Joanna James
The Maldives is widely known as one of the world's top diving destinations, with its abundant marine life attracting divers from all over the globe. Here are some uncharted dive sites in the Maldives that promise an unforgettable experience.
Located in the South Ari Atoll, Fushi Kandu is an often-overlooked diving spot, yet it offers an incredible experience for divers seeking tranquillity and untouched marine life. The site is a deep channel surrounded by vertical walls that attract a diverse array of pelagic species. Diving here, you might encounter grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and large schools of yellowtail fusiliers. Fushi Kandu's underwater landscape features dramatic overhangs, caves, and vibrant coral gardens. The currents here can be strong, so this site is better suited for experienced divers, though the rewards in terms of biodiversity are well worth the challenge. Even if you're a total novice, if you're staying at a Maldives pool villa at a popular resort like OBLU SELECT Lobigili, you can book one of their in-house certified diving experts to show you the ropes before you explore this atoll.
Though Rasdhoo Atoll is known for its vibrant underwater life, Madivaru Corner is one of its lesser-explored areas, offering divers an opportunity to explore the quieter, more serene parts of the atoll. The dive site is home to strong currents, making it an ideal location for drift diving. With reef sharks, manta rays, and turtles frequently spotted here, divers can also swim among lush coral reefs teeming with a variety of colourful fish. One of the site’s most intriguing features is the deep drop-off that allows divers to explore the rich marine life at various depths. The area's relatively untouched state ensures a more intimate diving experience, far away from the crowds.
One of the Maldives' best-kept secrets, Vattaru Reef, located in the remote Vattaru Atoll, is a paradise for divers in search of the unspoiled. This hidden gem is characterised by steep reef walls, towering coral formations, and a vibrant display of underwater life. Divers here may encounter whale sharks, mantas, and eagle rays, along with smaller but equally captivating marine creatures such as nudibranchs and pipefish. The coral gardens in this area are lush and largely unspoiled, making Vattaru Reef one of the most beautiful and less-crowded spots in the Maldives for those who want to experience the country’s underwater beauty in its most pristine form.
Though the South Ari Atoll is famous for its whale shark sightings, Dhigurah Reef offers something unique for divers who wish to explore more than just the typical whale shark tours. Located near the Dhigurah island, the site is home to an array of reef systems, including sloping walls, caves, and abundant marine life. Here, divers can swim with reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and a variety of colourful soft corals. The waters are calm and clear, making it ideal for both novice and advanced divers. The area is less commercialised compared to some of the other more well-known dive spots, allowing for a peaceful and immersive experience.
Though Alimatha Island is known for its dive resorts, the surrounding dive sites, particularly those away from the main island, remain relatively underexplored. The Alimatha House Reef, just off the island's shore, is a site where divers can find soft corals, blacktip reef sharks, and abundant species of parrotfish. The waters here are typically calm, making it a great choice for night dives. What makes Alimatha’s diving spots truly special is the opportunity to dive in a quieter, more tranquil part of the atoll, where the reefs are still thriving and largely untouched by mass tourism. The dive is easy to access, with beautiful underwater landscapes and an abundance of marine life.
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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.
