Top 5 Dive Sites in the Maldives – The Pinnacle of the 'Maldives Experience'

Morning or after nightfall, Maaya Thila in the South Ari Atoll remains one of the most magical places to plunge in. The pinnacle begins at around six meters and finishes around thirty metres underwater. Boasting schools of sharks, numerous species of stingrays, the GT, barracuda and other predatory marine species, the dive site has plenty to leave you enthralled. However, its biggest highlight begins after sunset. The dive site is known to be a popular feeding spot for fish and the area turns into a frenzy at night. Of course, it's a bit terrifying but this humbling experience is truly like no other.

Present at the head of Dhigurashu Kandu, this is a very prominent dive site in the country. The location's name is derived from the fact that an underwater canyon splits the reef into two. About fifty metres in size, one can swim through the canyon but beware of the shark corals and sea fans hugging the rock surface. The dive site is also known to have plenty of unpredictable currents so keep that in mind before diving in.

Also known as Shark Point, divers have long rushed to this faraway spot in search of sharks, the most fearsome predator in the Indian Ocean. A resort for example like Baros Maldives should have no difficulty getting you here. The pinnacle is about thirty-five metres deep and hides many caves and overhangs that are a delight to explore. Grey reef sharks roam around the area in their dozens and you can see around thirty or so of them in one dive, an unsettling but mesmerizing sight.

This is another well-known shark congregation point, although it is hammerhead sharks this time. They are most common in the northeast monsoons. However, the dive site features very strong currents and it is for this reason that the Miyaru Kandu is recommended for only advanced divers who have done plenty of dives. Other than hammerhead sharks, you can also feast your eyes on eagle rays and dogtooth tunas.

This dive spot has long been credited for being the dive site that brought the Maldives to the spotlight. Banana Reef is now a protected marine region and was the first well-known diving site. This is mainly because the location has a bit of everything that makes the Maldives such a delightful experience. Whether it is endless stretches of corals on the seabed, caves to explore or hundreds of rare marine species, Banana Reef always delivers to everyone. Easy enough to be managed by even beginners, the shallow waters are ideal for snorkelling too. Sea turtles and Napoleon Wrasses are noteworthy visitors to this magical site.