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Akirifushi

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.2 12 species 18 contributors

Akirifushi is a year-round dive destination in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, with documented marine life and active community monitoring.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
BleachingRiskSeasonalShore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Akirifushi location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
11.4 kn
Wave
0.72 m
Water
29.4°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (51%)
Now: W (274°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.64m

Today: High 05:00 (+0.54m), Low 10:00 (+0.36m)

+0.8 m+0.1 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.54m ▼ 10:00 · +0.36m ▲ 15:00 · +0.5m ▼ 22:00 · +0.11m Now +0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.05 · very high Air PM2.54 · good 05:56 18:04
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 12.9 0.78 9 2mm
09-20 14.4 0.84 9 15mm
09-21 14.7 0.88 9 5mm
09-22 13.8 0.88 9 3mm
09-23 14.6 0.92 8 1mm
09-24 17.5 1.18 8 2mm
09-25 16.7 1.2 8 7mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 1.4°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Akirifushi sits in Kaafu Atoll, the northernmost atoll chain of the Maldives. The island serves as a base for exploring nearby reef systems and house reef dives. While depth and visibility data remain unreported by the diving community, the spot draws interest from divers exploring Kaafu's varied topography. The site is not within a Marine Protected Area, meaning access is straightforward for visiting divers. Twelve species observations have been logged here, giving a foundation of marine life documentation. Three community videos exist, offering real-world reference for conditions and encounters. Coral bleaching remains a watch concern in this region, as it does throughout the Maldives. Divers should expect seasonal variation typical of Indian Ocean atolls and plan accordingly. The year-round accessibility makes Akirifushi a flexible option for those working around travel schedules rather than chasing peak seasons.

📖 Guide: Diving in the Maldives: 156 Sites, Mantas & What to Know

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefShore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type D/G/J/K/L · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 49%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8490km · ~1953kg · €35

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 54/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 11h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 10h east · 7 days recovery

FAQ

Is Akirifushi good year-round?

Yes. Akirifushi is accessible throughout the year, making it a flexible choice for divers unable to time visits around specific seasons. Indian Ocean weather patterns do shift, so checking recent community reports closer to your travel dates helps.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species observations have been documented at Akirifushi. Community videos provide visual reference for actual encounters. Specific species lists aren't finalized here, so checking dive shop reports or community posts before arrival gives the clearest picture.

Do I need permits to dive Akirifushi?

Akirifushi is not within a Marine Protected Area, so standard Maldives dive entry requirements apply. Local dive operators handle regulatory compliance. Check with your operator about current entry rules for the Maldives.

What should I know about coral health?

Coral bleaching is a watch concern in Kaafu Atoll. While Akirifushi itself hasn't been flagged for acute damage, the wider region requires monitoring. Responsible diving practices—no contact, controlled buoyancy—help protect remaining coral.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

36 records · 33 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Eumalacostraca

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–41 m

Euphausiacea

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–41 m

Brachyura

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–41 m

Hyperiidea

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–41 m

Appendicularia

Appendicularia
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–54 m

Aglaura

Hydrozoa · Rhopalonematidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–41 m

Creseidae

Gastropoda · Creseidae
OBIS
Last seen:
5 Apr 2010
×1records
Depth:
0–54 m

Cypraea tigris

Gastropoda · Cypraeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Jul 1964
×2records

Conus coronatus

Gastropoda · Conidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Jul 1964
×1records

Conus emaciatus

Gastropoda · Conidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Jul 1964
×1records

Conus violaceus

Gastropoda · Conidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Jul 1964
×1records

Tonna

Gastropoda · Tonnidae
OBIS
Last seen:
20 Apr 1964
×2records
Depth:
150 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Akirifushi Caves - Jumeirah Olhahali Maldives

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wind peaks May-Jul-Oct, calmest Nov-Apr-Mar, dry Jan-Jun.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Aug (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (86/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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