Diving in the Maldives
Anyone who hears the name Maldives immediately sees the white beaches and the azure waters before them. But the best is underwater. Around the more than 1,000 islands are numerous coral reefs. What will you encounter on these coral reefs? Whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, tiger sharks and not least…. vastly different species of tropical fish. Welcome to the Maldives, diving country par excellence!
Maldives, diving with whale sharks and manta rays
That the Maldives is a true diver’s paradise should be obvious. In total, the Maldives consists of as many as 26 atolls. These are ring-shaped islands formed from coral. Roughly speaking, diving in the Maldives is mostly concentrated around the Male and Ari atolls. Here are the most beautiful dives to make and here you also have the best chance to dive with whale sharks and manta rays.
In the South Malé Atoll, on the outside of the eastern reef is the “Shark Point,” where divers regularly encounter gray reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks.
One of the most beautiful dives of the Ari Atoll in the Maldives is Manta Point. Manta Point is a platform rising from the channel leading to the Ari Atoll. It is a kind of highland stretching on each side of the canal, from east to west. The current ensures that the manta rays here need do no more than simply open their mouths and let the food flow in.
Those who want to dive in the Maldives really only have one choice to make. Do I want to dive on a liveaboard or stay at a dive resort in the Maldives?
Liveaboard Maldives
Eat-Sleep-Dive-Repeat. That is the motto of divers who choose a liveaboard there for their diving vacation. This motto actually describes exactly what you do on a liveaboard.
You will stay in a cabin on the lower deck, main deck or upper deck. Often lower deck cabins are the most economical and usually accommodate two people. It depends a bit on the liveaboard, but beds range from simple bunk beds, two single beds to deluxe king beds with panoramic views of the upper deck.
On the main deck you will often find a number of common areas, including the dining area. 3 meals are served daily and often in the morning before the first dive there is some yogurt and fruit ready for the divers who like to eat first thing before their first dive. Do you like Italian cuisine? Then the Princess Dhonkamana, the Princess Rani and the Princess Haleema are perfect for you. These boats are, how could it be otherwise, under Italian management and are very often praised for the fantastic meals on board.
On the upper deck, there is often the opportunity to relax on a sun bed and read a book between dives. Some boats, including the White Pearl, even have a Jacuzzi on deck!
Day program liveaboard Maldives
You will make between 3 & 4 dives daily on a liveaboard. That means getting out early and going to bed on time.
06:00 Wake up
06:30 Dive briefing #1 & Dive 1
08:30 Breakfast
09:30 Dive briefing #2 & Dive 2
12:00 Lunch
13:30 Dive briefing #3 & Dive 3
16:00 Dive briefing #4 & Dive 4
18:30 Supper
Maldives Liveaboard Routes
The liveaboards in the Maldives sail a number of routes of which the Central Route is by far the most popular and therefore most frequently sailed route. This itinerary starts and ends in Malé, which is ideal in terms of connecting with your flight, and sails past North & South Male Atoll, North & South Ari Atoll and Rashdoo Atoll. The itinerary has many names such as:‘Best of Maldives’, ‘Classic Cruise’ and ‘ Best of Central Atolls’. Of course, there will be some variation here and there in the program but the bottom line is that you will sail a route where you will look for the big stuff like whale sharks, manta rays and nurse sharks. You also do some wrecks. A good description of this route can be found at the travel description of the Carpe Vita liveaboard.
A selection of our Maldives liveaboard diving vacations....
Dive Resort Maldives
Made up of more than 1,000 islands, the Maldives is best known for its many luxury resorts scattered throughout the various atolls. But you don’t necessarily have to pay too much money for a luxury resort. There are still several options from simple resort focused on divers to larger “fun” islands with lots of entertainment.
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