Joanna James
The Maldives, an archipelago of over a thousand coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, offers a gateway to some of the most breathtaking underwater worlds on the planet. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, the Maldives is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. From swimming alongside majestic manta rays and gentle whale sharks to exploring colourful coral gardens teeming with exotic fish, the underwater landscapes of the Maldives promise an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.
Maaya Thila, one of the country's most popular dive spots, features a pinnacle situated 6 meters below the surface, waiting to be explored. This underwater peak hosts a diverse array of marine life, including stingrays, barracudas, giant frogfishes, and more. However, the highlight of this dive site is the white-tip sharks! On a typical dive, you can expect to see at least 20 white-tip sharks patrolling the waters in search of food.
Alimatha Jetty is ideal for night diving and is renowned for its abundance of nurse sharks and cowtail stingrays. This reputation stems from Alimatha Resort's tradition of daily fish feeding, which attracts diverse marine life year-round. Capture stunning photos as the feeding frenzy unfolds during the sunset hours at this captivating location.
Explore the prominent dive site featuring underwater caves ranging from 7 to 40 meters deep. Delve deeper into these trenches! Look out for unicornfish, soldierfish, and turtles among the overhangs as you venture into the crevices. Conclude your dive by gliding over the vibrant reef located at the cave's edge.
Encounter the elusive whale shark here, known as the world's largest shark species. The island's strategic location along the southern shore, facing the Indian Ocean and featuring a deep plateau, creates a welcoming environment for passing whale sharks. To witness these majestic creatures, the best time to dive is during the week leading up to a full moon. Plan your dive before the moon reaches its fullest phase to increase your chances of an extraordinary sighting.
This renowned dive site has gained international acclaim among divers worldwide, and rightfully so. Banana Reef offers a diverse marine ecosystem, featuring everything from coral reefs to overhangs. The reef hosts a bustling congregation of marine life, including moray eels and wrasse, while grouper and sharks patrol the blue waters. Massive schools of jacks and frequent sightings of napoleons add to the excitement. Whatever species you're looking for, chances are you'll encounter it at Banana Reef.
No diving expedition is truly fulfilled without encountering this graceful creature. Known locally as Emas Thila, this 1-kilometre-long pinnacle attracts flocks of majestic manta rays. Typically found between 15 to 30 meters deep, witness the mesmerizing manta ray cleaning station here. Explore a sloping reef that harbours a rich diversity of marine life, including soft corals, trevally, sea whips, and more. Whether you're staying in water villas in Maldives, or another kind of stay in a place like the Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, make sure to spare some time to visit this spot.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
