Introduction

The Maldives are known as a diver's paradise - even if most of the coral has been damaged by various episodes of bleaching linked to global warming. Located 350 kilometers southwest of India, this archipelago is made up of almost 1,200 islands, of which more than 160 are reserved for tourists (compared with 50 in 2002 and 80 in 2010, a clear indication of the growth of tourism in the country). This growth has also helped democratize the Maldives: although not quite a mass destination, resorts are now available at very affordable prices, which was not the case 25 years ago. Access to the Maldives is via the capital Malé. Going through customs can be unpleasant: indeed, the importation of alcohol, pork, magazines featuring slightly nude women (considered pornographic) or any material contrary to Islam is prohibited, and all luggages are X-rayed. Transfer to the resort island is then by dhoni (traditional boat), speed boat or seaplane, depending on the remoteness of the destination.

Filitheyo is located in the North Nilandhe Atoll, also known as Faafu Atoll. Triangular in shape, Filitheyo has been home to the atoll's only tourist facility since 1999, comprising 125 room-bungalows.

Travel facts

Diving type

Destination

easily accessible

bargain destination

Diving level & type

for beginners

for advanced divers

shore diving

liveaboard

Diving Characteristics

pelagics

lots of fish

lots of corals

interesting underwater scenery

Other activities

attractive natural spots

gastronomy

night life

beach

snorkeling

Diving Sites

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  Manta Point

  rating : 4.0

  depth : 15 m
  description :
  
  Several mantas can often be seen on this site... but the waiting time can be long. On the first dive, we waited almost an hour to see the first manta, which approached much more quickly on the second dive... On the third dive, we spent 60 minutes with the mantas, with an eagle ray as a bonus...
  
  
• 

  Airport Corner

  rating : 3.5

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  Magnificent configuration. Several plateaux, valleys spaced by small plains. Very impressive coral tables at 15 metres. Several blacktip sharks.
  
  
• 

  Baracuda Kandu

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 25 m
  description :
  
  No barracuda, but several white-tip sharks.
  
  
• 

  Fish Pan

  rating : 3.0

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  Descent into the blue at 32 metres, to wait for the pelagics. 2 eagle rays at the beginning and end of the dive. Two blacktip sharks. Nice corals on the two thilas where we drifted. Lots of corals, but not so many big animals...
  
  
• 

  Shore Dive

  rating : 3.0

  type of diving : wreck

  depth : 30 m
  description :
  
  The hotel's shore dive offers several entry and exit points, so you can optimise your route according to sea and current conditions. Much of the Maldivian fauna can be found on this site, and during our explorations we encountered several sharks, eagle rays, turtles, octopus, moray eels and the usual schools of fish. The current can be strong. There is also a wreck between points 4 and 5 (at 32 metres), as well as between points 5 and 6.
  
  
• 

  One Way Ticket

  rating : 2.0

  depth : 25 m
  description :
  
  This dive is categorised as easy and is often aimed at beginners. Interesting corals and lots of reef fish.