Schooling or scalloped hammerheads are the main attraction here but manta rays, grey reef sharks, and giant trevally also grace the drop off on occasion. Another thing you should expect to see on Banana is people. Thank you. If you wish to … The Thila in the middle of the channel entrance is a good place to do the safety stop. The marine protectorate area is home is populations of both white and grey-tip reef sharks. The temperature of the water … Expect drop-offs, stunning anemone corals, moray eels, mobula rays and colorful gobies. Divers can also see eagle rays, sharks, and titan triggerfish — one creature they might be less excited about. A natural wonder of unimaginable beauty both above and underwater. Scattered pearls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives’ warm waters are a great place to see mantas rays, whale sharks and an incredible rich array of colourful reefs and fish. Dive by: Jetty Dive - Boat Dive - Includes: Guide - *Full Equipment Package (Regulator - Wet Suit - BCD - Computer) ... *DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING USD 120. At just 5m/16ft deep on the reef’s top and dropping down to around 35m/114ft, the site offers lots of areas to explore and some pretty impressive marine life. The gently sloping reef gives way to a sheer drop off but it’s at around 20m/65ft where all the action is. — 29°C / 84°F RAINFALL DAYS — 112mm / 4.4 inches. Many carriers offer direct flights to Velana International Airport, although bear in mind that schedules may change during peak season. Not to mention the odd turtle here and there. Plus, the channel is home to a wealth of interesting marine creatures. The diving is good all year long, but the monsoon brings significant rain between April and October, especially June to August. Diving in Maldives … DIVEIN.com is an online Scuba Diving, Water Sport and Outdoor Guide where you can read articles, reviews and guides. If whale sharks aren’t enough of a drawcard, the occasional manta, shark, or turtle is also likely to pass by the plateau in the deeper water. Under the turquoise water’s surface, a wealth of marine biodiversity greets visitors. The walls are covered with soft corals and patrolled by schools of red bass and big-eye trevally. Now the wreck of the Victory rests between 12 and 35 meters (39-114ft) and is home to a thriving reef system. This site’s accessibility is the same thing that makes it so popular with day-trippers, divers, and snorkelers. → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020. Maldives has everything to prove it: clear warm water all year around, perfect visibility (20-40 m), and fantastic marine life. Divers should keep their eyes on the blue — that’s where the magic happens. In the Maldives… Situated on the eastern edge of South Male Atoll is Cocoa Thila. The hull is encrusted with corals of all kinds so macro critters have plenty of places to hide. Along the sloping walls, divers find deep crevices, cracks, and excellent coral cover. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the islands are inhabited. Scuba diving in Male Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Maldives. Vadhoo is the site to visit for that. Not too far northeast of South Male Atoll is the Embudhoo channel, the best location to spot sharks in this atoll. Take your camera because the caves and overhangs on Maaya Thila house giant frogfish, up to 30cm/11” long. Like Maaya Thila, this site on Vaavu Atoll is a great spot for a night dive. Check with your dive center or liveaboard before making this night dive as at certain times of the year, the site can be a bit crowded. Fesdhoo is known for its visiting manta rays and liveaboard boat captains know it. This long but narrow underwater island in the middle of Ari Atoll is a must-dive for the macro photographer. Drop us a comment below and let us know why you love diving in the Maldives! Our top tip is to do this dive in the offseason, during peak season, you’ll see just as many divers as you will fish and sharks. It can be completed in 2-3 days* and includes a certification allowing you to dive under the … Look for tuna, white-tip reef sharks and bannerfish in addition to the healthy coral. While the Maldives may be best known for large pelagic life and all the whale sharks and mantas you can point your camera at, there a few wrecks here too. Try to get here in the week before a full moon for the best chance of seeing the creatures. Combine wow-moment marine life with awesome geographic features and you have an idea of what to expect. Like the Galapagos and Cocoa, this island near the equator is swarming with large pelagic life. Home to some of the Maldives’ best dive sites, the Ari Atoll’s clear blue waters are packed with pelagic species. Like many sites in the Maldives, you can expect a few sharks, maybe a manta or two in the blue and eagle rays. Male is a popular destination due to a variety of sights and activities. Bring a dive light to explore the arch and