Diving Vacation in the Maldives • South Ari & North Malé Atolls at Villa Resorts
Discover the underwater world of North Malé and South Ari Atoll on this unique diving trip. Dive among colorful reefs, manta rays, sharks, and whale sharks.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving in the Maldives: South Ari & North Malé Atoll
The Maldives are a dream destination for divers, and this trip is ideal if you want to spend about ten days in the Maldives but don’t want to spend your entire stay on just one island. During this trip, you’ll explore two different atolls and stay at two comfortable island resorts. This gives you the chance to explore different dive sites while fully enjoying island life.
You’ll start in the South Ari Atoll, where you’ll stay at Villa Park Sun Island. This area is known for its wide variety of marine life and is one of the best places in the world to spot whale sharks. During your dives, you may also encounter manta rays, sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, barracudas, and large schools of reef fish.
After your stay in South Ari, you’ll continue on to North Malé Atoll. From Villa Nautica, you’ll go on several dives at colorful reefs, thilas, and well-known dive sites. Here, you might encounter manta rays, among other things, and a dive at the famous Victory Wreck is also an option.
Between dives, you’ll stay on two tropical islands with white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and comfortable amenities. This means you’ll not only have different dive areas to explore, but also two distinct places to experience the Maldives above water.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives for a Diving Vacation
The Maldives are a great destination for a diving trip all year round. From December through April, you’ll generally find the best conditions, with little rain, calmer seas, and good underwater visibility. This makes it the most popular time to visit the Maldives.
The southwest monsoon season runs from May through November. During this time, there is a higher chance of rain, and the sea can be a bit rougher, which sometimes reduces visibility. On the other hand, nutrient-rich waters actually attract more large marine life. South Ari is particularly interesting from August through November for encounters with whale sharks, which are present here year-round. Manta rays are also frequently spotted in various parts of the Maldives during this period.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit Recommendations for Diving in the Maldives
The water is a pleasant temperature almost all year round, so a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient. You could also consider a shorty, but a full-length wetsuit provides protection against the coral and underwater walls during drift dives, for example.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View the itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Trip to the Maldives
Today marks the start of your trip to the Maldives. You’ll fly from the Netherlands to Velana International Airport near Malé. Depending on your flight times, you’ll continue on to South Ari Atoll the same day or, if necessary, spend the night in the Malé area.
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you’ll be met for your transfer to Villa Park Sun Island. From the airport, you’ll take a domestic flight of about 17 minutes to South Ari Atoll. Upon arrival, there’s a short speedboat ride of about 10 minutes to Nalaguraidhoo, the island where Villa Park is located. You can also opt for a direct transfer by seaplane. This flight takes about 35 minutes.
Villa Park Sun Island is located on a large, spacious island in the South Ari Atoll. The resort is surrounded by white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and lush tropical greenery. There are several restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a spa, and a variety of activities on and around the island.
After you arrive, you’ll check in at your accommodations and have the rest of the day to do whatever you like. You can take some time to recover from your trip, explore the island, or relax on the beach and by the lagoon. You can also get to know the resort and the dive center.
Days 3–7 | Diving around the South Ari Atoll
Over the next few days, you’ll explore the underwater world of South Ari Atoll. Villa Park is located in the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, a protected marine area known for its wide variety of marine life. During your dives, you may encounter sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, dolphins, schools of colorful reef fish, and—with a little luck—whale sharks.
One of the most famous dive sites in the area is Whale Shark Point, near the outer reef of Maamigili. This is one of the best places in the Maldives to spot whale sharks. The reef is also home to large schools of fish, including tuna, barracuda, snappers, grouper, and Napoleon fish. Eagle rays and various species of sharks are also regularly spotted here.
Manta Point is also on the itinerary when conditions and the season are right. Between December and April, manta rays regularly gather here in the plankton-rich waters. But even outside of manta season, this is an interesting dive site, home to moray eels, octopuses, scorpionfish, triggerfish, whitetip reef sharks, and stingrays, among others.
