Scuba Diving in Maldives – All you need to know!

Learn about Maldives TOP 10 Dive Sites and how to plan your perfect Diving Holiday or Snorkeling vacation

LOCATION OF MALDIVES

Maldives is a unique country from any Perspective. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the 1200 Islands of the country spread almost 1000 Kilometers from the North to the South. Besides that, Maldives also covers both sides of the Equator. As a result currents from the Northern and Southern Hemisphere create a unique water and food stream which makes Maldives the ultimate Scuba Diving and Snorkeling heaven!

SEASONS IN MALDIVES

Not only the location impacts the Currents, Food stream and Scuba Diving conditions. Additionally, Maldives is impacted by two Monsoons. From approximately December to April Scuba Divers and Snorkelers can experience the Nutrients filled North-East Monsoon. After a transition period of several weeks, the South West Monsoon is settled in a not minor interesting manner for diving or snorkeling. Maldives is a dream holiday Destination which welcomes Visitor all year around with a warm and pleasant climate – above and below the surface.

Water Temperatures in Maldives

The Water temperature in Maldives is all year around at stable level in the range of 30 degree Celsius or 86 degree Fahrenheit. For Scuba Divers or Snorkelers a beautiful Rash Guard or a short Diving Suit is usually sufficient enough.

Best Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Travel Season for Manta Rays & Sharks in Maldives

Good news! Neither Manta Rays nor Sharks or any other Marine Life is seasonal. They all can be found with the same probability all year around. However, the Island location needs to be considered and knowledgeable Dive Teams are required. Lucky are those Diving with Sub Oceanic Maldives. Ideal locations and experienced Dive Teams are waiting for you! You will find more information later on about how to select the best location for your perfect Scuba Diving Holiday depending on the season…

DIFFERENT REEF TYPES

More good news for those seeking silence: Highways, Country Roads, Alleys, One Ways Streets or Avenues are literally not existent in Maldives. However, Maldivians also have their way in defining their surrounding “Infrastructure” in detail. As important as Roads for land based Countries are Reefs for water based Countries. Having a precise way to describe them is not only important for Scuba Divers or Snorkelers. It is also crucial for Captains to know which Reefs can be passed and which Reefs to be avoided. As the Author of this Article is a Scuba Diver we list the Reefs from the deeper to the shallower Reef Structure. On top of that we will guide you step by step to Maldives best Diving and Snorkeling spots.

What is a Thila?

Thila describes “a Seamount which is not reaching the surface” in the local Maldivian Language Dhivehi. Usually Thilas can be crossed by Boats without hitting the ground. The Reeftops of Thilas are usually deeper than 3 meters and guareantee some of the best Diving in Maldives. Especially with some current in place, Maldivian Thilas are a paradise for Scuba Divers, as Marine Life appears at the highest density of any Reef types in Maldives. With Sub Oceanic Maldives, Divers can access 3 Thilas which belong to Maldives TOP 10 Dive Spots.

What is a Faru?

Faru indicates a long barrier Reef in Maldives. However, the engulfed or “barriered” Part can be an Island or another Reef alike. Farus usually slope down from the engulfing subject to the edge of a drop down. The shallower end of a Faru is not passable by Boats, but the deeper part usually is. Farus are a very nice and relaxed Dive Site type as you can simply drift along with the current. Snorkelers can enjoy such a Drift as well. The Fish life is not as dense as on Thilas, but not less in the total amount.

A Faru is the perfect Reef Type for Maldives Manta Points

Additionally, some of the best Manta Points in Maldives are located along Faru. For example Sirru Fen Fushi Hulanghu Faru, Maldives best and most exclusive Manta Point located in Shaviyani Atoll. Another TOP 10 Dive Site in Maldives within reach of a Sub Oceanic Dive Center.

Due to the Reef structure most House Reefs in the Maldives are Farus as well. The House Reef of Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort for instance carries the reef type already in its name: Sirru Fen Fushi Hulanghu Faru. Other Reef names like “Le Meridien House Reef” do not carry specifically the Reef type name. However, it still possesses the exact same structure.

Scuba Divers or Snorkelers looking for a Resort with an excellent House Reef can end their search right now. More than 2 000 Five Star Reviews on mydiveguide.com award Le Meridien Maldives House Reef without any doubt to Maldives best House Reef.

What is a Kandu?

Kandu is the Maldivian name for Channel. Unlike in other countries channels are not related to TV or similar. Channels are passes between the open Ocean and the inner Atolls. With changing tides or certain positions of the moon, huge amounts of nutritious water is exchanged via those Channels. Considering those Conditions, Channel Dives can be challenging but also highly rewarding. With incoming Currents Grey Reef Sharks love to circle around the Channel entrance to fill up their Oxygen levels.

