Joanna James
There's an ideal dive site for just about every skill level in Maldives. Scattered amongst gorgeous coral atolls these sites reward one with sights of manta rays, whale sharks and more; come explore!
This is without doubt one of the best dive sites on the archipelago; ideal for day or night diving the place is home to a large convergence of white-tip reef sharks. The thila or pinnacle starts at a depth of 20 feet and reaches down to depths of 100 feet. In addition to the sharks you can spot stingrays, nurse sharks, barracuda and the giant trevally. Some of the best adventures around this thila are at night; when night divers jumping into the depths of the water are rewarded with sights of a feeding frenzy that takes place in the inky black water. Diving skills required are classified as intermediate to advanced, in order to explore Maaya Thila.
Spotting the elusive whale shark is one of the biggest allures Maldives is famous for, and there is no better place than Sun Island to spot these giant fish. The south side of the island open to the Indian Ocean is home to a plateau that is 15 to 30 feet; from there you can easily spot the huge fish on either a scuba diving or snorkelling tour. The best time to head to the island is on a week preceding a full moon night when chances of spotting whale sharks are very high. Skills levels here can be limited to snorkelling and no scuba diving experience is needed.
A short speed boat ride from Dhigali Maldives is the South Ari Atoll; also called Alifu Dhaalu. One of the most notable dive sites there is Broken Rock located at the mouth of Dhigurashu Kandu. The name is derived from a canyon that separates the pinnacle in half and a cautious diver can easily swim through the narrow 165 foot canyon. It's a swim that's rewarded with sights of sea fans and other soft coral attached to the canyon walls. As currents are unpredictable around the canyon you need a good buoyancy, hence it is always best you attempt this dive with the aid of experienced guides from a reputed Maldives dive resort .
This spot too is located on the Dhigurashu Kandu; Five Rocks is formed by a pinnacle that over the centuries has been split into five sections. These rocks or pillars extend from 40 feet below the sea level to 130 feet on the sandy bed. Over swept currents and lots of overhangs seem to create the perfect breeding ground for white-tip reef sharks, colourful reef fish and vivacious corals. Due to this alluring environment, exploring Five Rocks is a favourite pastime amongst underwater photographers. In fact recreation, Dhigali style means you get to explore many more sites similar to Five Rocks. Intermediate diving skills are required here.
Also called Shark Point or Mushimasmingili Thila, Fish Head is one of the archipelago's best dive spots for spotting sharks. This pinnacle extends to depths of 120 feet and is home to a variety of overhangs and caves, ideal hangout spots for the resident grey reef sharks – the key attraction there.
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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.
