Diving
So why Diving in the Maldives?
The isolation of the Maldives from other landmasses makes it a great place of a variety of marine species to breed. Besides, the seasonal oceanic currents passing through the country have created new channels from the ocean to the different atolls. The channels, known in Dhivehi as Kandu, support a highly rich marine ecosystem.
Diving is all about spotting exotic underwater flora and fauna and makes the islands of Maldives an amazing region for diving. It boasts some of the most beautiful coral reefs inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life; there really is another whole world ‘under the sea’.
When you Scuba dive in Maldives you can see fascinating fish species like Tuna, Jacks, Butterfly fish, Wahoo, Dogtooth Tuna, Trevally’s, and rare species such as the giant Napoleon Wrasse. Apart from this, you can also get a glimpse of larger aquatic animals like sharks, whalesharks and rays, with very rare spotting of dugongs. Whale sharks and mantas can be seen during the fall season and late summer season.
Boat Diving
In the Maldives, the dive centers are quite experienced at managing divers with different abilities. Nearly all the islands have dive agencies that offer different types of diving programs, so all you need to do is just pay for a boat ride to the reef of your choice and dive from the boat. You pay and dive, as many times you want depending on your budget.
House Reef Diving
This is a very popular form of diving in the reef of the islands. These diving excavations are generally unguided and most of the dive centers offer a minimum of some 40 logged dives to make the most out of the pack. The dive centers generally provide you with every detail about the safe dive points, the present currents and the entry and exit points. They also provide you with a diving kit.
The most popular diving spots in the Maldives
Among the roughly 1200 islands of the Republic of Maldives, some of the most popular diving sites are:
Cocoa Corner: Located near Guraidhoo, if you get the right condition and current, you may get at the top and see the best shark show in the entire Malé Atoll. Cocoa Corner is in fact a very popular Maldives diving spot.
Kandooma Thila: Kandooma Thila, also near Guraidhoo, is in the shape of a teardrop and it is one of the best dive spots in South Malé Atoll. It houses a spectacular fish life and witnesses strong currents.
Broken Rock: Broken Rock is the South Ari Atoll don’t-miss dive location. This ‘Thila’ or vaulting rock has a two-meter wide canyon that divides it into two parts.
Banana Reef: This is perhaps the first dive spot to be discovered in the Maldives and is in the shape of a banana in the northeastern side with gutters and caves.
Gangehi Kandu: It is one of the longest channels in the Ari Atoll with a drift dive of over 2.5 km form the entrance of the channel to the other end.
Other popular dive spots in the country include the famous Fish Head, HP Reef, Fotteyo Kandu, Kuda Haa and Maldives Victory Wreck among others. The most popular diving sites in Maldives are the Ari and Baa Atoll and the surrounding islands. The more enthusiastic divers can opt for more secluded places like Felidhoo and Guraidhoo which require a bit of travelling and arrangements. On the other hand, Hanifaru Bay is famous for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.
Getting to know the best diving spots in Male area
Some of the Maldives diving is done by holidaymakers from liveaboards in which you let the flow of the sea take you along to whichever destination that comes up first. The diving sites in the country are perfect for all experience levels – provided you choose the right spot. Some of the Marine Protected Areas are a delight to dive. Guraidhoo Island has a dive school so you can start as a beginner or arrange advanced dives if you’re more experienced.
Also, if you really want to find out about diving in the area then chat with the local young divers and dive instructors. Some of them also work in the souvenir shops on the island and will be quite willing to point you in the right direction, and more.
The best season to dive in the Maldives
Diving in the Maldives can be done almost throughout the year barring the wet season from May to August when restrictions of some popular dive sites are imposed due to poor visibility. However, April, May and June are the hottest months and planktons bloom in large quantities inviting whale sharks and manta rays, specifically in undersea coves on their migration paths. The season from December to March is ideal for perfect underwater visibility.
Maldives Dive Travel
Fasfinn Travel Group recommends MaldivesDiveTravel.com as the best way to dive the Maldives. You can choose from diverse selection of scuba diving liveaboard safari ships. With over 20 years of experience in scuba diving in the Maldives and unrivalled expertise, they offer a wide range of scuba diving holidays on liveaboards to suit every taste and budget. You can explore the atolls and enjoy your Maldives vacation with our selection of great value holidays.
All liveaboards are checked regularly with stringent regulations to ensure the highest level of service and safety. Maldives Dive Travel guarantees unforgettable Maldives holidays at lowest prices!
Whatever type or level of diving you fancy, our Guest houses are the perfect base to set up shop, drop your luggage and hire a guide and equipment to take you to the popular fishing spots.
Staying in our guest house means you can even hire a local guide to show you the more remote diving areas where the large resort groups avoid due to logistical difficulties. Knowing the right spots will give you an edge on your diving trip with more chances swim with your new marine friends. Ask us about diving when you make your booking!