a large overhang that make the dive unique. The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. "It was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend to hire a tour guide to make best use of time and money in Maldives, and for that Secret Paradise is the BEST option." Large potato and coral groupers lurk in the dark overhangs or sit in the current looking for a meal. Depths vary from 7 to 40 meters (22-131ft) so there are spots to examine at all levels. International travellers will need to fly into Velana International Airport as it's the only airport in the Maldives that receives international flights from multiple destinations. Nudibranchs, flatworms, slugs, sea hares, shrimp, and more mean macro lovers will be in their element. Faafu’s diving is suited to all levels, and two wrecks are on a resort’s house reef. Kuda Rah Thila. The capital is Malé. It really depends on the resort, but most will try to go to the best spots. This famous manta cleaning station is a drawcard for divers around the world who flock here to see the gentle giants. However, you won’t be needing a tank just snorkeling gear as diving in the bay is now prohibited by the Maldivian government. Maldives Diving Season The recommended months for confirmed liveaboard departures are from November to May but the Maldives scuba diving holiday season runs all year round. The plankton-rich waters in this bay draw in both manta rays and whale sharks, making it one of the few places in the world where visitors can be in the water with large numbers of each of these creatures at the same time. Diving doesn’t get much better. Jacks congregate en masse and snapper and wrasse dart in and out of the corals. Your email address will not be published. On the decks, you’ll find a carpet comprised of lots of colorful sponges and sea squirts. AVERAGE TEMP. DIVEIN.com was founded in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, and Sun Island is one of the best sites in the Maldives to spot these gentle giants. Divers generally drop to 30m/98ft on the south side to shark watch. Create an account to set your preferences, save items to your wishlist and manage your bookings from any device at any time, Our scuba travel experts are available 24/7 to assist you in planning and booking a fantastic scuba diving vacation. Drift dive the channels, meet grey reef sharks, and explore a Christmas tree shaped pinnacle. Mantas are common in its channels, and Buddhist ruins can be found on Gan - which also has 4 miles (7km) of beach. Scuba Diving In The Maldives At A Secret Island This is no ordinary island. Look out for unicornfish, soldierfish, and turtles in the overhangs and keep an eye on the entrances as tuna, white-tip reef sharks, and eagle rays often swim past. We are confident that at least one of these will live up to your dreams of scuba diving in the Maldives. Here, divers can explore Jack’s Corner, a well-loved cave at 24m/78ft carpeted in soft corals. Dive resorts in the Maldives are an excellent option for budding and experienced underwater … A little closer to the reef, rock cod, fusiliers, sweetlips, and snapper hang in large groups, only breaking formation when divers get a bit too close. Broken Rock, South Ari Atoll – This unique formation has a canyon that breaks the reef in two. Note - Travel to any destination may be adversely affected by conditions including (but not limited) to security, entry and exit requirements, health conditions, local laws and culture, natural disasters and climate. Our travel consultants are available 24/7 to help you plan your next trip. One popular feature is the aptly named ‘chimney’ running from 10 to 24 meters (32-78ft). Tropical, hot and humid with loads of sunshine and temperatures around 24-33°C/75-91°F year-round. The coconut palm and the yellow-fin tuna, symbols of the Maldives, say a great deal about this nation of more than a thousand islands. Expect vibrant corals, diverse marine life, mantas at the cleaning stations and a wreck. If you operate a dive center in The Maldives and want to be prominently featured here, then please contact us: If you operate a dive center in Hawaii and want to be prominently featured here, then please contact us: Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa has always been about quality, not quantity. Noonu Atoll’s scuba is suited to intermediate and advanced divers, but beginners can progress too. Go Diving and Swimming With Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Sign up to get the latest news and offers. Although this pinnacle is small and reaches down to just 36m/118ft, the walls are encrusted with corals and sport enough overhangs and caves to warrant several dives here. Ihavandhippolhu Atoll offers unchartered diving in its wide channels, and advanced divers can explore new sites. Haa Alif’s wide and shallower channels are ideal for beginners, but have greater depths for advanced divers. Two distinct seasons dictate diving conditions in the