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Monochrome image of scuba divers exploring the depths of the ocean.
📷 Alexey Demidov · Pexels

Exit 1 and 2

3.6 — based on 21 community signals
4.2 12 species 21 contributors

Exit 1 and 2 are twin dive sites near Vilamendhoo in Alif Dhaal Atoll, offering year-round diving in the Maldives.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
BleachingRiskBoatOnlyPhotoFriendlyPelagic hotspot

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus, Blacktip reef shark

Top operators here

See all operators ↓

Map

This spot Operators POIs Airport Nearby spots
Exit 1 and 2 location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
10.6 kn
Wave
0.74 m
Water
29.2°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WSW (57%)
Now: WSW (243°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.63m

Today: High 05:00 (+0.56m), Low 10:00 (+0.39m)

+0.8 m+0.1 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.56m ▼ 10:00 · +0.39m ▲ 15:00 · +0.5m ▼ 22:00 · +0.12m Now +0.5m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV9.25 · very high Air PM2.54 · good 05:58 18:05
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 13.7 0.78 9 2mm
09-20 13.4 0.8 9 11mm
09-21 14.1 0.84 9 6mm
09-22 14.7 0.78 9 8mm
09-23 14.2 0.78 9 6mm
09-24 14.6 0.96 9 12mm
09-25 13.5 0.86 9 10mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 2.2°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Exit 1 and 2 are popular dive sites located near Vilamendhoo island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives. These twin sites draw divers year-round, making them accessible anytime you plan a trip to the region. The sites sit outside marine protected areas, giving operators flexibility in how and when they run dives. The Maldives attracts divers for its coral ecosystems and pelagic life. These sites are part of that draw, though coral bleaching is a current concern in the region. The coral health warrants attention, and divers should follow responsible practices like avoiding contact and using reef-safe sunscreen. Community videos and species observations from Exit 1 and 2 suggest decent marine life activity. With 12 recorded species observations and three community videos available online, you can get a sense of what to expect before booking. Check those resources to see recent sightings and conditions. Booking through a resort or liveaboard operator in the Alif Dhaal area is the standard way to access these sites. Most dive operations run day trips or multi-dive itineraries that include Exit 1 and 2 alongside other nearby reefs.

📖 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

Marine life

Common octopusBlacktip reef shark

Dive types

ReefBoatPelagic / blue water

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 ↔ 8548km · ~1966kg · €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

When is the best time to dive Exit 1 and 2?

These sites are divable year-round, so timing depends on your schedule rather than seasonal restrictions. The Maldives has two monsoon seasons, but southern atolls like Alif Dhaal can have varied conditions throughout the year. Check with local operators for current conditions before booking.

What depth and difficulty level are Exit 1 and 2?

Specific depth and difficulty data for these sites is not currently documented. Contact dive operators in Vilamendhoo or the Alif Dhaal area to get details on what to expect, whether sites are suitable for your certification level, and what gear to bring.

What marine life will I see?

Exit 1 and 2 have 12 recorded species observations. Community videos from the sites show what divers have encountered recently. Review those videos and observation logs online to get a realistic preview of fish, reef life, and pelagic activity at these specific sites.

How do I get permits or access these sites?

Exit 1 and 2 are not inside a marine protected area, so no special permits are required. Access is through dive operators and resorts on or near Vilamendhoo. Book through a liveaboard or day-trip operator based in Alif Dhaal Atoll to arrange your dives.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Euro-Divers

0.4 km
4.7 (160 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 26+ times this month
Hours: Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Fathu dives

2.9 km
4.9 (145 reviews) closed
Dive centre
Verified Booked 32+ times this month
Hours: Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 8:00 PM

Scuba divine

3.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

91 records · 50 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Phyllidiopsis

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Nov 2023
×2records
Depth:
14 m

Ophiomyxidae

Ophiuroidea · Ophiomyxidae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Nov 2023
×1records
Depth:
61 m

Caridea

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Nov 2023
×1records
Depth:
61 m

Ceratosoma tenue

Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Nov 2023
×1records
Depth:
61 m

Hypselodoris maculosa

Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
2 Nov 2023
×1records
Depth:
6–31 m

Goniobranchus gleniei

Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
23 Oct 2023
×2records
Depth:
6–25 m

Polynoidae

Polychaeta · Polynoidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×7records
Depth:
5–30 m

Phyllidiella rosans

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×4records
Depth:
6–32 m

Gammaridea

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×4records
Depth:
9–18 m

Ophiotrichidae

Ophiuroidea · Ophiotrichidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×4records
Depth:
3–31 m

Thuridilla

Gastropoda · Plakobranchidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×3records
Depth:
6–22 m

Aplysia nigrocincta

Gastropoda · Aplysiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Mar 2023
×2records
Depth:
6–32 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.

Maldives Deep South Diving 4K HDR - 5 reasons why you should go there

surgeonfish1
💬 3 top comments
  • The tiger shark footage is incredible. Beautiful and humbling. Thanks for sharing!

    @nateshasomasundaram1244 · 👍 1
  • Thanks for posting. Beautiful stuff.

    @dano6786 · 👍 2
  • Wow, amazing footage

    @TauchDA1 · 👍 0

The Maldives: A Luxury Diving Experience Like No Other

Global Travel Stories
💬 3 top comments
  • Really proud of my good friend Shamil (the guide)

    @f4r3y40 · 👍 1
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXFAhkqukDw

    @charlydive991 · 👍 1
  • This is the second video that I've watched of yours today! They are awesome! New subscriber here...can't wait to check out your back catalogue, and to follow where you go to next. xx

    @OWB-ml2ux · 👍 1

Exploring Paradise: 14 Days scuba diving on a Maldives Liveaboard 🦈 🤿

Steph and Burim
💬 3 top comments
  • Awesome.

    @FreedomWanderer · 👍 2
  • Brilliant video guys! Great diving tips, thanks so much for your advice and discussion on the strong currents. I'll definitely note that for when we go. Beautiful diving and a great variety of scenery too. Thanks.

    @stevenpaul5030 · 👍 2
  • I heard the coral bleaching there is bad

    @docmemphis2760 · 👍 3
wind peaks May-Oct-Aug, 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: Feb (100/100) Worst: Oct (0/100) Now: Sep (18/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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Exit 9 Maldives Diving
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Exit 9

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Exit 4 Maldives Diving
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Exit 4

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