Joanna James
If your trip to the Maldives is going to be focused solely on diving, there are several options available for you. But star with organizing accommodation at a diving resort so that you can make the best of the opportunities available. You can also book a live boarding experience.
On the fringes of the rim of the Ari Atoll, towards the north is quite a large reef irregularly reaching up about 30 metres. In the very centre of Ukulhas Thila is a vibrant channel called Maavaru Kandu which is quite wide. The dive will take you through a narrow apex which has a flat top at 15 metres and slopes down about 30 metres. When the flat top comes to an end you will find a Manta cleaning station which is active from December to April. However, during this time of year, the currents are pretty strong. You will have to hold on to bits of rock at the edge of the reef to keep from being swept away. But make sure you do not hold on to live coral or fish. The dive is mainly for experienced divers and not for beginners.
Located in the North Male Atoll, this reef is also known as the Barracuda Thila and is a reef that offers one-of-a-kind experiences when currents change. The Thila here is about 80 metres long which makes it easier to explore in one dive. Within the reef are three pinnacles which range from 10 metres to 50 metres. With the current, you will begin your dive at 30 metres and make your way up the pinnacle. Tuna, White-tip Reef Sharks and Moray Eels are fish you should keep your eyes peeled for. On the way, you will also see schools of Banner Fish, Long-Finned Bat Fish and very healthy coral formations. A torch will come in handy when exploring the cavities in the reef.
This is one of the most popular dive sites in the Maldives. It is known for diverse marine life and colourful corals. But the site offers much more than this, with overhangs, caves and swim-throughs which come alive with yellow soft corals and black coral bushes. If you do get the chance to dive here, do grab it and you will not be sorry. Snapper, Jack, Tuna and Anemones are the special species to look out for while on this dive.
Situated towards the southern part of the Male Atoll, this is a 300-metre-long pinnacle formed in the shape of a teardrop. The western part of the reef is called Jack's Corner, this spot is ideal to explore when the current is moving outward. You can observe White-Tip Reef Sharks, Trevally, Barracuda, Groupers and Jacks. Schools of Dogtooth Tuna and Eagle Rays might drop by as well to surprise you.
When it comes to diving, certain resorts offer equipment rentals and plan out tours as well. If you are diving for the first time, hotels like Kuramathi Maldives will be able to recommend a good dive school for your PADI certification. A few Maldives villas are also located quite close to the dive sites making things much easier.
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