South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll, Maldives is separated from North Ari Atoll for administrative purposes, and features shallower and relatively easier dive sites compared to the sites in North Ari Atoll, where the conditions are a bit harder. Some of the great dive spots in South Ari Atoll include Broken Rock (an interesting rock formation with a canyon, covered in delicate soft corals, sponges, and big gorgonian fans), Kudarah Thila (a small underwater pinnacle with large numbers of snapper, sweetlips, batfish, and grouper in the surrounding waters, which are actually a marine protected area), Panettone (a gently sloping reef, which is a great place to see magnificent manta rays), and Thundufushi Thila (a large pinnacle around 1km/0.6mi in diameter with a steep wall and some small caves in its shallower parts, where it is possible to spot reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, and manta rays).
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When to go
It is possible to dive at South Ari Atoll all year round, but the seas are at their calmest during the northeast monsoon from December to May. The average water temperature is fairly constant at 26-29C/79-84F throughout the year. Divers will see an amazing array of marine life from small reef species to big pelagic fish, including snapper, grouper, stingrays, manta rays, tuna, barracudas, and different species of sharks, including whale sharks.
What to see
Encounters with big pelagic fish are almost guaranteed at most dive sites in both North Ari Atoll and South Ari Atoll. However, dives at South Ari Atoll are slightly more likely to have whale shark encounters, because the plankton-rich waters at the southern tip of the atoll can bring a larger number of these big filter feeders.
Specials
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Dhangethi Ariston Dive Center
12 Dives Package
Daily diving. This product is for certified divers only -
Dhangethi Ariston Dive Center
10 Dives + 6N/7D (Deluxe Double Room / Deluxe Twin Room)
Diving plus Deluxe double room / Deluxe twin room accommodations in Ariston Dhangethi INN for 6 nights. The price is for two persons. You can't book a single entry of this product. If you travel alone or with non-diver, for more information please contact us via "Live Chat" or drop us a line. Overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean, the 13 rooms Ariston Dhangethi Inn, Maldives, present guests with a chance to experience a holiday with all the modern luxuries. The rooms boast some of the finest facilities among guest houses in Maldives. Contemporary, air-conditioned guestrooms with dark slatted wood and tiled floors are perfect for unwinding or conducting a relaxing holiday that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Surf the web with wireless Internet connections, sip chilled drinks from a fully stocked mini-bar or gaze through floor-to-ceiling windows upon the great ocean and the island.