Sandbank
Divers can expect to encounter magnificent grey reef sharks, schools of tuna, snappers, jack fish, and barracudas. Stingrays, eagle rays, and mantas also frequent the area, often passing by or circling the numerous cleaning stations. If you explore the reef's overhangs, you may even spot lobsters and large groupers.
The dive site is conveniently located just outside the atoll, offering a quick 1 hour and 15-minute journey from Dhidhdhoo Island. It is highly recommended for divers of all levels. As you descend into the crystal-clear waters, you'll be greeted by an underwater paradise teeming with vibrant marine life.
Remember to capture unforgettable moments through your underwater photography to cherish the beauty of this incredible dive site in the Maldives.
Diving Conditions Score for Sandbank
Good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Sandbank
Depth
19m
Visibility
18m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Sandbank
Wave Height
0.76m
Wind Speed
17.3 m/s
Water Temp
29.2°C
Visibility
41.46km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
6.3s
Air Temperature
28.8°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Sandbank
Best time to dive: 13:00 with score 7.658899737532809/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.76m, Wind 18.5 m/s.Best night dive time: 5:00 with score 7.194039153439153/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Sandbank are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 7.7/10
Waves: 0.76m (6.35s), Wind: 18.5 m/s
Score: 7.2/10
Waves: 0.8m, Wind: 17.1 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for SandbankAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Sandbank
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Sandbank
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Sandbank
Ideal Conditions for Sandbank
Water Temp
26.9°C / 80.4°F
July
Visibility
13.6m / 44.6ft
November
Wave Height
1.6m / 5.2ft
March
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Sandbank
Sandbank shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with May being the warmest month (27.8°C) and December the coldest (23.1°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in March with average wave heights of 1.6m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in March with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during March to May, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 18, 2026