Diving in the Maldives

Diving in the Maldives is considered one of the best diving destinations in the World. As beautiful as the Maldives islands are above the water, the same can be said for below, a veritable treasure trove of life, colours and sensations.

Over 1000 coral islands make up the Maldives have been described as 'emerald gem stones in a sea of turquoise'. Many islands have their own natural reefs which make them perfect for diving with life on the reefs being prolific and more than enough to keep you occupied on a dive.

The great thing diving in the Maldives for me is that its perfect for either beginners or experts. What could be better than learning to dive in the warm crystal blue sea.

Every year we send thousands of holiday makers off to the Maldives. From feedback and personal experiences we've selected what we think are the top 6 islands to go to if you're thinking of diving.

Our top 6 choices for diving:

1. Royal Island Resort and Spa, Baa Atoll - 5*
2. Bandos Island Resort and Spa, North Male Atoll - 4*
3. Kuredu Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll - 4*
4. Cinnamon Island Alidhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll - 5*
5. Iru Fushi Beach and Spa Resort, Noonu Atoll - 5*
6. Baros Maldives, North Male Atoll - 5*

How much does diving in the Maldives cost?
Well - if you've never dived before you will need to do a training course. These are called 'PADI' courses. We always recommend using a PADI certified school as its an internationally recognised training course. There are different levels but the 'basic' level will take 2-3 days and consist of 5 dives and 3 theory lessons. Each school is different but to give you an idea of price, it's about £185.

If you can already dive then you can book to go out on a series of dives before you go. To give you an idea of price (again it varies) but these prices are based on going to the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo island:

8 Dive Package: £186
12 Dive Package: £250
6 Days Diving (non-limit): £280

You'll get all of your kit, air etc included in this price. Sometimes boat transfers out to the dive sites are extra cost, depending on which dive site you wish to go to.

What is diving like in the Maldives?
You can chose from diving straight off of the beach or boat dives. The later is better if you like more variety or are more experienced. If you've never dived in the Maldives or are new to diving, you'll find diving straight from the beach is great fun.

Diving may be in shallow reef gardens filled with fish, or round thilas (submerged reefs) in strong currents. The channels between reefs also make good drift dives

Wreck Diving:
Within the Maldives there are a few wrecks which are great for breaking up the reef diving. You'll find these are dived more for the fish life found on them rather than for the wrecks themselves.

Liveaboard Boat Diving
These are great for varied diving. Each dive will be at a different location through the Maldives. You'll be surrounded by fellow divers to learn from and share expereinces. You'll live aboard a well equipped dive boat (but don't expect it to be quite like a cruise ship). You will be required to have at least twenty logged dives to dive from a liveaboard.

Liveaboard itineraries vary dependent on season and weather conditions and although prices may seem more expensive than day diving, but don’t forget that prices are all inclusive.

If you have experience of diving in the Maldives please do let us know and give us your top tips.