Other well-known dive sites include Kuda Rah Thila, with beautiful soft corals, fan corals, and schools of yellow-striped snappers and batfish, as well as Five Rocks and Angaga Thila. These reefs are particularly rich in marine life. Here you may encounter, among other things, whitetip reef sharks, gray reef sharks, barracudas, octopuses, and—with a bit of luck—a well-camouflaged stonefish or scorpionfish.
Exactly which dive sites you visit depends on weather conditions, currents, and the current marine life. The Villa Park dive center organizes the dives from the resort and has access to a large number of dive sites in the South Ari Atoll.
Day 8 | Enjoying the Island
Today you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your last day in the Maldives. After the diving days in South Ari Atoll, there are no more dives scheduled. You can relax on the beach, take a dip in the pool, or head out onto the water on a SUP or in a kayak.
Snorkeling is also a wonderful way to explore the underwater world one last time without going on a dive. Those who’d rather unwind completely can visit the Araamu Spa for a treatment. There are also various other activities and excursions available, such as a boat tour or a snorkeling excursion in the South Ari Atoll.
Today, you’ll have the freedom to set your own pace. Enjoy the island, the beaches, and the lagoon, and wrap up your trip on a relaxing note with a final dinner at Villa Park.
Day 9 | To North Malé Atoll
After a few days of diving and relaxing at Villa Park, it’s time to move on to the next leg of the trip. Today, you’ll leave South Ari Atoll for North Malé Atoll, where you’ll be staying at Villa Nautica.
After breakfast, you’ll check out of Villa Park and begin your transfer back to Velana International Airport in Malé. You’ll first travel by speedboat from Villa Park to the airport in South Ari Atoll, followed by a domestic flight of about 17 minutes to Malé. The exact schedule for the transfer will be coordinated with your international and domestic flights.
Once you arrive at Velana International Airport, your transfer to Villa Nautica will be waiting. From the airport, it’s about a 20-minute speedboat ride to Lankanfinolhu, the island where Villa Nautica is located. During the boat ride, you’ll leave the South Ari Atoll behind and head toward the North Malé Atoll.
Villa Nautica is located on a spacious island with white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and various restaurants and amenities. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your villa and have the rest of the day to yourself. You can relax on the beach, enjoy a drink by the water, or start exploring the island.
Starting the next day, the diving program continues in North Malé Atoll. Here, you’ll visit a variety of dive sites, including colorful reefs, thilas, drift dives, and the chance to see manta rays. A dive at the famous Victory Wreck is also an option.
Days 10 & 11 | Diving around North Malé Atoll
You’ll spend the last two days of diving around North Malé Atoll. From Villa Nautica, you’ll explore various dive sites around the island, featuring a wide variety of underwater landscapes and marine life. Among other things, you’ll go on drift dives along reefs, dive at colorful thilas, and may encounter stronger currents at some locations.
One of the most famous dive sites in the area is Manta Point, where manta rays are frequently spotted. You’ll also have the chance to encounter sea turtles, Napoleon fish, and large schools of reef fish here. Banana Reef and Paradise Rock are also among the well-known dive sites in North Malé Atoll. These protected reefs are rich in colorful corals and tropical marine life.
For wreck diving enthusiasts, the Victory Wreck is also on the itinerary. This cargo ship lies near Malé and has now become an integral part of the underwater landscape. The wreck is overgrown with coral and surrounded by various species of reef fish.
As a result, the dive sites in North Malé Atoll offer plenty of variety. One dive might focus on the colorful reef and the vast number of fish, while another might involve searching for manta rays, gliding along a steep wall, or exploring the Victory Wreck. The exact dive sites visited depend on the conditions and current diving circumstances. The dives are organized by Villa Nautica’s dive center, diveOceanus.