One of the best channels for Diving and part of Maldives TOP 10 Dive Sites is located only a few minutes boat ride from Hilton Maldives Amingiri. At Hulangu Kandu, Scuba Divers can enjoy the cruising of Grey Reef Sharks and Eagle Rays at a Level of its own…

What is a Giri?

Giris are the ideal Reef for Scuba Diving beginners or Snorkelers. Giris start as shallow, that the top reef is exposed during low tides. However, below the surface Giris are nothing short of any other Reef type in Maldives. It all depends on the location of the Giri and the prevailing Current Conditions during a Dive. In terms of Marine Life, Giris are the ideal place to spot Turtles. That results from the Fact that many Giris are the perfect nesting area for Turtles in Maldives.

DIVING IN MALDIVES SOUTHERN, CENTRAL & NORTHERN ATOLLS

Tour Operators, Travel Agents and Liveaboard Operators in the Maldives often divide Maldives in 3 main areas. The Southern Atolls from Addu Atoll to Gaaf Alif Atoll, the Central Atolls from Laamu to North Male Atoll and the Northern Atolls from Lhaviayani Atoll over Shaviyani Atoll to Haa Alif Atoll.

Scuba Diving in the Southern Atolls of Maldives

Maldives Southern Atolls are a Mystery and Dream of many Scuba Divers. One reason for that is the remoteness and their Location far away from the Indian Subcontinent. On the other Hand, the Tiger Zoo in Fuvahmulah Atoll is generating a lot of Publicity in the recent years. Almost guaranteed encounters of Tiger Sharks in Fuvahmulah Harbor are part of many Scuba Divers Bucket List.

Scuba Diving in Maldives Southern Atolls comes with two significant downsides. On the one hand the far distance to other Atolls or Reefs results in a visible smaller biodiversity than in the Central or Northern Atolls of Maldives. On the other hand, especially in Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll, many Dives are literally conducted in the open Ocean with a realistic Chance of being washed away. Usage of a ENOS System or other similar Safety Devices is highly recommended.

Scuba Diving in the Central Atolls of Maldives

Diving in Maldives Central Atolls is legendary. Dive Sites like Maaya Thila, Hulangu Kandu, Kandooma Thila, Banana Reef or Rasdoo Madivaru are Music in the ears of avid Scuba Divers. The Central Atolls of Maldives offer a healthy mix of a Scuba Diver’s Bucket List. Manta Rays, Sharks, Stingrays and Turtles all year around. Paired with beautiful Hard and Soft Coral Reefs, as well as the easy access from Maldives Main Airport, Maldives Central Atolls are the perfect starting point for a Snorkeling or Diving Holiday.

Finding the right Dive Resort to encounter your favorite Marine Life is possible all year around. For instance our prime Location at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, together with our Fleet of 4 Dive Boats (including two Speed Boats) allows us to visit Manta Rays, Sharks, Stingrays and Turtles all year around. Our Team of Marine and Diving Experts ensures that you get the Marine Encounters which you desire!

Scuba Diving in the Northern Atolls of Maldives

At the top you can find the Best! This Quote is very true about Scuba Diving and Snorkeling spots in Maldives. Lhaviyani Atoll and Shaviyani Atoll are simply outstanding, world class Scuba Diving and Snorkeling areas. While most of Maldives TOP 10 Dive Sites are well know and also frequently visited by Divers, Maldives Northern Atolls host the real Gems in Combination with Maldives highest Biodiversity! As a matter of fact, the Reason behind such rich Marine Life lies in the Northern Maldives Seagrass fields and the occurrence of Mangroves.

For all those who can not be satisfied by TOP 10 Dive Sites, one of the best House Reefs in the world is waiting at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa. With a total of 5 dive spots, easily accessible via a short boat shuttle ride, it is a Scuba Divers and Snorkelers Dream. Resident Stingrays, Turtles and Nurse Sharks, as well as a small Wreck are located in moderate depth levels. In the right season, frequent Manta Ray encounters are finding their way into Diver’s Logbooks as well. Le Meridien Maldives House Reef is also the place with the most Ornate Eagle Ray encounters worldwide. ENOS on site and a highly Awarded Dive Team are the guarantee for safe and memorable Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Holiday in Maldives.

Shaviyani Atoll Maldives – A level of its own for Scuba Divers & Snorkelers

Exclusiveness above and below the Surface. That is what Shaviyani Atoll stands for. With only two Resorts in one of Maldives biggest and most secluded Atolls, magical Marine wonders can be enjoyed as undisturbed as nowhere else. Shaviyani Atoll host an incredibly healthy Manta Ray, Shark & Turtle population. Furthermore, it is the worlds TOP SPOT for Guitarfish encounters. Most Divers know Guitarfishes better under the name Guitar Ray or Guitar Shark.

