Joanna James
The Maldives' reputation as a marine wonderland precedes everything else. Diving is the best way to explore the enchanting beauty of its underwater world. These diving sites are hailed as the best.
An underwater playground for both young and old, Ari Atoll is home to many dive sites perfect for all experience levels. Drift diving is what the atoll is most known for, and the diversity of marine life adds to the experience. One of the best snorkelling sites here is Hammerhead Point, where you have the highest likelihood of seeing hammerhead sharks. For a more tranquil diving experience, try the shallow coral gardens that are home to various fish species, including octopuses and moray eels. A diver can go as deep as 30 metres or as shallow as 5 metres.
This is the closest to the airport and, therefore, the most visited by divers. North Male Atoll is much more developed than the other atolls, but it still manages to offer a tranquil diving adventure. On the eastern part of the atoll, you can find channel dives where strong currents bring in marine species like sharks and eagle rays. Barracuda Point, also known as Nassimo Thila, is the most well-known dive site here. It’s named so because of the large number of barracuda swimming in circles. The atoll also features beautiful soft corals. All these elements – the fish species and the corals – create a gorgeous realm perfect for underwater photography. Some might say that this is where you find the best scuba diving in Maldives. Besides, the atoll is home to resorts like Coco Bodu Hithi.
Protected by UNESCO, Baa Atoll is a fine example of the Maldives’ conservation efforts. The atoll is best known for Hanifaru Bay, a site that manta rays and whale sharks frequent. From May to November, these marine creatures gather here in large numbers. Baa Atoll is also home to thilas and giris, which are shallow reefs with soft corals. These reefs are packed with all sorts of tropical fish species. As you can imagine, diving here makes for a magical experience.
For a peaceful diving and snorkelling adventure, head to South Male Atoll. It features numerous dive sites, but there aren’t many people around. This atoll is home to soft corals that attract various marine species. Guraidhoo Corner is one of the best dive sites. Strong currents here bring schools of fish, including jacks, snappers, and sometimes even sharks or manta rays. Kandooma Thila is another excellent dive site. Here, you’ll find tiny marine creatures such as nudibranchs, leaf fish, and pipefish living among the beautiful coral gardens.
Popular with night divers, Vaavu Atoll, also known as Felidhoo Atoll, promises a memorable underwater experience. The most famous dive site here is Alimatha Jetty, where you can go on night dives. It’s also a spot loved by nurse sharks and white-tip sharks. These creatures are usually docile, but not when they’re in a feeding frenzy – it makes for an unforgettable encounter. Get here during the day for drift dives and to see eagle rays, grey reef sharks, jacks, and snappers. Miyaru Kandu is another popular dive site, known for sightings of hammerheads and grey reef sharks.
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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.
