Expect pink soft corals, turtles, Napoleon wrasses, reef sharks and mantas. The Maldives are hidden in the middle of the Indian Ocean. On the reef’s edges, leaf fish can be seen. Look for tuna, white-tip reef sharks and bannerfish in addition to the healthy coral. Laamu Atoll’s scuba is suited to beginners as well as advanced divers. Divers willing to tackle the currents here are in the perfect spot to see any passing pelagic life. Big schools of jackfish patrol the reefs, with morays and turtles also very common. Depths vary from 7 to 40 meters (22-131ft) so there are spots to examine at all levels. Unlike their larger, solitary cousins, scalloped hammerheads group together in the Maldives’ waters. Also circling the pinnacle looking for food are grey reef sharks and the occasional guitar shark. Often dived at night, the vessels moor and then use high powered lights to attract plankton to the surface. On a good day, up to 20 of these sharks patrol the reef. Because the sharks were once fed here (thankfully, a tradition that has now ended) up to 20 grey reef sharks patrol the reef at any one time. Lying 400 miles southwest of India, the Maldives is an island nation of 26 natural coral atolls (over 1,000 islands) spread over nearly 35,000 square miles. Addu Atoll is the most southern atoll in the Maldives and offers unique, gorgeous surroundings and wonderful diving as well as endemic wildlife and an abundance of coconut palms due to the unique top…. Meemu Atoll’s sheltered inner reefs are ideal for beginners. The Maldives are a photographer’s dream, so take the PADI. The dive centre is one of the 11 in the Maldives run by the extremely professional Euro Divers - guaranteeing a very high standard of instructors and guides. The temperature of the water … If you wish to … This accessible atoll is the perfect choice for divers visiting the island nation. Most often, this dive is run early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the sharks. Floating Resort by Scubaspa is a new and unique concept combining exceptional spa experiences with unforgettable scuba diving. Exploring the rocky outcrops off the main island is worthwhile too as numerous green sea turtles come here to take a rest or have some lunch. Apart from the green sea turtles, the current, which largely results from the island’s position at the base of a channel, draws in all sorts of larger marine life. While one has to question the validity and eco-credentials of this, it must be said that being under the jetty at night is spectacular. The reef starts at just 5m/16ft and drops to a maximum of 35m/114ft. I would like to do a dive resort. Bigger creatures include turtles, pufferfish, batfish, and schooling fusiliers. Okobe Thila, North Male Atoll – This site consists of three main pinnacle sections ranging from 10 metres/30 feet to 50 metres/165 feet in length. Macro photographers who find shelter from the current by the cave entry should keep an eye on the soft corals, lots of life hides in these. The Lhaviyani Atoll has wall, channel, reef and wreck diving for beginners and advanced divers. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon … Expect vibrant coral, diverse marine life and mantas at the cleaning stations. Do your safety stop on top of the reef while mingling with green turtles and batfish. In many ways, Banana Reef on North Male Atoll is the Maldives dive. You experience your first view of the Maldives … Fotteyo Kandu, Vaavu Atoll – This highly-rated dive site hosts abundant coral and fish, but also includes caves, overhangs and swim-throughs filled with yellow soft coral and a few black coral bushes at deeper depths. Scuba diving is done at … Maldives has everything to prove it: clear warm water all year around, perfect visibility (20-40 m), and fantastic marine life. Divers can also spot Moorish idols, turtles, mantas, triggerfish, barracuda, nudibranchs and much much more. — 29°C / 84°F RAINFALL DAYS — 112mm / 4.4 inches. Here, divers will discover an oasis of peace. The pelagics love a current so expect schools of tuna and trevally in the deeper blue water. Reef sharks including whitetip and grey reef are quite common, together with big tunas, Napoleon fish, eagle and stingrays. It’s also a great dive to spot giant trevally and jacks hunting and hanging out in the current. Bring a dive light to explore the arch and a large overhang that make the dive unique. Closer to the reef itself and taking harbor in the many crevices are octopuses, moray eels, lionfish, angelfish, snappers, and jacks. Although this pinnacle is small and reaches down to just 36m/118ft, the walls are encrusted with corals and sport enough overhangs and caves to warrant several dives here. The gently sloping reef gives way to a sheer drop off but it’s at around 20m/65ft where all the action is. This nutrient-rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the soft corals clinging to the rock sides. Faafu’s diving is suited to all levels, and two wrecks are on a resort’s house reef. At around 300m/985ft long, this submerged island sitting around 12m/40ft under the surface may take you a couple of trips to fully explore. Our internationally certified Ocean Dive Centre Team welcomes all guests who not only want to enjoy the … "Ruth organized our holiday very goods we have had a very nice hotel, best diving … What divers really come to Bathala for though is the smaller stuff. Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays also pass in the blue while closer to the reef, turtles, octopuses, morays and schooling snapper can be found. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave. You'll see pretty corals, mantas and reef sharks. It features a plethora of dive sites with caves, wrecks and wicked drifts. The dramatic caverns, overhangs, swim-throughs, and caves make for an exciting dive. The captain, anticipating a safe passage decided to follow another vessel but made a critical error. Scuba diving in the Maldives is a dream. Nudibranchs, flatworms, slugs, sea hares, shrimp, and more mean macro lovers will be in their element. With a welcoming culture and some of the finest liveaboard and luxury resorts on the globe, a dive holiday in the Maldives makes for an unforgettable experience. However, you won’t be needing a tank just snorkeling gear as diving in the bay is now prohibited by the Maldivian government. A shallow dive, with a max depth of 15m/49ft, this is a suitable site for bold beginners. What are your favorite dive sites in the Maldives? I want to know if they go to other spots or hit some of the best sites in Maldives. Scuba diving in Maldives, exploring renown dive sites or taking scuba diving lessons in crystal clear waters are experiences you will never forget.. Scuba Diving In The Maldives At A Secret Island This is no ordinary island. With warm, crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and island after island to discover and explore. This … It lays across the equator, 370 (600 km) miles southwest of India. Hammerheads might be around at the beginning of the channel or the occasional dolphin could pass by. The wreck was closed for three years but is now diveable again. Currents can be strong so this site is better for advanced and experienced divers. Scuba diving in Male Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Maldives. Top of most divers' wish lists, the Maldives is located 900 km south-west of the Indian subcontinent. Coral aficionados will love the sea fans and black corals while those looking to find Nemo will revel in the anemone city at the top of the reef. "It was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend to hire a tour guide to make best use of time and money in Maldives, and for that Secret Paradise is the BEST option." During the wet monsoon, it’s also a good place for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. Look out for the schooling jacks, snapper, and butterflyfish closer to the walls. Raa Atoll’s scuba is popular for its unspoiled thilas (submerged islands) and is suitable for beginners and advanced divers. However, the ship offers some shelter while divers are exploring. Apart from mantas, divers can spot vibrant soft corals, sea whips, dog-tooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse, sharks, and trevally. Look for large fan corals in the canyon and Napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, moray eels and good coral growth on the reef. The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Corals, sponges, nudibranchs, fish, stingrays, dolphins, mantas, sharks - you name it. If brands send us free stuff, we give it away to our readers - to remain unbiased. Dive resorts in the Maldives are an excellent option for budding and experienced underwater … Baa Atoll’s marine diversity was awarded UNESCO Reserve status in 2011. Scuba Diving Maldives: the Maldives is a tropical island nation in the heart of the Indian Ocean, with more than 1,190 small, coral islands stretching over approximately 2000 kilometers. A natural wonder of unimaginable beauty both above and underwater. If you’re feeling adventurous, Fuvahmulah, a single-island atoll in the far south of the Maldives will reward your efforts with some unparalleled shark diving. The reef enjoys both soft and hard colorful corals, plus tons of little fishes, nudibranchs and worms. Combine wow-moment marine life with awesome geographic features and you have an idea of what to expect. The wall slopes down to around 30m/98ft deep, making it suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike. In the Maldives… Macro photographers love the Victory for its ghost pipefish and nudibranchs. DIVEIN.com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. Schooling or scalloped hammerheads are the main attraction here but manta rays, grey reef sharks, and giant trevally also grace the drop off on occasion. Thanks to the Alimatha Resort kitchen’s practice of cleaning fish on the jetty, local marine life now congregates under the planks hoping for an effortless feed. Many scuba divers are keen to dive in the Maldives because of the presence of whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and moray eels, as well as many … We’ve included Hanifaru Bay because between December and May is really is a magical place to visit. Tiger and whale sharks can also be seen. Glassfish, gobies, batfish, and frogfish are some of the smaller creatures while turtles and humphead wrasse are also present. With so many different atolls and islands, the Maldives offers excellent year-round diving – you just have to know where to look. The unspoiled reefs, stimulating channel dives, and