Here’s our pick of the bunch. The Maldives is a unique place where everyone can find the best conditions for diving according to his abilities. Dive resorts in the Maldives are an excellent option for budding and experienced underwater photographers due to the sheer beauty and varied colours of the marine-life. For years, the Alimatha resort kitchen cleaned fish on the jetty and threw the guts into the water, effectively training local marine life to feed in the area. In many ways, Banana Reef on North Male Atoll is the Maldives dive. Apart from mantas, divers can spot vibrant soft corals, sea whips, dog-tooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse, sharks, and trevally. Divers generally drop to 30m/98ft on the south side to shark watch. Lots of liveaboards offer their diving safari trips within Central Atolls ( North & South Male, North & South Aril, Baa, and Raa) that is commonly called The Best Of Maldives. At the end of the dive, shallow colorful reefs and leaffish make decompression just as interesting as the dive itself. Scattered like emerald jewels in the sapphire blue Indian Ocean, the warm waters of the Maldives are a great place to see manta rays, whale sharks and a rich array of tropical fish. Northeast Monsoon Season These “rocks” reach from 40 feet (12 meters) below sea level to 130 feet (40 meters) at the sandy sea floor. Great buoyancy is a necessity for this dive as currents in the canyon can be unpredictable. The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. They offer dive trips to a world-renowned coral reef system that’s home to over 200 species of hard and soft coral. Because the wreck is located in a channel, the currents can be kicking. Macro photographers love the Victory for its ghost pipefish and nudibranchs. But, the liveaboards have the advantage of reaching spots further away and can therefore give a more unique dive experience. As you might have guessed from the name, Kuredu Express is a fast drift dive. Kuredu Resort & Spa. 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. One popular feature is the aptly named ‘chimney’ running from 10 to 24 meters (32-78ft). In 1981, a 100-meter-long cargo ship from Singapore sank after hitting Hulhule Reef. Much like Maaya Thila, Alimatha Jetty is the perfect location for a night dive. The small pinnacle reaches down to 120 feet (35 meters) and features a number of caves and overhangs. It boasts a bit of everything from colorful corals to caves and overhangs. Diving Resorts in Maldives Bandos Maldives. 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. There’s a perfect dive site for every interest and ability. We’ve included Hanifaru Bay because between December and May is really is a magical place to visit. During the northeast monsoon, the strong current pulls pelagic species into the channel. Required fields are marked *, → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020 Reviewed by our Scuba Instructors. On the decks, you’ll find a carpet comprised of lots of colorful sponges and sea squirts. However you can... Best time to dive in Maldives . This pinnacle stretches to a whopping 400m/1312ft and slopes down to a drop-off 30m/98ft deep. I would like to do a dive resort. Five Rocks is a favorite among photographers for its dramatic underwater landscapes. You will have the chance to observe different species such as manta ray, scorpion fish, … Take your camera because the caves and overhangs on Maaya Thila house giant frogfish, up to 30cm/11” long. 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. It is composed of 1.190 Islands which are spread beautifully around more than 20 atolls. Shark Point or Mushimasmingili Thila) is one of the best shark dives in the Maldives. Baa Atoll is justifiably famous for huge seasonal congregations of manta rays and whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay. Jacks congregate en masse and snapper and wrasse dart in and out of the corals. We suspect that will change soon as more and more divers discover how epic the diving is. 10 Best Scuba Diving Liveaboards in Maldives The Maldives is an amazing paradise that is right here on earth, located deep in the Indian Ocean. #2 Gallapagos Ecuador. The intact steel hull of this cargo ship sits tilted on its side and provides a home to all sorts of interesting creatures. This luxe, adult-only resort is perfect for diving. Situated on the eastern edge of South Male Atoll is Cocoa Thila. However, you won’t be needing a tank just snorkeling gear as diving in the bay is now prohibited by the Maldivian government. Maldives best liveaboards. Diving in the Maldives is one of the truly unforgettable impressions that you can enjoy on these Paradise Islands. This long but narrow underwater island in the middle of Ari Atoll is a must-dive for the macro photographer. Recommended Level: No Scuba Experience Necessary. Careful divers can swim through this 165-foot (50m) canyon, noting the abundance of soft coral and sea fans lining the canyon walls. 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. Euro-Divers Maldives offer scuba diving activities in some of the best scuba diving resorts in Maldives as well as water sport activities at selected resorts.. Euro-Divers maintains several dive centres here.In fact, we started it operations more than 40 years ago near Male, the capital. In order to prevent marine life injuries, identify injuries caused by hazardous marine life and provide first aid, check out our. Numerous overhangs and ocean-swept currents provide the perfect environment for vibrant corals, plenty of reef fish and whitetip reef sharks. Kurumba Maldives. 