Hi Carol
I've taken two dive holidays in Ari Atoll in November and although it is not quite high season it was great. There was a bit of overcast sometimes, but generally no showers and when so only very short ones. The visibility for diving was good and generally around 15 meters. This seems to be the manta migrating in this season, and if you are lucky youll see a few.
My favourite dive spot "maayafushi tila" should be within reach of the Hilton. There are so many huge schools of fish you don't know where took look. The macro environment is gorgeous and packed with colours, plus there are a few huge fans. You've also have sharks, turtles, eels, octopus and generally speaking fish everywhere you look. Another thing I like about the spot it that the top of the tila a.k.a. brombie or pinnacle is roughly 5 or 6 meters so you can stay there and watch the octopus and small fish while doing your safety stop.
Other popular dive spots in the area are "coral gardens" and "fish head", Ellaidhoo house reef, as well as a few wrecks.
In any case, I dont think you can go wrong if you stay at the Hilton. Its one of the best hotel islands in the Maldives, if not the best. The rooms are gorgeous, the food is apparently fantastic and the dive centre is run by sub aqua and so it should be top notch. Ive booked my dive holiday with sub aqua before and have nothing but praise for them. They are very professional and give great service.
Have a great holiday :tree:
Sylvie