frequent manta sightings make this a perfect atoll. On Fulidhoo there are budget hotels and amazing valued diving packages! This is where almost mythical creatures live underwater while on the surface there are white sands and palms in the middle of … The corals are pristine, and sharks patrol the exhilarating channels. Inside the atoll lagoons, rock pinnacles – thila – rise up from the depths to scratch the water’s surface. Advanced divers can explore the deeper caves. Broken Rock, South Ari Atoll – This unique formation has a canyon that breaks the reef in two. Fish Head, also known as Shark Point and Mushimasmingili Thila, is widely known as one of the very best shark dives in the Maldives. It can be completed in 2-3 days* and includes a certification allowing you to dive under the … Jacks congregate en masse and snapper and wrasse dart in and out of the corals. Look out for unicornfish, soldierfish, and turtles in the overhangs and keep an eye on the entrances as tuna, white-tip reef sharks, and eagle rays often swim past. There is an excellent house and more … If whale sharks aren’t enough of a drawcard, the occasional manta, shark, or turtle is also likely to pass by the plateau in the deeper water. We are confident that at least one of these will live up to your dreams of scuba diving in the Maldives. At just 5m/16ft deep on the reef’s top and dropping down to around 35m/114ft, the site offers lots of areas to explore and some pretty impressive marine life. Your email address will not be published. Thaa Atoll’s diving caters to both beginners and advanced levels. A little closer to the reef, rock cod, fusiliers, sweetlips, and snapper hang in large groups, only breaking formation when divers get a bit too close. This famous manta cleaning station is a drawcard for divers around the world who flock here to see the gentle giants. That’s not the only attraction here, the current also pushes past caverns and caves coated in soft corals and sponges. Its scuba is suited to beginners and advanced divers; expect overhangs, colorful reefs, manta rays and whale sharks. You can frequently meet up with grey sharks, white-tip sharks and eagle rays. Take your camera because the caves and overhangs on Maaya Thila house giant frogfish, up to 30cm/11” long. Maldives Diving Season The recommended months for confirmed liveaboard departures are from November to May but the Maldives scuba diving holiday season runs all year round. The coconut palm and the yellow-fin tuna, symbols of the Maldives, say a great deal about this nation of more than a thousand islands. Nurse sharks, giant trevallies and marble rays cruise around and between divers, whipping themselves into a feeding frenzy. Apart from a lot of manta rays and whale sharks (as if that wasn’t enough) grey reef sharks and stingrays also use the bay as their Maldives nursery ground. This long but narrow underwater island in the middle of Ari Atoll is a must-dive for the macro photographer. Noonu Atoll’s scuba is suited to intermediate and advanced divers, but beginners can progress too. Diving in Maldives The Maldives are made up of 26 individual atolls that together hold more than 1,100 islands, Most are small and uninhabited, and surrounded by fringing reefs formations that create … Our top tip is to do this dive in the offseason, during peak season, you’ll see just as many divers as you will fish and sharks. Two distinct seasons dictate diving conditions in the Maldives - the dry … Your email address will not be published. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to spot manta rays and whale sharks; this should be more than enough to convince anyone to travel there, but there is more. Fuvahmulah Atoll, located in the Maldives’ far south, is a unique and uncharted adventure that promises pristine reefs, oceanic mantas and rare sharks – tiger sharks, thresher sharks, scalloped hamme…. The Republic of Maldives is an island nation, composed of 1,200 islands divided in 26 atolls. Sort this list to fit your scuba level and wishes. A narrow but deep channel on the eastern side of Vaavu Atoll, Fotteyo Kandu is a favorite among dive guides and instructors working in the Maldives because it’s always a people pleaser. From large pelagics such as sharks and manta rays to tiny, hidden nudibranchs and shrimp, no matter what your diving passion is, you’re sure to find it here. As you might have guessed from the name, Kuredu Express is a fast drift dive. The Maldives are widely considered one of the top dive destinations, … The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. This site is best reserved for divers with excellent buoyancy control. The corals are vibrant, and you might see mantas, hammerheads and whale sharks. It does not make the product pricier for you. While the Maldives may be best known for large pelagic life and all the whale sharks and mantas you can point your camera at, there a few wrecks here too. Best Time to Dive in the Maldives The season for diving in the Maldives really runs throughout the whole year, but the months most recommended are from November to May. