As this idyllic island getaway destination continues to soar in popularity, we all know there are many reasons to travel to the Maldives, and each individual traveller will have his own list of wishes and priorities, but here are a few of the best reasons we know of to travel to Maldives.

1. Maldives Beaches

Beautiful Maldives Beach

Travel to Maldives will give you the chance to come face-to-face with some of the most incredible beaches in the world. The Maldives comprises hundreds of islands, each surrounded by perfect white sand, swaying palm trees and incredible turquoise blue sea.

All travel in Maldives is done either by boat or plane, both of which give you plenty of time to soak up the amazing beach views. When you’re not dashing about the islands, you’ll enjoy lounging around on these incredible Maldivian beaches or enjoying the view of the Maldives beaches either from your hotel room, swimming pool or scuba diving liveaboard.

2. Maldives Scuba Travel

Maldives scuba travel is widely considered to be some of the best dive travel in the world. The Maldives have been known as a scuba diving destination for many years now so you will find all dive crews and boat captains to be extremely experienced and knowledgeable about Maldives dive travel. There are many Maldives travel books and Maldives travel websites that will give you a good idea of what to expect from your Maldives scuba travel experience before you leave home and that will help you find the best deals and learn about the best time to visit. Just to give a quick overview of what to expect from Maldives diving travel, here are a few pointers.

The best Maldives dive travel experiences, and one of the main reasons people travel to Maldives is the liveaboard diving concept. A Maldives liveaboard trip involves divers living aboard a cruising yacht for any length of time (usually 1 – 2 weeks) and doing a couple of dives a day from the liveaboard. When you’re not diving, you can enjoy other aspects of Maldives travel, including sunbathing, going to the beach, island hopping, fishing and generally relaxing. Maldives liveaboards come in a range of styles; you’ll find that whatever your budget and personal preference, there’ll be a scuba diving liveaboard waiting for you in the Maldives.

Diving with a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Of course, there are opportunities to simply dive or snorkel from a resort’s dive centre, and that might be the right choice for you, but however you decide to discover the underwater world of the Maldives, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be disappointed!

A quick glance in any Maldives travel book will tell you that the Maldives is home to an amazing array of marine life, ranging from more than 15 varieties of shark, 2 types of turtles, several ray species and many types of eel, wrasse and tuna. The list is really endless, but a couple of the real “stars” of the Maldives dive travel world are the whale shark and the manta ray – definitely the country’s biggest aquatic attractions.

3. Aerial Views from Maldives Air Travel

One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel to the Maldives is the incredible views when travelling from the airport to your hotel or liveaboard, if you have the chance to travel by air. When researching your Maldives holiday on any Maldives travel blog, you’re sure to see many aerial photos of the islands, taken during Maldives air travel, which are simply spectacular. Aerial views of the islands really put into perspective how remote of a destination each of the islands really are and just how the colour of the ocean contrasts perfectly with that of the land. It really is the quintessential image of the tropical “islandscape”.

Check out this stunning aerial video shot whilst approaching the Maldives.

4. Visiting Secluded Maldives Islands

Following on from the idea of the quintessential island image is the opportunity to visit some of the Maldives’ desert islands. Many of the islands are completely uninhabited, or perhaps inhabited only by very small villages of people, who are only to happy to show you around their pristine island and introduce you to their way of life. Villagers will treat you to dances, feasts and other shows of their individual culture and visits to these islands are a very common part of Maldives cruise travel.

5. Incredible Maldives Marine Life

Fascinating Coral Formations and Marine Life

As you would expect from a world-class diving destination, the marine life in the Maldives is nothing short of spectacular. Expect to see brilliantly coloured coral formations, vibrant shoals of reef-dwelling fish, incredibly large pelagic species and, of course the magnificent whale shark. The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can expect to glimpse a whale shark throughout the year, which means that travel to Maldives is possible 365 days a year.

When it comes to planning travel in Maldives, there are thousands of resources to help you make the best decisions. Online you will find a selection of Maldives travel agents all offering a wide variety of travel deals to Maldives. It can be difficult finding the best travel agent to book holiday to Maldives, so in these days of social media, the best advice is to ask around, check out blogs on Maldives travel and ask fellow travellers their own experiences and opinions.

Rare Lion Fish Spotted in the Maldives

One of the biggest issues to consider is the price of your Maldives dive safari, which can vary wildly depending on the type of diving cruise you wish to embark upon. With both the resorts and the liveaboards in the Maldives, there is an extensive range of accommodation available. As far as Maldives liveaboards are concerned, you should expect to pay anywhere from USD $150 to USD $300 per person per night, plus the cost of your flights. This will include all scuba diving, meals and accommodation, but not alcoholic drinks. If you’re looking for a resort, the prices vary enormously – it would be unfair to put a price, but you can definitely find everything from mid-range hotels to absolute luxury. There are also many packages available, especially from the UK, but again these vary wildly in price.

