Joanna James
Ranked among the world's finest destinations for scuba diving, the Maldives is home to some of the region's top dive sites. Whether it's wreck diving or encountering rare and elusive marine species, these five diving hotspots in the Maldives truly pack in quite a few adventures.
When it comes to the best place to spot whale sharks in the wild, few dive sites can match up to Sun Island's diving opportunities. Divers who wish to spot some of the biggest fish species that call the Indian Ocean home will find that the southern shores of Sun Island are the perfect venue to come across the majestic creatures. Swimming with whale sharks is also a popular activity for those who enjoy diving around the island which is as well known for its snorkelling possibilities as it is as a diver's Mecca.
Occupying pride of place in the South Ari Atoll, the Maaya Thila is actually a pinnacle that lies around 6m in depth and reaches well below 30m at its deepest end. Ideal for night diving tours and for scuba divers with intermediary or expert level skills, Maaya Thila is also where some of the country's biggest sharks can also be spotted. The whitetip reef sharks inhabit this area in large numbers while other frequently spotted marine species include barracudas, stingrays, nurse sharks and giant trevallies. Travellers based at Reethi Faru Resort or any other Maldives beach villa can book a diving trip to the area through the hotel.
Also known as Shark Point or Fish Head, North Ari Atoll's Mushimasmingili Thila is one of the deepest diving spots in the country. Reaching depths of up to 35m, the collection of underwater caves and captivating overhangs make diving in this region a true treat for the senses. There are at least 16 grey reef sharks in this area and divers will spot these inhabitants right away as they are known to swim fast and dart across the water.
Perhaps the most coveted dive site in North Male Atoll, Banana Reef was the original diving hub that made the Maldives a popular scuba diving destination in the eyes of the world. Lined with vibrant coral reefs, impressive caves and countless overhangs, the most frequently spotted fish species at Banana Reef include groupers, sharks, Jack fish, sea turtles and Napoleon wrasses. The clarity and visibility of the waters make diving here a wonderful experience and the shallow depths also makes it a great diving location for beginners.
Situated in the South Male Atoll, Kandooma Thila is not an easy dive site to navigate in a single trip. As an underwater isle that stretches across 300m, the main highlight of this diving hotspot is cave Jack's Corner, where soft corals feed trevallies and red bass. The western and northern quarters of the island offer some of the most spectacular diving opportunities while green sea turtles will also be seen in large numbers searching for food.
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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.
