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
Season calendar
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
Maldives

Ocean Divine
Maldives

EcoPro Mariana
Maldives

Maldives Blue Force 3
Maldives

Amba
Maldives

White Pearl
Maldives

Maldives Master
Maldives

Adora
Maldives

Emperor Leo
Maldives

Maldives Legend Zen
Maldives

Emperor Voyager
Maldives

Felicity
Maldives
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