SCUBA DIVING IN MALDIVES: Dive the Jewel of the Indian Ocean. Divers’ Reviews

The Maldives, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, is a country made up of 1200 coral islands. The quality of resorts in the Maldives is first class, however, if you are visiting the Maldives only for scuba diving, a liveaboard will be a good option since it allows you to get to farther sites. The naturally formed ring-like atolls are about 450 mi. south-west of Sri Lanka, which translates into abundant marine life; sharks (including the whale shark present all year long) and rays specially. Traditionally, cowries’ shells and dried tuna were traded but today tourism is the main industry.

CLIMATE

The dry season in the Maldives is from November to May, but the best weather and visibility is from February to March. The water is very warm. The Southwest monsoon is from May to October.

MALE ATOLL, CENTER OF SCUBA DIVING ACTION

Considered the main tourist center of the Maldives, the Malé Atoll has almost 100 spots. The main areas are North Malé Atoll, with 60 dive sites and South Malé Atoll with 31.

Kudah Haa in the North Malé Atoll is a standout and a great place to see nudibranchs and flatworms. Aquarium is a good site for drift dives and you can see pelagic fish.

Currents can be strong in the Malé Atoll, you need to check with your operator before heading out and it is not recommended for beginners/intermediates. Lion´s Head is a good site for hawksbill turtle and gray reef shark. Banana Reef is a relaxing area with plenty of Napoleon wrasse.

ARI ATOLL, ATOLL APART

Topographically, this atoll is very different from the others in the Maldives since it does not have a long stretch of barrier reef. The Ari Atoll is the second biggest tourist attraction after Malé. It´s located in the west of the archipelago and it´s part of 105 islands. There are pinnacles both inside and outside of the lagoon, as well as channels.

Whale sharks can be spotted around this site too; Maldives Whale Shark Research Project has identified 110 resident sharks. The Maldives is the only place where you can see the whale sharks year-round.

The Maamigili Protected Area is where you will find the biggest congregations of whale sharks.

Several cleaning stations, like Donkalo Thila and Rangali Madivaru, promise up close encounters with manta rays.

Fish Head is a good site for gray reef sharks in big numbers, so is Maya Thila.

FELIDHOO ATOLL, LIVE ABOARDS

There is a general consensus that all of the 11 diving spots for this location are excellent.

Felidhoo Atoll is located in the central west side of the Maldives, very close to Malé, the capital. Although you can stay in resort in this atoll, it is mostly visited by liveaboards. It has the longest unbroken reef in the Maldives, and drift dives are superb.

FAADHIPPOLHU ATOLL

There are 15 dive sites in this atoll formed by 54 islands.

The Kuredu Express is a popular site in this atoll accessible by liveaboard. Manta rays can be spotted here easily swimming in pristine coral gardens. Due to strong currents this site is recommended for advance divers.

Granted there is not much to do in the Maldives besides underwater activities, but the scenery is of such particular beauty, it is an experience to simply relax on the beach. You may visit local villages close to your atoll hotel or liveaboard. In the capital, Malé, you may visit the Presidential Palace or taste the treats at the Fish Market.

DIVE CENTERS LISTED IN MALDIVES

Elysian Maldives / Deep Blue Dive Center / MV Orion / Virgo Maldives