SSI Basic Diver in North Male Atoll - Price, Duration & Booking

Course overview

The SSI Basic Diver programme is a guided introduction to scuba in north-male-atoll for those who want more than a single try-dive but a shorter commitment than full certification. You learn fundamental skills in calm lagoons and dive the atoll's gentle house reefs to 12 metres under direct professional supervision.

What you’ll learn

Breathe comfortably and move underwater on scuba
Perform essential safety skills such as mask and regulator clearing
Equalise and descend in control over the reef
Hold basic buoyancy and trim
Communicate with standard underwater signals
Dive to 12 metres with a professional

Prerequisites

Minimum age 10
Comfortable in water and able to swim
No prior diving experience or certification required
Completion of a diver medical questionnaire; physician sign-off if any condition applies

What's included · What's not

Included

Introductory theory via MySSI digital learning
Confined-water skill session in a sheltered lagoon
Guided open-water dives on the atoll's house reefs
Full rental scuba equipment
Briefing and supervision by a dive professional
SSI Basic Diver recognition/certification record

Not included

Flights and airport transfers
Accommodation
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Gratuities

The SSI Basic Diver pathway

SSI Basic Diver is a recognition rating that introduces the core skills of scuba within the MySSI system. It credits toward the full SSI Open Water Diver certification when you continue.

Where you'll dive in North Male Atoll

Training takes place in north-male-atoll's protected lagoons and on the shallow house reefs fringing the resort islands, a short transfer from Malé. The diving season peaks from November to April, when visibility is best across the atoll's channels and reefs. Water stays warm at 27-30°C year-round, with moderate currents on the channel sites.

Prefer a different certifying agency?PADI Basic Diver in North Male Atoll →

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

        High chance
        Moderate
        Low
      

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Pre-dive theory

Complete the knowledge development and dive-planning material before the in-water sessions, online or at the dive base.
Day2

Skills introduction

Learn fundamental scuba skills in a calm lagoon with your instructor.
Day3

Guided reef dives

Apply your skills on supervised house-reef dives to 12 metres among turtles and reef fish.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to North Male Atoll.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a full certification?

It is an entry-level recognition that lets you dive to 12 metres with a professional. You can upgrade to full Open Water Diver to dive with just a buddy.

Do I need to swim?

You should be comfortable in the water; basic swimming ability is expected but no diving experience is required.

How deep will I go?

Dives are limited to 12 metres under direct professional supervision.

Can I count this toward Open Water?

Yes. The skills and dives credit toward continuing to the full Open Water Diver certification.

When is the best time to dive North Male Atoll?

Peak season is Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec, clearest visibility, calmest seas. Shoulder (May, Oct) is still good with fewer crowds.

Do Indians need a visa for Maldives?

Visa on arrival. Confirm latest requirements before booking flights.

How long is the flight from India?

3-4 hours · one-way fares around ₹12K-22K.

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