Joanna James
For many dive aficionados, the Maldives is a haven with so many species of manta rays and sharks, vibrant coral reefs and exciting pelagic action. With numerous diving sites around the nearly 1200 islands, here are some of the finest to try out for awe-inspiring experiences.
The nearly 1200 islands of the Maldives, a low-lying nation are grouped in a double-strand chain formation of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. These islands are devoid of lakes, rivers or hills, however, are formed by coral reefs and sandbars and surrounded by dreamy beaches. Lying right on the equator these coral islands are blessed with warm waters keeping the corals healthy and teeming with marine life.
The nutrients of the rich waters flow along feeding the soft coral clinging to the rock sides. Similarly, within the atoll lagoons rock pinnacles (known as thila) emerge from the bottom to scratch the surface of the water. All these natural happenings enable Maldives scuba diving resorts to showcase some of the awesome diving sites in this unique archipelago.
Known for its unique reef formations Maavaru Kandu is a popular site attracting divers to the famous Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. This reef at 6 m drops to a 30m depth showcasing incredible overhangs speckled by sea fans and multi-hued soft corals. Teeming with fish one can spot parrotfish, sweet lips, angelfish and unicorn fish flitting through hard corals. Suitable for all levels of divers this is a favourite dive site of guests using Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Enjoyed by most divers with a reasonable level of experience, this pinnacle dive descends to a 30 m depth with mild currents. Maaya Thilla, protected as a Marine Reserve by the government is known to be teeming with life. Apart from the vibrant corals, grey reef sharks, nudibranchs, triggerfish and whitetip reef sharks are often sighted. Giant frogfish can be sighted on a lucky day.
With sloping walls, crevices, cracks and carpets of rich corals and full of flitting marine life there is so much beauty to see at Banana Reef at 30 m or 3m. Other regular sightings here are moray eels, snappers and Napoleon Wrasse.
A dive site more suited for advanced divers Kandooma is known for sightings of barracuda, snappers, jacks and grey reef sharks. Frequent divers know to move to the west edge called the Jack Corner for exciting sights of these creatures.
This is also known as Shark Point or Mushimasmingili Thila and is known as one of the best dives to observe sharks. This is a pinnacle that descends to around 35m with overhangs and caves appreciated by advanced divers. Guitar sharks, tuna, barracuda and grey reef sharks are seen here.
One of the most popular dives in the Maldives, this site treats divers with sightings of tiger sharks year-round and at a depth of only 10 m enabling divers of all experience levels to admire them. Mola mola, manta rays and thresher sharks are also seen at this site which is a cleaning station for manta rays.
This is a unique dive site due to the deep canyon that has split the reef into two sections. While buoyancy control is required due to currents, it is possible to swim and many diver stays on the side grabbing something steady to get sightings of jacks, angel fish, anthias and butterfly fish at this reef. Despite the difficulty, the awesome sightings are worth the effort.
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.
