Maldives Diving Holidays: An Overview

What species can I expect to see in the Maldives?

Among the Maldives' rich marine life, whale shark and manta ray sightings are often the highlight of a diving trip. So, how can you see these gentle giants? The good news is that you can spot them here all year round - the trick is knowing where to go, and when.

The high season (December to April) is also the northeast monsoon season, when winds blow from the northeast, so manta rays and whale sharks can be found on the western sides of the Ari Atoll, the Baa Atoll and the Male Atoll.

During the wet season (May to November), manta rays and whale sharks are instead found on the eastern side of the atolls. These majestic creatures congregate downwind of the southwest monsoons, following plankton across the atolls. The top spot for manta sightings? Hanifaru Bay, on the eastern side of Baa Atoll. Thanks to the monsoon current sweeping plankton into the narrow bay, manta rays flock here for a feeding frenzy, making it an unforgettable snorkelling spot.

On the South Ari Atoll, whale sharks are mostly spotted around the eastern island of Dhigurah during the wet season and move west during the dry season. Within the central atolls, nearly all whale shark encounters and manta sightings occur downwind of the monsoon.

The Maldives is also home to more than 2,000 different species of fish, along with eagle rays and a variety of sharks, most commonly blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and grey reef sharks.

When is the best time to dive in the Maldives?

The Maldives is wonderful for diving year-round, although given its unpredictable seasonal weather patterns, the best time to dive in the Maldives is generally between December and April. This time of year is the dry season, which means you'll get the best overall visibility underwater along with calmer seas and clear blue skies. It's win-win.

Between May and November, expect stronger winds and slightly choppier seas, but usually plenty of sunny spells too. Temperatures in the water and on the land are still lovely (air and water temperatures both average around 27-31 degrees Celsius), although there's a higher chance of rain and usually lower visibility.

In short, if reliable weather is important for you on your diving holiday, plan to visit during the dry season. It's worth noting, however, that weather is becoming less predictable in the Maldives, so perfect conditions are not guaranteed, even in the dry season.

What types of diving can I do in the Maldives?

Both shore and boat dives are popular choices for those looking to make a splash in the Maldives. The atolls which make up the Maldives are home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world, making them amazing spots for reef diving (despite some coral bleaching in recent years).

There are also a host of sheltered lagoons for you to explore, and even some shipwrecks which give more experienced divers the chance to discover something truly one-of-a-kind. Night diving and fluo (fluorescent) diving are becoming increasingly common, giving you a totally new perspective on the aquatic life of the Maldives.

What to pack for diving in the Maldives?

As with any dive trip, coming prepared with the right gear is a must in the Maldives. Dive centres will usually have reliable gear for hire, but if you want to bring your own, we'd recommend having all of the following equipment:

• Mask, snorkel and fins
• A buoyancy control device (BCD)
• Computer (compulsory for each diver)
• Regulator
• Weight belt
• Wetsuit (two-to-five millimetres thick)
• A diving torch (compulsory for night dives)
• Reef-safe suncream
• A reef hook
• A surface market buoy (SMB)

Always make sure your equipment is well maintained and has been serviced before you travel.

Is the diving in the Maldives suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Maldives is one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. The house reefs are spectacular, allowing you to dive from the shore, which is perfect for your first foray into the world of diving. Locations such as the Baa, Central and Southern Atolls are all ideal spots for this.

What level of dive qualification will I need?

A PADI Open Water Diver certification is required as standard in order to dive, however if you are joining a liveaboard, then Advanced Open Water and Nitrox is recommended (and sometimes mandatory). Different dives will have varying levels of required qualification, so make sure to sign up to the course which is right for you.

Whether in or out of the water, there's so much to experience and enjoy on a trip to the Maldives. Some possibilities include things like:

• Get a scuba certification. This isn't just a fun thing to do, it's actually going to be essential if you want to get out and see more of the wonders that the waters of the Maldives have to offer. Lessons can be found all across the many islands which make up the country.
• Underwater experiences. You would be forgiven for thinking we're still talking about diving. In reality, there are a host of underwater activities, such as hotel suites, restaurants and even a spa.
• Water sports. A trip to the Maldives provides the perfect opportunity to try something a little out of your regular comfort zone, even if you're already something of an aquatic aficionado. Paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, or even hoverboarding are all available here.

What is the Maldives famous for?

You may not know it, but when you think of the trademark image of tropical paradise, you're probably picturing the Maldives. This chain of close to 1,200 islands, grouped into 26 individual atolls, offers you the chance to relax on stunning white sands, set to a backdrop of a sea so turquoise you might struggle to believe it's even real.

The beaches found here are made of worn coral. That's what gives them their iconic white appearance. Just 5% of all beaches on Earth are made this way, emphasising how rare of an opportunity it is to sit back and relax on one of the Maldives' many beaches.

Most Maldivians are of Indo-Aryan heritage, with many able to trace their roots back to the west and north-west of India, as well as parts of Sri Lanka. While early settlers were prominent Buddhists, Arab traders later introduced Islam to the region. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British all held control over the nation from 1558 to 1965, before the Maldives eventually broke away from British rule to form their own kingdom in 1968.

And of course, we'd be remiss not to mention the incredible diving culture you'll find here. The clear waters and abundant wildlife make this nation one of the best on the planet for scuba and deep-sea diving. What's more, the relatively remote and spread-out nature of the Maldives means you won't be tripping over fellow tourists.

What food should I try in the Maldives?

The underwater world may be star of the show for us, but it would be wrong to overlook the culinary delights which the Maldives has to offer. Rich and exotic, the local culture has relied heavily on what they had around them to craft delicious dishes. That means a lot of meals which are heavy in seafood and coconut, as well as rice, yam and cassava (a starchy root vegetable). We'd suggest giving these meals a try:

• Mas huni (fish coconut). Usually eaten as a breakfast, this dish takes the two stars of Maldivian cooking (fish and coconut) and blends them together to create a mix, which is often paired with onions and added to rice.
• Garudhiya (fish broth). A staple dish in most restaurants, tuna is cooked in brine and flavoured with onion, garlic, chillies and curry leaves. It's most commonly served in a broth alongside a scoop of rice.
• Kulhi Boakibaa (fish cakes). Tuna is cooked with rice, chilli, onions, garlic and coconut. It's usually served alongside hot tea.
• Gulha dumplings (fish dumplings). Packed full of fish, coconut and rice, these dumplings are crunchy and are common to find at street food stalls across the country.

For those who aren't major fans of fish, vegetarian curries are also found on menus throughout the country, with breadfruit often used as an alternative in a lot of recipes. Most hotels will be able to cater for a wide variety of dietary needs, and prepare dishes from all over the world, alongside local cuisine.

Do you need to tip in the Maldives?

It's always nice to tip and show your appreciation for something, but you never have to. A normal amount to add onto your bill is around 10-15%. If you notice a service charge already built in, you can probably avoid tipping.

How long is the flight to the Maldives?

A direct flight from the UK to Male (the capital) will take around 10 hours. If you aren't flying direct, common stopovers include Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha.

Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?

You won't need a visa to enter the Maldives if you're travelling for holiday purposes and planning to stay less than 30 days. If you're coming for business, you must get a work visa before you travel.

What are the other entry requirements for the Maldives?

The expiry date on your passport needs to be at least one month after the day you arrive. A damaged passport might also see you getting stopped and asked some tricky questions by border officials.

What vaccines are needed to enter the Maldives?

You'll need a certificate which proves you've had a yellow fever vaccine if you're entering the Maldives from a country which is listed as a current transmission risk. We'd also recommend making sure you're up to date on all your other vaccines before travelling.