Overall, the Ray population in Shaviyani Atoll is very impressive. Guitar Rays, Feathertail Stingrays, Mangrove Stingrays, Eagle Rays and Manta Rays are on the daily Menu for Divers and Snorkelers. In Fact, from December to April the House Reef at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort is home of Maldives best Manta Point. This Manta Point is exclusive for Scuba Divers staying at the Resort and offers regular Eye to Eye dives with more than 10 Manta Rays in during one Dive. Sirru Fen Fushi’s House Reef is also the perfect place for a pristine Snorkeling Holiday.

MALDIVES BEST TIME FOR SCUBA DIVERS AND SNORKELERS

Planning your Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Holiday to Maldives, you should start with answering two simple Questions:

1. Which Marine Life would you like to see?
2. How much is your Budget?

Scuba Diving Vacation with Manta Rays in Maldives

Let’s start with the Marine Life. If your goal is to encounter Manta Rays as a Scuba Diver, you will ideally look for a Resort close to an Atoll Channel as most Manta Cleaning stations are found around those areas. Many times, those Cleaning Stations are located on the outside Reef, but in vicinity of the Channel Corners. The next Step is to consider expectable Current Conditions. During the North-East Monsoon Locations on the West Side of the Atolls are the perfect Choice. The North-East Monsoon comes with very stable Current Conditions and a constant Water flow which flushes the Atoll from the North-East to the South-West. During this flushing process the Plankton of the Atoll gets washed out on the West Side. As Manta Rays love to feed on Plankton, they will not move far away from their constant Food Source.

Scuba Diving with Manta Rays during South West Monsoon

While Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives from December to April comes with the perfect set up, Conditions are more challenging from May to November. This is the time of the South-West Monsoon and Currents change frequently. The best Holiday planning option in this case is to directly contact reputable Dive Centers within your Resort of your choice. Ask for an honest encounter probability in the specific area. Avoid Liveaboards during that time. The probability of Manta Ray encounters from Liveaboards is rather low in that period. Route itineraries have to be followed and good Conditions on Manta Points have very short time Frames. Even if lucky, those Manta Points are crowded by Scuba Divers as they are obviously located within the Liveaboard Route.

Shark Diving Holidays in Maldives

Shark Diving in the Maldives follows exactly the opposite Cycle. While Manta Rays prefer an outgoing Current, Sharks generally prefer and incoming Current. Well, not all Sharks but schooling Sharks definitely do. And this is what most Scuba Diver dream of. Schools of 50 Grey Reef Sharks cruising in the Current, drifting close to your Mask in a perfect Harmony with schooling Eagle Rays and crossing Napoleon fishes.

As those Dives are highly dependent on the current Conditions, many Dive Operators take meanwhile a shortcut and rather offer Shark feeding Dives, where individual Sharks get attracted. However, this Experience is not even slightly comparable to the magic of schooling Sharks in their natural Environment.

Shark Diving Conditions are best from December to April

Best Shark Diving Conditions in Maldives are in the period from December to April on the East Side of the Atolls, where the Current is generally incoming during those Months. Incoming and upstreaming Currents simply provide the easiest way for most Sharks to fill up their Oxygen levels. However, also to this seasonality Rule Exceptions are available.

For instance in Shaviyani Atoll where great Shark Dive Sites, with constantly more than 50 Grey Reef and Silver Tip Sharks, are located within the Atoll and Sharks can be spotted anytime as long as a bit of Current flows.

How to Plan your perfect Snorkeling Holiday in Maldives?

To plan your perfect Snorkeling Vacation in Maldives, simply follow the above Considerations for Scuba Divers. You only need to keep in mind that the Reefs you are looking for are shallow enough. To help you planning, our Scuba Dive Sections for Le Meridien Maldives, Hilton Maldives and Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort all contain Dive and Snorkeling Maps for the surrounding areas. Any Reef shallower than 5 Meters will be a good choice to fully enjoy your Snorkeling Experience in Maldives. Please keep in mind that your chosen Resort should have access to a beautiful House Reef as well. The House Reefs at Le Meridien Maldives and Sirru Fen Fushi are among Maldives TOP 10 Dive Sites and a perfect choice for Snorkeling as well…

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Holidays with Turtle, Nemo and Stingrays in Maldives

Good News at the end again. Visiting Maldives Dive and Snorkel Spots, regardless if listed as TOP 10 Dive Sites or not, allows to interact with Turtles, Nemo, Stingrays and any other Marine Life all year around. Maldives Marine Life is the whole year available “at Home” and only shift their Locations slightly. Mainly depending on the food offer and mating Cycles…

Would you like to discover more about Maldives?

Learn how to find your perfect Dive Package, the Advantages of Resort based Diving vs. Liveaboard Diving or simply discover more about Maldives TOP 10 Dive Sites located in South Male, Rasdhoo, North Male, Lhaviyani or Shaviyani Atoll.