Maldives

Dive Site: Hammerhead Point

18–24 mAdvanced Pinnacle
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Hammerhead Point?

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

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Aug – Sep & Nov – Apr (NE Monsoon)

Best visibility up to 40m, calm seas, manta rays on the eastern atolls, whale sharks in South Ari Atoll.

May – Jul & Oct (Transition)

Changing conditions, good value, mantas moving between atolls, occasional rain showers.

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 liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Horizon III

Maldives

25 guests
Ocean Divine liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Ocean Divine

Maldives

16 guests34 m
EcoPro Mariana liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

EcoPro Mariana

Maldives

16 guests30 m
Maldives Blue Force 3 liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Maldives Blue Force 3

Maldives

26 guests42 m
Amba liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Amba

Maldives

20 guests
White Pearl liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

White Pearl

Maldives

26 guests
Maldives Master liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Maldives Master

Maldives

26 guests
Adora liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Adora

Maldives

22 guests
Emperor Leo liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Emperor Leo

Maldives

24 guests35 m
Maldives Legend Zen liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Maldives Legend Zen

Maldives

24 guests41 m
Emperor Voyager liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Emperor Voyager

Maldives

20 guests30 m
Felicity liveaboard at Hammerhead Point

Felicity

Maldives

26 guests41 m

Dive sites similar to Hammerhead Point

Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

7th Heaven

Maldives

7th Heaven is a vibrant channel reef located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
10–30 m
Theme
Reef / Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abyss

Madagascar

The dive site known as "Abyss" is not specifically mentioned or described in the provided sources.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
18–50 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Addu Kandu

Maldives

Addu Kandu, also known as Addu Channel, is a significant natural waterway situated within the Addu Atoll, which is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
10–35 m
Theme
Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aldabra Atoll

Seychelles

Aldabra Atoll, a remote UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles, offers an unparalleled diving experience that transports you back to a pristine, pre-industrial marine ecosystem.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Cave & cavern / Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aldebaran Wreck

Seychelles

The Aldebaran Wreck, a 28-meter (92-foot) fishing vessel, was intentionally sunk on July 11, 2008, by the Seychelles Tourism Board to create an artificial reef.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
28–40 m
Theme
Wreck
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Alimatha Jetty, situated in the Vaavu Atoll beside the Alimatha Aquatic Resort's working pier, is celebrated as a premier night dive destination in the Maldives.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Moderate
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
2–12 m
Theme
Reef

12 liveaboards run the Hammerhead Point route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Hammerhead Point and the other signature sites in the Maldives, sleeping right above the reef.