Being set in a remote location of the Maldives, in the southern region of the Ari Atoll archipelago diving experiences near Maafushivaru bring forth wonderful tales with a mere plunge into the aquatic realm below.

30 dive sites accessible by Dhoni provide expansive options on varying tiers of difficulty and qualification, offering the best of the thriving marine ecosystems in the Maldives. The dive team at Maafushivaru shares their top 3 recommendation s.

Kudarah Thila: A marine protected dive site for Advanced Open Water divers only. Reachable in 25 minutes from Maafushivaru, it comprises of a small 'thila' (pinnacle) that could be circled twice in 1 dive. The reef top is 12 to 14 metres; declining into 30+ meters on the side.

Guests can expect large overhangs with sea fans, massive schools of blue striped snappers and red snappers, grey reef sharks if lucky and if very lucky even lemon sharks. It is a fantastic dive site for everyone who loves big fish sightings but also for macro lovers as there are good chances of seeing small critters like nudibranchs or shrimps. The corals at this 'thila' are outstanding, it has one of the best reef tops in South Ari atoll.

Maamigili Beyru: This is part of SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Area) and one of the main spots to see whale sharks. This dive site is suitable for both beginners and for experienced divers (minimum requirement of Open Water certification) and can be reached in 1 hour.

Briefly described as a simple wall dive beginning around 7-12m on the reef top and dropping down in a slope to 30+ meters, but the resorts dive team usually dives  around 15m. Fantastic coral life, mainly hard corals. High chance to see whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean but also there is always a chance to see schools of mobulas, eagle rays, napoleons, grey reef sharks and sometimes even dolphins. Besides that, it is also one of the main macro spots (ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, flatworms, etc)

Manta Block: This dive site is a cleaning station for reef mantas and can be reached within 45 minutes. The resort visit this dive site as part of their half day manta trips (2 tank dives), Open Water and Advanced Divers will both love this site.

When the mantas get cleaned at this dive site, guests can relax and watch them without having to do anything else. The dive team provide reef hooks if there is current so guests dont have to move at all for 1 hour and can just enjoy these huge rays swimming close over their head while the mantas are getting cleaned.

Set in the picturesque atoll of Ari, reached by a scenic seaplane flying over the breath-taking archipelago of Maldives and its mysterious atoll formations, Maafushivaru is an island that charms visitors with its dazzling turquoise lagoon, knitted with lush flora and wide sandy beaches. A stones throw away is Lonubo, its very own desert island, all set to provide guests with an island just for them even if only for a night.

The resort offers a choice of 3 distinct villas. Beach Villas are sited on the postcard perfect beaches with views out to the sea. The chic Water Villas is for those yearning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Families or friends travelling together will find the Pool Villas ideal as it comes with two separate villas with a shared private pool. All villas are fine-tuned with hints of modern architecture and design.