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. Combine wow-moment marine life with awesome geographic features and you have an idea of what to expect. One of the most popular dives in the Maldives and often featured in world top-ten lists, Maaya Thila’s reputation exists for good reason. Fortunately, yes there are still corals in the Maldives (or they were there last I was there). veligandu Island Resort & Spa MALDIVES. Constance Moofushi Maldives is situated on the South Ari Atoll and is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. Like Maaya Thila, this site on Vaavu Atoll is a great spot for a night dive. Far from land in the mid-eastern part of the atoll, Fish Head (a.k.a. Also circling the pinnacle looking for food are grey reef sharks and the occasional guitar shark. The outer reef is situated in Rasdhoo Atoll and the clear waters drop sharply down to around 200m/650ft. — 29°C / 84°F RAINFALL DAYS — 112mm / 4.4 inches. At the intersection between the channel and a perpendicular reef, several terraces at various depths make great platforms to hang out and watch the action. Not too far northeast of South Male Atoll is the Embudhoo channel, the best location to spot sharks in this atoll. Divers willing to tackle the currents here are in the perfect spot to see any passing pelagic life. 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. Jan, 2021. Featured Creature: Eagle Rays, Tuna, Grey Reef Sharks, Stingrays and Barracuda. In fact, “miyaru” means shark in the local language. At this location, swimming with whale sharks can be enjoyed both by snorkelers and scuba divers. Around the island, numerous other outcrops of rock allow for sightings of green sea turtles napping or foraging for food. Between May and November, you'll find stronger winds and slightly rougher seas, but also hopefully plenty of nice sunny spells and water and land temperatures remain lovely. Kandima Maldives. The lights from the jetty make Alimatha a great place for night-time underwater photography. This is how we pay ourselves. Did we miss anything important? On a good day, up to 20 of these sharks patrol the reef. Thanks to the Alimatha Resort kitchen’s practice of cleaning fish on the jetty, local marine life now congregates under the planks hoping for an effortless feed. Apart from a lot of manta rays and whale sharks (as if that wasn’t enough) grey reef sharks and stingrays also use the bay as their Maldives nursery ground. The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands. It’s also one of those bucket-list dives that many scuba travelers have on their must-dive list. Featured Creature: Grey Reef Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks. That’s not the only attraction here, the current also pushes past caverns and caves coated in soft corals and sponges. The current can be strong but beginners with a high comfort level should be easily capable of making this dive. Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Most often, this dive is run early in the morning for the best chance of seeing the sharks. Your email address will not be published. Money cannot influence our reviews and our passion cannot be bought with free products. Guests can expect three tanks a day in some of the region’s best sites, with free Nitrox for qualified divers. Try to get here in the week before a full moon for the best chance of seeing the creatures. Lots of Pelagics, so so visibility but really awesome. Hi. The wet season is June to November and the dry season is December to May, with the best time for diving being January to April. We're a free review guide - run by passionate Divers, Sports and Outdoor fanatics. Recommended Level: Intermediate to Advanced. The nearby reefs are some of the... Kinan Retreat. It really depends on the resort, but most will try to go to the best spots. Water temperatures range from 80°F/26°C-86°F/30°C. The occasional turtle cruises past, too. The captain, anticipating a safe passage decided to follow another vessel but made a critical error. The fast-flowing Maldivian waters house grey sharks, dog-tooth tuna, and Napoleon wrasse. Day or night, Maaya Thila ranks among the best dive sites in the Maldives. Baa Atoll - awarded UNESCO Reserve status in 2011 - has some of the Indian Ocean's best dives for beginner and advanced divers. Sun Siyam Olhuveli. Got questions about diving in Maldives? In the blue, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda, and grey reef sharks can be seen. #3 Palau- Micronesia. Also in Dhigurashu Kandu, Five Rocks is formed by a pinnacle that has been split into five pieces over the centuries. Kandima Maldives. The Best Diving in Maldives Maaya Thila. Nurse sharks, stingrays and giant trevally whip up a feeding frenzy, bumping into the divers in excitement. 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. The reef is suitable for beginners, and even snorkelers can enjoy the shallow sections. This teardrop-shaped, underwater island is approximately 1000 feet (300 meters) long, and therefore not easy to circumnavigate in a single dive. This may be the best site for hammerhead shark action in the whole of the Maldives. S… Elsewhere on the reef, crevices, channels, and caves hide a wealth of marine life. 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. Nurse sharks, giant trevallies and marble rays cruise around and between divers, whipping themselves into a feeding frenzy. The vast South Ari Atoll is considered to have some of the best diving in the Maldives and has long attracted discerning liveaboard divers. Best Dives Maldives operates a PADI 5-star Dive Centre, Watersports Centre and a wide range of Excursions both above and under water in several luxury resorts across the Maldives. Meeru Island Resort And Spa. This doesn’t make a trip to the bay less of an experience, though. Do the dive resorts take you to the same spots a live board goes to. Whilst diving in the Maldives, always respect the underwater environment and the amazing marine life you will encounter. → The Best Scuba Diving BCDs For Every Budget 2020. The Maldives are one of the best destinations in the world for swimming with whale sharks. Among the many soft corals, divers will also find large gorgonian fans and tunicates. With an incredible abundance of marine life and crystal clear waters it has attracted divers from all over the world. What divers really come to Bathala for though is the smaller stuff. On the north side, hiding around 15 to 20 meters deep, rare and reclusive leaf fish can also be found. Keep an eye out for schools of sweetlips, red bass, masked bannerfish, and emperor fish on the reef. Meeru Island Resort And Spa. The hull is encrusted with corals of all kinds so macro critters have plenty of places to hide. Ask us here! For the best chance at a whale shark encounter, travel to Sun Island during the week building up to a full moon. