Question Best Place for PADI Divemaster Course in Maldives? (Feb-March, Local Island & Pelagics)

[Šimon⠀]

Hey fellow divers,

I’m looking for recommendations on where to take my PADI Divemaster course in February - March. I want to stay for at least a month and would love to do it on a local island rather than a tourist-heavy resort area. Seeing some nice pelagics is definitely a priority for me!

I’d appreciate any insights on great dive centers with solid training, good vibes, and epic diving. Any suggestions based on your experience? Thanks in advance!

Thanks,
Šimon

 

[Jay_Remi]

My go to dive centre is Moddhu Bulhaa. I reckon they are the most serious and reputable dive centre in the Maldives if you wanna be a divemaster/instructor. Xoona - the course director - has trained hundreds of DMs and instructors over the years. They are based in Vilingili which is the local island that is just west of the capital (reached by ferry, soon by a bridge). Mind you, in this area, there are no "epic" dives per se (with the exception of Hulhumale harbor, where you almost systematically spot tiger sharks, bull sharks, spinners, and occasionally great hammerhead). But they don't go there all the time. You can check their instagram page if you want to dig further.