Diving in the Maldives

The amazing island state in the Indian Ocean - the Maldives - is a real piece of paradise on planet Earth, where tired tourists come from all over the world, tired of everyday bustle and routine. Every year more than 800 thousand people fly to one of the most beautiful places of South Asia, to enjoy the bright rays of the gentle sun, run barefoot on a soft sandy beach, taste local delicacies and just have a great weekend or vacation. In addition, the Maldives Republic enjoys an incredible popularity among lovers of water sports and is considered one of the best resorts for diving. On the features of scuba diving and the best dive centers of the country, we will talk further.

The best time for diving in the Maldives

The islands have a hot tropical climate all year round. There are 2 monsoons: south-west (May-November) and north-east (December-April). Let's consider features of each of them:

  1. May-November. If your trip is planned for this time, pay attention to the resorts located on the atolls in the western Maldives. It is during this period that the dive spots in the west are distinguished by clear visibility and a slightly cooler water temperature, which attracts rare species of sharks closer to the surface. Although the weather conditions become more severe, and the amount of precipitation increases slightly, the number of people wishing to do snorkeling does not decrease.
  2. December-April. This period is known as the "Maldivian summer" and is characterized by drier conditions. The average water temperature remains fairly constant for half a year (+ 28 ° C) and allows you to enjoy bathing in clear ocean water. Of the large fish in December-April, you can most often observe whale sharks and manta rays.

The most popular dive centers

The Maldives Republic is 99% water and only 1% land. In such a small area are located 20 atolls, which include 1190 small islets. Consider some of the most famous atolls and diving sites in the Maldives.

Ari Atoll

One of the largest atolls of the country, known for a great variety of excellent places for diving:

  1. Broken Rock. Named after a large broken stone, this dive spot is home to a beautiful array of soft and hard coral formations that attract many fish. Where the stone is broken, there is a channel through which divers can swim, giving the immersion an interesting dimension. Among marine inhabitants, most often there are fish-dogs, spinorns and moray eels.
  2. Gangehi Kandu . This dive site is located in the northern part of the Ari Atoll and because of the strong current it is recommended only to experienced scuba divers. Here you can find several different types of sharks: dark gray gray, reef and even Californian triple-toothed shark.
  3. Maaya Thila. One of the most popular places for both day and night diving in the Maldives. However, be careful: sometimes there is a very strong and rapid current - under such conditions only professional divers can dive. On a bright coral background in Maia Tila you can see reef sharks, morays, turtles and octopuses.

Male Atoll

In the central part of the Maldives, Male Atoll is located, divided into 2 separate administrative units: North and South Male . Each of the islands is rich in luxury resorts and dive-spots. The best, according to the opinion of tourists, are:

  1. Cocoa Corner. A perfect place in South Male for watching sharks. The average depth, which is usually scuba diving, is 27-29 m, the maximum - 40 m. The most popular species, found here is the eagle rays, and during the dive you can meet not only adults, but also newborn babies.
  2. Where is Haa (Kuda Haa). Another fairly popular dive site on North Male Atoll, however, diving in this area is possible only when there is no strong current. Marine life in Kuda Haa is very diverse: mollusks, flatworms, nandus and clown fish will surely meet you on the way.
  3. Banana Reef . This is the first site opened in the Maldives for diving, it also remains to this day the most popular. Depending on the level of preparation for the scuba diver, the dive takes place at a depth of 5 to 30 m. Colorful coral reefs attract whole flocks, where you can see a soldier's fish, butterfly fish, plectorhaus and many others. other

Addu Atoll

This is a unique place by nature in the Maldives, because only here the corals in 1998 were not affected by the discoloration. The best dive sites at Addu Atoll are:

  1. "British Loyalty" (British Loyalty). At a depth of 33 m there is a 134-meter wreck. From the surface, if visibility is good, you can see the right side rails, and at a depth of 23-28 m a propeller that originally had 4 blades is visible. Today, there is no top, and 3 others are overgrown with corals.
  2. "Turtle" (Turtle Point). It is from here that most tourists bring the best photos from the diving safari in the Maldives, because the spot is known for its abundant marine life. Scuba divers can come across different turtles, reef fish, white and black reef sharks, sea bass, lobsters, etc.
  3. Maa Kandu. One of the few places in the Maldives, where even people can try their hand, never diving under water. The top of the reef begins at a depth of 5-8 m and gradually descends to 30 m. In addition to many large and bright corals, at a depth of 10-20 m there are also small rocks and caves.