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders. The 10 Best Dive Sites in the Maldives 1. On the reef’s edges, leaf fish can be seen. The Best Dive Resorts in the Maldives Komandoo Maldives Island Resort. As the sun sinks into the water, scuba divers kneel in the sand under the jetty. Sharks and grouper as well as reef fish like Napoleon wrasse and jackfish congregate in these crystal clear water. Veligandu Island Resort & Spa. Where is best in the Northern Atolls for whale shark and turtles around the full moon? The best house reefs for snorkelling in Maldives are generally readily accessible; you only need to don a mask, a snorkel and fins, and head into the water to enjoy beautiful underwater wonders … The Wet Seasonwith rain, winds and waves runs from May to August reducing the... Scuba Diving conditions . Cruising the Maldives on a liveaboard might just be the best way to get the most out of your holiday. Now protected by a marine area, this reef was the country’s first internationally famous site (for good reason). All the dive sites here are still being discovered and, so far at least, this island is not well known. When to dive in the Maldives With a tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, Maldives can be dived at any time. For best overall visibility underwater, calmer seas and clear blue skies, head to the Maldives between December and April, arguably the best time to dive in the Maldives. At around 300m/985ft long, this submerged island sitting around 12m/40ft under the surface may take you a couple of trips to fully explore. The reef itself is excellent as well, so there’s something for everyone. The Maldives are one of the best destinations in the world for swimming with whale... 3. Diving The Maldives the best way possible: on a liveaboard where you get to see all the amazing dive sites and live in luxury. 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. Like the Galapagos and Cocoa, this island near the equator is swarming with large pelagic life. Geographic features include craggy overhangs, ravines, and crevices, all of which provide a brief respite from the current. Often dived at night, the vessels moor and then use high powered lights to attract plankton to the surface. That tradition has thankfully ended, but the sharks remain. Located in the mouth of Dhigurashu Kandu, Broken Rock is one of the most distinguishable dive sites in the South Ari Atoll. 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. Fesdhoo is known for its visiting manta rays and liveaboard boat captains know it. The dive usually ends at a colorful reef where smaller crevices hide macro critters, the perfect place for a safety stop. Was just there in June but not the same as it was 18 years ago. How long will you be there, can you do more days of diving or just one? Best Diving sites in Maldives Best Dive Review. The wall slopes down to around 30m/98ft deep, making it suitable for beginners and advanced divers alike. The most popular liveaboard trip is usually a 7-night trip which gives you an opportunity to visit up to 5-6 atolls. Divers hover in the shallow water as the rays bump and glide over their heads to feed on the riches. What are your favorite dive sites in the Maldives? The company was created when founding owner Marc Odermatt discovered the underwater beauty of the Maldives. Sort this list to fit your scuba level and wishes. Divers can also spot Moorish idols, turtles, mantas, triggerfish, barracuda, nudibranchs and much much more. Napoleon wrasse and eagle rays also pass in the blue while closer to the reef, turtles, octopuses, morays and schooling snapper can be found. Up to 16 resident grey reef sharks can be spotted on a single dive, darting around at an unsettling speed. AVERAGE TEMP. Famous for having the best waters in the world, Maldives is, without a doubt, the best place on earth to go scuba diving. Divers should keep their eyes on the blue — that’s where the magic happens. Large potato and coral groupers lurk in the dark overhangs or sit in the current looking for a meal. He’s been working as a diving instructor in various paradises around the world. This site’s accessibility is the same thing that makes it so popular with day-trippers, divers, and snorkelers. Divers can also see eagle rays, sharks, and titan triggerfish — one creature they might be less excited about. We also offer Luxury Yacht Charter and Guest Transfer Services from the airport to the resort through our sister company Best Yachts Maldives. No scuba experience is necessary as Sun Island is open to both snorkelers and divers. Plus, the channel is home to a wealth of interesting marine creatures. Furaveri Island Resort & Spa. However, most people agree that diving between November and April is the best season for diving because of the chances of oceanic manta rays, whale sharks, thresher sharks and hammerheads. 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. Fish head gives divers a chance to see these creatures up close and personal. Here are our picks for can’t-miss underwater experiences. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. Furaveri Maldives. Kuredu Resort & Spa. The site owes its name to a canyon which splits the pinnacle in two. While it’s possible to dive many of these sites individually while staying in a land-based resort, the best way to dive all the best sites in the Maldives is with a liveaboard. There really isn’t a bad time of year to dive in the Maldives but here is a guide of what you can expect from each season in the Maldives.