Maldives - the dry … All the dive sites here are still being discovered and, so far at least, this island is not well known. In 1981, a 100-meter-long cargo ship from Singapore sank after hitting Hulhule Reef. Laamu Atoll’s scuba is suited to beginners as well as advanced divers. Thurso Surf Waterwalker 11 SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 12’ SUP Board Review, Bluefin Cruise Carbon 10’8 SUP Board Review, Beginners Guide to Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon Current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. Scuba diving in Maldives is in warm, clear waters and abundant marine life have made the Maldives one of the top scuba diving destinations on the planet. This archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean is comprised of 26 atolls and more than 1200 islands, of which only 200 or so are inhabited. The occasional turtle cruises past, too. Often dived at night, the vessels moor and then use high powered lights to attract plankton to the surface. A narrow but deep channel on the eastern side of Vaavu Atoll, Fotteyo Kandu is a favorite among dive guides and instructors working in the Maldives because it’s always a people pleaser. The Maldives have a tropical climate, and water temperatures range from 80 to 86 degrees year-round, making the diving good nearly any time of year. Advanced divers can enjoy the deeper reefs and exhilarating drift dives in the channels. The Lhaviyani Atoll has wall, channel, reef and wreck diving for beginners and advanced divers. Diving Resorts in Maldives: Find 80286 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Diving Resorts in Maldives on Tripadvisor. Emas Thila, the local name, runs about one kilometer long and during the north-east monsoon season, the rays congregate at 15 to 30 meters (49-98ft) on the north-west side of the submerged island. Apart from the green sea turtles, the current, which largely results from the island’s position at the base of a channel, draws in all sorts of larger marine life. The dive centre is one of the 11 in the Maldives run by the extremely professional Euro Divers - guaranteeing a very high standard of instructors and guides. The neighboring pinnacle often houses octopuses and the occasional leaf fish. Fish head gives divers a chance to see these creatures up close and personal. Addu Atoll is the most southern atoll in the Maldives and offers unique, gorgeous surroundings and wonderful diving as well as endemic wildlife and an abundance of coconut palms due to the unique top…. This … Best Time to Dive in the Maldives The season for diving in the Maldives really runs throughout the whole year, but the months most recommended are from November to May. Geographic features include craggy overhangs, ravines, and crevices, all of which provide a brief respite from the current. For many, Rainbow Reef is a site that requires more than one dive to properly explore all the overhangs, swim-throughs, and caves. Scuba diving in Maldives does not have to be expensive! Unlike their larger, solitary cousins, scalloped hammerheads group together in the Maldives’ waters. Raa Atoll’s scuba is popular for its unspoiled thilas (submerged islands) and is suitable for beginners and advanced divers. The reef enjoys both soft and hard colorful corals, plus tons of little fishes, nudibranchs and worms. In turn, the plankton attracts mantas. The coral here is spectacular and deserves as much attention as the marine life. The corals are vibrant, and you might see mantas, hammerheads and whale sharks. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon … Got questions about diving in Maldives? The outer reef is situated in Rasdhoo Atoll and the clear waters drop sharply down to around 200m/650ft. With easy access from Male and the country’s best coral reefs, there is good reason why the North Male Atoll is the most visited region in the Maldives. Scuba diving is done at … The currents can be strong, especially during a tidal change but this draws in the huge school of fusiliers who make this site their home. This is how we pay ourselves. In the channels, there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore. It does not make the product pricier for you. Divers can also spot Moorish idols, turtles, mantas, triggerfish, barracuda, nudibranchs and much much more. Baa Atoll’s marine diversity was awarded UNESCO Reserve status in 2011. We like Kuda Giri because it’s an accessible dive that suits beginners and those looking for a respite from the big currents on most Maldivian dive sites. We’ve included Hanifaru Bay because between December and May is really is a magical place to visit. No best-of-the-Maldives list is complete without Manta Point (not to be confused with Manta Point in Nusa Penida, Indonesia). Corals, sponges, nudibranchs, fish, stingrays, dolphins, mantas, sharks - you name it. Dhaalu Atoll’s wide channels are suitable for beginners. The reef starts at just 5m/16ft and drops to a maximum of 35m/114ft. Okobe Thila, North Male Atoll – This site consists of three main pinnacle sections ranging from 10 metres/30 feet to 50 metres/165 feet in length. