Maldives Scuba Diving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in the Maldives?
Air temperatures remain reasonably constant throughout the year averaging around 29°C. Water temperatures range from 28 to 30°C. It is warm all year round, however the driest months are usually between late December and April. When rain does fall, it tends to be a sudden 10-15 minute shower.
When is the peak season for tourism?
November to April is generally considered the peak season. Low season sees much fewer tourists but often the scuba diving conditions are still very good. Many Maldives liveaboards divide the year into 3 or more seasons and prices vary accordingly.
Do I need a visa to visit Maldives?
You do not require a visa prior to arrival in the Maldives since all tourists are granted free 30 day visa upon arrival. However, you will need a valid passport and if the expiry date falls within 30 days of arrival, you cannot extend your stay beyond the passport expiry date.
What are the languages spoken?
Dhiveli is the national language, but English is used widely in commerce and education. Also, many people working in the tourism industry are competent in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.
What currencies are used?
The national currency is Rufiyaa (MRF). Many tourism related business accept payments via credit card and in most hard cash currencies, particularly US dollars, and many tourists never even witness a Rufiyaa note during their stay.
What credit cards are accepted?
America Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card are generally accepted.
What about scuba diving in the Maldives, is it any good?
Reef life is prolific, with over 700 common fish species and many more still to be discovered and classified. Diversity on the reef is one of the strong points of diving in the Maldives with invertebrate species believed to be in their tens of thousands.
Coral coverage, following bleaching events like El Niňo and to a lesser extent the Asian Tsunami, have taken their toll and there are better places in the world for vibrant coral reefs. However they are recovering and in some areas can be described as excellent. Because much of the diving is in channels and pinnacles you should not expect to see vast hard coral fields anyway, rather rich walls, overhangs, caves and swimthroughs.
Why are the Maldive Islands called "The Last Paradise”?
The Maldives and its vast chain of tiny islands have long been referred to as a tropical paradise. Due to the remoteness from other nations and the fact that no island, except for the capital Male is built up means that a trip around the Maldives is a cruise from one tiny low-lying tropical island to the next. This means it is like no other destination on earth and deserves its paradise title.
What is the best way to dive the Maldives?
Liveaboards are without doubt the best way to scuba dive the Maldives. A resort stay means staying on a small island and diving around it. On some islands this can mean good quality, if a little limited, diving. A Maldives liveaboard gives you the freedom to move from one area of great diving to the next.
This allows you to experience the Maldives' full range of dive sites and topographies as well as exposing you to an overview of its diverse marine life. In addition, you get to see much more of the country and feel like you have really explored more than the route from your bungalow to the bar and back.
Where is the best diving in the Maldives?
Everyone's preference is different so it is impossible to say. Most liveaboards will do a route that takes in all or some of North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll and Ari Atoll. These routes take in some of the Maldives best loved sights to showcase pinnacles, channels, wrecks and marine life such as sharks, mantas and whale sharks.
Some liveaboards go to the Northern Atolls where you may be on the only liveaboard you see in the water during your entire trip. If you like to get away from the crowds and go to some of the more remote and no-less-rewarding dive sites the country has to offer, then the Northern Atolls could be for you.
Some options require an internal flight. Is that not an additional hassle?
Most liveaboards depart from Male close to where your flight comes in. Liveaboards to the Northern Atolls require an internal flight but it many ways this is a bonus. The Maldives has the world's largest fleet of seaplanes and the smooth running of the organisation is impressive. Any flight over the Maldives is a glorious way to see the country and the sky is the best place for that.
You cruise, at reasonably low altitude, over one gorgeous island after another and it may well prove to be a significant memory of your holiday. There are also many benefits to being on a cruise far from where all the other Maldives boats are, so consider the flight not only an important element in seeking pristine, quiet reefs but also a fun way to get there.
Can you arrange my accommodation in the Maldives?
Our affiliated hotel reservation agents Agoda.com have a variety of accommodations throughout the Maldives. Browse the choices on their website, use their live chat to ask your questions, and then simply use your credit card to make your reservation.
From top-of-the range international beach resorts to cheaper hotels, there's something to suit everyone's taste and needs. And you can be sure that whatever option you go for, it will be backed up with their 'Low Price Guarantee', so you will always get top-dollar value for money.
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