Scuba diving in

Laamu and Thaa Atolls

Located in the deep south of the Maldives’ central group of atolls, these picture-perfect paradises offer quiet, laid-back getaways, far from the hustle and bustle of busier atolls. Low-lying coral islands and sand banks atop barrier reefs are surrounded by bright blue lagoons that give way to impressive coral reefs. The atolls’ islands feature lush greenery that adds to the beauty of the white sandy beaches. But this isn’t what makes Thaa and Laamu special - it’s the local islands, where visitors can experience the local way of life that often goes unseen on five-star resort islands.

Thaa Atoll consists of more than 60 islands, most of which remain untouched. With minimal tourist infrastructure, and unparalleled opportunities for discovery - both above and below the water - Thaa Atoll delivers the ideal paradise island escape. Located a little further southeast, Laamu Atoll boasts a mix of the historic and modern, from the sets used in the movie Star Wars: Rogue One, to its rich history of Buddhism. Travellers can learn about the nation’s Buddhist past by exploring the religious ruins and artefacts on the islands of Dhanbidhoo, Mundoo, Gan and Isdhoo, including the largest stupa in the country.

Both Thaa and Laamu also boast some of the best surfing spots in the Maldives, where surfing competitions are often held - particularly in Laamu. The best time to surf is the monsoon season from June to August, when adrenaline-pumping waves are at their most energetic.

Male's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport receives direct charter flights from all over the world. Scheduled flights are harder to come by but do happen occasionally. It’s normal to have a layover or two before reaching Male.

Most visitors will arrive at Male's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, which is well connected to many major flight hubs, including Singapore and Dubai. Once you have arrived in Male, it is just a 60-minute domestic flight to Laamu’s airport located on Kadhdhoo Island, or Thaa’s airport on Thimarafushi. Seaplane transfers are also available to most resorts.

Thaa and Laamu enjoy a hot, sunny and humid tropical climate with highs of 30°C and lows around 25°C. Diving is excellent year-round, with water temperatures ranging between 27°C and 30°C. The dry season runs from December to April, which is when divers and snorkelers can expect the clearest visibility and best diving conditions. The atolls see mostly hot and sunny dry days during this time, although rainfall is still possible. The monsoon season runs from May to November, but that doesn’t mean constant rain, as downpours are often sporadic and pass quickly, followed by charming sunshine.

If you are looking for great weather and exciting channel dives close to Gan, then we recommend visiting from December to April - the dry season and the busiest time of year. Diving during the wet season can also be very good on the western side of the atoll and dive sites and resorts will generally be a lot quieter. And of course, the manta rays can be seen year round!

There are only a few resorts and hotels on Laamu Atoll’s inhabited islands. They cater to all budgets, from lower-priced guesthouses, to five-star luxury spa resorts. Most affordable accommodation is based on Gan, the largest island in the entire country. Thaa Atoll currently offers just one resort and several smaller guesthouses and hotels located around its southern shores.

If you would like to do a little more than just dive -  maybe try your hand at surfing, enjoy a land tour, or simply laze on the beach - it would be better to choose one of the hotels or resorts. Alternatively, if you want to live and breathe diving throughout your stay, then you can opt for a liveaboard, where you’ll get to experience many of the atoll’s top dive sites from the comfort of your vessel.

Underwater images courtesy of Six Senses Laamu.