About
Maldives Passions (The Underwater Institute by Maldives Passions) is an SSI-affiliated dive school also offering PADI courses, based on the local island of Maalhos in Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, right on the main "Bikini Beach". Maalhos is about 2 hours by speedboat, or 20 minutes by domestic flight to nearby Dharavandhoo, from Male' International Airport. The school was formerly based in Maafushi and has been named "Best Attraction" by TripAdvisor for 12 consecutive years (2012-2023). The center runs 3 boat dives daily (two tanks in the morning, one in the afternoon) aboard its own traditional Maldivian dhoni, which holds up to 30 divers and has toilets, freshwater showers and a sun deck. Equipment includes 30 Aqualung sets, 2 Coltri compressors, a Nitrox compressor and 90 aluminum tanks. Certified divers can book single guided dives or 5/10/15-dive packages, with or without gear. For beginners, the school offers Try Scuba and Discover Scuba Diving experiences, plus the full range of SSI courses (from Bubblemaker for kids age 8+ through Divemaster and Assistant Instructor) and PADI courses (Open Water through Advanced Diver). Specialty diving includes night, drift, manta and Nitrox diving. The school is close to Hanifaru Bay, known for manta rays and whale sharks. Maalhos itself is a quiet, budget-friendly local island with guest houses and restaurants, offering an authentic Maldivian experience away from resort islands.
Languages
- English
- French
- Maldivian (Dhivehi)