Maldives Dive Travel, a travel agent specialising in Maldives scuba travel, maintains the interesting and informative Maldives dive travel blog, which highlights important information about scuba travel in the Maldives, tells you when is the best time to travel to Maldives and updates you with news of special travel deals to Maldives. You can find out more on our website www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

Maldives Dive Travel proudly introduces the MV Aquarius, the latest addition to our fleet: A majestic high-tech vessel offering rebreather diving, double-tanks and a thrilling sense of adventure, the Aquarius offers unparalleled recreation and scuba diving features. Starting in August, this 101 foot liveaboard ship will be cruising the waters of the Maldivian islands, enabling scuba divers and dive safari enthusiasts to reach much greater distances than the current norm.

Maldives Liveaboard - MV Aquarius

Refurbished in 2011 with the most modern on-board technology and diving equipment, it is for this very reason the Aquarius can reach destinations not usually attainable with other ships, and state-of-the-art technology like underwater stabilisers and rebreather diving facilities allows divers to explore the stunning depths of the Maldives in greater detail.

The MV Aquarius will without a doubt become a frontrunner for liveaboard dive safaris in the Maldives, so be sure to reserve your spot for a unique dive experience of a lifetime.

MV Aquarius Details

The Aquarius measures an impressive 101 ft. in length and is 25.5 ft. wide, providing ample space for generous interior and exterior facilities. Constructed in the year 1998 it was fully refurbished in 2011; it holds up to 16 guests at a time, excluding the crew of 10. With two turbo-diesel engines, the cruising speed lies at 12 knots, and with Lloyd Standard certified security features like a 48 mile radar, autopilot, 3 independent steering systems, auto-inflating rescue rafts and strong search spotlights, this vessel is supremely equipped for high waters. Further features of the Aquarius MV at a glance:

The MV Aquarius on a Maldives Dive Safari

• Water Supply: 2 desalination plants on board
• Power: 220V / 50Hz supplied by 2 diesel generators
• Dhingy: Zodiac with outboard engine
• Extra Diving boat (Dhoni): 60 ft. dive dhoni, fully equipped for scuba diving
• DAN first aid box, oxygen, fire extinguishers, life vests
• 2 auto-inflatable rescue rafts
• Yacht-Control-System
• Bord Radio System
• Automated fire extinguishing system in engine room
• Fire hose connections on all decks
• Life vests and signal lights in every room
• First aid equipment in ship and Dhoni
• Rope cutter on propellers

But the Aquarius doesn’t just score high on safety, she also offers a great range of top recreational facilities; with sound systems on all decks, DVD player, wide-screen projector, satellite TV and internet access, the MV Aquarius guarantees you will find your time both on and off board a pleasant and enjoyable experience. And to make sure you keep those vivid memories for the future, all rooms are equipped with power sockets, and there are docking stations for cameras, video recorders and the like available on the main deck.

Diving Information

Imagine gliding along deep in the Maldivian waters when you see hundreds of sharks approaching close to you, yet you remain undetected due to the absence of water bubbles from your rebreather scuba tanks. The rebreather involves using oxygen and recycled exhaled air from the diver. As a closed circuit system this is more space efficient, as well as making the diver lighter and more compact. You can last for longer underwater, and sink to much deeper regions thanks to this sophisticated technology, and not worry about time while you admire the underwater marine life.

Check out the following video of a scuba diver swimming alongside a Maldives grey reef shark.

Liveaboard dive safaris aboard the MV Aquarius are sure to be popular along the south where there is an abundance of deep drop offs and ship wrecks. The diving equipment on this ship is remarkable; following are a few of the exclusive perks of travelling with the Aquarius:

• Twin Tanks with Isolated Manifolds on board
• Haskel Booster Pump for O2 and Helium, allowing easy and hassle free filling of mixed gases
• Evolution & Inspiration Rebreather bottles on board so clients don’t need to bring their own, thus saving weight
• Softner Lime for Rebreathers available for sale on board
• O2 cleaned Stage bottles and Stage rig kits

Dive Cruise Info

The MV Aquarius is active this season from 1st July 2011 – 30th April 2012. Starting July, the Aquarius will be sailing Monday through Monday at following cost:

p/p/n $ 185
Single occupancy $ 259
Full charter 16 guest max. $ 2.590

There is currently a special offer for travellers in large groups; with a group of 16 guests, number 15 and 16 are free of charge.

