Maldives Dive Sites - Maldives, Indian Ocean

The island nation of the Maldives Islands lie Southwest of India just across the equator. Scattered across the middle of the Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives are made up of 26 coral atols with over 1000 islands covering around 35,000 square miles.  These tropical, palm fringed islands with dazzling white sand beaches and clear turquoise, warm water lagoons are an idyllic holiday location. The diving matches too - fringing coral reefs with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, captivates visitor divers and remains one of the top diving destinations for world class diving.

There are three distinctly different types of diving: inside the atolls, outside the atolls and inside the channels or passes, where the currents are strongest and you'll find the most fish life. A big draw are the cleaning stations, on every corner and under every ledge where Groupers, Snappers, Surgeonfish, Eels, Parrotfish, even Giant Napoleon Wrasse settle in the corners, oblivious to all, (including cameras) while armies of wrasse, shrimp and other assorted cleaners pick at debris in their open gills and cavernous mouths.

The big attraction, however, are the schools of fish that patrol the reefs in colorful packs: Humpback and Black and White Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicornfish, Yellowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweetlips almost comical in design. The reef's larger inhabitants, including sharks, rays and occasionally even Whale Sharks, are often seen cruising in the blue.

Mantas:  One of our most asked question is "when.s the best time to see Mantas?". The answer is year round in the right conditions, but you will need to be in the right location. Generally, you will see Mantas in the West Atols from mid December round until May time. From end May through to mid December, your best chance is in the east of the Atolls. We have a choice of over 96 islands and selection of liveaboard itineraries, please call us for our recommendations and get you in the right place at the right time!

For island based diving, the house reef will provide a perfect introduction the diving the Maldives either with a guide or if experienced to suite your dive plan. The dive centre will offer boat dives during the day at scheduled times with dives planned to suit the divers experience in the group.

Our liveaboards have varying itineraries to suit the seasons and local conditions. Call us for details of options available to suit your budget. We can offer group discounts, free places and whole boat charter.