Maldives Travel Specials
The Maldives already have an underwater spa, underwater restaurant and even underwater rooms - all wrapped in glass cylinders that let the ever-evolving, unpredictable world of the reef play out an arms reach away. No other destination on the planet is so inextricably entwined with the pulse of the sea. For divers, this is the real water world. Every resort in the Maldives is on its own island - one of the more than 1000 that make up this island nation sprinkled across the middle of the Indian Ocean.
FIND A DIVE CENTER IN THE MALDIVES
As a bonus, everything underwater in the Maldives comes supersized. You don't encounter a single manta ray, you encounter a bakers dozen. And, if a multi-manta encounter isn't sufficiently heart stopping, whale sharks occasionally come along for the ride. But, it gets bigger and it gets better. Schools of snapper, grunts, bigeyes and jacks pour over the reef in thick aggregations better described as plagues or besieging legions rather than mere schools. Then there are the sharks. In the passes and at the wild edges where currents cross, get ready to connect with the men in the grey suits.
Once you've had your fill of the water action, you'll find topside rippling with romance and indulgence. It seems that this archipelago, sand and sea were designed by combining every tropical dream that has ever been dreamed. Even then, it's even more breathtaking in real life. Welcome to the Maldives.
FAMOUS DIVE SITES:
Vaavu Atoll - This is the place to come for mantas, especially from May to July.
- Fotteyo Kandu — You might not be able to pronounce the name of this dive site, but you will definitely notice that it's overrun with marine life. From May to July, mantas rule the waters. For the rest of the year, grey reef and whitetip reef sharks bump and grind for space with barracuda, snapper and trevally.
Lhaviyani Atoll - Hot action, speedy currents and remarkable diversity.
- Kuredu Express — If you like fast and furious, island hop to Lhaviyani Atoll. It's amazing just how many different species likes the rush of moving water. Expect graceful spotted eagle rays easing into the current through crowds of sharks, snapper, bannerfish and even some big passing tuna. Of course, mantas venture into the scene to try to steal some camera time from the eagle rays and sharks. But, that's just fine.
North Male Atoll - Take a break from the current and big animals to put your "soft eyes" technique to the test.
- Kuda Haa — While the big guys are playing in the current and open water, the rare, strange and oddly wonderful have taken up residence on the southwest corner of North Male Atoll. Tie-dyed flatworms, batfish, stealthy leaf scorpionfish and legions of nudibranchs all ply their slow motion version of predator and prey under sparkling color clouds of fairy basslets and anthia.
Lankanfinolhu Faru - Another manta gathering space at this tongue-twistingly named atoll.
- Lankanfinolhu Faru — It's amazing how marine life simply know where to go to when they want to get rid of parasites and dead skin. But they do know and mantas obviously like the job done at these cleaning stations because they come in droves. The currents here run strong and force feed a healthy reef that seems to wriggle with several species of eel.
Ari Atoll - If you aren't big or bigger, then you go to another atoll. Ari Atoll has been a household name among savvy divers for a long time and its big marine life just keeps on coming.
- Ari Atoll — You might never see the giant frogfish. That's because Ari Atoll's marquee headliners — schooling hammerheads, manta rays, grey reef sharks — manage to keep you well and happily occupied. Also, look out for humphead wrasse, schooling sweetlips and groupers. But, just in case you wanted to know, frogfish want some attention, too.
Dive Summary:
Depths: Can range from surface to beyond 30 metres
Visibility: From approximately 20 metres/65 feet to more than 50 metres/160 feet, depending on area and time of year. One good thing to remember is that whale sharks and mantas are most prevalent when there's plankton in the water for them to feed upon. That means you shouldn't expect great visibility on those dives. But, you won't notice when you're watching these two behemoths.
Currents: From gentle to significant, depending upon the site. Most passes into the atolls, and some of the exposed sites, experience strong current during tidal shifts. But, that's what brings in the animals. Bring your surface signaling device and enjoy the ride.
Water Temperature: Consistent between 28° C and 30° C wiht the occasional drop to 27°C
Dive Season: Diving is available year round. Manta, while around all year, gather in large groups from May through July.
Weather: The dry season runs from November to May with the best weather and visibility in February and March; it's southwest monsoon season the rest of the time. Temperatures range from 24-33° C/75-91° F but sea breezes manage to keep the worst humidity at bay.
Access: The country is well serviced by international airports, with most of the flights coming through Singapore. Once in Male, you'll transfer to your resort in small planes or boats.
Skill Level: From novice to advanced with ample deep wall and current diving opportunities for experienced and qualified divers.
Scuba Gear: Most dive centers and resorts offer full equipment hire.
Length of stay: Seven nights will let you sample the diving nearest your resort and atoll but 10 to two weeks is recommended. If you really want to sample the best of a superlative list of dive sites, a liveaboard is the way to go.
Featured Creatures: You can find sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, eels, sweetlips, lionfish, eagle and stingrays and about 300 species of fish.
Language: Dhivehi, with English widely spoken.
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory (a 10 percent service charge is added to every bill), but you'll definitely want tip your divemasters and liveaboard crews.
Transportation: Ferries connect to nearby atolls from Male. All transfers to islands away from Male that are not within a short boat ride are carried out by seaplanes called Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi
Major Airports: Male International Airport - MLE - (formerly known as Hulhulé Airport) in Male.
Religion: Islam.
Electricity: 220-240v at 50Hz.
Airport Entry/Exit fees: A Tourist Visa is required for many nationalities and available at no cost and issued upon arrival. Check the consulate's web page for complete information. The departure tax of approximately $12 US is usually included with the airfare.