when we think of the Maldives the first thing to come to mind is calm turquoise waters and lavish beach resorts. though that is how regular folk will do the Maldives, we advanced divers have the opportunity to experience it much differently. the underwater world of the Maldives is full of thrill, variety, and is not for the faint of heart. not convinced? here are 10 reasons that might push you to give it a chance.
If you have any questions regarding a trip you’ve already booked or would like more information about a new booking, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
1. abundant marine life.
there is something for everyone in the central atolls. here you can bet on encounters with large pelagic such as manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, and eagle rays, as well as the opportunity to spot macro subjects like nudibranchs, and mantis shrimp. you will likely spot a few octopuses, some cuttlefish, and vibrant schools of fish including snappers, fusiliers, trevallies, and tuna.
2. manta ray hotspots.
the central atolls offer various manta cleaning stations making it almost a guarantee to spot those majestic giants.
3. sharks, sharks, sharks.
grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, silvertip sharks, whale sharks, and the occasional tiger sharks. and we’re not talking one or two per dive. they are pretty much everywhere!
4. night snorkel with whale sharks.
when parked in south are atoll overnight, the boat will set out lights in the back for a chance of attracting whale sharks. though they can be seen in that region year-round, sightings really peak between may to November. once they appear, divers have the opportunity to jump in and swim with the friendly giants under the stars.
5. drift diving opportunities.
if you enjoy the exhilaration of riding the ocean current, the Maldives offers some of the best drift diving in the world with its steady currents, warm water, and great visibility.
6. diverse dive sites.
one of the best things about the Maldives is that it hardly ever feels repetitive. there are different types of sites including:
•Thilas (underwater pinnacles): those are underwater pinnacles known for nutrient-rich currents that attract marine life.
•Kandus (channels): Perfect for drift dives where currents bring large pelagic life.
•Lagoons and Wrecks: Sheltered diving with unique ecosystems.
7. it’s cheaper via livaboard.
ranging between $1.5k and $5k for the week, liveaboards in the Maldives are an excellent way to hit all the major dive sites without having to move from resort to another via seaplane or speedboat.
8. accessibility.
the central atolls are easily reachable from Male airport. many big cities have direct flights such as London, Dubai, Paris, Doha, Frankfurt, and many more. A rep will meet you at arrivals and walk you right outside where a small boat can transport you to your vessel.
9. warm waters year round.
the water temperatures are always comfortable no matter when you decide to go, averaging 27–30°C (81–86°F) year-round.
10. beautiful topside scenery.
the beaches in the Maldives are unlike any others. most liveaboards will also arrange for a sunset bbq on a private island on one of the evenings, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