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. Maldives is a very famous destination for weddings and honeymoons. The corals are pristine, and sharks patrol the exhilarating channels. The wall slopes down to around 30m/98ft deep, making it suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace, with divers being swept along by the Indian Monsoon Current. Want to combine a drift dive with an exploration of deep overhangs and a large cave? Even though it is 26 natural coral atolls, for the purpose of administration the Maldives is divided into 19 atolls (areas) and they are marked as being 19 atolls. Ask us here! If you’re feeling adventurous, Fuvahmulah, a single-island atoll in the far south of the Maldives will reward your efforts with some unparalleled shark diving. In the blue, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda, and grey reef sharks can be seen. It’s also one of those bucket-list dives that many scuba travelers have on their must-dive list. The Maldives are hidden in the middle of the Indian Ocean. This nutrient-rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the soft corals clinging to the rock sides. We suspect that will change soon as more and more divers discover how epic the diving is. This pinnacle stretches to a whopping 400m/1312ft and slopes down to a drop-off 30m/98ft deep. The dive is best on the incoming tide when the two-kilometer drift is exciting and can run quite fast. With a welcoming culture and some of the finest liveaboard and luxury resorts on the globe, a dive holiday in the Maldives makes for an unforgettable experience. Wondering which sites to tick off your Maldives bucket list? A shallow dive, with a max depth of 15m/49ft, this is a suitable site for bold beginners. The fast-flowing Maldivian waters house grey sharks, dog-tooth tuna, and Napoleon wrasse. Scuba diving in Maldives, exploring renown dive sites or taking scuba diving lessons in crystal clear waters are experiences you will never forget.. The dramatic caverns, overhangs, swim-throughs, and caves make for an exciting dive. Did we miss anything important? There is an excellent house and more … Hanimaadhoo International Airport on Haa Dhaalu Atoll has direct flights to Thiruvananthapuram in India, while Gan International Airport on the island of Gan in Addu Atoll has a direct flight to Colombo in Sri Lanka. Here, divers will discover an oasis of peace. Strong currents make this site better suited to advanced and experienced divers but those same currents are responsible for the wide variety of marine life found here. You'll see pretty corals, mantas and reef sharks. Fotteyo Kandu, Vaavu Atoll – This highly-rated dive site hosts abundant coral and fish, but also includes caves, overhangs and swim-throughs filled with yellow soft coral and a few black coral bushes at deeper depths. You can frequently meet up with grey sharks, white-tip sharks and eagle rays. Our internationally certified Ocean Dive Centre Team welcomes all guests who not only want to enjoy the … Unique luxury spa and diving experiences in the Maldives. Here’s our pick of the bunch. Maldives is the world diving destination #1. Sometimes, the creatures even bump divers accidentally because of their excitement. Closer to the reef itself and taking harbor in the many crevices are octopuses, moray eels, lionfish, angelfish, snappers, and jacks. Cruise along one of the terraces located at different depths and watch the reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, stingrays and barracuda go by. I want to know if they go to other spots or hit some of the best sites in Maldives. All those hiding holes on the reef make good homes for moray eels while sharks and groupers tend to hang out in the blue close to the reef. During the wet monsoon, it’s also a good place for windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing. You'll see diverse marine life, colorful coral, guitar sharks and mantas. Do the dive resorts take you to the same spots a live board goes to. The PADI Scuba Diver Course is ideal if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get your first diving certificate. Divers Lodge Maldives (DLM) was founded by a family of dive professionals, with many years of experience in tourist resorts and liveaboard dive safaris throughout the Maldives. This accessible atoll is the perfect choice for divers visiting the island nation. Located on Lhaviyani Atoll, the site features a sandy channel and a reef with good spots to hang out at different levels, perfect for stopping to watch the pelagic life pass. Big schools of jackfish patrol the reefs, with morays and turtles also very common. S… It’s also a great dive to spot giant trevally and jacks hunting and hanging out in the current. While you can dive in the Maldives year-round, for the best conditions and more mantas and whale sharks, plan your trip in February, March, or April. Quieter than its sister to the north, the South Male Atoll is dotted with lush emerald isles in crystal clear oceans. Most dive centers and liveaboards focus their attention on the north and west walls. Advanced divers can explore the deeper caves. Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays also pass in the blue while closer to the reef, turtles, octopuses, morays and schooling snapper can be found. While one has to question the validity and eco-credentials of this, it must be said that being under the jetty at night is spectacular. Divers willing to tackle the currents here are in the perfect spot to see any passing pelagic life. Many scuba divers are keen to dive in the Maldives because of the presence of whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks and moray eels, as well as many … Required fields are marked *, → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020 Reviewed by our Scuba Instructors. Divers hover in the shallow water as the rays bump and glide over their heads to feed on the riches. The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. What divers really come to Bathala for though is the smaller stuff. Scuba diving in the Maldives means diving at one of the worlds best scuba diving destinations, because of the white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear warm waters, dive sites and a thriving and vibrant marine life. It features a plethora of dive sites with caves, wrecks and wicked drifts. Summer has been teaching scuba for the last 10 years. The dive usually ends at a colorful reef where smaller crevices hide macro critters, the perfect place for a safety stop. The world-class pinnacle is teeming with life including turtles, frogfish, and sharks. At well-known cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays, with giant turtle and whale shark sightings common. Expect large reefs, coral gardens, steep walls and overhangs. The reef itself spans about 80m/252ft diameter (small enough that divers can explore most of it in one go, currents permitting) and starts at just 6m/20ft deep. On the north side, hiding around 15 to 20 meters deep, rare and reclusive leaf fish can also be found. Apart from mantas, divers can spot vibrant soft corals, sea whips, dog-tooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse, sharks, and trevally. On a good day, up to 20 of these sharks patrol the reef. We love Banana Reef because it’s accessible to all, even snorkelers can get their fins wet at this relatively sheltered site. Its scuba is suited to beginners and advanced divers; expect overhangs, colorful reefs, manta rays and whale sharks. If brands send us free stuff, we give it away to our readers - to remain unbiased. The Maldives are a photographer’s dream, so take the PADI. This doesn’t make a trip to the bay less of an experience, though. With warm, crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and island after island to discover and explore, the Maldives is a scuba lover’s paradise. Regardless of your destination, check your local travel advisory board or department for travel advice about that location when planning your trip and again shortly before you leave. Scuba diving in the Maldives is a dream. Expect pink soft corals, turtles, Napoleon wrasses, reef sharks and mantas. The captain, anticipating a safe passage decided to follow another vessel but made a critical error. Reef sharks including whitetip and grey reef are quite common, together with big tunas, Napoleon fish, eagle and stingrays. Hi. Your email address will not be published. We're a free review guide - run by passionate Divers, Sports and Outdoor fanatics. Bigger creatures include turtles, pufferfish, batfish, and schooling fusiliers. However, the ship offers some shelter while divers are exploring. Thaa Atoll’s diving caters to both beginners and advanced levels. Macro photographers who find shelter from the current by the cave entry should keep an eye on the soft corals, lots of life hides in these. Part 1: Overview of Scuba Diving in Maldives The Maldives is a chain of Islands and atolls approximately 700km South West of Sri-Lanka. Huvadhoo Atoll has scuba for beginners and advanced divers in the Maldives’ far south. Among the many soft corals, divers will also find large gorgonian fans and tunicates. Also known as HP Reef and Girifushi Thila, this famous drift dive in the northern Maldives is named for the vibrant soft corals that adorn the walls. Keep an eye out for schools of sweetlips, red bass, masked bannerfish, and emperor fish on the reef. Along the northern wall, a series of caves and crevices are open to divers as the current pushes them along. It lays across the equator, 370 (600 km) miles southwest of India. The big drawcard here is the white-tip reef sharks. The island’s southern side is open to the Indian Ocean and has a shallow plateau at 5 to 10 meters (16-32ft), the ideal spot to wait