How to experience unforgettable memories in Scuba Diving on your stay in Maldives  

Ensconced in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean the archipelago of the Maldives comprised of 1190 coral islands which are formed around 26 natural atolls is home to about 5 pct of the planet’s reefs. The reefs offer a kaleidoscope palette of colours which coupled with a bounty of marine life entice divers to the array of diving spots around the archipelago. Each diving spot is unique, offering a path to a different world so lovely that words cannot describe the wonder one feels.

Scuba Diving | img by Summitandbeach via wikipedia commons

Know about the Marine Life in the Maldives

A diverse array of marine life is seen in the reefs and channels whilst some of the bays such as Hanifaru have scores of huge manta rays as well as whale sharks. It is easy to witness the whale sharks feeding on thousands of plankton opening their enormous mouths wide. This is a sight bringing awe about the ways of nature and is best captured on underwater video.

Most dive sites in the Maldives have an extensive variety of other marine life such as barracuda, 3 kinds of reef sharks, grey reef, white tip and blacktip, eagle rays, Napolean wrasse, trevally, and tuna. The current also brings in larger fish to these sites.

An array of dive sites

Each dive site is unique in its location and formation, the following will give an idea of how to select the best site to experience the type of wonder you want to experience.

• Faru – means a reef which is the outer reef of an atoll and the reefs of various islands, these are experienced by visitors using overwater villas in Maldives.
• Giri – This is a circular reef the top of which reaches the surface of the water especially when the tide is low. These Giris are found inside atolls and within lagoons too. These offer an array of marine life and are ideal for amateur divers.
• Thila - Similarly formed to a Giri, however, it is much below the surface, thus making it a seamount. Around these are marine life such as soft corals and schools of fish including reef sharks. Many Intermediate Level Divers from resorts such as Milaidhoo Island Maldives use Thila sites to experience the unforgettable images of these beautiful vistas. Some of the Thilas can be big whilst some are smaller.
• Channel – Also known as a pass channel is the gateway to the atoll. (Or where the atoll meets the ocean) Diving at a channel is done by the drift dive. The strong current brings in big fish such as mantas, tunas and sharks that divers can enjoy witnessing.
• Lagoons – These are generally protected from currents. Novice divers can commence their initial diving experience at lagoons.
• Shipwrecks – There are a few around the Maldives and divers do enjoy viewing the fish at these wreckages.

Experiencing Maldivian Diving

With so many diving sites available and with medium to strong currents being prevalent in the Maldives it would be the choice of the diver to select the sites to accomplish his/her ideal site considering what is more important or exciting for the person.

Whilst many divers across the world do arrive in the Maldives, it is the wish of the diver to which diving site he/she should proceed to create unforgettable memories. The Maldives offers the best conditions for Intermediate to Experienced scuba divers whilst the diving spots in lagoons are best for beginners in scuba diving.

Conducive conditions for scuba diving

Water Temperature – From 27 to 30 degrees Celsius, around the year

Visibility – Between 10 metres to 30 metres

Depth Range – 5 to 30 metres

Currents – Can be strong during certain periods of the year, check before you arrive.