Dive Shop

Maldivian Academy of Diving

Himmafushi · North Male Atoll · Maldives

Center type

Dive Shop

Gas support

Nitrox

Access type

Boat

Equipment rental

Full

from

$65

Highlights

  • Only PADI Career Development Center in the Maldives
  • Multi-award-winning dive center with PADI Platinum status
  • Daily boat trips to Banana Reef and Lankan Manta Point
  • Affordable local island experience
  • Professional-level dive training up to IDC

Services & capabilities

Boat dives
Shore dives
Night dives
Technical diving
Rebreather support
Sidemount
Freediving
Snorkeling
Underwater scooter (DPV)
House reef
Equipment servicing
Photography support
Private guides
Kids friendly
Training pool
Restaurant

About this center

The Maldives' only PADI Career Development Center on Himmafushi island, offering professional-level training and daily dive trips to North Male Atoll's premier sites.

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.

Opening Hours & Season

Open year-round

Opening hours

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Accommodation & Logistics

Pickup service
Airport transfer
Accessible facilities
Adaptive diving

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes MAD different from resort dive centers?+

MAD is located on a local inhabited island rather than a resort, offering a more authentic Maldivian experience at lower prices. It is also the country's only PADI Career Development Center for professional-level training.

What dive sites can I visit from Himmafushi?+

Daily boat trips access world-class North Male Atoll sites including Banana Reef, Lankan Manta Point, HP Reef, Okobe Thila, and many channel dives with pelagic species.

Do you offer professional courses?+

Yes, we offer the full range from Divemaster through to IDC Staff Instructor courses, making MAD the premier destination for dive professional training in the Maldives.

Operations · Dive Center

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