The price includes accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with windows, en-suite showers (hot water) and toilet. Bath towels provided along with full board, meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tea, coffee and water are available free of charge at all times. Soft drinks and liquor can be purchased at the well-stocked bar. There are 17 dives during a seven night safari (including check dive and a special night dive, tanks with DIN/INT, lead belts, and the use of the extra diving boat. Guidance is provided by a qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive guide, helping you to feel relaxed and secure in the care of a seasoned professional. You can also enjoy the use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits. Also on the agenda is a picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route), where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine and if you are lucky, even experience a spontaneous traditional drum and dance session.

Sunset Beach Picnic

Not included in the price is bed tax: US$ 8 per person, per night and only payable on board. The fuel surcharge, that is to say if the crude oil price on the international markets reaches USD 100/barrel, US$ 6 p/p/n will be charged on board. Any domestic flights, air fares and/or airport taxes are also not covered in the package price. You can bring your own dive/snorkel equipment, or you can choose to hire them on board. Bear in mind the use of US Dollars is widely accepted, along with the local currency the Rufiya. Dive & travel Insurance is also excluded.

Cruise Details

Currently there are three liveaboard cruise offers running on the Aquarius from August 2011 to April 2012. Each cruise is tailored to a different route around the Maldives, and benefits from seasonal perks with regards to the very popular and unique marine life.

Scuba Divers Catch Sight of a Manta Ray

1. August – October: “Manta Madness”

Male, Baa, Rasdhoo, N. Ari Atoll. There is an abundance of Manta Rays at this time of year along this exact route. For all scuba divers interested in this fascinating creature, don’t miss out on a chance to witness phenomena like the manta feeding frenzy. You can read more about manta rays on our page on Maldives marine life.

2. November & December: “Best of Maldives”

Male, Rasdhoo, Ari, South Male Atoll. This liveaboard cruise encapsulates all that is fascinating about the Maldives. With dives at various world-renowned dive spots populated with whale sharks, turtles and clownfish to name a few, this cruise is perfect for exploring the Maldives both above and under water.

3. January – April: “Southern Sharks”

Addu, Foammulah, Huvadhoo (Guests Fly to Addu (Gan), and fly out from Huvadhoo (Kaadedhdhoo). New guests fly into Huvadhoo, out from Addu, alternating each time. Addu is notorious for boasting an abundance of manta rays and ship wrecks. Foammulah is the home to numerous tiger sharks and silver sharks, and along the entire route you may even spot several whale sharks. Diving amongst these imposing creatures is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

For more info about cruise schedules and reservations contact us right here. We look forward to hearing from you!

When planning a Maldives dive safari, scuba divers usually have a lot of different questions that they need answering. So, we’ve put together this Maldives diving safari question and answer list. It should come in very handy when planning all the details of your diving safari in Maldives.

Dive Safari Maldives

What is a Maldives Dive Safari?

A Maldives dive safari is a holiday spent living on a dive boat known as a liveboard with a group of scuba divers. Maldives safaris tend to last anywhere from five to 21 days and will take you to some of the best dive spots in the country. On a typical diving safari in Maldives, you can expect to do two or three dives each day.

What Can I Expect to See on a Maldives Safari?

Think of a Maldives dive safari as you would of an African safari in the Serengeti. Only underwater! There are many varieties of marine animals and fish that you can expect to see, which range from small reef-dwelling fish to enormous rays and sharks. The waters of the Maldives are some of the most exciting in the world from a scuba diver’s point of view, but there are a handful of animals that have people flocking to the Maldives in the hope to catch a glimpse or – even better – dive alongside with.

Manta Ray Hovering Over Divers

Much like the ‘Big Five’ of an African safari, divers in the Maldives really hope to see whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, grey reef sharks and turtles. The really great thing about a Maldives safari is that spotting the ‘Maldivian Big Five’ is somewhat easier than the African equivalent and all these species can be found in the Maldives throughout the year. In fact, there are very few scuba divers who complete a Maldives diving safari without spotting at least four of the ‘Big Five’.

In order to see the ‘Big Five’, you will need to visit plenty of different dive sites, all of which are interesting and visually stunning in different ways. Each dive site is renowned for a different kind of fish or animal and your crew will design a Maldives safari route that is sure not to disappoint. The exact route you take will depend largely upon what time of year you visit the Maldives, but the experienced divemasters and boat captains know these waters like the back of their hands and do their best to take you to the best spots, taking into consideration the season and the precise weather conditions. Currents in the Maldives can be strong and have a significant effect on the movements of the marine life, so this local knowledge is truly indispensable.

What is the best Maldives dive safari boat?

It’s impossible to say which is the best dive safari boat in Maldives because every person has different requirements and tastes. There really is a live-aboard cruising safari in Maldives to suit every budget and taste, from the utterly glamorous MV Orion and the Island Safari 2 Royal Maldives to the beautiful and comfortable Black Pearl Maldives safari liveaboard.

