© iStock/mahos Diving in the Northern Atolls The Maldives are laid out north to south and the 26 atolls that make up the country can generally be broken up into three sections, the Northern Atolls, the Central Atolls and the Southern Atolls. The Northern Atolls’ best diving locations include Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, and Lhaviyani atolls. This is the least developed region of the Maldives and because of this, is little known to outsiders, making it ideal if you want to get off the beaten track. The diving and underwater life is the most pristine and untouched in the country and it is also the best place to see and experience the traditional ways and lifestyle of the Maldives. While diving in the Northern Atolls, it is not uncommon for a boat or group to be the only ones at a dive site at a given time. The Maldives’ highest point is in the northern Atolls and the region is made up of smaller islands than the Central and Southern Atolls region. The north also as has a huge number of underwater ring reefs. Diving season in the Northern Atolls is best during the Northeast Monsoon season which runs from December to April and September to November can produce great conditions too. It is possible to dive in any month except for June in this area. Featured places to go in Northern Atolls © ScubaproNorth West Haa Alif AtollThe North West Haa Alif atoll offers some great dive sites for beginners and less experienced divers.Learn more © MaresSouth East Haa Alif AtollAs you go further south in the Haa Alif Atoll you will come across a great shipwreck to explore that is not that deep.Learn more © AqualungHaa Dhaalu AtollThe Haa Dhaalu Atoll offers a great dive area with wide channels and shallower drop offs and also beautiful underwater caves.Learn more © MaresHaa Dhaalu MakunudhooThe Makundhoo island is the westernmost island in the Maldives and populated by humans and filled with wonderful dive sites.Learn more © ScubaproShaviyani AtollIf you are looking for a spot in the Maldives that is isolated, and relatively unknown and unexplored, then the Shaviyani Atoll is the area for you.Learn more © MaresNoonu AtollNoonu Atoll is known for its huge population of spinner dolphins as well as having the the largest concentration swarming fish in the Maldives.Learn more © AqualungRaa AtollRaa Atoll is a very popular dive spot in the Northern Atolls due to its pristine thilas.Learn more © ScubaproLhaviyani AtollThe Lhaviyani Atoll features more than 50 dive sites including the Aquarium and Madimaru Kandu.Learn more Dive Sites in Northern Atolls Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves. The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.