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A Diving Holiday to the Maldives
The Maldives is the perfect place to experience a liveaboard diving cruise
Maldives Diving information
Situated off the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is one of the most idyllic holiday destinations in the world. The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of a group of 1190 coral islands in 26 Atolls which emerge from the Indian Ocean. The unique geographical situation of the archipelago makes it the perfect place to experience a liveaboard diving cruise.
Stretching over 820km from north to south and reaching 128km at its widest point, the Maldives has around 90 resort, 200 local and 900 uninhabited islands. Approximately 60 percent of the Maldives archipelago is unexplored by scuba divers making each visit an adventure rather than a holiday.
Air temperatures average around 30 degrees centigrade and water temperature between 27 and 30 degrees all year around.
When to go?
Scuba diving in the Maldives is excellent all year round, although June is rainier due to the period of change from the north east monsoon to the south west. During the north east monsoon the clearer water can be found on the east side of the Maldives Atolls.
From December to April the sea is calm and clear making it the best time to view the underwater life of the Maldives. Manta rays and whale sharks are seen in their highest numbers from July to November.
Marine Life in the Maldives
The richness and variety of marine life in Maldives must be seen to be believed. With over 700 varieties of fish swimming amongst pristine corals and unspoiled atolls no other destination can compare.
Whilst snorkeling close to the reefs visitors can often turtles, sea anemones, octopus and eels. Skipjack (Maldives fish), dogtooth tuna, butterfly fish, sweetlips and fusiliers are seen on virtually every excursion.
Active currents particularly in the channels bring exciting pelagic action including many species of shark and ray. During the north east monsoon, the nutrient rich waters on the west side of the Maldives create a perfect environment for the large plankton feeders such as manta rays and whale sharks.
Whale sharks are the largest fish on the planet and can grow to 20m in length. Often cruising at the surface and feeding on plankton they can easily be seen by snorkelers and divers alike. An encounter with these enormous fish will stay in your memory for life and the creatures themselves will find a place in your hearts forever. For more information visit the Whale Shark Project which includes information on how to interact with them responsibly and to participate in the collection of data to assist in the research of these enormous fish.