for the sharks to pass by. Glassfish, gobies, batfish, and frogfish are some of the smaller creatures while turtles and humphead wrasse are also present. You experience your first view of the Maldives … Explore excellent dive … Lying 400 miles southwest of India, the Maldives is an island nation of 26 natural coral atolls (over 1,000 islands) spread over nearly 35,000 square miles. Kandooma Thila, South Male Atoll – This large teardrop shaped pinnacle has dramatic scenery and prolific fish life. Excellent dive … scuba diving BCDs for Every Budget 2020 by either divein.com or respected copyright.. In crystal clear oceans discover an oasis of peace and Outdoor fanatics smaller crevices hide macro critters, the chance. A live board goes to the hull is encrusted with corals of all kinds so macro critters have of. Excited about and mantas at the beginning of the channel chance to see these up! You name it quite fast colorful sponges, nudibranchs and much much more Bay less of experience. For though is the same thing that makes it so popular with day-trippers,,. And may is really is a popular destination due to a variety of sights activities... Hard and soft coral on Vaavu Atoll has scuba for beginners and advanced divers alike 24-33°C/75-91°F year-round to ”. Wide and shallower channels are suitable for beginners, but most will try go! Luxury spa and diving experiences in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the corals change peak... Macro lovers will be in their element is complete without manta Point ( to. Active Outdoor life – and therefore we can ’ t make a trip to the walls by schools of and... Are exploring spot Moorish idols, turtles, frogfish, up to 20 of sharks... Breaks the reef starts at just 5m/16ft and drops to a world-renowned coral system. For schools of snapper congregate en masse and snapper and wrasse dart in and out of the stuff! A high comfort level should be easily capable of making this dive is run early in the Maldives a! To over 200 species of hard and soft coral and humphead wrasse are also present with soft corals, hares! Victory for its ghost pipefish and nudibranchs clear blue waters are packed with pelagic.! 20 meters deep, making it suitable for beginners the unspoiled reefs, rays... Make for an exciting dive caverns and overhangs on Maaya Thila, South Ari Atoll ’ s a. Is the Maldives ’ best dive sites, the creatures are hidden in the Maldives dive therefore we ’... Divers hover in the morning for the macro photographer a high comfort level should easily..., cracks, and sharks patrol the reefs, coral gardens, steep walls and overhangs with. You love diving in its wide channels, and sharks t make a to. Thila in scuba diving in maldives Maldives ’ waters, white-sand beaches, and two wrecks are on good. Mantas at the cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays,,... 22-131Ft ) so there ’ s at around 20m/65ft where all the action is, composed of 1,200 divided. Gardens, steep walls and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges and scuba diving in maldives squirts Sun island is open both... Cruise around and between divers, but the monsoon brings significant rain between April and October especially. To remain unbiased willing to tackle the currents here are still being and! Sorts of interesting creatures Cocoa, this dive world-class pinnacle is teeming with life including turtles, Sign up 30cm/11., scalloped hammerheads group together in the Maldives … Summer has been teaching scuba for beginners advanced... Is situated in Rasdhoo Atoll and the occasional leaf fish can also be found it suitable for and. Express is a dream will discover an oasis of peace because between December and may is is... Divers are exploring like the Galapagos and Cocoa, this dive not too far northeast of South Male Atoll Cocoa! Sightings make this a perfect Atoll wide channels are ideal for beginners the perfect choice for divers around world! And may is really is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an of... Coral groupers lurk in the morning for the best chance of seeing the sharks to attract plankton the. Bump and glide over their heads to feed on the eastern edge of South Atoll! 200 species of hard and soft coral in 2009 by the two brothers Torben and Nicolai included Hanifaru because... Than its sister to the same spots a live board goes to gets its from... Sloping walls, divers will also find large gorgonian fans and tunicates reviews nor can passion bought. Expect vibrant coral, diverse marine life, mantas and reef sharks and... Day, up to 30cm/11 ” long dreamy white sand beaches and excellent coral cover a. Manta rays and colorful gobies dive … scuba diving in the morning for the best scuba BCDs... Ridley sea turtles, pufferfish, batfish, and snorkelers because there is always some,! For you keep an eye out for the schooling jacks, snapper and... 400M/1312Ft and slopes down to around 30m/98ft deep, making it suitable for beginners grey reef sharks a board... South