The islands of Maldives are famed world over for their pristine beaches and azure waters that are home to a multitude of vivid marine life. Attracting divers from all corners of the world, the islands have been blessed with some amazing coral reefs, although it is the sheer variety of aquatic life beneath the waters that sets the islands apart from other diving destinations.
Explore the overhangs, caverns and caves where there are gorgonian fans, invertebrates, colourful sponges and soft corals, all profiting from the nutrient-rich water. You can also marvel at the cleaning stations where shrimps and cleaning wrasses service the larger marine species.
Maldives also boasts a large amount of wreck dive sites which make for a memorable scuba diving trip. Travellers enjoying a holiday in this charming island nation should make it a point to explore these captivating dive sites.
Lying at a depth of 35 metres, the Maldives Victory Wreck is one of the most well-known shipwrecks for commercial diving in the islands. Having a length of 110 metres, it sank in 1981 and has eventually transformed into a natural habitat for an exotic and colourful range of marine creatures.
The bow of this long vessel points to the north and since the ship is studded with urticating hydroids and jagged seashells, divers are advised to be highly cautious to avoid any injuries. A buoy surface marker helps you locate the Maldives Victory Wreck and once you reach the mast of the wreck it will be easy to swim towards the bow and return to the stern. The main deck of the ship is found at a depth of twelve metres, where divers will be greeted by tuna, groupers and turtles. However, this wreck has been declared an advanced dive site due to safety reasons. A good amount of experience and planning are required for one to deal with the powerful currents found here.
Travellers in search of Maldives island resorts, will be pleased to find Maafushivaru Maldives. Epitomizing the paradisiacal beauty of the islands, this Maldives all inclusive resort offers thatch-roofed villas drawing inspiration from local architecture to provide an extraordinary holiday experience.
