maafushidives

[maafushidives]

Best Pristine Diving and Water Sports

Discover the tropical laid back lifestyle with pristine white beaches, crystal clear blue waters and reefs at Maafushi. This quaint little island is located in South Malé Atoll, just 28 kilometers from Velanaa International Airport in South Malé Atoll.  Its rustic charm is what attracts travelers throughout the year. Maafushi offers the discerning traveler much to explore, from a selection of chic accommodations fully equipped with gymnasiums, spas , swimming pools and plenty of recreational activities for an extraordinary vacation.  Numerous restaurants, cafés and bakeries scattered across the island cater tantalizing local and international flares. "Bikini beach" is an escape from the local lifestyle, lay back and  absorb the surreal beauty of the exquisite beach overlooking the turquoise waters under the sun.

Because of its unique location, the Maafushi dive offers fantastic diving potential for beginners and seasoned divers, with Manta sightings all year around. Plenty of dive sites in shallow reefs, outer reef, and house reef can all be reached within 5 to 20 minute boat ride from Maafushi. The famed pristine sandbank "Sexy Beach" is great for snorkeling, day picnics and amazing drone shots.

Maafushi is great for:

- Perfect to experience the local island of the Maldives

- Easy access to exceptional diving and snorkeling locations

- Range of budget to luxury accommodation options to select

How to get here

There are scheduled speedboat ferries and combined transfers for about 25 USD per person per way, which takes 45 minutes to reach Maafushi. These can be requested through the guesthouses at the time of reservation. Scheduled speedboat ferry tickets are available through ICOMtours or MaafushiTours

Private speedboat transfers can also be arranged for about 150 - 300 USD (excluding taxes) through guesthouses and private operators for travelers preferred time and pickup location.

Alternatively, hop on a ferry from Malé Vilingili Ferry Terminal to Maafushi. It costs about 3 USD per person per way and the journey takes 90 minutes. Public ferries operate daily except for Fridays. Ferries depart from Malé daily at 3:00 PM; and Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday an additional ferry departs at 10:00 AM. Public ferries depart Maafushi daily (except for Fridays) at 7:30 AM and an additional ferry at 12:45 PM. Schedules and tickets can be acquired here.

Our environment protection goals are in line with Project AWARE by PADI. We focus on instilling healthy diving habits to conserve the marine environment. We run awareness campaigns within the community and national level to education the importance of protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and its inhabitants. The usage of single use plastics are banned within our premises and boats in order to avoid marine litter and microplastics. Water refilling stations are provided within the Dive Center as well as boats.

We also implement a "No glove policy" during dives.

Human Resource Development

Maafushi Dive and Water sports is dedicated to developing a new generation of local professionals to explore a career in SCUBA diving. Our innovative internship program continues to develop a generation of eco-conscious professionals to cater to the ever expanding needs of the Maldivian tourism industry.