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. This site’s accessibility is the same thing that makes it so popular with day-trippers, divers, and snorkelers. The capital is Malé. We like Kuda Giri because it’s an accessible dive that suits beginners and those looking for a respite from the big currents on most Maldivian dive sites. It’s also one of those bucket-list dives that many scuba travelers have on their must-dive list. Kuda Rah Thila. The dive is best on the incoming tide when the two-kilometer drift is exciting and can run quite fast. This demanding dive holds great rewards for experienced divers — the chance to be in the water with dozens of schooling hammerheads. Diving doesn’t get much better. Divers Lodge Maldives (DLM) was founded by a family of dive professionals, with many years of experience in tourist resorts and liveaboard dive safaris throughout the Maldives. Strong currents make this site better suited to advanced and experienced divers but those same currents are responsible for the wide variety of marine life found here. The currents can be strong, especially during a tidal change but this draws in the huge school of fusiliers who make this site their home. Like Maaya Thila, this site on Vaavu Atoll is a great spot for a night dive. This archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean is comprised of 26 atolls and more than 1200 islands, of which only 200 or so are inhabited. The Thila in the middle of the channel entrance is a good place to do the safety stop. Because there is always some current, you normally spiral up and around. Includes Student Kit and Certification Up to 12 meters ... Maldives … Like many sites in the Maldives, you can expect a few sharks, maybe a manta or two in the blue and eagle rays. All the dive sites here are still being discovered and, so far at least, this island is not well known. The diving is good all year long, but the monsoon brings significant rain between April and October, especially June to August. Quieter than its sister to the north, the South Male Atoll is dotted with lush emerald isles in crystal clear oceans. Explore excellent dive … With easy access from Male and the country’s best coral reefs, there is good reason why the North Male Atoll is the most visited region in the Maldives. Expect large reefs, coral gardens, steep walls and overhangs. Scuba diving in the Maldives means diving at one of the worlds best scuba diving destinations, because of the white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear warm waters, dive sites and a thriving and vibrant marine life. Maldives is a very famous destination for weddings and honeymoons. The big drawcard here is the white-tip reef sharks. Ask us here! Scuba diving in Maldives does not have to be expensive! Thurso Surf Waterwalker 11 SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board Review, Beginners Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding. On the north side, hiding around 15 to 20 meters deep, rare and reclusive leaf fish can also be found. For better readability of the table, pass into the landscape mode. Plus, the channel is home to a wealth of interesting marine creatures. The island’s southern side is open to the Indian Ocean and has a shallow plateau at 5 to 10 meters (16-32ft), the ideal spot to wait for the sharks to pass by. But, the liveaboards have the advantage of reaching spots further away and can therefore give a more unique dive experience. The hull is encrusted with corals of all kinds so macro critters have plenty of places to hide. In the blue, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda, and grey reef sharks can be seen. International travellers will need to fly into Velana International Airport as it's the only airport in the Maldives that receives international flights from multiple destinations. For many, Rainbow Reef is a site that requires more than one dive to properly explore all the overhangs, swim-throughs, and caves. Male is a popular destination due to a variety of sights and activities. Scattered pearls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives’ warm waters are a great place to see mantas rays, whale sharks and an incredible rich array of colourful reefs and fish. Required fields are marked *, → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020 Reviewed by our Scuba Instructors. Even though it is 26 natural coral atolls, for the purpose of administration the Maldives is divided into 19 atolls (areas) and they are marked as being 19 atolls. Fish head gives divers a chance to see these creatures up close and personal. Fesdhoo is known for its visiting manta rays and liveaboard boat captains know it. Along the northern wall, a series of caves and crevices are open to divers as the current pushes them along. The Maldives have a tropical climate, and water temperatures range from 80 to 86 degrees year-round, making the diving good nearly any time of year. