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Diving in the Maldives

More of the Maldives is covered by the underwater than the land. Therefore it is not surprising that the Maldives is known the world over as one of the premier dive destinations of the world.

The country is endowed with thousands of reefs. Over a 1,000 species of fish inhabit these reefs, 300 of which were recorded for the first time in Maldives. Hundreds of species of hard and soft corals adorn the reefs providing dazzling colours.

The reefs are so numerous that divers can literally swim from one to the other. However in spite of this, each dive site has its own special character and appeal.

The outside reefs of the atolls are the fortresses that defend the Maldives from the strong elements. They are solid and impenetrable.    

The channels through which currents flow through the Maldives chain feature interesting coral formations such as jagged walls, crevices and caves. Due to the high level of nutrients in the channels divers can find caves and overhangs full of soft coral, a wide range of invertebrates, Gorgonians and sponges. There are also several canyons and the steep drop offs that provide for exciting dives. An exciting array of pelagic, predators and reef fish converge in these areas to feed in the colliding waters filled with nutrients. 

Across the channels and within the atolls are Thila, sentinels of rocks that spring from the ocean floor up to within a few meters of the water surface. The Thila attract a variety of marine life and provide a spectacular change of scenery.

Columnist Dave Berry once compared going to the ocean and staying on the surface all the time as similar to going to the circus and staring at the outside of the tent - you're missing the whole point of the ocean.

The sentiment can certainly be applied to the Maldives. Beautiful as the islands and the beaches are, they are nothing compared to the fantastical beauty waiting for you beneath the waves. And the best way to experience this enchanted and exotic world is by diving into it.