Joanna James
Nestled along the shimmering blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the islands of Maldives are a sight to behold. Here are the best diving sites you need to explore when you're in Maldives.
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Maaya Thila is a great diving spot during the day or night. Ranking as one of the sites for diving in Maldives, the most popular sighting here would be the array of sharks swimming around you! The pinnacle of the dive site begins at 20 feet and drops to a level of 100 feet! You'll be able to see plenty of whitetip reef sharks, nurse sharks, barracuda, giant trevally and a large variety of stingrays. When you're snorkeling in Maldives, reef sharks are also quite commonly seen swimming around house reefs near resorts such as Niyama Private Islands Maldives. The evenings are known to be the most exciting time to go on a diving excursion here as the sharks tend to begin their feeding frenzy at dusk, but don't worry – reef sharks don't eat human flesh! Just remember not to get too close to them! Maaya Thila is ideal for intermediate to advanced divers.
Sun Island is THE place to go if you want a chance to swim along with whale sharks! Imagine that! Located in the South Ari Atoll, the south side of Sun Island opens its doors directly to the Indian Ocean with a plateau of around 30 feet. The week following up to the full moon is the ideal time to encounter whale sharks that cruise around the plateau. Whale sharks are currently the largest fish species and are usually found swimming in tropical waters. Spotting whale sharks off this island is great even for snorkelers, as there is a shallow reef making it ideal for beginner divers as well.
Broken Rock can be found at the entrance to Dhigurashu Kandu in the South Ari Atoll. It is easily recognizable from the large canyon which is split in two. This dive site is ideal for experienced and intermediate level divers; one must swim through the narrow 165-foot canyon where you'll be blessed with a variety of coral and sea fans.
Another dive site off Dhigurashu Kandu, also located in the South Ari Atoll, Five Rocks is a collection of rocks which had been formed by a pinnacle that had eventually broken off into 5 pieces. These pieces reach depths from 40 feet to 130 feet below sea level, creating perfect living conditions for numerous colourful coral, reef fish and most popularly, whitetip reef sharks. Other types of marine life that can be spotted here are stingrays and red-tooth triggerfish. Offering dramatic underwater landscapes, Five Rocks is one of the favourites amongst diving photographers!
Fish Head diving point, also reputed for being known as Shark Point, is the best place to see sharks! Located in the North Ari Atoll, this pinnacle drops to a depth of 120 feet, featuring a number of overhangs and caves which are ideal for exploring. There are known to be about 16 resident sharks swimming around the area who can easily be spotted on your dive – do keep in mind to not get too close as they usually dart through the waters rather alarmingly! Gray Reef Sharks is the star of this dive site.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
