Top 7 Places To Enjoy Scuba Diving In The Maldives
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Discover some of the best spots for scuba diving in the Maldives.
Scuba Diving in the Maldives is one of the most thrilling experiences anyone can experience throughout their life. The Maldives, with its perfect tropical climate and ample sunshine, is home to one of the most extensive types of ecosystems in the marine world. Scuba diving is an excellent look into this magnificent aquatic world.
Scuba diving in the Maldives is open all year. Liveaboards with major operators must be booked in advance, with the most popular booking time being from November to May. Scuba diving in the Maldives costs can differ for diving sites, and bookings during the off-season may not be the best preference, but it is always a good deal.
Why You Should Not Skip Scuba Diving In The Maldives
The Maldives is blessed with spectacular coral reefs, stunning white beaches, and an ocean brimming with incredible marine existence. It’s time to stop your routine and make a reservation for a tour in the Maldives now. Book Maldives package and have some adventure in your life. The Maldives is among the few scuba diving destinations among the world’s top diving destinations.
Around 60%-80% of coral reefs have been affected by bleaching over time due to natural catastrophes such as El Nino and human activities such as overfishing tourism, pollution, and fishing. The Maldives, however, has worked hard to ensure that its reefs remain as robust and healthy as they are. El Nino was a major stumbling block on the region’s reefs, but the reefs have recovered to a higher level throughout the years after extensive conservation efforts. This has allowed the Maldives to be among the few places to dive into its full glory.
The warm, nutrient-rich waters, along with the powerful currents in the seas, allow it to be home to one of the largest and diverse coral reefs on the planet, full of life and an array of marine species that you won’t find any other place around the globe. Here are some best spots to enjoy this underwater experience,
Best Places For Scuba Diving In The Maldives
1. Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with dive sites for advanced and beginner divers. Divers can expect to observe the renowned manta rays and whale sharks, admire the atoll’s overhangs and swim-throughs. Its Dhonfanu Thila area is a most popular swim-through. Its depth is of 82 feet. Divers can swim through the swim-through narrow entrance and then ascend to its end just 60 feet below the sea’s surface. Hanifaru Bay is one of the few spots where whale sharks gather to form a symbiosis and where divers can dive alongside many Manta Rays.
2. Fesdhoo Island
The shipwreck site is situated off the shores of the island Fesdhoo. Fesdhoo Wreck is an interesting Maldives dive site for scuba divers. The whole ship appears to be covered by different starfish, sponges, and coral species. The vessel serves as a sanctuary to many fish species, including moray eels, grouper fish, and lionfish. White-tip reef sharks can also be spotted here, and when you’re fortunate, hammerheads as well!
3. North Male’s Thulusdhoo and Dhiffushi Islands
Visitors can choose to stay at an affordable hotel in the famous Male Atoll while experiencing numerous top-of-the-line facilities that the Maldives is known for. In addition, this is a paradise for surfers with world-class breaks close to the ocean.
Further north, on the border of the North Male Atoll, Dhiffushi Island is among the most accessible and affordable islands in the Maldives. With a stunning series of reefs that you can explore, as well as many bikini beach options, the tiny island is ideal for guests who are looking for scuba diving experience.
North Male Atoll has some of Maldives’ well-known dive sites. The lucky divers will see everything there, from mantas to eagle sharks to reef sharks and turtles. The most popular local spots comprise Colosseum, Girifushi Thila, Manta Point, Banana Reef, and The Maldives Victory Wreck. Thulusdhoo Island offers stunning panoramic views over the lake and just a few minutes from the famous ‘bikini beach’. This affordable island is a paradise for divers.
4. Ari Atoll
The top maritime location in the area, Ari Atoll’s exposed pinnacles and deep channels cannot offer as many reef fish as other atolls. Instead, they draw whale sharks, mantas, and schools of Hammerheads. A strong current means that diving here isn’t the best choice for beginners, but experienced divers can enjoy deeper drift dives with lots of shark activity, giant Eagle Rays, and an abundance of colorful fish.
Maaya Thila pinnacle drops from 20 to 100 feet and is home to an array of creatures like nudibranchs and frogfish. Also, the protected marine Fish Head site is covered in black coral and sprinkled with crevices, overhangs, and caves full of blueline snappers.
There are many thrilling locations within Ari Atoll, and this accessible atoll is a favorite option for divers.
5. The Southern Atolls
The southern atolls are located towards the southwest of the central area. The region includes Laamu, Meemu, Thaa as well as Vaavu atolls. Much beautiful marine life is waiting for visitors to this area too. Massive schools of fish will surely be a part of yours. It is believed that the Vaavu Atoll is one the most important sites because it has the Fotteyo Kandu, which is home to several large Overhangs and caves.
It is regarded as one of the most beautiful locations on earth to dive. The Deep South Atolls comprise atolls like Addu, Huvadhoo (Gaafu), and Fuvahmulah, which promise thrilling shark encounters, including certain rare shark species.
6. Kuredu
Lhaviyani Atoll, which lies about 100 kilometers to the north of the airport, has a lower level of tourism development than other atolls. Kuredu was among the first resorts to be established in the region and has been well-loved by divers for over 20 years. It is Maldivian terms, an oversized island, with a length of 2km and 325m wide, and it has over 350 rooms.
The diving at the atoll is fantastic, including the Shipyard site, which is home to two diveable wrecks. The other, Madivaru Kandu (channel), is a high-energy channel that is constantly pulsing with pelagics. The resort is entirely inclusive, and the diving is conducted by highly professional and awarded Providers—Manta Rays between May and November.
7. Fotteyo Kandu
Located on the eastern side of the east side of Vaavu atoll, Fotteyo Kandu is among the most sought-after scuba spots located throughout the Maldives. The site is home to abundant marine life and stunning coral structures. However it is one of the fascinating parts of the site that can be located in its caverns, overhangs, and swim-throughs full of delicate corals in the color of yellow and a few dark coral brambles within the lower levels as well.
There are giant Anemones, Jacks, Tuna, and schools of Snapper, along with other species of reef fish found in this area. If you have the chance to dive into this area, make sure you don’t pass it up, and you will regret it later.
There you have it, all our top picks to experience the best scuba diving in the Maldives. It is an adventure like no other and a must do in this tropical paradise.