Panoramic Suite - Dream Catcher II

All liveaboards are equipped with private bedrooms, each of which has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and external windows. The more luxurious ships sometimes offer private balconies, bathtubs and even Jacuzzis! All liveaboards offer a further selection of common areas, including lounge rooms, restaurants and bar areas, outdoor sunbathing areas, television rooms with selections of movies on DVDs and internet access. Of course, every ship is different, so make sure that your liveaboard offers the facilities you need before making your reservation.

Can I learn to dive on a Maldives diving safari?

Most diving safaris in the Maldives are designed for experienced scuba divers, so you definitely need to check this in advance with the individual dive boat. Nearly all dive safari boats in the Maldives offer a selection of PADI courses, but most of them are designed for people who are already qualified as Open Water Divers and simply want to further their studies. Be sure to ask in advance!

Stunning Marine Life Seen on Maldives Dive Safari

Is it possible to book a last-minute dive safari in Maldives?

Definitely! In fact, this is probably the best way to book your Maldives diving safari as long as you don’t mind waiting until the last minute. By booking a last minute dive safari in Maldives, you’ll probably get the best possible price. The other time you’ll find a real bargain on your Maldives safari is if you book your dive holiday quite some time in advance.

How much does a Maldives dive safari cost?

Maldives safari prices vary with the time of year, the Maldives safari boat you choose to stay on and how long you go for. Typically, one of the more basic boats will cost around USD $150 per person per night, while one of the more luxurious boats will cost USD $250 per person per night. Maldives safari prices are inclusive of accommodation, transfers between the airport and the boat, all meals and all dives (2 or 3 dives per day). Extra costs include equipment rental in case you don’t have your own and alcoholic drinks: all liveaboard safari boats have a full bar, offering a wide variety of international spirits and draught beers, but these are charged at an additional cost.

How do I book a diving safari in Maldives?

The best way to book a Maldives diving safari is online. Maldives Dive Travel is a leading provider of diving safaris in the Maldives and has plenty of information on its website, including online Maldives brochures for safari, news and information about special offers and deals on last minute diving safaris. The site is regularly updated and offers a great variety of background information to get you ready for your trip. When you are ready to book a safari cruise in the Maldives, contact Maldives Dive Travel through their website, indicating which safari dive in Maldives you’re interested in and we’ll get back to you quickly with confirmation of prices and availability.

It’s really simple and we can have your dive safari in the Maldives booked within minutes! Contact us now to book your scuba diving trip of a lifetime.

One of the biggest attractions of the Maldives to scuba divers and other holdiaymakers is the sheer quantity of fish found in the Maldives. There are thousands of types of fish in Maldives, from large pelagic species to small, reef-dwelling fish and everything in between. Indeed, the largest species of fish in the world, the whale shark, can be found living in the Maldives throughout the year, attracted by the immense amount of plankton that also inhabits the stunning waters of the Maldives. Of all the fish found in Maldives, the whale shark is probably the species that attracts the most visitors to the island nation.

Fish in the Maldives

Common Fish of the Maldives

It would be impossible to mention all the Maldives fish species in this article, so we’ll focus on the most common fish of the Maldives. To the scuba diver, the most frequently-spotted fish are the parrotfish, triggerfish, clownfish, sweetlips, wrasse and sharks.

Parrotfish in the Maldives

The parrotfish is a brightly coloured fish that is drawn to the Maldives’ coral reefs. The parrotfish is a common inhabitant of coral reefs throughout the tropical oceans and is one of the most popular fish in the Maldives thanks to its bright attractive colours and interesting markings.

Check out this breathtaking clip of a scuba diver amongst a huge wall of fish.

Triggerfish in the Maldives

The triggerfish is another of the most frequently seen marine fish in the Maldives and, just like the parrotfish, the Maldives trigger fish is colourful and fascinating to look at. There are several species of triggerfish in the Maldives, including the Titan triggerfish, which is commonly seen around the Madives islands. However, unlike the parrotfish, triggerfish are not the friendliest of marine life and can be extremely territorial, especially when guarding their eggs.

The Titan Triggerfish would seem to be the most aggressive variety of triggerfish and when feeling threatened by intruding scuba divers, they will respond by ramming the diver and sometimes even resorting to biting. They have powerful jaws and can reportedly bite chunks out of a diver’s suit or fins. If you see a triggerfish in the Maldives while scuba diving and the fish begins to approach you quickly, the best advice is to move away calmly and quickly in a horizontal line. In most cases, divers inadvertedly come too close to a Titan triggerfish’s nest and they stop their aggressive behaviour as soon as they are left alone.

