The Maldives is a low-lying nation with dreamy white sand beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian monsoon current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. This rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the soft coral clinging to the rock sides.
Inside the atoll lagoons, rock pinnacles – thila – rise up from the depths to scratch the water’s surface. In the channels there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians. At cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays, with giant turtle and whale shark sightings common.
With a tropical climate and warm temperatures year round, Maldives can be dived at any time. Water temperatures range from 80°F/26°C-86°F/30°C.
August-November is considered the best time of year to see manta rays and whale sharks. Jan-April offers great visibility and welcomes the driest/warmest months.