Diving in Maldives – A Great Underwater Journey

Renowned for its beauty and its hospitality, Maldives is one of the best island getaways in the world. The country is made up of 26 atolls (coral islands that encircle a lagoon) and is part of a vast underwater mountain range. The mention of Maldives conjures images of white sands and azure waters but it is the amazing underwater ecosystem that makes the country a prime destination for scuba divers. The North Malé Atoll is considered one of the most beautiful atolls in the world. It consists of 50 islands including the capital, Malé and has some of the best diving spots in the country.



The coral islands support a variety of aquatic species and in many ways resemble a vibrant, metropolitan city. While the water is clear enough to afford the casual swimmer some spectacular sightings, the thriving undersea community can best be appreciated when taking part in activities such as snorkelling or diving.



Angelfish, can be found in waters as shallow as 50m although some tend to live in and around deeper waters. With their bright colours and characteristic flattened bodies, they are a marine photographers favourite. You can also find varieties of clown fish, parrot fish and trigger fish forming a living, underwater kaleidoscope. The waters are also known to host several types of rays such as sting rays, eagle rays and manta rays. Manta rays, which can have fin spans of 17 feet or more, are a sight not to be missed. They can be found clustered around "feeding stations" . And although individually they are gentle and curious creatures who seem to enjoy swimming among humans, care must be taken not to scare them away while they are in a group. The barracuda, with its fearsome appearance, can most likely be found near the open sea.



There are several species of sharks that live in the Maldivian coral reefs. The whale shark, which can grow to lengths of 40 feet, is the largest species of fish in the world. They are known to be quite playful towards divers. However, most sharks are nocturnal so the best chance of catching sight of them are during a night dive. Maldives Island Resorts are very helpful when it comes to arranging such trips with many resorts and safari boats offering basic to advanced training in diving. Interested visitors can also follow a course to become a certified diver.



Maldives, being a top tourist destination, has some great places to stay. The Adaaran Hudhuranfushi is located in the North Malé Atoll and offers gorgeous Maldives Villas. Some of the villas actually hover over the water on stilts bringing you closer to the exotic ocean life. But if that isn't close enough you could always dive in. The marine life promises it will be a dive you will never forget.