Addu Atoll (southernmost Maldives) is a laid-back diving destination with a different character from the busier northern atolls:

• Marine life — Famous for giant manta rays year-round, grey reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, dogtooth tuna, and  tiger sharks and hammerheads

• Wrecks — The British Loyalty, a 140m WWII oil tanker sitting at ~33m, is the highlight — great for swim-throughs and photography

• Currents — Gentler than most Maldivian atolls, making it accessible for beginners, though the channels (kandus) offer stronger drifts for advanced divers

• Coral — Notably, it was unaffected by the 1998 global bleaching event, so hard coral gardens are healthy and vibrant

• Best time — Good year-round; January–March for warmest water,The following are some of the most famous dive sites in Addu Atoll, selected from more than 20 dive spots across the atoll. Addu offers some of the most unique underwater experiences in the Maldives.