The Maldives is a tropical nation comprised of nearly 1,200 islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean. With breathtaking beauty, lavish resorts and incredible serenity, it should come as no surprise that the Maldives is a popular holiday spot for couples on their honeymoon or those celebrating an anniversary. While the Maldives is the perfect setting for romance, it is also a big destination for divers. Boasting some of the largest and most diverse reefs in the world, the Maldives is a fabulous place for underwater adventure. Here are some great tips that may be useful when planning your next diving holiday to the Maldives.
Best Diving Areas
One of the great things about visiting the Maldives for a diving holiday is that there are so many fabulous spots in the area that boast impressive visibility and incredible underwater marine life. While there are plenty of places where you can dive just a short journey from the shoreline, most serious divers prefer to venture out by boat to get to popular dive spots. Tours can be arranged that include dive tanks, wetsuits and regulators, and you can even take lessons if you are a beginner. Some of the top spots include Kaafu, Kuredu and Kuramathi, but the options are nearly unlimited. Thanks to there being more than one thousands islands in the Maldivian archipelago, divers really are spoiled for choice. It is often best to start by choosing the perfect accommodation choice in the Maldives and then asking staff for recommendation in the immediate area.
When to Visit the Maldives
Like in many tropical destinations, the weather in the Maldives can vary substantially from season to season. In July and August, there can be a lot of rainfall due to monsoons that come up from the southwest. Then, in the winter, travellers should expect plenty of sudden showers between November and March as a result of northeast monsoons. While it is still possible to have a wonderful time throughout the year, many scuba divers prefer to visit the Maldives between December and April, which is when the water is typically dry and warm, which means that underwater visibility will be at its peak.
Top Accommodation in the Maldives
To ensure that your trip to the Maldives is a success, it helps to start with inviting, luxurious accommodation. Thankfully, the Maldives definitely has plenty of resort options to choose from, and travelers in search of lavish decor and attentive staff won’t be disappointed. One of the favorites among scuba divers is the Constance Moofushi Resort, which is located in the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Although the private bungalows create a laid-back and almost rustic beach vibe, guests still have contemporary electronics and lavish amenities to enjoy. The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is another fabulous diving destination that happens to be almost 400 miles from the capital of Male. Since it is located in the North Huvadhoo Atoll, home to some of the deepest diving in the Indian Ocean, it is a top choice for serious divers who want to dive just minutes from their private accommodation. Some of the other top luxury accommodation choices for scuba divers in the Maldives include the Six Senses Laamu, the W Retreat & Spa, the Kanahura Resort and Coco Bodu Hithi.
Delicious Local Cuisine
Although scuba divers will be paying a lot of attention to the underwater life, it is important not to forget about the incredible local culture. The cuisine, in particular, is one thing you won’t want to miss out on. Fish and other types of seafood play a pivotal role in island cuisine, which is no surprise in a nation that is an archipelago. Much of the region’s fare is similar to Indian cuisine, and dishes often feature curry spices as well as the liberal use of coconut milk. One incredible dish that every visitor should try is bajiya, a savory pastry stuffed with fish, onions and sweet coconut.
Although there are dozens of wonderful water-based recreation options in the Maldives, there is no question that scuba diving is a top pick. This guide can help you plan the ultimate diving holiday in this Indian Ocean destination.