Clownfish in the Maldives

Clown Fish

The colourful clownfish, made famous by the movie Finding Nemo, is another favourite Maldives fish among scuba divers and is one of the most common types of fish in Maldives. The bright orange and white fish is also known as an anemone fish because of its symbiotic relationships with sea anemones and there are plenty of varieties of this fish in the Maldives.

Generally speaking, the clownfish is a friendly, harmless fish, but can become quite protective around sea anemones, even occasionally biting people. This is most likely to happen to people who are trying to capture the clownfish for their aquariums – the only real threat to the clownfish population.

Sweetlips in the Maldives

At many dive sites in the Maldives, you are likely to come across massive schools of sweetlips fish around the Maldives reef. The most common variety of sweetlips in the Maldives are the oriental sweetlips, characterised by blue/black and white stripes along its body and yellow facial markings. When swimming in a school, these Maldives marine fish make a simply breathtaking sight. One of the best dive sites in the Maldives for spotting oriental sweetlips is the Manta Point in North Male Atoll where divers are also likely to enccounter bullseye fish, napoleon wrasse and manta rays.

Wrasse in the Maldives

Napoleon Wrasse

There are many different species of wrasse in the world, and several species are present in the Maldives. The most common pelagic fish in the Maldives is the napoleon wrasse which can be found at many different Maldives dive sites and is quite an impressive looking Maldives fish. The napoleon wrasse, which is also known as the humphead or maori wrasse, can reach the enormous size of 2.5 metres (6 feet) and is generally blue/green in colour with some spots and interesting markings.

The size of the napoleon wrasse is often under-appreciated and until you see one of these impressive Maldives marine fish in person, or see a photo or video of a napoleon wrasse alongside a human, it is difficult to appreciate how large they actually are.

Sharks in the Maldives

There are many different types of sharks in the Maldives which make it a very attractive scuba diving destination, especially since the types of sharks in the Maldives are generally considered to be non-agressive. For scuba divers, the most commonly sighted sharks in the Maldives are the grey reef shark and white tip reef shark.

The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, is another special fish found in Maldives and is seen on the surface, making it a popular sight among both scuba divers and snorkelers. You can find out more about sharks in the Maldives at www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

List of Fish in Maldives

It’s difficult to find a comprehensive list of fish in Maldives because there are simply so many. Nevertheless, there are books available and you will find key information about the most common types of fish in the Maldives on the many scuba diving and Maldives-related websites. The best way to get a feel for the varieties of Maldives marine fish is to look at pictures and information about reef fish in Maldives.

By watching plenty of videos before you book your diving holiday in the Maldives, you’ll begin to get excited about the kind of things you can expect to see underwater here and if its a diving destination that interests you. For most scuba divers, the Maldives represents the ultimate diving destination thanks to the stunning coral reef formations, and seemingly endless types of fish in the Maldives.

Busy Fish Life in Maldives

Conserving the Fish of the Maldives

All the types of fish in Maldives are in some way threatened. While most of them are not on any endangered species list, with the exception of the sharks, there are significant threats to their habitat and subsequent existence. Growing concerns over climate change and increasing water temperatures, the Maldives’ coral reefs, home to many of the fish of the Maldives are under more pressures every day. There are many conservation projects underway in the Maldives to protect not only different Maldives marine life species, but also the coral reef itself.

When in the Maldives, you will most likely come into contact with people working on initiatives to protect the coral reef and keep the Maldives fish’ habitat clean and safe. Clean-up dives are often offered to tourists and there are always plenty of opportunities to get involved and volunteer. So, why not make you next trip to the Maldives a truly unforgettable experience by giving something back to the ocean and the many fish around the Maldives.

There are an enormous number of dive sites in the Maldives; enough in fact that you could dive here every day for months on end and never need to visit the same dive site twice. Some are more exciting than others, and which Maldives dive sites you visit will depend largely on what you are hoping to encounter while under water as well as your experience level. Many of the best dive sites in Maldives are centered around quite deep reefs and as such, a PADI Advanced Open Water qualification (or equivalent) is often required.

Stunning Marine Life at Maldives Dive Site

Best Dive Sites in the Maldives

It’s difficult to say exactly which are the best Maldives dive sites because there are so many and it depends a lot on what time of year you come to the Maldives and of course on each diver’s personal preferences, but the following are a good selection of the best Maldives dive sites in the major atolls. On the whole, these dive sites are well-known and often visited by the various resort dive centres and liveaboard boats. Once you get to the Maldives, you’ll find out about plenty more top dive sites in Maldives and end up with your own collection of favourite Maldives dive sites.

