Top places to dive in Maldives

Located on the Ari atoll; the largest atoll in the Maldives, this is one absolutely stunning dive site in the country. Named after the large broken rock found at the center of this site, this spot happens to be famous for its array of soft and hard coral formations which in turn attracts a large variety of reef. Common fish in this area include the trigger fish, puffer fish, moray eels and the napoleon wrasse.

Another famous dive spot in Ari atoll, this intense site with its challenging currents is only recommended for advanced scuba divers. It is considered as one of the best sites in the ocean due to its large concentration of a varying variety of sharks. In addition to the abundance of fish the coral formation at this site are absolutely spectacular.

This dive site is also found in the same Ari Atoll and is known above all else for its rich and vibrantly colored coral reef. The site however, is named after its massive Manta Rays that frequent the location particularly in the Northeast Monsoon season. There are varying depths at Hukrueli Faru that range from 25 feet to nearly a 100 feet, adding an interesting edge to diving in this site.

Cocoa Corner can arguably be called the best shark spot in the Male atoll. A site that can be approached through a number of routes, the Cocoa corner is well known for its many connections to other popular sites in the region. This exciting diving spot is located on the popular South Male Atoll which is famous for many of the Maldives luxury resorts including the Cocoa Island by COMO.

Another popular dive site in the South Male Atoll is the Guraidhoo Kandu South also known as the Guraidhoo Corner. Here too currents are very strong making it suitable only for advanced and experienced scuba divers. Common species at this spot are Gray reef sharks and eagle rays.

Any diver would have heard of the Banana Reef for it is the first dive site to be discovered in the Maldives and even today it is considered the most popular. The wealth of such attractive dive sites is located in the North Male Atoll and so is the Banana Reef. The site is adorned with varying depths and a number of interesting features which includes an extensive variety of fish.

Another attractive spot in the North Male Atoll, the Kuda Haa is considered as one of the highlights of diving in the Maldives. Boasting an array of macro species, it is an exciting spot for those interested in venturing into a different side of the Maldivian Ocean.

This Dive site is located in the Addu Atoll; the only atoll not affected by 98's Global coral bleaching. The site is usually explored through a drift dive and many beautiful corals and reef fish beautify this area.

For those who enjoy exploring ship wrecks with all its fascinating mystery, the British Loyalty is an ideal dive site. Named after the sunken ship that stretches across 134 meters, this ship lies on its portside at a depth of 33 meters. Part of the ship is completely covered with beautiful corals.

Nothing beats an underwater adventure than sighting large numbers of turtles all swimming in the same direction. The turtle point at the Addu Atoll is well known for its abundance of turtles in addition to its reef fish, batfish, eagle rays, and lobsters.