The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, which are the world’s smallest country by land area and population. It is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The Maldives is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its natural beauty and its white sandy beaches have made it a favorite destination for scuba divers. The 10 best dive sites in the Maldives are:
1. Maaya Thila
Maaya Thila Located in Ari Atoll. It is known for its abundance of marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, manta rays, and eagle rays. The top of the thila features a large plateau that drops off into a deep wall. This makes it an ideal spot for divers of all experience levels, as there are plenty of interesting things to see no matter where you swim.
2. Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is located in Baa Atoll. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular dive sites in Maldives. Hanifaru Bay is known for its large population of manta rays, whale sharks, and other fish. This bay is a popular spot for visitors to the Maldives, and can be crowded during peak season.
3. Banana Reef
Banana Reef is located in South Male Atoll. It is one of the most popular dive sites in Maldives. The wall drops off into the abyss, and is full of colorful fish, coral, and sea life. It’s an excellent spot for experienced divers, as the conditions can be challenging.
4. Fish Head
Fish Head is located in North Male Atoll. It is a great place for divers of all levels. The shallowest part of the dive site is only about 10 meters and the deepest part is about 30 meters. There are many caves and overhangs to explore. Fish Head is also a good place to see manta rays and whale sharks.
5. Manta Point
Manta Point is located in South Ari Atoll. It is known for its large population of manta rays. The best time to see the manta rays is from December to April.
Maldives is home to many different species of manta rays. The most common type of manta ray in Maldives is the reef manta ray. The other types of manta rays found in Maldives include the oceanic manta ray and the pelagic manta ray.
Manta Point is a great place to see manta rays up close. The best way to see the manta rays at Manta Point is to go on a snorkeling or diving trip. There are many dive shops in Maldives that offer snorkeling and diving trips to Manta Point.
The point is also home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. In addition to the manta rays, visitors can often see humpback whales spouting offshore from December through May.
6. Nursery
The nursery is located in South Ari Atoll and it is known for its large variety of baby fish and corals.
The South Ari Atoll is home to a variety of corals and fish. The most popular dive site in Maldives, the nursery offers an abundance of baby fish and corals. With its warm water and clear visibility, the nursery is a perfect place to snorkel or dive.
One of the best things about diving in the South Ari Atoll is that you can see a wide variety of marine life. From sharks and turtles to rays and dolphins, there is something for everyone to see. The South Ari Atoll is also home to some of the most beautiful corals in the world.
7. Thila Falhu
Thila Falhu is located in North Male Atoll. It is known for its large variety of fish and corals.
Diving at Thila Falhu is suitable for all levels of divers, as the dive site is relatively shallow with a depth of around 20 meters. The best time to visit Thila Falhu is from October to May.
One of the highlights of diving at Thila Falhu is the chance to see manta rays. These majestic creatures can often be seen cleaning themselves at the cleaning stations located around the dive site.
Another highlight of Thila Falhu is the abundance of fish. You can expect to see a wide variety of reef fish such as angelfish, triggerfish, clownfish and bannerfish. There is also a good chance of seeing larger pelagic fish such as barracuda and tuna.
If you’re lucky, you may even encounter a whale shark at Thila Falhu. These gentle giants are often seen cruising around the dive site, feeding on plankton.
8. Okobe Thila
Okobe Thila is located in South Ari Atoll. It is known for its large population of sharks and rays. The dive site is also home to a variety of other marine life, including barracudas, tuna, jackfish, and snappers.
Okobe Thila is one of the best dive sites in Maldives for seeing sharks. The large population of sharks at the site attracts divers from all over the world.
9. Dhigurah Thila
Dhigurah Thila is located in South Male Atoll. It is known for its incredible dive sites, which offer some of the best diving in the world. Some of the most popular dive sites on Dhigurah Thila include the Shark Point, the Chimney, and the Coral Garden. The Shark Point is a great spot for seeing sharks, while the Chimney is known for its dramatic cliffs and large schools of fish. The Coral Garden is full of beautiful coral formations and marine life.
10. Vadhoo Kandu
Vadhoo Kandu is located in North Male Atoll. It is an underwater cave located in the Maldives. It is known for its impressive natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. The cave is a popular diving spot, and visitors can explore its many chambers and tunnels. The Vadhoo Kandu is thought to be about 150 meters long, and it is home to a wide variety of marine life.