The Maldives is an amazing place to dive. It’s filled with abundant plant and marine life with everything from plankton to whale sharks, from coral to eels, and everything in between. But, like all places, it pays to know the ins and outs before you go booking your trip. From the outside looking in, it’s an absolute divers’ paradise – however, you need to be aware of a couple of things first to make sure you get the best out of your diving adventure.
- Currents
The Maldives are extremely tidal. With rising and falling tides, strong currents and pulls both in deep and shallow water, and with razor sharp coral laiden around, it can be a tough place to navigate. Because of the tides, the currents move and can catch divers off guard. It’s easy to get swept away if you’re not being careful, and you may end up expending all your time, energy, and air supply paddling to get back to your group. Keep an eye on them, and on points of interest, and stay close.
- Wetsuits & Water Temperature
Though the water is really temperate, and it’s perfect for diving without a suit, it still may be a good option. A 3mm shortie might be the best option, as when you’re swimming among the sharp coral, it’s easy to nick yourself. And, as well as the coral, when you’re diving amongst the reefs and along shelfs, the currents can get pretty cool.
- Gloves
Because of the currents in the waters around the Maldives, divers can often find themselves forced to anchor to their rocks on the sea bed. Whether it’s just holding on for a breather between bursts of paddling, or if you need to climb along the bottom to make some serious ground, it’s best to use a pair of gloves. With the shellfish, coral, and eels that are known to pop out and nip at fingers, gloves will help you keep your hands in top condition.
- Dive Prices and Gear Hire
Dive prices in the Maldives are a little more expensive than other places in Indonesia, and that’s usually it’s with gear on top, too. The best way to make sure you’re getting value for money is to book ahead, in a group, or on a dive package.
- Maximum Dive Depth 30m
If you’re used to diving deep, then you may want to check out what’s available in the Maldives as the maximum dive depth by law is just 30m. Though, there’s still loads to see.
- Abundant Sea Life
Diving in the Maldives is an amazing experience. You’ll encounter lots of different marine animals including Large Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Tuna, Whale, Reef, and White tip Sharks, Sweet lips, Parrotfish, Groupers, Snappers, Turtles, Moray Eels, and lots more. Different animals are prone to appear in different areas so enquire with local guides as to the best spots.
- Get Fit
Because of the currents, as well as the vast areas to explore in the Maldives, it’s important to be fit. The harder you have to work, the faster you’ll consume air and the shorter the dive periods you’ll get to experience. If you’re fit, you’ll see more of the reefs, be less bothered by currents, and get to spend longer under the surface, too.
- Nothing to worry about!
Maybe the idea of swimming with sharks doesn’t seem safe – but, you’re seventy five times more likely to get struck by lightning than bitten by a shark.
- Hundreds of Dive Sites
Spending just a week in the Maldives usually isn’t enough to get the full diving experience. There’s so much to see that a two week holiday will usually be the best option, or you may just find yourself going back next year to see what you missed!
- Learn to Dive
The Maldives is a great place for all levels of divers. Whether you’ve never tried it before, or you’re a seasoned expert, the Dive Schools, Guides, and Instructors are there to accommodate divers of all skills.
If you bear these tips in mind, you won’t go wrong diving in the Maldives!