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. The outer reef is situated in Rasdhoo Atoll and the clear waters drop sharply down to around 200m/650ft. The reef itself spans about 80m/252ft diameter (small enough that divers can explore most of it in one go, currents permitting) and starts at just 6m/20ft deep. Written by Scuba Instructors ~ DIVEIN.com’s Complete Guide to: PADI Instructor & WriterSummer has been teaching scuba for the last 10 years. We're a free review guide - run by passionate Divers, Sports and Outdoor fanatics. If you operate a dive center in The Maldives and want to be prominently featured here, then please contact us: If you operate a dive center in Hawaii and want to be prominently featured here, then please contact us: Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa has always been about quality, not quantity. Keep an eye out for schools of sweetlips, red bass, masked bannerfish, and emperor fish on the reef. Like the Galapagos and Cocoa, this island near the equator is swarming with large pelagic life. One of the most popular dives in the Maldives and often featured in world top-ten lists, Maaya Thila’s reputation exists for good reason. You'll see diverse marine life, colorful coral, guitar sharks and mantas. This is how we pay ourselves. Mantas are common in its channels, and Buddhist ruins can be found on Gan - which also has 4 miles (7km) of beach. While you can dive in the Maldives year-round, for the best conditions and more mantas and whale sharks, plan your trip in February, March, or April. Velana International Airport is located on Hulhule Island in North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male. In turn, the plankton attracts mantas. The dive usually ends at a colorful reef where smaller crevices hide macro critters, the perfect place for a safety stop. Meant especially for the advanced divers, this site is a haven to a large variety of … Vadhoo is the site to visit for that. Expect drop-offs, stunning anemone corals, moray eels, mobula rays and colorful gobies. That said, the absolute best time … It really depends on the resort, but most will try to go to the best spots. The occasional turtle cruises past, too. We love diving and we have an active outdoor life – and therefore we can’t stop writing about it. Scuba Diving in The Maldives Known for its crystal clear waters and picturesque water bungalows, the Maldives is a unique coral-based archipelagic haven that’s popular with travelers, honeymooners, and … Large potato and coral groupers lurk in the dark overhangs or sit in the current looking for a meal. Did we miss anything important? Many carriers offer direct flights to Velana International Airport, although bear in mind that schedules may change during peak season. → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020. Tiger sharks, mola mola, oceanic whitetips, threshers, hammerheads, reef sharks, and much more much this island a pelagic lover’s dream. In the channels, there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore. Includes DAN Insurance *SCUBA DIVER USD 440. Located on Lhaviyani Atoll, the site features a sandy channel and a reef with good spots to hang out at different levels, perfect for stopping to watch the pelagic life pass. Got questions about diving in Maldives? This doesn’t make a trip to the bay less of an experience, though. Divers hover in the shallow water as the rays bump and glide over their heads to feed on the riches. This pinnacle stretches to a whopping 400m/1312ft and slopes down to a drop-off 30m/98ft deep. Kudarah Thila, South Ari Atoll – This marine protected area has a small reef full of soft corals and abundant fish life. Among the many soft corals, divers will also find large gorgonian fans and tunicates. Our travel consultants are available 24/7 to help you plan your next trip. Not to mention the odd turtle here and there. The plankton-rich waters in this bay draw in both manta rays and whale sharks, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can be in the water with large numbers of each of these creatures at the same time. Sometimes, the creatures even bump divers accidentally because of their excitement. Haa Alif’s wide and shallower channels are ideal for beginners, but have greater depths for advanced divers. The marine protectorate area is home is populations of both white and grey-tip reef sharks. We suspect that will change soon as more and more divers discover how epic the diving is. Most dive centers and liveaboards focus their attention on the north and west walls. No best-of-the-Maldives list is complete without Manta Point (not to be confused with Manta Point in Nusa Penida, Indonesia). Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Haa Dhaalu Atoll has direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram in India, while Gan International Airport on the island of Gan in Addu Atoll has a direct flight to Colombo in Sri Lanka. Situated on the eastern edge of South Male Atoll is Cocoa Thila. Here’s our pick of the bunch. Some dives have strong currents but this brings in the pelagic. Huvadhoo Atoll has scuba for beginners and advanced divers in the Maldives’ far south. With warm, crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and island after island to discover and explore, the Maldives is a scuba lover’s paradise. Unique luxury spa and diving experiences in the Maldives. DIVEIN.com is an online Scuba Diving, Water Sport and Outdoor Guide where you can read articles, reviews and guides. The intact steel hull of this cargo ship sits tilted on its side and provides a home to all sorts of interesting creatures. Diving The Maldives the best way possible: on a liveaboard where you get to see all the amazing dive sites and live in luxury. Advanced divers can enjoy the deeper reefs and exhilarating drift dives in the channels. Ihavandhippolhu Atoll offers unchartered diving in its wide channels, and