Maldives

The Maldives is an exceptional scuba diving destination known for its stunning clarity, warm waters, and vibrant marine life. The country's unique geography, which consists of over 1,000 coral islands forming 26 atolls, provides a diverse array of underwater topography, from dramatic drop-offs and channels to serene lagoons and coral gardens.

Unique topography and dive environments

• Thilas (pinnacles) and giris (submerged islands): These are underwater coral formations that attract a huge variety of marine life.
• Kandus (channels): Strong currents sweep nutrients through the channels between atolls, creating ideal conditions for larger pelagic species, including sharks and rays.
• Wrecks: Several purposefully sunk and historical wrecks have become artificial reefs that provide excellent dive opportunities.
• Vast reef systems: The reefs feature colorful soft and hard corals, including canyons, caverns, and overhangs, especially around the channels.

Diverse and abundant marine life

• Manta rays: The Maldives is world-famous for its manta ray population, particularly at cleaning stations and feeding frenzies in Hanifaru Bay.
• Whale sharks: These gentle giants are often spotted year-round in the South Ari Atoll, with increased sightings during the southwest monsoon.
• Sharks: Encounters with sharks are a major highlight. Divers can reliably see species like grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and nurse sharks. Fuvahmulah, in the southernmost atoll, is particularly known for guaranteed sightings of resident tiger sharks.
• Other creatures: Divers can also expect to see green turtles, hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, and huge schools of vibrant reef fish.

Ideal diving conditions

• Warm water: Water temperatures in the Maldives are warm and comfortable throughout the year, ranging from 80–86°F (26–30°C).
• Clear visibility: The pristine Indian Ocean waters often offer visibility exceeding 100 feet.
• Diving for all levels: With numerous sheltered lagoons and reefs for beginners and exhilarating drift dives in channels for advanced divers, the Maldives offers a wide variety of experiences.

Accessibility and travel options

• Liveaboards: Because the Maldives is spread across a large area, liveaboard dive boats are a popular option to visit multiple atolls and more remote, less-crowded sites.
• Resort diving: Many islands have resorts with house reefs that offer easy access to snorkeling and shore diving, along with professional PADI training facilities for all levels.

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