Diving

More of the Maldives is underwater than above. 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 1000 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 colors. 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 pelagics, 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 thilas, sentinels of rocks that spring from the ocean floor up to within a few meters of the water surface. The thilas attract a variety of marine life and provide a spectacular change of scenery.