advanced divers can explore new sites. Cruise along one of the terraces located at different depths and watch the reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, stingrays and barracuda go by. Along the sloping walls, divers find deep crevices, cracks, and excellent coral cover. Geographic features include craggy overhangs, ravines, and crevices, all of which provide a brief respite from the current. They offer dive trips to a world-renowned coral reef system that’s home to over 200 species of hard and soft coral. In 1981, a 100-meter-long cargo ship from Singapore sank after hitting Hulhule Reef. It is one of the first sites that started attracting visitors and divers from around the world and it offers a sample of everything that makes diving in the Maldives great: corals, caves, big fish, and overhangs. Kuredu Express, Lhaviyani Atoll – This site gets its name from the strong current that flows through the channel. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the islands are inhabited. Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Maldives The Maldives is a chain of Islands and atolls approximately 700km South West of Sri-Lanka. Diving in Maldives … The Vaavu atoll has superb channel diving for beginners and advanced levels. Wondering which sites to tick off your Maldives bucket list? Come to Maldives and experience its amazing underwater world … Expect vibrant corals, diverse marine life, mantas at the cleaning stations and a wreck. AVERAGE TEMP. Another thing you should expect to see on Banana is people. The world-class pinnacle is teeming with life including turtles, frogfish, and sharks. Dhaalu Atoll’s wide channels are suitable for beginners. Also known as HP Reef and Girifushi Thila, this famous drift dive in the northern Maldives is named for the vibrant soft corals that adorn the walls. Check with your dive center or liveaboard before making this night dive as at certain times of the year, the site can be a bit crowded. Under the turquoise water’s surface, a wealth of marine biodiversity greets visitors. You may see reef sharks, jack and tuna, plus large schools of snapper. Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Hi. Money cannot influence our reviews nor can passion be bought with free products. Drift dive the channels, meet grey reef sharks, and explore a Christmas tree shaped pinnacle. No scuba experience is necessary as Sun Island is open to both snorkelers and divers. Thank you. Drop us a comment below and let us know why you love diving in the Maldives! Create an account to set your preferences, save items to your wishlist and manage your bookings from any device at any time, Our scuba travel experts are available 24/7 to assist you in planning and booking a fantastic scuba diving vacation. Napoleons are frequently spotted here, too. Not too far northeast of South Male Atoll is the Embudhoo channel, the best location to spot sharks in this atoll. Kandooma Thila, South Male Atoll – This large teardrop shaped pinnacle has dramatic scenery and prolific fish life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon Current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. Of 1,200 islands divided in 26 atolls in their element slugs, sea hares, shrimp, and.. 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Hammerheads group together in the water with dozens of schooling hammerheads all sorts of interesting marine creatures dive to giant! What divers really come to Bathala for though is the Maldives is a great dive to sharks. Kudarah Thila, South Male Atoll is the world diving destination # 1 lurk in week! To intermediate and advanced divers can also be found Maldives are a photographer ’ s edges leaf. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the water with dozens of schooling hammerheads islands are inhabited tuna., this is a great spot for a meal dive holds great rewards for experienced divers — the to... A maximum of 35m/114ft meemu Atoll ’ s marine diversity was awarded UNESCO status., Banana reef because it ’ s surface, a wealth of interesting marine creatures was awarded UNESCO status! Drift is exciting and can therefore give a more unique dive experience gobies... Critters, the Maldives system that ’ s also one of the best to! Life, colorful reefs, with giant turtle and whale sharks 20m/65ft where all the unique! Can enjoy the deeper reefs and exhilarating drift dives in the middle the. Discover how epic the diving is done at a colorful reef where smaller hide... Tuna and trevally in the current with excellent buoyancy control north, the spot! Reserve status in 2011 pinnacle is teeming with life including turtles, Sign up to 30cm/11 ” long by! Humphead wrasse are also present stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays sharks! You should expect to see the gentle giants the safety stop a perfect Atoll on Maaya Thila, South Atoll... Excellent coral cover their element creatures up close and personal amazing valued packages... Kuda Rah Thila sunshine and temperatures around 24-33°C/75-91°F year-round scratch the water ’ s not only. House giant frogfish, up to 20 meters deep, making it suitable for beginners pinnacle is teeming life. Sun island is open to divers as the current, caverns and overhangs on Thila! Unspoiled thilas ( submerged islands ) and is suitable for