Scuba Travel | Maldives diving Holidays

Maldives Diving holidays

Maldives Resort Suggestions

If you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, then look no further than a Maldives resort. Wake up to stunning white beaches surrounded by an azure sea. The Maldives has a wide selection of resorts and local island hotels that will make your dream holiday come true. Stay for a few nights or a few weeks! The choice is yours

Ellaidhoo Island Resort

Ellaidhoo Island ResortNorth Ari Atoll

Popular with divers, Elliadhoo resort in North Ari atoll boasts an impressive house reef with unlimited dive package, as well as daily boat diving.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa

Vilamendhoo Island Resort and SpaSouth Ari atoll

Vilamendhoo is a 4 star Maldives resort in South Ari atoll, only a 25min seaplane ride from Male. With manta and whaleshark diving sites close to the resort house reef.

Constance Moofushi

Constance MoofushiSouth Ari atoll

Discover laid back luxury at one of our favourite Maldives resorts. Always popular with experienced scuba divers, with a superb location in South Ari atol.

Reethi Faru Resort

Reethi Faru ResortRaa atoll

Reethi Faru is a bio-resort in the northern Raa atoll, with a focus on marine conservation and excellent reef diving. Pick from B&B, half bard, full board and all inclusive meal plans.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushibaa atoll

Soneva Fushi Resort Maldives is the original island hideaway in the Maldives, in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.

Meeru Island Resort and Spa

Meeru Island Resort and SpaNorth Male atoll

Enjoy pristine white sandy beaches in the popular resort of Meeru. This luxury island offers great opportunities to scuba dive the clear blue waters of the Maldives.

Fushifaru Maldives

Fushifaru MaldivesLhaviyani atoll

Fushifaru Maldives Resort delivers affordable 4 star luxury experience with beauitful sunrise and sunset beach villas. Ask about our exclusive 7 night half board 10 dive package

Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses LaamuLAAMU ATOL

Pure luxury and tropical paradise at Six Senses Laamu, a 5-star exclusive resort that sits along its own atoll within the Maldives

Bandos Island Dive Resort

Bandos Island Dive ResortNorth Male atoll

Bandos Island is the closest Maldives resort to the airport. Step off the speedboat and onto this classic dive resort, close to all the big fish dive sites in North Male atoll

Reethi Beach Resort

Reethi Beach ResortBaa atoll

Reethi Beach is a eco-friendly, Maldivian island resort situated in Baa Atoll, the Maldives. A perfect divers' getaway with a great balance of boat and house reef diving

Kuredu Island & Pro Divers

Kuredu Island & Pro DiversLhaviyani atoll

Kuredu resort is a popular large resort in the remote northern Atolls in the Maldives with facilities for divers, water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike.

Komandoo Island & Pro Divers

Komandoo Island & Pro DiversLhaviyani atoll

Komandoo is a tranquil hideaway in northern Lhaviyani atoll that specialises in secluded luxury. With excellent diving on your doorstep, daily boat diving and a full PADI centre.

The Barefoot Eco Hotel

The Barefoot Eco HotelHanimandhoo island

Barefoot Eco hotel is a local island resort in most northerly,Hanimaadhoo atoll, with a half mile private beach and uninterrupted views. Daily boat diving and seasonal manta and dolphin sites.

Maldives Liveaboard Suggestions

Maldives liveaboard holidays have never been more affordable than with Scuba Travel's hand picked selection of boats for all budgets, with year round departures. From open plan traditional style boats to modern, luxurious liveaboards, there's a trip for you. We've got great options for individuals or groups looking for their next adventure. Or if you prefer elegant living with world class diving, then step on board our high end liveaboard holidays. Non divers and snorkellers are always welcome too!

Carpe Novo

Carpe Novo4 seasonal itineraries

Dive the Maldives and sail in comfort on the luxury Carpe Novo. Free nitrox is available on aboard as well as options for twin, double and single cabins, perfect for solo travellers.

Emperor Explorer

Emperor Explorer4 seasonal itineraries

Emperor Explorer is a luxury Maldives liveaboard with a difference, offering up to 4 dives a day and 7 or 10 night classic Maldives diving itineraries. Ideal for divers and snorkellers alike.

Scubaspa

Scubaspa2 seasonal itineraries

Enjoy 4 or 7 nights on board ScubaSpa, the luxury liveaboard sailing through the stunning atolls in the Maldives. With a mixture of scuba diving and spa options this floating resort caters for both divers and non divers.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem5 seasonal itineraries

Carpe Diem is a much loved Maldives liveaboard with a selection of itineraries at affordable prices and a range of cabins for all budgets.

Emperor Voyager

Emperor Voyager2 seasonal itineraries

An affordable value Maldives liveaboard for 20 divers with free nitrox with Emperor fleet, refurbished in 2024

Emperor Serenity

Emperor Serenity5 seasonal itineraries

Emperor Serenity is a contemporary, spacious and elegant Maldives luxury liveaboard - a firm favourite with our divers since her launch in 2016

Emperor Leo

Emperor Leo2 seasonal itineraries

Refreshed in 2019, Emperor Leo delivers affordable liveaboard diving in the Maldives with a range of cabin options over 2 decks

Carpe Vita

Carpe Vita5 seasonal itineraries

Carpe Vita is a popular Maldives liveaboard. A generous 38m long with only 20 divers across 3 decks and 3 cabin grades.

