The best way to dive the Maldives

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maldives

The best way to dive the Maldives

Few dive destinations on the planet can compete with the Maldives for the sheer scale of experience. Crystal clear waters are home to colourful coral reefs, wreck sites and wonderful marine life all on a choice of stunning tropical islands.

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The relative isolation of the Maldives from any major landmass has led to the evolution of a huge variety of unique marine life. The seasonal oceanic currents have created large subaquatic channels in and out of marine atolls. These plankton-rich waters support an incredibly diverse ecosystem. In addition, the sandbars, reefs and lagoons that have been formed over millions of years by volcanic and ocean activity provide the perfect habitat for rare and fascinating species. Many of the best dive sites centre around these channels and thilas (underwater pinnacles). You’ll be able to dive with large schools of colourful fish, with the islands offering superb conditions throughout the year.

With many of the best dive sites too remote to be accessed on day dives, an extended liveaboard holiday can be the best way to get the most from your time here. However, if you’re looking for a more family oriented, relaxing or luxurious experience, then there are more than 160 resorts to choose from around the islands where you can stay in style. Or you could combine the two for a multi-part diving holiday that gives you a little taste of everything the Maldives has to offer.

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Maldives Liveaboards

To really immerse yourself in the Maldives diving culture, a liveaboard is hard to beat. We have hand-picked some of the very best boats and crews to maximise your Maldives scuba diving experience. On a liveaboard from top providers, such as Scubaspa, Blue Force One or Carpe Diem, you can take the extra time to reach remote and untouched dive sites. Not being limited to one island means you are able to discover so much more of the sublime underwater world.

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There’s a range of liveaboards suitable for all tastes and budgets, from traditional dhonis to high-end luxury yachts. You can choose an experience that best suits your holiday needs.
Itineraries on board also vary according to the season. 

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Resorts

Basing yourself in a luxury resort you can enjoy the best of both worlds, diving during the day and making use of the wide range of facilities on land. Somewhere like Amilla Fushi is located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in marine life including manta rays. It offers a luxury experience with a range of complimentary inclusions.

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On the other hand you could choose a family-friendly resort like Cocoon Maldives which fuses luxury, design aesthetics and hospitality in a unique tropical island paradise. Seemingly floating above the lagoon, this spectacular resort is the perfect place to base yourself for some of the world’s finest diving.

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Other top luxury options include the Anantara Dhigu, Veli And Naladhu, St Regis Maldives, Olhuveli and Anantara Kihavah.

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