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Scattered pearls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives’ warm waters are a great place to see manta rays, whale sharks and an incredibly rich array of colorful reefs and fish. There are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore. There’s a perfect dive site for every interest and ability.
Diving in the Maldives is possible year-round but for the most enjoyable condition, travel between December and May. The currents favor excellent visibility and diversity of species during the northeast monsoon.
Below, we’ve listed six best dive sites in the Maldives, that will make a dive holiday in this island nation, an unforgettable experience.
Hammerhead Point
Also known as Rasdhoo Madivaru, Hammerhead Point is a demanding dive site on an outer reef where an abundance of hammerhead sharks, mantas and other large pelagic are frequent visitors. The clear water drops sharply down to around 200m/650ft and you can see groups of scalloped hammerheads together unlike their larger, solitary cousins. The best chance of seeing the sharks is early in the morning.
Hanifaru Bay
The Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay is a sanctuary for people who love snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks. Famous for being a nursery ground for grey sharks, and sting rays—it is considered to be the world’s largest manta ray feeding station.
The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay is between May and December each year, during the southwest monsoon. This is one of the few places in the world where visitors can be in the water with large numbers of these marine life at the same time.
Kuredu Express
Kuredu Express is one of the most famous dive sites in the Lhaviyani Atoll, that gets its name from the strong currents that flow here. With a 5m top reef dropping down to 30m and beyond—the maximum dive depth is 30m.
The site features a sandy channel and a reef with good spots to hangout at different levels, perfect for stopping to watch the oceanic life pass. Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, large tuna, napoleons, stingrays and barracuda can be found here along with a huge school of jack fish. The dive is rounded off with a leaf fish close to the top reef.
Manta Point
Emas Thila, the local name of this magical dive site (not to be confused with Manta Point in Nusa Penida, Indonesia) is among the most famous Manta rays cleaning station. Located on the southeast outer reef of Lankanfinolhu Island in North Male atoll, the Lankan Manta Point has something for everyone.
Even though Manta rays are the main reason divers come here, you can also encounter whitetip sharks, lobsters and humphead wrasses. The gently sloping reef gives way to a sheer drop off but it’s at around 20m/65ft where all the action is.
Kuda Giri Wreck
Also known as Thumbebe Giri, Kuda Giri is a small reef that starts at just 3 metres and which has overhangs running around the coral block between 12 and 22 metres, before levelling out at 30 metres into a sandy plateau. The outside of the ship is covered with corals, algae and sponges, colorful sea squirts and little fish and the odd grey frogfish can be found on the deck.
It is suitable for all divers. The average visibility is 10-20 meters and access to the dive site is by boat.
Maaya Thila
One of the most famous dive locations in Maldives, this classic round thila is known for the whitetip reef sharks that circle it. There are also other delights for the careful observer like stonefish and anglerfish. The real show begins after sundown, as you dive, you’re immediately surrounded by a feeding frenzy.
Book your holiday to Maldives and experience the abundance of marine life thriving in the ocean. To visit and enjoy a dive in all of these sites, plan your stay on a liveaboard and cover the distance in accordingly to your time frame.