Maldives Dive Sites in Ari Atoll

There are plenty of amazing dive sites in the Ari Atoll, which are highly recommended Maldives dive sites thanks to their marine life and are known for their populations of sharks and rays. Hammerhead Point, one of the dive sites to see hammerhead sharks in Maldives, is located in the North Ari Atoll and is sometimes known as Big Blue. The best time to dive this site is in the early morning, just before the sun rises, which is when the hammerheads are most likely to visit.

Whale Shark Sighting in Maldives

Maaya Thila, also in the North Ari Atoll is best known for its amazing congregations of grey reef sharks. Maaya Thila makes for a great dive during the day, but is best known for its spectacular night dives when the sharks can be seen hunting the reef. Being one of the Maldives top dive sites, Maaya Thila is included on many liveaboard routes, some of which stay in the area for a whole day to allow divers enjoy a morning, afternoon and night dive at Maaya Thila. Incredibly, each of these dive experiences is totally different, but equally exciting.

Kudarah Thila is found in the South Ari Atoll and is one of the many wonderfully colourful sites in Ari Atoll . Here, you will find greater concentrations of reef fish like angelfish and soldierfish as well as moray eels, pufferfish and the occasional turtle. White tip sharks have also been spotted at this Maldives dive site.

Fish Head – also known as Shark Point – is another of the famous dive sites in Maldives, mainly because of the large numbers of sharks that gather here. This is an interesting “thila” dive site and is one of the best Maldives dive sites for seeing sharks. Particularly common here are the white tip reef shark and grey reef shark and thanks to a government ban, Fish Head dive site is actually protected from fishing; a move executed by the Maldivian government to prevent overfishing of the sharks. Fish Head is also one of the top dive sites of the Maldives because of its large numbers of pelagic including napoleon wrasse and its curious caves and overhangs.

Maldives Dive Sites in South Male Atoll

The South Male dive sites are top Maldives dive sites in terms of seeing some really varied Maldives life and great diving conditions.

Pink Anemone and Fish

While divers are often hampered by the strong currents, it’s definitely worthwhile visiting Cocoa Thila dive site because the rewards are immense. The interesting overhangs, pinnacles and other formations mean there are plenty of places to shelter from the current and enjoy the views of the oriental sweetlips and fusiliers in their droves and where the reef drops off you should be able to spot tuna and eagle rays as well as a number of grey reef sharks. This is one of the most stunning dive sites in Maldives.

Guraidhoo Kandu, is definitely one of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives and such is the extensiveness of the site, it is often split into two and visited twice. Many say that the marine life at Guraidhoo Kandu is unrivalled: here you will spot squirrelfish, moray eels, eagle rays and grey reef sharks. Like many of the best dive sites in South Maldives, Guraidhoo Kandu displays a wide variety of colourful coral formations and interesting topography.

Manta Hovering Over Divers at Dive Site

Kuda Giri is one of the best wreck dive sites in the Maldives and is a good spot to see napoleon wrasse, feisty triggerfish and some batfish. The actual wreck is only small and has only been there for around 10 years, but that seems to have been long enough for some interesting and attractive corals to grow. Sightings of turtles and reef sharks are not uncommon here.

Embudhoo Kandu, like many other of the Maldives best dive sites is well known as a place to see sharks. Here you are likely to find many grey reef sharks and white tip sharks and thanks to a shark fishing ban in the area, this dive spot should remain a good place for sighting reef sharks for years to come. It’s also one of the top dive sites in the Maldives for underwater photographers as there is a stunning pinnacle frequented by morays and groupers.

Maldives Dive Sites in North Male Atoll

North Male Atoll dive sites are known and loved for their beautiful coral formations and the best dive sites in this Atoll are almost synonymous with the best dive sites in the Maldives.

Lion’s Head, named after the lion-shaped coral formations here, is considered one of the most beautiful Maldives dive travel sites in the Maldives and is a common playing ground for many different reef-dwelling types of marine life, including rainbow fusiliers and napoleon wrasse.

Sighting of Oriental Sweetlips

Lankan Manta Point is one of the Maldives famous dive sites, known particularly for sightings of manta rays. The key with visiting Lankan Manta Point is to go at the right time of year. It’s also one of the few places where you can expect to see mobula rays.

Check out this fascinating underwater clip shot at the Lankan Manta Point in the Maldives. The divers were plunged amidst a large group of manta rays, peacefully gliding through the water.

Banana Reef, another top Maldives dive site is named for the curved, banana-shaped reef here and is one of the most colourful dives you will find in the Maldives. This is a great place for seeing vivid reef life like the angelfish, blue-lined snapper and bannerfish. The reef itself is gorgeous here and the only precaution you really need to take is to mind the swirling currents known as “washing machine currents” that can really take you by surprise.

