Central Atolls - Maldives

The central Maldives is a chain of tiny coral islands, turquoise lagoons, local communities, and resort islands spread across a vast stretch of the Indian Ocean. Arrival usually ends with a speedboat, seaplane, or liveaboard transfer from Malé.

Water moving through the atoll channels brings the action: manta rays at cleaning and feeding areas, grey reef and whitetip sharks, eagle rays, turtles, tuna, and dense schools of snapper and fusilier. Thilas—submerged reef pinnacles—can be covered in soft coral and clouds of reef fish, while current-swept channel dives offer the best chance for larger pelagic encounters. Timing varies considerably with the international connection and final island transfer.