Emperor Virgo

Emperor Virgo2 classic Maldives itineraries

Emperor Virgo sleeps only 18 divers - this is a spacious Maldives liveaboard with twin and double cabins, ideal for divers and snorkellers

Maldives diving itineraries

The Maldives is a must see location for all divers! Watch great manta as they come in to be cleaned. Fish school in breathtaking numbers on the edge of the drop off. Or zip through the channels on a speedy drift. Best of the Maldives is the classic all time great itinerary, and you can enjoy variations of the classic sites also focusing on sharks (Sharktastic 5 atolls) or whaleshark encounters (Pelagic Magic). Get away from it all up in the remote northern atolls or head down to the deep south for advanced diving and plenty of pelagics.

Best of the Maldives

Best of the Maldives

Pelagic Magic

Pelagic Magic

Sharktastic

Sharktastic

Seven Southern Atolls

Seven Southern Atolls

Deep South Southern Sharks

Deep South Southern Sharks

Hanifaru and North

Hanifaru and North

Maldives Seasonal Sensations

Maldives Seasonal Sensations

Quick Facts

  • Time difference - GMT +5hrs
  • Currency - $US preferred
  • Language - Maldivian Dhivehi, English widely spoken
  • Plugs and electrics - 220V, 50Hz (European or British plugs)
  • Passports - Must be valid for 6 months from return date
  • Prohibited - The Maldives is an Islamic country. Please dress appropriately if visiting a local island. You are not allowed to bring pork or alcohol into the country. These items will be taken by customs on arrival. Resort islands and liveaboards have special licenses and they are freely available. Local island resorts are not permitted to serve alcohol in the hotel.
  • Visa - UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: Please review current FCO advice click here . If transiting via Sri Lanka you must have a visa prior to travel click here to review
  • Tax - 12% GST is applied to all services paid locally. Additional 10% service charge may applied in some instances

The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean, a 10-14hr flight from the UK, around 370 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 1200 islands, stretching over 500 miles from north to south. The main arrival airport for all flights to the Maldives is Male's airport island (MLE). The Maldives is famous for its great snorkelling, manta cleaning stations, whalesharks, shark dives and fast drift dives through channels. The water remains a constant 27-28 C year round.

Whilst there are 2 monsoon seasons (Nov-Apr & May-Oct), the diving remains excellent year round. Diving operators will changes their dive sites in each season to find the best hot spots for the big fish! Traditionally, our summer months tend to be windier with a higher chance of rain, whilst the winter months are flatter. However, the seasons are much less predictable in reality and its a fabulous place to dive whatever time of year!

Our holidays to the Maldives can be quoted with most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a regional UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. If you make your own flight arrangements to Male, please check the transfer arrangements before confirming your flights. Please do not finalise any flight arrangements yourself before your liveaboard space is confirmed as being held.

As most flights are not direct, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Sri Lanka is our most popular, up coming destination - with beautiful beaches, it's a great alternative to staying in the Maldives resorts. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, why not head into the jungle for look for elephants and leopards. Or if you are a culture vulture, we highly recommend a Kandy city tour. The choice is yours! As we are able to book most major airlines to the Maldives, you can also add a stop to break up your flight. Popular locations include Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

With daily flights between the UK and the Maldives, it's simple to add a few extra nights either before or after your liveaboard. We have a huge selection of Maldives resorts for all budgets. No matter if you just want to relax on a stunning beach or carry on diving, our travel team will be able to help you find your dream resort island or local island guest house. Speak to your consultant about the options.

As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.

You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.

An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass

Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras

UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: Please review current FCO advice click here . If transiting via Sri Lanka you must have a visa prior to travel click here to review

Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.

Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS

On arrival in the Maldives, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please turn left from arrivals and go to the information desk at Male airport. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.

If your holiday begins in Male you will be met and taken to your boat. The transfer takes around 20mins. Many of our Maldives holidays will include either a domestic flight or seaplane transfer. It takes approx 45mins -1 hour to clear immigration and collect your baggage at Male airport. We endeavour to keep the transit between flights as short as possible and your transfer will normally take place within 3 hours of your international arrival, but please be aware, you may have to wait at the airport between flights. The domestic terminal is right next door to arrivals. This has AC, bathrooms and a small cafe. You will usually be met by a rep, who will assist you in moving between the terminals. The baggage allowance on domestic flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg. The seaplane check in desk is to your right on exiting the arrivals hall. You will check your bag in here and then be transferred to the seaplane terminal by bus. This has AC, bathrooms, a small cafe and shop. The seaplanes run regularly throughout the day and due to the way the scheduling is organised, the exact time of your seaplane cannot be confirmed prior to arrival in Male. Seaplanes do not run in the dark - the fist seaplane is around 06:00 Male time and ends around 16:00 Male time. The baggage allowance on seaplane flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg.

You will be taken back to Male airport in time for your international flight. Domestic flights and seaplanes will arrive in time for you to make your connections. Typically you will arrive at the airport 1 1/2- 2 hours before your flight time. There is currently no departure tax when leaving the Maldives.

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