Widely regarded as one of the world's most fascinating diving destinations with hundreds of unique diving sites for enthusiastic divers to explore; The Maldives offer a myriad of possibilities for amazing holidays. There are so many dive sites to explore that even divers who live here full-time never get to see all the underwater marvels of the Maldives, so those visiting these magical islands hungry for varied scuba diving experiences, will never be disappointed.

 

The Maldives have some outstandingly beautiful coral reefs, but it's the abundance and colourfulness of marine life that can be found throughout the atolls that sets these islands apart from other diving destinations in the world. And it is due to the myriad channels and passages between the atolls, that the currents sweep and play throughout the island chain so that nutrients for colourful species are always on the move. This accounts for the vast numbers of fish enjoying the passing feast and divers can expect to spot Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks and sweetlips in every site where the water flows.

 

In the channels there are caves, caverns and overhangs to explore, all teeming with soft corals, and there is a riot of colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans all profiting from the nutrient-rich water. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species. Inside the atoll lagoons one can often find pinnacles of rock vaulting up almost to the surface. These are known locally as 'Thilas' and  are often bejewelled  with sessile life forms.  These formations  bring water up from the ocean floor against their walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals that cling to its sides as well as creating an environment that supports a plethora of crustaceans and schools of resident fish.

 

Slightly removed away from the reefs, divers are likely to encounter the pelagics that frequent the Maldives, including manta rays, eagle rays and a variety of sharks including the mighty whale shark. Wherever you look there is likely to be something of interest going on and for many it is in the shallows where the best of the action takes place.