Best time to visit: The manta season runs from May to December, with best months from late July to early October

• Snorkel with congregations of feeding manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay
• Enjoy some of the best thila dives in the Maldives' UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• Fantastic underwater topography, with dramatic overhangs and swim-throughs

Best time to visit: Year round, but best November to April

• Manta Point cleaning station
• Soft coral encrusted thilas and current-charged kandus
• Proximity to Malé airport

Best time to visit: Year round, but best November to April

• Schooling hammerhead sharks
• Iconic Madivaru dive site
• Manta ray season from November to April
• Cultural tours around the local Rasdhoo Island

Best time to visit: Year round, best May to October

• Snorkel with whalesharks at Maamigili Marine Protected Area
• Dive Machachafushi wreck adorned with coral and fish
• Relax on silky-soft sand bars

Best time to visit: Year round, December to May best for the channel dives

• Kandooma (or Cocoa ) thila, one of the Maldives' best dive sites
• Schooling eagle rays and a grey reef shark cleaning station
• Excellent surf breaks and shallow reefs for snorkeling

Best time to visit: Year round, with the best conditions from December to April

• Incredible channel dives with great marine diversity, including the famous Fotteyo Kandu
• The famous night dive at Alimatha jetty with rays and sharks galore
• A tranquil atoll with affordable local island guest houses

Best time to visit: Year round, the monsoon seasons have less impact in the south

• Dive with tiger sharks and thresher sharks
• Explore the Maldivian Galapagos
• Surf the Maldive's only beach break at Thoondu