- Address: Banana Reef, North Male Atoll, Maldives
In the Maldives there are many places where everyone will find something special and interesting. Of course, the main pleasure that can be obtained here is a wonderful dive into the magical underwater world. One of the most famous places for diving, which is the pride of the inhabitants of the Maldives - is a banana reef.
general information
The banana reef is considered the place where diving originated, and the first marine reserve of the Maldives. Despite the presence of other resorts , the reef remains very popular and in demand. It has a clear curved shape, very reminiscent of a banana, and therefore received the name. This natural landmark is located from Male airport, just 12 km away.
Dream of a diver
Every year, thousands of diving enthusiasts from all over the world visit the banana reef, and the pristine nature remains untouched thanks to the relevant laws of the Maldives . It should be taken into account that diving to a banana reef is suitable only for divers with experience: its waters have a fast flow and can be checked for durability if deep immersed. The seabed can be considered at a depth of 5 to 30 m, a little further from the reef there are areas deeper. In addition to beautiful coral and fish, at a depth of 15 to 22 m there are many caves that attract divers. Deepening in them requires a high degree of skill, because very often the banana reef is visited by real diving aces.
Wealth of the underwater kingdom
Reef for the Maldives is a common occurrence. All islands of the archipelago have a coral origin, because they have long been a home for bright and colorful fish. People who come here are attracted by the opportunity to view everything near, because the local inhabitants are not at all afraid and do not react to people, as they have long been accustomed to them. Here's who you can see on the banana reef:
- Clown fish, butterfly fish, lobsters, sea urchins;
- moray eels, manti - giant rays, sharks, turtles, lepherines;
- groupers, Napoleon fish, pufferfish, parrot fish, barracudas and blue-and-striped bass;
- striped fusilier, moon and blue fusilier.
The banana reef can be dived from both sides, and it is interesting that because of the difference in the direction of the water flow, the inhabitants there are completely different. In addition to the diversity of fish, the reef is still a real storehouse of corals. They have very fancy shapes and colors. Here you can see green corals resembling bushes, yellow and red corals the size of a soccer ball.
Relief
The western part of the reef resembles a semicircular wall with a sharp cliff of 25 m. With a strong current, it is unsafe, as it creates streams that can twist even a very experienced diver. Here is a cave 10-15 m deep. The best place on the reef is the northeastern part, there are deep caves with steep overhangs, mountain massifs and gutters, and from the accumulation of fish and the variety of corals is simply breathtaking.
Excursions and visits to the reef
The banana reef is always open to tourists, and you do not need to take a permit for diving. The excursion is carried out by divers who know the banana reef well. A novice tourist will not let one go deep. From any hotel nearby, you can get on an excursion. The best route starts from Hulule Island (the distance to the reef is about 12 km).
The banana reef is a protected area, and the main rule of its visit is to collect and appropriate seashells, algae, corals impossible, for this a fine of $ 500 is levied. But watching and enjoying the beauty of the underwater world of the Indian Ocean can be without limits.
How to get there?
To the banana reef, you can swim only by boat or speed boat for 25 minutes. The cost depends on the resort in which you live. There is another option - contact a dive club, rent equipment there, and with a group of divers you will be delivered directly to the banana reef.