Another fun option: you can participate in a special shark dive, where you’ll have the chance to see different species of sharks—tiger sharks, bull sharks, spinner sharks, nurse sharks, and more!
Day 12 | The Last Day on the Island
After two days of diving, today is the time to enjoy Villa Nautica and the island. With its white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoon, this is a beautiful day to take it easy. You can relax on the beach or by the pool, enjoy a treatment at the Araamu Spa, or get out on the water for some active fun.
There are various water sports available around the island, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Those looking for a bit more action can opt for jet skiing, parasailing, or one of the other water sports activities. There are also various excursions available. For instance, you can take a speedboat to a nearby sandbar or snorkeling spot, go dolphin watching on a sunset cruise, or visit Malé.
Of course, you can also simply wind down the day with a drink on the beach and dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants. Villa Nautica has several restaurants and bars, so even without an excursion or activity, you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy your last day in North Malé Atoll.
Day 13 | Back Home
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Maldives. You’ll check out of Villa Park and travel back to Velana International Airport near Malé by domestic flight and speedboat or by seaplane, depending on your chosen transfer option. From Malé, you’ll fly back home.
With fond memories of two different dive sites, colorful reefs, and hopefully some special encounters with marine life, this diving trip through the Maldives comes to an end.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to the Maldives?
Diving Around North Malé Atoll
For five days, you’ll explore the underwater world of North Malé Atoll from Villa Nautica. Surrounding the resort are colorful reefs, steep walls, and various thilas where you can encounter large schools of reef fish, sea turtles, Napoleon fish, and—with a little luck—manta rays. The current creates exciting drift dives in some spots. With famous dive sites like Banana Reef and Paradise Rock, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the diverse underwater world of this atoll.
In Search of Whale Sharks
South Ari Atoll is known worldwide for its whale sharks. From Villa Park, you’ll dive at locations such as Whale Shark Point, where these impressive creatures are regularly spotted. During your dives, you’ll also keep an eye out for other reef inhabitants, such as manta rays, eagle rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, barracudas, and large schools of colorful fish. Every dive is different, and it’s precisely the unexpected that makes diving in South Ari so special.
Stay at beautiful locations
The Maldives are special not only for their underwater life, but also for the way you stay there. Villa Nautica and Villa Park are spacious island resorts where you’re surrounded by white-sand beaches, a crystal-clear lagoon, and tropical nature. You’ll have plenty of space to enjoy the island—from a delicious dinner and a drink by the water to a spa treatment or an afternoon of doing absolutely nothing.
The Accommodation
The lodging and facilities
Villa Park Sun Island
Villa Park Sun Island is located on Nalaguraidhoo in the South Ari Atoll and is one of the larger resort islands in the Maldives. The island is spacious and surrounded by white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and lush tropical greenery. Thanks to the island’s size, there are plenty of places to stroll, relax, and enjoy the surroundings.
The resort features six restaurants, four bars, and a coffee shop. You can choose from international and Maldivian dishes, and each restaurant offers its own unique atmosphere and cuisine. For relaxation, visit the Araamu Spa, which is situated in a peaceful, lush setting. Villa Park also features a fitness center and a swimming pool with a separate children’s pool.
There’s also plenty to do in terms of activities. Around the island, you can enjoy various water sports, and a variety of excursions are organized. For example, you can explore the South Ari Atoll from the water or join an excursion to spot whale sharks. For divers, there’s the on-site dive center, diveOceanus.
At Villa Park, you can choose from various types of villas, spread across the island and built over the water. There are simple beachfront accommodations, as well as spacious villas with private pools and luxurious overwater villas. This offers a wide range of choices in terms of location, space, and comfort.
The Beach Villa is a compact 35-square-meter accommodation located right on the beach. The 52-square-meter Island Villa is nestled among the greenery and offers more privacy. There are also several villas with sunset views, including the Sunset Beach Villa and the Sunset Deluxe Beach Villa.
