Listly by Juliana Roberts
Diving in the Maldives is one of the most popular tourist lures; the archipelago made up of gorgeous coral atolls placed within the warm Indian Ocean offers a paradise to explore below the waves.
The North Male Atoll home to some of the archipelagos best dive sites is also home to the capital island. Lankan Manta Point as the name suggests is one of the best sites for spotting the giant creatures. The atoll is home to 3 cleaning points for the mantas. One of the most assured spots to find the mantas, divers should remember to stay clear of the cleaning stations which are located at the base of the rocky outcrop.
If you love wreck diving the Maldive Victory will not disappoint. This is a freighter ship that was sunk in 1981; it sits upright at a depth of 37 metres with the deck at a depth of 25 metres. The wreck is located close to famous Hulhule Reef and sank when it struck the reef while travelling at full speed. The hull which was seriously damaged due to this impact caused the vessel to sink in under an hour. The freighter is 83 metres long and home to a fascinating collection of sea life.
A mesmerizing spot to explore the Aquarium is located on the North Male Atoll, close to enter link description hereBaros Maldives. The North Male Atoll apart for the amazing dive sites and tranquil locationis quite popular for the best luxury Maldives resorts as it is just 25 minutes from the main airport. Aquarium is made up of a collection of coral rocks that start at a depth of 15 metres. A variety of colourful coral fish dwell there as well as Moray Eel who favour the holes located within the coral outcrop. The reef ends on a sandy bed while at a depth of 25 metres you will find a collection of caves which are possible to explore.
This too is another fabulous spot on the North Male Atoll. Blue Point is home to a coral wall which is interesting to explore. However the water too is home to interesting marine life where the occasional Hammerhead shark can be spotted.
One of the easiest dive spots around the North Male Atoll Bodu Giri is home to a number of reef fish as well as larger varieties. This reef is ideal for the novice diver; make sure to head over to the north western side of the coral wall for sights of Vampire Blue Triggerfish, turtles, masked bannerfish and lobsters sitting along the wall.
Bodu Hithi Thila is also called Manta Point due to the place being favoured by the giant creatures. December to April is the best season for spotting the rays while off season too the waters are home to eagle rays. This thila is located within the Hithi Kandu and offers depths of 8 metres to 25 metres.