If there’s one place that feels like a diver’s dream come to life, it’s the Maldives. The South Ari Atoll is world-famous for its stunning reefs, thriving marine life, and, of course, its year-round whale shark encounters. So when I had the chance to visit Nova Resort and explore the surrounding waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), I knew I was in for something special.
A Stay Above the Ocean
From the moment I arrived at Nova, it was clear this was more than just a dive trip — it was an experience. My overwater villa, with a panoramic sunset view, felt like something out of a movie. I could literally watch reef sharks cruise through the shallows beneath my deck, a reminder that the adventure started the second I stepped onto the island.
Nova’s dive center team welcomed me like an old friend. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, they make sure every guest is comfortable and ready for the dives ahead.
Diving in South Ari: A Marine Wonderland
The diving in South Ari is as spectacular as you’d imagine. This region is home to some of the Maldives’ most celebrated sites, including Kandooma Thila — a reef teeming with marine life. But the real highlight? The whale sharks.
The South Ari Marine Protected Area is one of the only places on Earth where you can see these gentle giants all year long. That doesn’t mean they’re easy to find, though. The dive center runs regular trips in search of them, and while patience is key, the reward is unforgettable.
During my stay, I saw three individual whale sharks — including a massive 8-meter-long (26-foot-long) female. Most of the sharks here are juvenile males, averaging around 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 meters), but every sighting is a moment of awe. Seeing them glide effortlessly through the blue is something I’ll never forget.
Beyond the Whale Sharks
Nova’s dive center also offers manta ray and turtle excursions, but you don’t even need to leave the island to see incredible marine life. The house reef quickly became one of my all-time favorites.
It’s common to see blacktip reef sharks and nurse sharks in the Maldives’ shallows, but here, I had a completely unexpected encounter — swimming alongside whitetip reef sharks in just waist-deep water. On one of my evening swims, I circled the entire island, a journey that took nearly three hours. Just as I was about to head back, a pygmy mobula ray emerged from the deep, giving me an incredible close-up encounter before disappearing into the reef.
A Wreck Dive to Remember
One of the most unforgettable dives of my trip was a night dive at the Kudima Wreck. This 52-meter-long (170-foot-long) ship was purposely sunk in 1998 and has since transformed into a thriving artificial reef.
Descending into the darkness, the wreck came alive under my torchlight. Schools of snapper darted through the shadows while lionfish hovered near the structure, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. I spotted large pufferfish tucked into crevices and parrotfish resting in the nooks of the ship, their colors muted in the dim light. Night diving on a wreck adds an entirely new layer of mystery and excitement — it’s an experience every diver should have at least once.
Final Thoughts
From world-class diving to warm hospitality, Nova Resort exceeded every expectation. The combination of luxury, adventure, and unbeatable marine life makes this an unforgettable destination for any diver.
In just one week, I encountered whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, mobula rays, and more. The Maldives delivers on its reputation, offering some of the best diving on the planet. If you’re looking for a trip that combines breathtaking underwater experiences with a true island escape, Nova should be at the top of your list.
Seek adventure. Save the ocean. And if you get the chance, dive the Maldives — you won’t regret it.
This blog was written by PADI AmbassaDiver Giosue Reale. The 23-year-old has been in love with the ocean for as long as he can remember. He started his scuba diving journey at age 11, and now lives, snorkels, dives and teaches watersports year-round in East Sussex, United Kingdom. He is a Divemaster who travels the world filming shark species to underline the beauty and importance of this keystone species.