With its calm waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the Maldives is a diving enthusiast’s dream come true. Here’s more on what you need to know before going on underwater adventures in this tropical paradise.
The Best Period
The best time to go diving in Maldives is between November and April. During this period, the waters are calmer, the visibility is excellent, and the weather is dry. The sea temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C, so you won’t need a wetsuit. That said, you can also go diving in the off-season; from August to November for example, one can look to encounter more manta rays and whale sharks in certain atolls.
Where to Stay
If you’re interested in trying this activity, ensure you stay at a private island resort that offers access to a dive centre which provides the needed PADI and / or SSI courses and certification. This includes properties like Adaaran Club Rannalhi which caters to beginners and experienced divers alike. Once you have the needed certification, you can look forward to guided dives including those that take place at night!
Key Locations
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, and each one is unique in its own way. But, there are a few that stand out when it comes to diving. One such place is the North Male Atoll home to the famous Banana Reef, a dive site that’s teeming with marine life. Another great location is the South Male Atoll which is an ideal place to be based while also popular are the South Ari Atoll and the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What to Expect
You can expect to see a stunning array of vibrant coral as you explore this magical underwater world. Amidst this undersea environment, you will come across reef fish of all colours along with larger denizens of the deep; these include reef sharks, turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, barracuda, giant trevally and more. You can also explore underwater wrecks like the Kuda Giri Wreck and the Maldives Victory.
Meta Description
Offering key insights, this guide to diving in Maldives features details on the best period, ideal resorts, key atolls, marine life, and shipwrecks.
