10 good reasons to travel to …
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a fascinating archipelago, consisting of over 1,100 islands spread across 26 atolls, most of which are uninhabited. These paradise landscapes are revealed as much on the surface as in the depths. Diving in the Maldives promises a multitude of experiences rich in discoveries and encounters.
1. An archipelago with diverse seabeds
The diversity of dive sites is impressive! You’ll discover fringing reefs, channels teeming with life, walls covered with corals, seamounts brimming with various species, mysterious caves, and coral bommies. Each dive promises its share of surprises.
2. So much choice
Ari Atoll is the most famous, but the other atolls, whether inhabited or not, also offer incredible dives. Whether you choose to dive from your hotel or on a cruise, atolls like Malé, Lhaviyami, Baa, or Raa promise a memorable experience, with abundant marine life.
3. Explore on a cruise
To maximize your dives, opt for a cruise. These adventures allow you to visit 5 to 6 atolls, access popular sites early, and sometimes dive on wild atolls, untouched by tourism. With 3 to 4 dives per day, you’ll get a varied sample of the Maldivian marine environment.
4. Stunning corals
It’s impossible to dive in the Maldives without admiring the beauty of its corals. Despite climate change and past disasters, they remain magnificent. Whether soft or hard corals, their color palette hosts numerous marine species surrounding you during your exploration.
5. Wonderful underwater encounters
The richness of marine life is impressive. From small nudibranchs to large pelagics like sharks and rays, you’ll encounter a multitude of species. Expect to meet turtles, moray eels, barracudas, and, for the luckiest, hammerhead sharks in some areas.
6. Stars of the ocean
Manta rays and whale sharks are undoubtedly the stars that all divers want to see. Present all year round, they migrate according to the seasons. Whale sharks are mainly found in the south of Ari Atoll, while manta rays frequent cleaning stations and channels.
7. Dives for the experienced
Many dives in the Maldives are for experienced divers, due to strong currents. In the channels, maintaining your position is essential to admire the underwater landscapes. The use of dive parachutes is also recommended at many sites.
8. Wrecks to discover
The Maldives boasts fascinating wrecks. You can explore the Victory, a cargo linked to strong currents, or the Halaweli, known for its stingrays. Other famous wrecks like the British Loyalty, covered with corals and home to various species, are also worth a visit.
9. Variety of activities to explore
Besides diving, the Maldives offers a multitude of water activities. Fly over the atolls by seaplane or skydive to admire the splendor of the blue hues of these islands.
10. Immersion in Maldivian culture
Don’t miss visiting Malé, the capital, with its bustling markets and traditional music performances. Enjoy local delicacies, mainly fish, rice, and chili, along with coconut and other tropical fruits.
Practical information
- Time difference: +3 hours from April to October, +4 hours from November to March
- Currency: Rufiyaa (1 EUR = 16.74 MVR)
- Water temperature: Around 28 °C all year
- Best season for diving: All year round, with optimal conditions between January and April
- Necessary equipment: 3 mm wetsuit
- Required level: Advanced, many sites having strong currents.
This article, originally written by Margot Harty for the print edition of PLONGEZ!, was adapted for the web.
Photos © Nicolas Barraqué.