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The dive sites of the South Ari Atoll are popular for photo opportunities of healthy reefs, prolific marine life and large pelagic encounters.

A favourite amongst the diving community, Vilamendhoo Island Resort is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and long stretches of palm fringed white sand beach. There are 40 local dive sites to discover.

Divers can explore the impressive house reef for most of the week, but it's possible to get out on the boat to some incredible dive sites such as Vilamendhoo Caves and Khudarah Thila, a protected marine area and a very popular dive, famous for its soft corals and abundant fish life. There are plenty of channel dives where you can drift along looking out for large pelagic encounters, including turtles, sharks and rays. There are a few wrecks to explore, as well as day trips to look for manta rays and whale sharks.

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Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK for Malé

  2. Day 2: Arrive and transfer to resort

    You will be met on arrival in Malé and transferred to the seaplane terminal for your onward flight to Vilamendhoo for a week long stay. Have your camera ready, the view of the atolls from the air is spectacular! Rest of day at leisure.
  3. Days 3-8 : Ari Atoll Diving Experience

    The South Ari Atoll is one of the best and most popular areas for divers and snorkellers in the Maldives. Resorts boast incredible house reefs and there are 40 dive sites nearby. Your dive pack includes six days unlimited shore diving. Go and explore!

    Daily boat dives are available as are longer day trip excursions to sites a little further away such as Manta Point.

    Expect an incredible dive at Khudarah Thila, wrecks, channel dives, sharks, turtles, whale sharks and rays during your stay.  

  4. Day 9: Transfer to Malé and depart

    Transfer by seaplane back to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home later today. 

Please note: Boat trips payable locally. Non-limit dive pack for more experienced divers only. Nitrox is complimentary for qualified divers. There are other resort options in the South Ari Atoll. Contact our Dive team to discuss.

Key info

Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 days from £3,095 pp
  • When to go: Jan-Dec: Daily throughout the year
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Flights from the UK
    • 7 nights resort (full board)
    • 6 days non-limit dive pack
    • Tanks, weights & Nitrox
    • Transfers (seaplane)
Featured location:

Central Atolls

The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Boutique Beach

Ideally located at the southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this intimate dive resort of just six rooms is a great option for those looking for excellent diving with a local twist. It's in a perfect spot for whale shark encounters. Find Out More about Boutique Beach