Addu Atoll
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Why dive in Addu Atoll?
BEST SEASON
Featured Animals 8
- Unlikely
- Likely
- Very likely
Diurnal Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
The Blacktip Shark is easily recognized by the dark tips on its fins. It is a fast and energetic predator, often seen leaping out of the water. Blacktip sharks can be found in warm coastal waters around the world.
BEST SEASON
Variable Frequent sightingsGiant Oceanic Manta Ray
Mobula birostris
The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is the world's largest ray, with a disc width that can reach up to 9 meters. It is a circumglobal species found in tropical to temperate pelagic waters, often near coastlines, reefs, and in the open ocean, diving to depths of 1,000 meters. These filter feeders primarily consume zooplankton, including mesopelagic sources, and can also eat small fish. While generally solitary, they aggregate at feeding grounds and cleaning stations. The species is currently listed as Endangered due to overfishing and low reproductive rates.
BEST SEASON
Variable Grey Reef Shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
The Grey Reef Shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) is a medium to large-sized requiem shark, common in Indo-Pacific coral reefs and adjacent waters. Characterized by its grey body and a distinctive broad black band on the trailing edge of its caudal fin, it is a fast and agile predator. These sharks are known for their social daytime aggregations, which disperse at night for individual hunting.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Ocellated Eagle Ray
Aetobatus ocellatus
The Ocellated Eagle Ray, also known as the Whitespotted Eagle Ray, is a large ray characterized by a dark greenish-grey to black dorsal surface covered with numerous white spots, and a white underside. It possesses a flattened, diamond-shaped body, a prominent snout, and a long, whip-like tail armed with venomous spines. This species primarily feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans, which it crushes with its specialized dental plates.
BEST SEASON
Variable Frequent sightingsReef Manta Ray
Mobula alfredi
The Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) is a large filter-feeding ray found in tropical and subtropical waters, primarily around coral reefs and coastal areas. Known for its pelagic lifestyle, it feeds on zooplankton and exhibits complex social behaviors, often forming aggregations at feeding or cleaning stations. This species is listed as Vulnerable due to threats from overfishing and its slow reproductive rate.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Round Ribbontail Ray
Taeniurops meyeni
The Round Ribbontail Ray has a distinct rounded shape and a dark brown to black dorsal coloration with pale spots. It possesses a long, whip-like tail and is primarily found near coral reefs and coastal areas.
BEST SEASON
Diurnal Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and a gentle filter feeder.
BEST SEASON
Nocturnal Zebra Shark
Stegostoma tigrinum
The Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) is a docile, bottom-dwelling carpet shark found in tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. Juveniles display a striking pattern of dark stripes on a light background, resembling a zebra, which transitions to dark spots on a pale background in adults. This nocturnal species primarily preys on molluscs, crustaceans, and small fish, often resting on the seabed during the day.
BEST SEASON
More marine life 39
BarracudaSphyraena spp.
Blacktip Reef SharkCarcharhinus melanopterus
Bluespotted Ribbontail RayTaeniura lymma
Bumphead ParrotfishBolbometopon muricatum
Clark's AnemonefishAmphiprion clarkii
Clown TriggerfishBalistoides conspicillum
Dogtooth TunaGymnosarda unicolor
Eagle RayAetobatus spp.
Ember ParrotfishScarus rubroviolaceus
Emperor AngelfishPomacanthus imperator
Giant MorayGymnothorax javanicus
Giant TrevallyCaranx ignobilis
Great BarracudaSphyraena barracuda
Green Sea TurtleChelonia mydas
Hawksbill Sea TurtleEretmochelys imbricata
Honeycomb MorayGymnothorax favagineus
Humphead WrasseCheilinus undulatus
LionfishPterois spp.
Live SharksuckerEcheneis naucrates
Moorish IdolZanclus cornutus
Orbicular BatfishPlatax orbicularis
Oriental SweetlipsPlectorhinchus vittatus
Palette SurgeonfishParacanthurus hepatus
Peacock Mantis ShrimpOdontodactylus scyllarus
Pennant CoralfishHeniochus acuminatus
Picasso TriggerfishRhinecanthus aculeatus
Rainbow RunnerElagatis bipinnulata
Redtooth TriggerfishOdonus niger
Regal AngelfishPygoplites diacanthus
Ribbon EelRhinomuraena quaesita
Scalloped Hammerhead SharkSphyrna lewini
Scrawled FilefishAluterus scriptus
Teira BatfishPlatax teira
Threadfin ButterflyfishChaetodon auriga
Tiger SharkGaleocerdo cuvier
Titan TriggerfishBalistoides viridescens
Valentin's Sharpnose PufferCanthigaster valentini
Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus
Yellowmargin TriggerfishPseudobalistes flavimarginatus
Where is Addu Atoll
Indian Ocean · Maldives
Frequently asked questions about Addu Atoll
When is the best time to dive in Addu Atoll?
The best time to dive in Addu Atoll is from January to April. In those months the water is between 28°C and 31°C.
What marine life can you see diving in Addu Atoll?
Divers can encounter 47 species in Addu Atoll. Highlights include Blacktip Shark, Giant Oceanic Manta Ray, Grey Reef Shark, Ocellated Eagle Ray, Reef Manta Ray, and Round Ribbontail Ray.
When can you see the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray in Addu Atoll?
The Giant Oceanic Manta Ray is most often seen in Addu Atoll from March to April.
When can you see the Reef Manta Ray in Addu Atoll?
The Reef Manta Ray can be seen in Addu Atoll all year round.
What is the water temperature in Addu Atoll?
Water temperature in Addu Atoll ranges from 27°C in July to 31°C in March.
What wetsuit do I need to dive in Addu Atoll?
Most divers wear a 3 mm wetsuit in July, when the water drops to 27°C, and a rash guard or a 1–3 mm shorty in March, when it reaches 31°C.
What is the visibility like when diving in Addu Atoll?
Visibility in Addu Atoll ranges from 15 m to 35 m. The water is clearest from January to March.
What are the currents like in Addu Atoll?
Divers in Addu Atoll can expect moderate, strong, light, or very strong currents, depending on the month and the dive site.
What can you see on a night dive in Addu Atoll?
After dark, Addu Atoll reveals nocturnal species such as Zebra Shark, Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray, Giant Moray, Honeycomb Moray, Lionfish, and Oriental Sweetlips.
Where is Addu Atoll located?
Addu Atoll is a dive destination in Maldives, in the Indian Ocean.
Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Addu Atoll. Spotted something that looks off?
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