What's the diving like?
Water stays 27–30 °C year-round. Expect drifts, blue water, and predictable pelagic action across atolls. Channel dives with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, manta cleaning stations, seasonal whale sharks, and coral plateaus with 20–40 m visibility.
Why work here?
The Maldives is structured, professional, and resort-driven. High pay, strong safety standards, and a reliable salary come with isolated living on staff islands. Great for instructors who want volume, a tidy contract life, and don't mind isolation.
When do I apply?
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Main hiring: September–November (for November–April peak)
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Secondary: January–February (mid-season replacements)
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Large resort chains often hire 2–4 months in advance.
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Contracts are generally year-round.
What's the pay like?
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Instructors: USD $1,400–2,600 /month (base + commissions)
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Divemasters / Guides: USD $1,200–1,700 /month + tips
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Accommodation + meals: Included on the staff island
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Service charge: Varies by resort — can significantly increase monthly income
Pay depends heavily on resort tier, languages, and certification volume.
What Visa is needed?
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Legal work requires a Work Permit (Employment Visa) fully sponsored by the resort.
Resorts handle the paperwork and cover the costs.
Tourist visas cannot be used for any form of employment
Visa rules change. Always confirm with Maldives Immigration or your sponsoring resort.
What’s the industry like?
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Languages: English (essential), German and French highly requested; Chinese and Russian valued in larger resorts.
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Dive Focus: Resort diving; structured training and guiding for hotel guests
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Main Agencies: PADI dominates, SSI & RAID appear in some resorts.
The Maldives is a luxury-guest environment. Presentation, communication, and professionalism matter as much as dive skills.
Item | $USD |
|---|---|
🍺 Beer (bar) | Alcohol banned on Islands |
📱 SIM Card /month | $10-$15 |
🏠 Shared rent /month | Included |
🛵 Ferry / Local Transport (per trip) | $2-$5 |
🍜 Meals | Included |
☕ Coffee / Snack | $1-$3 |
Costs of Living (Nov 2025 avg)
Currency note: The Maldives uses the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but resort staff are normally paid in USD and spend very little locally.
What's life like at work?
Structured days: morning briefings, two boat dives, and an afternoon dive or coursework. Expect 2–3 dives per day, gear handling, tank swaps, guest photography help, and detailed briefings. High guest-service standards and resort procedures are non-negotiable.
How's life after work?
You live on a staff island. Simple rooms, communal gyms, canteens, and strict rules. Evenings mean volleyball, gym sessions, or quiet time. Days off often include staff dives, relaxation on the staff beach, or short boat trips if allowed. Life is routine, quiet, and isolated, but cost-free and water-close.
Is it for me?
Ideal for instructors and DMs who want stable contracts, strong pay, and structured resort diving. Not suitable for those seeking nightlife, freedom to explore, or independent living — resort rules and island isolation are real.
Verified local insight
Nina W. – Instructor, Maldives (Local insight verified Oct 2025)