Okobe Thila, one of the most interesting “thila” or “pinnacle” dives in the Maldives, is a definite favourite with scuba divers here. The three coral heads at this dive spot are frequented by schools of eagle rays, tuna, bannerfish and much more, but is perhaps most famous for its barracudas – so much so, in fact, that the site is often known as Barracuda Giri. Reef sharks have also been seen at this dive site on regular occasions.

Underwater Landscape in the Maldives

Maldives Dive Sites Information

There is plenty of information surrounding the many dive sites of the Maldives online and you’re sure to find Maldives dive sites maps and many underwater photos taken at the hundreds of dive sites. The best way to find out more, of course, is to get out there and start scuba diving – the dive guides in the Maldives and experienced liveaboard crew members are the ones who really know all about the Maldives top dive sites.

Get in touch with us now to get the best deals on diving safaris in the Maldives!

If you’re looking for an amazing scuba diving holiday in the Maldives, you should really think about a Maldives boat charter. There are plenty of Maldives diving boats to choose from, which are generally known as “liveaboards” and they offer comfortable accommodation to groups of around 10 to 20 passengers. The boats are equipped with everything you need for life on board and are accompanied by a second boat, known as a dhoni – a traditional Maldives dive boat – on which all the scuba diving equipment is stored and from where all dives begin. Having this second boat is a great advantage because it can navigate much shallower waters and get much closer to the dive sites than the actual liveaboard boat.

A Maldives Safari Boat

Maldives Boat Trip Diving

The best thing about holidaying on a safari boat in Maldives is that it allows you to explore far more of the country and its magnificent dive sites than you would be able to if scuba diving from a resort dive centre. Because the Maldives islands cover such a large expanse of ocean, if you were tied to sleeping in one place, and had to return there every night by boat, the amount of time you would be able to spend actually scuba diving would be far more limited and the experience would likely be much more expensive. Maldives boat trip dive trips on a liveaboard tend to be surprisingly affordable, especially if you are not opting for one of the more high-end liveaboard boats.

View from a Maldives Safari Boat - Theia

Maldives Safari Boats

There is an incredible variety of Maldives safari boats on offer when looking to book your Maldives diving holiday, and you will find one to suit every taste and budget. Possibly the most exciting liveaboard dive boat in the Maldives is Theia.

Theia is a brand new dive safari boat in Maldives that was launched in 2010 and has been causing a lot of excitement. Offering stylish travel, Theia has accommodation for up to 16 people through 6 cabins and 2 suites, each with en-suite, hot water bathrooms and a stylish Asian décor. The suites located on the upper deck go that one step further, as they are equipped with flat-screen televisions and private balconies, giving guests a touch more privacy.

Other destinations for a sophisticated Maldives boat holiday are the liveaboards Island Safari 2 Royal, Dream Catcher II and MV Orion. Just like Theia, MV Orion was first launched in 2010 and is reminiscent of the private superyachts seen cruising the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Described by one diver as “business class scuba diving”, the 130-feet MV Orion houses special features including a private outdoor Jacuzzi on the deck of the master suite, stunning lounge areas and immaculate interior design throughout.

Panoramic Suite on the Dream Catcher II

Naturally, dive holidays aboard MV Orion, Theia, Dream Catcher II and Island Safari 2 Royal come at a premium, with a night’s accommodation costing around USD $200 on each of the boats, which includes all meals and dives. Now, if you compare this with the price of accommodation in one of the Maldives’ most luxurious resorts and then factor in the cost of diving from a resort dive centre, you will actually find that luxury Maldives boat diving is surprisingly affordable.

Furthermore, Maldives diving holidays can be even more economical if you choose one of the many other boats on offer. There is a wide range of Maldivian boats that offer liveaboard diving holidays at a more competitive price, from as little as USD $165 per night. Some of the best choices in this price range include Stingray, Black Pearl and Nautilus One and Nautilus Two. All of these offer a variety of cruises throughout the year which include all dives, meals and accommodation.

Jacuzzi and Lounger on Deck

If you’re looking for more of a feeling of adventure on your diving holidays in the Maldives and have a minimum of 60 dives in your logbook, Nautilus Two is a great option. This traditional Maldivian-style vessel is kitted out with everything you could need for a comfortable diving adventure. The boat is constructed completely out of wood and has 12 cabins – each air conditioned and with a private bathroom. Nautilus Two also features an outdoor Jacuzzi on one of the decks for use by all the guests and hammocks are strung out in the shade for whiling away your surface intervals in peace.

Maldives Safari Boat Information

Now you know there are plenty of Maldives liveaboard dive boats to choose from, there are a few more snippets of information you’ll need to know before you’re ready to start finding the right boat for you and looking into booking some Maldives boat trips. It’s important to understand that the prices for liveaboard holidays do not include flights from your home country to the Maldives, but do tend to include transfers from the airport to the Maldives holiday boat. Likewise, while the boats are typically equipped with a complete bar, alcoholic drinks are not included in the packages and so are charged separately at the end of your trip.

