
Mandatory gear: Maldivian diving regulations require every diver to carry their own dive computer and a surface marker buoy (SMB). Reef hooks are also highly recommended for fighting strong currents.
Wetsuit thickness: A 3 mm shorty or full-length wetsuit is usually perfect given the warm water temperatures.
Solo diving: Unsupervised solo diving is strictly prohibited unless you hold specific solo-diver certifications.
The cost of the diving trip heavily depends on how luxuriously you want to travel. Separate dives are available for as little as €100, while a liveaboard, for example, can run up to more than €400 a day.
You should go diving with KILROY if you...
...love adventure and want to challenge yourself
Diving pushes you out of your comfort zone and into a new environment. As you descend beneath the surface, you learn to stay calm and control your breathing.
...want to dive with reliable, handpicked dive centres
Our dive schools are selected to give you the best possible experience. We only work with trusted partners to ensure quality and safety underwater.
...want to combine diving with other travel plans
Are you looking to combine diving with other travel plans? We’ll tailor a complete itinerary for you, so everything fits together seamlessly.
