It is no secret that the waters in an around the Maldives Islands harbour some of the most incredible marine vistas on the planet. With its balmy climes that minimize the need for extensive equipment such as wet-suits, the myriad of both deep sea dive sites and shallows ideal for snorkelling as well as waters which are neither too tame nor often dangerous, the Maldives archipelago is a veritable Mecca for diving enthusiasts.
Drift diving from liveaboards is the preferred method of diving in the Maldives, which depends on the currents for mobility. These same currents drift nutrients such as plankton between channels and sea passages created by the atolls, making something of an a la carte buffet for the passing shoals of fish. As a result, vast shoals of exotic fish congregate within the water flows, underwater caverns and overhangs of soft coral, creating some of the most rewarding dive sites in the Indian Ocean.
These areas usually see a proliferation of sponges, gorgonian fans and invertebrate species feasting on the nutrients, while cleaning wrasses and shrimps are preyed upon by larger marine dwellers. Other species that populate the water flows are parrotfish, jacks, snappers, sweetlips and barracudas. The pelagic depths of are frequented by eagle and manta rays as well as several varieties of shark.
Pinnacles of rock that jut out almost to the sea surface are common phenomena within the atoll lagoons and are known in the local vernacular as “Thilas”. These vibrant formations are actually immobile life forms that create an eco-system of its own, feeding resident crustaceans and fish.
Over 200 dive sites ranging from shallow, easily navigable for beginners and challenging deeps for seasoned divers are all found throughout the atolls. The waters are coolest from February to July, dropping to an average of 27°C while the latter months usually average a warm 30°C.
Ari Atoll is one of the best pelagic dive sites for viewing schools of rays, sharks, mantas and hammerheads, as well as batfish and barracudas. The Wreck of the Sting Rays is a ship-wrecked encrusted with coral around which black-spotted sting rays cruise with little fear of human visitors. The Saddle Reef is a cavern descending 27 metres below sea level that is a favourite haunt of nurse sharks. The Blue Shadow Reed is a shallow reef that allows longer bottom time to take in the stunning congregations of nearly every single marine species found in the Maldivian waters. The unpredictable currents of this site are best experienced by more seasoned divers. The Baros Thila is a deep reef top known for its resident red and blue snappers as well clownfish and dolphins.
Although diving is great in the Maldives all year round, liveaboards departures usually happen between November and May. The demand for liveaboard diving is such that one must book them months in advance to avoid disappointment.
April to June is the hottest season of the year, when the blooming plankton attractions shoals of pelagic species. The December to March period affords the best diving visibility in the region, while the May-August wet season sees it reduced considerably.
Scuba diving and snorkelling are only a couple of the myriad of exciting activities that are offered by Maldives resorts. Those looking for a high-quality Maldives island resort are pointed to the Kurumathi Island Resort, which has a stellar reputation in terms of both service and facilities.
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