Diving Maldives Islands

The Maldive Dive Destinations

Although the Maldives are known the world over for the stunning beaches and azure waters that typify the tropical idyll, its life beneath the water's surface is becoming ever more respected by divers in the know. The Maldive Islands have some excellent coral reefs, but it's the abundance of fish life throughout the country that sets it apart from other dive destinations.

Most diving in the Maldives is drift dives from liveaboards where you allow the current to move you along. Due to the myriad channels and passages between the atolls, the currents sweep and play throughout the island chain so that nutrients are always on the move. This accounts for the vast numbers of fish enjoying the passing feast and you can expect to see Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks and sweetlips in every site where the water flows.

In the Maldive channels, you can explore the caves, caverns and overhangs where soft corals proliferate, and there is a riot of colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans all profiting from the nutrient-rich water. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species.

Inside the atoll lagoons of the Maldives you often find pinnacles of rock vaulting up almost to the surface. They are known locally as 'Thilas' and are often bejewelled with sessile life forms. These formations bring water up from the ocean floor against their walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals that cling to its sides as well as creating an environment that supports a plethora of crustaceans and schools of resident fish.

Slightly removed from the reefs, you are likely to spot the pelagics that frequent the Maldives, including manta rays and eagle rays and a variety of sharks including the mighty whale shark. Wherever you look there is likely to be something of interest going on and for many it is in the shallows where the best of the action takes place. Here the clear water, brightly illuminated by the sun's rays and playing host to great numbers of fish, provides an ideal environment both for photographers and divers alike.

During the El Niño of 1998 some shallower areas of the coral reefs were adversely affected by bleaching. However the accepted view is that while the reefs are returning to their former colourful glory, the marine life of the Maldives Islands has never dwindled and indeed many believe it has increased in numbers over the past few decades.

Highlights

Ari Atoll - Although there are many sites in the Maldivian islands where you can encounter pelagics and big schools of fish, Ari Atoll is the place with the greatest reliability. Passing big fish such as whale sharks, mantas, hammerheads and eagle rays are frequently seen, as well as large residents like the Napoleon wrasse, grey reef and white tip sharks, and large schools of blacktail barracuda and batfish.

Vaavu Atoll, in the Southern Atolls, features deep channels with nutrient-rich, fast-flowing currents. At any time of year you will be treated to encounters with several different shark species including the occasional hammerhead. The area boasts Fotteyo Kandu - considered by many to be the best dive site in the Maldives with its swim-throughs, caves and overhangs. As well as plenty of sharks you can expect to see tuna, barracuda, jacks, snappers, triggerfish, eagle rays and potato grouper.

North Male Atoll - This area was one of the first to be discovered for its scuba diving delights and comprises some of the oldest and most popular dive sites in the Maldive Islands including Gaathugiri, also known as Banana Reef. You can expect breathtaking topography with magnificent rock faces, numerous caves, steep drop offs and precipitous overhangs. The marine life is just as awesome with sharks, manta rays, barracudas, trevally, black snappers, grouper, schooling bannerfish, large morays, squirrelfish, soldierfish and Maldivian grubfish.

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How to Dive Maldives

Since the islands are scattered over a large area, and some of the best diving is found inside and outside the atolls' lagoons and in the channels in between, the best way to see the region is by liveaboard.

Some resorts have good dive sites nearby, but if you wish for the greatest diversity and a variety of sites, the liveaboard is King. Read on for details of the dive sites you can explore from our Maldives liveaboards.

Note that Maldives diving cruises are very popular and you need to plan ahead to make sure you get the trip you want. We recommend that you book at least 6 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Many boats become fully booked many months prior to the departure date and last minute availability is almost unheard of.

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Diving Season

The Maldives scuba diving runs all year round, but the recommended months for confirmed liveaboard departures are from November to May. If you wish to come outside of these months then it may be more difficult to find a departure date that suits you.

April, May and June are the hottest months of the year and, due to plankton blooming, see manta rays and whale sharks. These months are popular with divers seeking the large pelagics. December to March normally enjoys the best visibility.

The Maldive Islands have a wet season between May and August, which reduces visibility and may restrict the number of accessible dive sites due to poorer surface conditions. This is less of a concern for liveaboards that can vary their itineraries to cover only those sites enjoying the best dive conditions.

Reef Summary

Good for: Large animals, underwater photography, value-for-money, drift dives, beginner and advanced divers
Not so good for: Non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Generally calm but can be choppy
Water temperature: 27°C in February and July, to 30°C in April, May and September
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: >200
Access: Maldives liveaboard diving
Recommended length of stay: 1 - 3 weeks

All about the Atolls

More detailed information on the Maldives dive sites:

• Maldive tourist information

View a map of:
• The Maldives

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