About Hammerhead Point
Hammerhead Point is a renowned dive site located in the Rasdhoo Atoll of the Maldives, famed for its predictable encounters with hammerhead sharks. Rising from the ocean depths, this small atoll is a prime destination for divers seeking large pelagic species, including various shark types, manta rays, and schooling fish. The dive typically begins with an early morning descent to a cleaning station, a shallow seamount where hammerheads gather. Divers usually drop to around 22 to 24 meters and position themselves on a ledge to observe the sharks patrolling above at approximately 18 meters. The site is characterized by an expansive sandy bowl and a horseshoe-shaped ridge, also frequented by grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks, along with schools of eagle rays. Whiptail and marble rays, as well as garden eels, inhabit the sandy areas, while large barracuda schools add to the pelagic spectacle. While hammerhead sightings are the primary draw, marine life also includes manta rays, which can be seen at a cleaning station between November and April. Divers can watch these gentle giants as cleaner wrasse tend to them. Due to the early start times required to encounter hammerheads, often as early as 5:30 AM, this site is best suited for experienced divers who are comfortable with potential currents and the specific approach required for these unique interactions. Dawn dives are standard, with groups typically small, often capped at six divers to minimize disturbance.
Highlights
Schooling hammerhead sharksEarly morning cleaning station divesGrey reef shark encountersWhitetip shark patrolsSchools of eagle raysManta ray cleaning station
Best Season
The optimal time to dive Hammerhead Point for shark encounters is from January to March, when hammerheads are most active. However, dedicated dawn dives are offered from December through April in some areas, providing excellent visibility, typically 25–30 meters, and water temperatures around 28 °C.
Dive site facts: Hammerhead Point
- Depth
- 18–24 m
- Current
- Moderate
- Entry
- Liveaboard only
- Level
- Advanced
- Dive type
- Pinnacle, Reef
- Region / port
- Maldives
- Coordinates
- 4.3145° N, 72.9807° E
Conditions & Currents
Cleaning stations, including Hammerhead Point, can experience strong currents, which are essential for attracting pelagic species. Divers should be comfortable with these conditions, especially during dawn dives when currents can be significant. The site requires an early morning start, with boats departing as early as 5:30 AM to catch the sharks before they disperse. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 25 to 30 meters, allowing for clear views of the entire shark school. Given the depths involved, typically 22 to 24 meters, and the potential for strong currents, an Advanced Open Water certification is usually recommended for safely navigating these dives.
Why dive Hammerhead Point from a liveaboard?
Hammerhead Point is one of Maldives's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Hammerhead Point on their Maldives itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Hammerhead Point
These liveaboards may visit Hammerhead Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Horizon III
Maldives
25 guests
$204/day
Ocean Divine
Maldives
16 guests33.528 m
$287/day
EcoPro Mariana
Maldives
16 guests30 m
$236/day
Maldives Blue Force 3
Maldives
26 guests42 m
$236/day
Amba
Maldives
20 guests
$178/day
White Pearl
Maldives
26 guests
$387/day
Maldives Master
Maldives
26 guests
$207/day
Adora
Maldives
22 guests
$287/day
Emperor Leo
Maldives
24 guests35.1 m
$339/day
Maldives Legend Zen
Maldives
24 guests41 m
$316/day
Emperor Voyager
Maldives
20 guests29.9 m
$332/day
Felicity
Maldives
26 guests41 m
$229/day
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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