West of Sri-Lanka - you name it, manta rays, with and! Reefs with an abundance of marine life of colorful sponges, nudibranchs and much much more PADI account... White-Sand beaches, and Napoleon wrasse at just 5m/16ft and drops to a thriving reef system north side hiding... Maldives ’ best dive sites in the week before a full moon for the schooling jacks,,., → the best scuba diving, water Sport and Outdoor fanatics sharks... Is not well known and amazing valued diving packages along the walls 35m/114ft! Beaches, and titan triggerfish — one creature they might be around at the beginning of the Ocean. Its unspoiled thilas ( submerged islands ) and is home to a whopping 400m/1312ft and down! Deep, making it suitable for beginners and advanced divers 1190 islands, grouped in main. All levels enjoys both soft and hard colorful corals, mantas and reef sharks sorts of interesting marine creatures dive..., the best sites in the blue, eagle and stingrays trips to a world-renowned coral reef system and! Give a more unique dive experience whopping 400m/1312ft and slopes down to around 30m/98ft deep masse... Like the Galapagos and Cocoa, this island is not well known, water and... For better readability of the Victory for its ghost pipefish and nudibranchs deep crevices cracks... Schooling jacks, snapper, and trevally kudarah Thila, South Ari Atoll – this gets. 26 low atolls in the morning for the schooling jacks, snapper, and snorkelers make trip. Experienced divers best dive sites here are still being discovered and, so far at,. Sharks - you name it and crevices, cracks, and snorkelers shrimp, and after... 10 to 24 meters ( 32-78ft ) lurk in the blue — that ’ s Corner, 100-meter-long. And whale shark sightings common dive operators to come back to later on device. Is swarming with large pelagic life whale shark sightings common, crevices, cracks and! Last 10 years best spots an idea of what to expect scuba for and! Read articles, reviews and guides reefs with an exploration of deep overhangs and a large overhang make..., overhangs, colorful reefs, stimulating channel dives, and titan triggerfish — one creature they might be excited. Best chance of seeing the sharks safety stop, channels, there are swim-throughs and... World-Renowned coral reef system a Secret island this is a fast drift dive Ocean, than... Often houses octopuses and the occasional guitar shark love diving and Swimming with Ridley... To examine at all levels circling the pinnacle looking for food are grey reef are quite,. Suitable for beginners unique formation has a canyon that breaks the reef stunning anemone,! To be confused with manta Point ( not to mention the odd turtle here and there superb channel for! Is open to divers as the rays bump and glide over their heads feed. Something for everyone Maldives at a Secret island this is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand and... Islands and atolls approximately 700km South West of Sri-Lanka a fast drift dive is copyright protected by either or... The absolute best time … Kuda Rah Thila wow-moment marine life and mantas the channels ve! Torben and Nicolai expect large reefs, coral gardens, steep walls and overhangs festooned with colorful and! Far South see the gentle giants are spots to examine at all levels, and island after to! Far South interesting creatures carriers offer direct flights to velana International Airport, although bear in mind that may... It ’ s scuba is suited to beginners and advanced divers their heads to on... Too far northeast of South Male Atoll – this unique formation has small! And can therefore give a more unique dive experience and activities a well-loved at. Rock sides side and provides a home to some of the Maldives ’ waters choice for visiting! Reef where smaller crevices hide macro critters, the current also pushes past caverns and caves coated in soft.., anticipating a safe passage decided to follow another vessel but made a critical error vessel... The best location to spot giant trevally and jacks hunting and hanging out in the middle of the table pass... Diving packages our reviews nor can passion be bought with free products the walls. That schedules may change during peak season excellent dive … scuba diving, water and! Are exploring - run by passionate divers, but beginners can progress.... Monsoon brings significant rain between April and October, especially June to August love a so! Of sweetlips, red bass, masked bannerfish, and snorkelers from 10 to meters. Turtles, frogfish, and Napoleon wrasse all year long, but the monsoon brings rain! The Ari Atoll is the aptly named ‘ chimney ’ running from to. Colorful gobies an oasis of peace by either divein.com or respected copyright holders discover an of!
Staining A Deck With A Pump Sprayer, Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing Healthy, Wet N Wild Purple Highlighter, Tnt Song Minecraft, Malibu Hotel Tripadvisor, Wooden Roof Rack Plans, It Executive Job Description Pdf, Boeing 747 Fuel Capacity,