5 Amazing Diving Sites in the Maldives
The Maldives Offer Some of the Best Diving in the World
Untouched and flourishing coral landscapes and shallow lagoons teeming with marine life await in the Maldives. Known for its abundance of world-class dives across 1200 islands and 26 atolls, this chain of islands in the Indian Ocean holds a journey for every type of diver. Some 200 uninhabited islands can be found within the Maldives to form one of the most stunning archipelagos on Earth. No wonder Maldives yacht charters are so popular among scuba divers and snorkelers.
Visit during late winter or early spring, from February to April, to see an abundance of whale sharks and manta rays.
Maaya Thila, North Ari Atoll
Often considered one of the top diving sites in the world, Maaya Thila in North Ari Atoll is a wonder of its own. This geographic masterpiece with caves and overhangs is still small enough for beginners and advanced divers at just 80 meters in diameter and exciting enough to find treasures of all types that start in the shallows at just 6 meters below with drops of over 30 meters.
You can spot a number of species here from turtles and frogfish to barracuda and Moorish idols. It makes for an ideal pinnacle or night dive.
Alimatha Jetty, Vaavu Atoll
A dive best kept for the offseason due to its popularity among divers, Alimatha Jetty in Vaavu Atoll is ideal for spotting a variety of marine species in the shallows at a depth of just 15 meters. By night, this spot is a feeding frenzy for nurse sharks, fishes, giant trevally, and stingrays that emerge to snack on some fine dining from nearby Alimatha resort. You could say this dive can become a bit of a circus when done at night.
Banana Reef, North Male Atoll
The first international success with divers that became known across the world, Banana Reef in North Male Atoll made the Maldives mainstream (it was one of the first globally-recognized diving spots in the Maldives). Here you’ll find sea turtles, colorful corals, cliffs, and overhangs that make all divers delight at the seascape.
It’s easy to spot sharks and fishes, such a grouper, jackfish, and Humphead wrasse. This dive is suitable as a beginner’s dive or snorkeling excursion.
Kuredu Express, Lhaviyani Atoll
Among the most famous sites in the Lhavivyani Atoll is Kuredu Express. It’s named for the strong currents, making it a fast drift dive, while terraces overlooking the depths give divers a great place to hang and spot tons of species, including grey reef sharks and tuna accompanied by awe-inspiring coral reefs and the most unique-looking leaffish.
Fish Head, North Ari Atoll
If you’ve come for the sharks, then you’ve come to the right place. Fish Head in the North Ari Atoll, also known as Shark Point, is home to a famous dive with grey reef sharks. Here, the pinnacle reaches 35 meters below, and you can spot up to 20 grey reef sharks at any given time since this very spot was once a feeding zone.
You should never leave the Maldives without first taking a peek at the many diving sites scattered throughout the islands. When it comes to getting there, it’s a huge advantage to be able to set your own pace and pull up to a diving spot in your own private yacht charter in the Maldives and its many breathtaking atolls.
