Regarded as a scuba diver’s dream come true, the Maldives is also a fantastic destination for snorkellers. Here are some of the archipelago’s top diving and snorkelling sites.
North Male Atoll
Home to some of the oldest diving sites in the country, the North Male Atoll is also where one will find the archipelago’s largest coral reefs. Containing such iconic diving hubs the likes of Banana Reef or Gaathugiri, the area provides excellent conditions for deep-sea exploration. The atoll’s shallower corners, on the other hand, are perfect for snorkelling expeditions. Some of the other popular dives sites in this part of the country include Manta Point and the Victory Wreck.
South Male Atoll
Whether one is based at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon or any other property, no diving tour of the Maldives would be complete without exploring the South Male Atoll. The best Maldives resort diving packages not only include the Vadhoo Caves where a plethora of marine species are found but also the Kuda Giri shipwreck. Snorkellers, however, will find that the Maafushi Corner is where they can find the most colourful fish species and accessible snorkelling venues.
Ari Atoll
Ranked among the top locations to spot pelagic species in large numbers, the breathtaking Ari Atoll is located to the west of the Maldivian capital and is perfect for both diving and snorkelling tours. Some of the main highlights for divers include the Maaya Thila, which is also ideal for night dives while The Fish Head area is just as impressive. Sandies Bathala Island’s house reef is more suitable for snorkellers.
Northern Atolls
As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Northern Atolls include Hanifaru Bay, which is the globe’s most expansive manta ray-feeding aggregation site.
