The 5 Best Dive Sites in the Maldives

With so many dive sites to choose from on Maldives holidays, it can be hard to know which ones to go for! Here are five of the 'must see' dive sites.

There are few places in the world that are so naturally suited to scuba diving as the Maldives. Consisting of twenty six coral atolls and over a thousand individual islands, there are hundreds of outstanding dive sites to be found all over the country. It's no wonder that scuba diving is one of the most popular activities that people to choose to enjoy on their Maldives holidays, and many of the best hotels have their own PADI dive centres on site, allowing beginners and experienced divers alike easy access to the outstanding dive sites to be found on the islands. Some of the hotels even have their own private reefs for visitors to enjoy!

There are countless diving spots in the Maldives, but here are five of the very best sites on the islands...

Gurufushi Thila

Girifushi Thila is one of the best known and most beautiful dive sites in the Maldives. Located between two atolls, it is a rich forest of corals and sea fans, heavily populated with fish, rays and sharks. Its strong currents bring in the sealife that make it such an exciting place to dive, but this also means that it is only suitable for more experienced divers.

Okobe Thila

Okobe Thila provides one of the most breathtaking dives that you can enjoy on Maldives holidays. The three underwater rock formations are home to an astonishing density of wildlife - the fish are so numerous down here that it can be difficult to see the reef, and it is an essential place to dive during your visit to the islands.

Manta Point

If you want to see a spectacular display of larger animals on your diving trip, head to Manta Point. Located just off Baros Island, this dive site teems with colossal manta rays between June and November each year. Dozens of the majestic creatures can be seen in a single dive, coming up close and playing with each diver's air bubbles as they swim past. A truly unique and unforgettable experience to enjoy on your Maldives holidays.

Lion's Head

Named after an overhang in the shape of a lion's head, this is another one of the most well known diving sites in the Maldives. This protected marine park offers an exciting mixture of colourful corals, caves, and sealife. It is the perhaps the best place in the Maldives to see the grey reef sharks, and also offers divers the opportunity to see Hawksbill turtles.

The Maldives Victory

Last but not least is The Maldives Victory. Whilst most of the dives in the Maldives focus on coral reefs and sea life, the Maldives Victory is a genuine wreck that is a delight to explore. This hundred metre long cargo vessel sank just off the west coast of Huhule Airport Island, and is now home to schools of groupers, tunas and numerous sea turtles. This is another dive site that is often exposed to strong currents, so only veteran divers will feel comfortable exploring the Maldives Victory!