What to Expect When Diving in Maldives?

The name Maldives screams paradise, with its pristine white sand, clear blue waters, and 26 natural coral atolls. That’s over 1,000 islands! Incredible, isn’t it? For administration purposes, Maldives is divided into 19 atolls known for their high density of marine life.

Blessed with a year-round tropical climate and warm temperatures, divers can enjoy diving in Maldives at any time. Water temperatures may range from 80°F (26°C) to 86°F (30°C).

Have you tried scuba diving in the Maldives? Get in touch with our dive shop Dubai and learn about our trip schedules. We might just have the adventure trip you’re longing for.

Explore the beautiful island nation of Maldives

The Maldives is an idyllic scuba diving destination because of its crystalline waters and great visibility. Its array of isolated and deserted islands serves as a vast playground for snorkelers and divers to explore.

Scuba diving in the Maldives is done at a relaxing drift pace. Let nature take you on an underwater adventure by letting the Indian monsoon current carry you along the island channels. The nutrient-rich waters that flow from the ocean to the lagoons are packed with plankton which attracts a wide array of amazing marine life.

Marine life encounters

The reefs and channels of Maldives serve as a haven for a huge diversity of marine life.

Sea turtles

Sea turtles are loved by divers around the world. These gentle creatures glide gracefully underwater and often display a curious attitude. Hawksbill turtles and Loggerhead turtles thrive in the Maldives and may be encountered all year-round.

Hawksbill turtles are known for their tapered heads and pointed mouths that resemble a bird’s beak; hence the name. Young Hawksbills have a heart-shaped upper shell that elongates as it matures. They have overlapping scutes on their carapace with a serrated appearance. Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered due to various human activities, particularly the rampant tortoise shell trade.

Loggerhead turtles are characterized by their huge heads which can grow up to 10 inches or 25 centimeters wide. Their large heads support their strong jaw muscles, which give them the ability to crush sea urchins, clams, crabs, mussels, and other hard-shelled prey. Loggerhead turtles are endangered species due to numerous natural predators and human activities such as fishing, habitat degradation, pollution, and direct harvest. They are also victims of accidental fishing or bycatch.

Manta rays

Reef manta rays are regular residents of Maldives. You can encounter them year-round as they journey across the 26 coral atolls with the changing monsoons. From May to October, the manta rays make their way across the eastern side of the atolls and from November to April, these graceful creatures glide to the western side of the atolls. Hanifaru Bay – Baa Atoll which is a designated Unesco World Biosphere Reserve is the best place to swim with manta rays in the Maldives. It is possible to come across a huge number of manta rays feeding. Please be reminded that only snorkeling with a certified guide is allowed in Hanifaru Bay.

Whale sharks

Whale sharks, fondly called “gentle giants” also visit the Hanifaru Bay. These plankton feeders travel long distances to find food. These amazing creatures can be spotted feeding in these rich waters. It’s fascinating to watch them opening their humongous mouths and gulping food.

Other marine life

The waters of the Maldives are also home to reef sharks including whitetip, blacktip, and gray reef sharks. You can also encounter eagle rays, large marbled rays, spotted eagle rays, barracuda, Napoleon wrasse, tuna, trevally, and other pelagic species. Hammerhead sharks may be found in specific dive sites.

Book a dive with us

Get a chance to mingle with these unique and incredible marine creatures by booking a trip with us. Check out our scuba diving UAE and other dive packages.