If you’d like to stay right above the water, you can choose a Water Villa or a Sunset Water Villa. These villas measure 73 m² and feature direct access to the lagoon and a spacious terrace. For added comfort, there are various Beach Pool Villas and Lagoon Beach Pool Villas with a private pool and direct access to the beach.
For those looking for more space, there are larger accommodations such as the Deluxe Beach Pool Villa and various two-bedroom villas. The largest options are the Two-Bedroom Overwater Villa and the Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. These accommodations are particularly well-suited for families or if you want plenty of space and privacy during your stay.
Villa Nautica Paradise Island
Villa Nautica is located on Lankanfinolhu in the North Malé Atoll. The resort is set around a large turquoise lagoon and features wide beaches with fine, white sand.
The resort features seven restaurants and two bars, offering you a variety of dining and drinking options during your stay—from international cuisine and fresh seafood to teppanyaki and Italian dishes. For relaxation, there’s the Araamu Spa, nestled amid tropical greenery, and several swimming pools. In addition, there is a fitness center and a variety of land- and water-based activities.
There’s plenty to do outside the resort as well. You can join excursions, water sports activities, and snorkeling trips, or simply enjoy the island and the lagoon. Villa Nautica also has its own dive center, diveOceanus, giving you easy access to the dive sites of North Malé Atoll right from the resort.
At Villa Nautica, you can choose between staying on the beach or on the water. The Beach Villa is the most basic option and is nestled among the greenery, just a few steps from the beach. Those who prefer to stay right above the lagoon can opt for a Water Villa with a private terrace and direct access to the ocean. There are also several more luxurious villas with private pools.
For those seeking more space and luxury, there are the Oceanfront Pool Villa and the one- or two-bedroom Ocean Suites with private pools. These accommodations feature direct access to the ocean and spacious terraces with views of the water. The larger suites are particularly well-suited for families or travelers who value plenty of space and privacy.
For this trip, depending on availability, we can offer various types of accommodations, ranging from a comfortable Beach Villa to a luxurious Water Villa.
This diving vacation to the Maldives is available starting at US$ 5.423 per person, based on two people sharing a room. The price is based on a high-season departure. During peak season, nightly rates are higher, resulting in a higher total cost of the trip. You can also choose to travel during the low season or shoulder season, when prices are often more attractive. Early-bird discounts are also available regularly. We’ll be sure to let you know about these when you make your request.
The diving trip can be fully customized and expanded to suit your preferences. A number of components are included as standard in this travel package. The prices listed are subject to price changes and any fluctuations in exchange rates. The flight price is based on the most economical booking class available.
Would you like to learn more about this diving vacation to the Maldives, or are you curious about the options? Please contact us. We’d be happy to help you put together a trip that meets your needs.
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 5.423 p.p.
- Villa Park
- 7 nights in a Beach Villa
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Dive package consisting of 10 boat dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Villa Nautrica
- 3 nights in a Beach Villa
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Diving package consisting of 4 boat dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- General
- Domestic flight to Villa Park
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Malé from US$ 783 p.p.
- Diving & Travel Insurance
- Green Tax ($108)
- 10% service charge and 17% GST on all products and services purchased on-site
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Upgrade to all-inclusive meals
- 15L tank ($15 per tank)
- Diving equipment ($25 per dive)
- Dive on the house reef ($71 per dive)
- Shark Dive ($211)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Villa Nautica & Villa Park
Diving in General
You can go on various types of dives here, both on the house reef and from a boat. These can include deep dives and drift dives, as well as shallower dives on the reef. You can also go on night dives.
You will make dives on the house reef as well as dives from the boat. You often start with an orientation/check dive on the house reef, so that the dive center can assess how comfortable you are in the water. Furthermore, each day it varies whether you dive by boat or from the house reef, but most dives are done by boat.
No, that’s not possible. You always dive with a DiveOceanus instructor.
You can do up to 4 dives per day: 2 in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, and 1 night dive.
