Top 05 Dive Sites in Maldives – Spectacular Underwater Discoveries

Located in the North Male Atoll, the Banana Reef was the first dive site to be discovered in the country and became world-famous too. This protected marine area with its caves and overhangs is ideal even for beginner level divers and there are shallower sections that snorkelers can explore as well. Napoleon wrasses and bannerfish are amongst the creatures you have a chance of spotting here along with jackfish, sea turtles, groupers, sharks, oriental sweetlips, barracudas as well as various corals too.

At a corner of the Guraidhoo Channel, you will find the aptly named Guraidhoo Corner which has a depth that ranges from 5 to 40 metres including a vertical drop-off. When currents are strong this dive is not that easy, but those with the experience to undertake it will be rewarded. One of the most thrilling activities to do in Maldives is to dive here and witness the sight of majestic mantas, many pelagic fish, grey reef sharks and sometimes, even hammerhead sharks.

An ideal dive site for both medium-level and advanced divers, Kandooma Thila is shaped similar to that of a teardrop. Those planning excursions here from properties including those of Adaaran Resorts Maldives have much to look forward to; this Thila which spans around 300 metres in length offers plenty to explore including a cave known as Jack's Corner that features soft coral and fish species such as trevally. Divers can also be on the look-out to spot green sea turtles, eagle rays, barracuda, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses and more.

The Kuredu Express features heavy and strong currents that traverse a sandy channel and is best suited for more intermediate divers. One of the most well-known dive sites in the Lhaviyani Atoll, it has terraces at varying depths at the intersection of the reef and the channel; from these vantage points, divers can look forward to taking in the fascinating marine marvels that can be found here. These include sightings of barracuda, grey reef sharks, stingrays and eagle rays as they "ride" the area's currents.

Popular as a seasonal diving attraction in Maldives, this underwater hotspot is where one can look forward to viewing a great many manta rays. The period from August to November is generally considered the best time for a dive at Manta Point and coincides with the south-west monsoon. Located on the North Male Atoll's south-eastern side, this site with its sloping reef draws numerous mantas who queue up at what are called "cleaning stations" home to cleaner wrasses. Apart from this awe-inspiring sight, divers have more to enjoy as well since hump head wrasses, octopuses, moray eels, whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays may be spotted too.