Maldivian Academy of Diving

The Maldivian Academy of Diving (MAD) is the Maldives' only PADI Career Development Center, located on the inhabited island of Himmafushi in North Male Atoll. Founded by Maldivian diving professionals, MAD has earned numerous accolades including PADI EMEA's Outstanding Contribution to Professional Diver Training award and Platinum Award in 2024. The center operates daily boat departures to some of the best dive sites in North Male Atoll, including Banana Reef, Lankan Manta Point, and HP Reef. Their team of multilingual instructors offers courses from Discover Scuba Diving through to IDC Staff Instructor level. Being on a local island rather than a resort, MAD provides an authentic Maldivian experience at more accessible price points. The house reef area around Himmafushi is known for reef sharks, turtles, and occasional manta ray encounters.