The dive sites are around 25 minutes or less by boat. Kuda Giri Wreck is the farthest away and is about an hour boat ride away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive. Night dives are subject to a $10 surcharge.
Yes, there is a fantastically beautiful house reef.
Yes, various PADI courses are offered.
Yes, it’s a fantastic place for snorkeling (and freediving!). There are also quite a few snorkeling excursions available. For example, you can snorkel with manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Of course, you can also snorkel in the water right around the resort. You can use the snorkeling gear for free.
Yes, the diving school is on-site and located on the beach, near the jetty so you can get on the boat directly.
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Divers use 80 cu ft aluminum tanks. This is approximately 11L. Would you like a larger tank? Then you’ll get a 100 cu ft tank, which is approximately 13L. For convenience, it’s always referred to as a 15L tank. The additional cost is $15 per tank, which is approximately US$ 15.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem. You can even take a side-mount course.
Yes. Certified divers can dive with nitrox for free.
Yes, renting a full set costs $25 per day, which is about US$ 23.
Your equipment is brought on the boat by the boat crew before the dive and put on the tank, the divers have to check that everything is in good order and check the Nitrox percentage themselves. The boat crew bring the diving equipment from the boat to the dive center, wash it and store it in the “wetroom”
Resort
Main meals are served in the buffet restaurant, which offers a wide selection of international and local dishes.
Depending on the all-inclusive package you choose, you can also dine at various à la carte restaurants. With All-Inclusive Dine Around Premium, one à la carte meal per person is included for stays of at least 7 nights. With Premium All-Inclusive, this is one à la carte meal per person per day. With the Infinity Plan, you have unlimited access to the à la carte restaurants.
Snacks, coffee, tea, and a variety of beverages are also included throughout the day. The exact inclusions vary by package.
The all-inclusive packages include a variety of activities and amenities:
- Snorkeling gear
- Canoeing, 1 hour per day
- Windsurfing, 1 hour per day
- Gym
- Daytime tennis
- Table tennis
- Squash
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Beach volleyball
- Pool
- Darts
- Sauna and steam room, subject to availability
- Diving: 10% discount on select diving rates with All Inclusive Dine Around Premium and Premium All Inclusive
With the Infinity Plan, all non-motorized water sports are also included, as well as 10 minutes of motorized water sports per room per day. For certified divers, 1 dive per person per day is also included.
Yes, at Villa Park, this is the basic meal plan. In addition, you can choose from three different all-inclusive packages: All-Inclusive Dine Around Premium, Premium All-Inclusive, and Infinity Plan.
All-Inclusive Dine Around Premium is the simplest option. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the buffet restaurant are included. In addition, during a stay of at least 7 nights, you’ll receive one à la carte meal per person and a 15% discount on other à la carte meals. Selected beverages, snacks, a daily minibar, snorkeling gear, and various activities are also included.
Premium All-Inclusive offers more options. In addition to the standard all-inclusive package, it includes fresh juices, ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, and premium beverages. You’ll also receive one à la carte meal per person each day.
The Infinity Plan is the most comprehensive option. It includes unlimited à la carte dining, premium beverages, and 24-hour snacks. It also features extras such as one dive per person per day for certified divers and a daily 60-minute spa treatment.
Which package is best for you depends on how much you want to take advantage of the resort’s additional restaurants, drinks, activities, and amenities.
Both Villa Nautica and Villa Park offer plenty of dining options. You can enjoy international and Maldivian cuisine, as well as Italian, Japanese, and Asian specialties. There are also restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood, and several restaurants where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the lagoon. At Villa Park, the unique ZERO restaurant, nestled in the greenery, is also highly recommended.
Yes, it’s a kid-friendly resort. There are several activities designed especially for children.
In addition to the listed price, a 10% service charge and 17% GST (Goods & Services Tax) apply for products and services you purchase on site, such as drinks, spa treatments, excursions or other extras. These charges will be settled with your bill at the venue.
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