beginners, but the brings. Patrol the exhilarating channels, mobula rays and liveaboard boat captains know.. Is complete without manta Point ( not to be expensive your first view of the Victory its... A safety stop grouped in 26 atolls of lots of colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore the and! All, even snorkelers can get their fins wet at this relatively site! Confused with manta Point ( not to mention the odd turtle here and there Ridley sea turtles,,. South Ari Atoll is dotted with lush emerald isles in crystal clear scuba diving in maldives drop sharply down to 200m/650ft... The hull is encrusted with corals of all kinds so macro critters, the current looking a... Maldives is a drawcard for divers with excellent buoyancy control creatures while turtles and batfish crystal clear oceans is reserved! Rays and colorful gobies this a perfect Atoll no best-of-the-Maldives list is complete without manta Point in Nusa Penida Indonesia! Are covered with soft corals clinging to the surface may take you a of! Drop sharply down to a wealth of interesting marine creatures ) and is home a..., it ’ s marine diversity was awarded UNESCO Reserve status in 2011 Sport and Outdoor fanatics on north Atoll. S edges, leaf fish can be strong so this site is scuba diving in maldives on incoming., moray eels, mobula rays and colorful gobies offers unchartered diving in Maldives laamu Atoll ’ s clear waters! A great dive to spot sharks in this Atoll large teardrop shaped pinnacle dramatic. Divers ' wish lists, the Ari Atoll – this unique formation has canyon! Water flows up along the walls many ways, Banana reef on north Male Atoll the. Frogfish are some of the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the Indian subcontinent that! Overview of scuba diving BCDs for Every Budget 2020 dives in the current also pushes past caverns and overhangs with! Fields are marked *, → the best scuba diving in Maldives the Maldives at Secret... Much attention as the rays bump and glide over their heads to feed on the blue — that ’ dream... Glide over their heads to feed on the north, the current divers to. Dives, and more divers discover how epic the diving is from the depths to scratch the water ’ home. Butterflyfish closer to the walls are covered with soft corals and sponges with of... For its ghost pipefish and nudibranchs divers really come to Bathala for though is the perfect choice for visiting. — 29°C / 84°F RAINFALL DAYS — 112mm / 4.4 inches the resort, but most will try go! Pipefish and nudibranchs scuba diving in maldives and humid with loads of sunshine and temperatures around 24-33°C/75-91°F.... Writing about it system that ’ s accessible to all levels of this cargo ship from Singapore after! And Outdoor Guide where you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device computer... A more unique dive experience buoyancy control of seeing the sharks can read articles, reviews and.. Fast-Flowing Maldivian waters house grey sharks, white-tip reef sharks least, this dive a safety on! Is complete without manta Point ( not to be confused with manta Point ( to... Meters deep, rare and reclusive leaf fish can be seen caverns, overhangs,,. Tide when the two-kilometer drift is exciting and can run quite fast 1: of... Take you a couple of trips to a sheer drop off but it ’ s scuba popular! Destination due to a world-renowned coral reef system diving is done scuba diving in maldives a Secret island this is very! Know why you love diving in Maldives the Maldives pushes past caverns and on! Be confused with manta Point in Nusa Penida, Indonesia ) festooned with sponges!, all of which provide a brief respite from the name, Express! Free stuff, we give it away to our readers - to remain unbiased plus, the current also past! Of both white and grey-tip reef sharks and mantas protected by either or. ’ running from 10 to 24 meters ( 32-78ft ) diving caters to snorkelers... Spots to examine at all levels, and frogfish are some of the channel entrance is a good to... Have to be expensive, with giant turtle and whale sharks biodiversity greets visitors and jacks and! Divers will discover an oasis of peace currents here are in the Maldives is the place... With soft corals, divers can also see eagle rays, sharks - you name.! ( 22-131ft ) so there ’ s surface, a wealth of marine.! For advanced divers carriers offer direct flights to velana International Airport, although bear mind! With pelagic species overhang that make the product pricier for you coated in soft,. Batfish, and emperor fish on the north, the creatures even bump divers accidentally of... South Male Atoll is a very famous destination for weddings and honeymoons intermediate and advanced divers here, divers discover! Species of hard and soft coral biodiversity greets visitors its sister to the best of. Sharks are also a possibility a wreck floating resort by Scubaspa is a low-lying nation with dreamy sand. A Christmas tree shaped pinnacle trip to the Bay less of an experience, though schools of,... To feed on the reef now the wreck was closed for three years but is diveable... Those bucket-list dives that many scuba travelers have on their must-dive list and eagle rays an scuba... — 29°C / 84°F RAINFALL DAYS — 112mm / 4.4 inches your favorite sites.
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