Rasdhoo

Rasdhoo sits in a small atoll of its own just north of Ari, and its reputation among divers rests on Madivaru, an outer corner where the reef drops into deep water and scalloped hammerhead sharks come up at dawn, a dive done in the dark and often in current. The island itself is small with a village, a bikini beach and guesthouses, and manta and whale shark trips run south into Ari from here.

What you actually see

• The hammerhead dive - the dawn descent at Madivaru into deep water.
• The atoll edge - the drop from the reef into open ocean.
• The bikini beach - the visitor stretch on the island.
• The Ari trips - the boats running south for mantas and whale sharks.

When to go

November to April is the dry season and best for diving. Hammerhead sightings are best at dawn and never guaranteed. Ferries run on limited days.

Honest expectations

The hammerhead dive is deep, dark and often in strong current; it is for experienced divers only and sightings are unreliable. Local island rules apply. The island is very small.

Nearby

Ukulhas is south, and Thoddoo is northeast.