The Best Dive Sites in Maldives – Discover Underwater Marvels

Sometimes referred to as the "fish soup", Kuda Haa is a famed dive site home to numerous fish species. Ideal for both beginners and advanced divers, the reef has dive depths which range from 6 to 27 metres. It features two peaks with plenty of hard coral and is a protected marine area offering much to discover. Those venturing to this site have a chance to spot species such as vibrant fairy basslet (royal gramma), Napoleon wrasse, redtooth triggerfish, stonefish, bluestripe snappers, scorpionfish, moray eels and turtles.

An ideal site for more experienced divers, Okobe Thila is blessed with a fascinating array of coral and marine life. Those planning an excursion here from their Maldives villas will find lots of overhangs and ledges that are home to soft coral. Reaching dive depths between 8 and 30 metres, the reef can be explored from different sides. Divers at the north end can encounter fusiliers, oriental sweetlips and bluestripe snappers, while at the eastern side, species such as Napoleon wrasse, trevally and barracuda can be found. On your dive, you may spot turtles, sharks and tuna as well.

A perennial favourite amongst divers, the Banana Reef was in fact, one of the first dive sites to be discovered in the country. Within easy reach of island resorts the likes of Baros Maldives which offer excursions here, this protected marine area offers some unforgettable underwater sights and photography opportunities. Ideal for both beginners and pros, this site has diving depths ranging from 4 to 25 metres. Those heading to the northeast side of the reef will come across overhangs, canyons and caves along with species such as black snapper, barracuda, sharks and trevally. Green turtles, yellow snappers, oriental sweetlips, bluestripe snappers, fusiliers and Napoleon wrasses can also be found here.

One of the joys of diving in Maldives is to get a chance to encounter and swim amidst manta rays which is exactly what you can do at this site. Also known as Lankanfinolhu Faru, this site comes alive with activity especially between May and December when it becomes a cleaning and feeding area for mantas. The great thing is, Manta Point has much more to offer as well; divers have a chance to spot Napoleon wrasses, oriental sweetlips, fusiliers, moray eels, turtles, reef sharks and sometimes, even whale sharks.

An outer reef outside the atoll, Kuhla Faru is another diving hotspot home to an abundance of marine life. Diving depths reach between 8 and 23 metres at this site which has a healthy growth of hard coral and attracts many marine species like fusilier, trevally and triggerfish. That said, do make sure to take your eyes away from the reef from time to time and look around for the area attracts bigger marine species too; you have a chance of spotting stingrays, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, leopard sharks and if you're lucky, even oceanic whitetip sharks.maldives villas