Unique Diving Experience on Maldives Dive Safari

As most experienced scuba divers tend to have their own scuba equipment and prefer not to hire, the prices do not include scuba equipment rental, although this can easily be organized at the time of reserving your Maldives boat safari. Some of the Maldives safari boat operators offer scuba certification courses if you are not yet a certified diver, while others will require that you are already a certified diver. Be sure to indicate your experience level when arranging your Maldives boat holiday. It’s also good to bear in mind that the Maldives is home to some strong currents and some of the dives are in deep water, so it’s really an ideal destination for an advanced diver, although that’s not to say there are no dive spots suitable for beginners.

Check out this breathtaking view of a sea turtle shot while scuba diving in the Maldives; The marine life is unmatched in the Maldives – be prepared for many more jaw-dropping sights and sounds from deep in the Maldivian waters.

How to book a Maldives Safari Boat

You can find out more about Maldives boat holidays online at www.maldivesdivetravel.com, a leading provider of Maldives boat safaris. On the website, you will find plenty of information about the different choices of dive boat in Maldives, prices, special offers, photos, videos and much more. There is also plenty of other relevant information about dive sites, marine life, and general Maldives travel information.

We are glad to assist you in any way possible, so don’t hesitate to contact us, regarding your Maldives Safari Boat Holiday.

Grey Reef Shark in Maldivian Waters

The grey reef shark is a fascinating species of shark with a long, streamlined body. Spotting them underwater is one of the highlights of diving holidays in the Maldives. The reef sharks habitat is most commonly found around the coastal regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Scuba diving destinations where you can dive with them include the Maldives, the Red Sea, Australia, the Philippines and Madagascar. The grey reef shark tends to be found in shallow parts of the oceans and around coral reefs, where it hunts its prey. Its streamlined physique allows the grey reef shark to glide smoothly through the water, approaching unwary fish without warning.

There have not been many reports of grey reef shark attacks on divers and no attacks on humans in the Maldives have been reported.

Grey Reef Shark Facts

Grey reef sharks form part of the reef shark species – more specifically they are part of the requiem shark family – of which there are many, including the black tip reef shark and white tip reef shark; both of which can also be observed while scuba diving in the Maldives. All of these reef shark species are similar to the grey reef shark in that they have a slender grey body with a white underside, wide nose and big eyes. You can tell the grey tip reef shark apart from his family by his characteristic white-tipped dorsal fin, a dark grey-black stripe on his tail and his size – grey reef sharks are considerably bigger than their white and black-tipped cousins.

Grey Reef Shark Diet

The grey reef shark’s diet generally comprises small marine life including octopus, shrimp and many of the small fish species you would expect to find around a coral reef, where the grey reef shark spends much of his time hunting. The grey reef shark is a nocturnal animal, when they will be found hunting alone. The rest of the time, you will usually find grey reef sharks in groups, as they are quite social animals while not hunting. An adept hunter, the grey reef shark is able to lie very still on the ocean floor in wait of its prey and its acute sense of smell enables it to sense a potential meal from quite a large distance. When attacking the grey reef shark is an extremely quick swimmer – reaching speeds of around 18 meters per second – and its streamlined body helps for a very smooth line of attack.

A grey reef shark patrols the waters near a drop-off.

Grey Reef Shark Reproduction

The grey reef shark is one of the most widely-studied species of marine life in the Maldives and so we are fortunate to know a significant amount about grey reef shark populations and reproductive habits. The female grey reef shark can typically gives birth every two years and each litter has up to six pups. The time between conception and birth (gestation period) is approximately 12 months. When they are newborn, the grey reef shark babies are around 60 centimeters long and they reach their full length of around two meters after 7 years. The grey reef shark’s lifespan is around 25 years.

Thanks to its preference for shallow waters, and its aggressive nature, the grey reef shark has few natural predators. When attacked, the grey reef shark swings its head around, warning predators away.

Grey Reef Sharks in Maldives

The grey reef shark has been assigned the status of “near threatened” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature because in some parts of the world, it is hunted for its meat and the valuable shark fin is exported to China. Luckily, this practice is illegal and poaching remains relatively rare, though some incidents have been reported in recent years.

Other threats to the grey reef shark include general overfishing. To protect the species from extinction, it is important that shark hunting is monitored and fishing of the grey reef shark is limited where possible. Ideally, shark hunting should be banned altogether because most shark species are threatened by overfishing.

Thankfully, the Maldives announced a ban on shark fishing throughout its waters in March 2010 in an attempt to preserve and increase shark populations and consequently boost tourism to the country.

Many people are keen to know whether the grey reef shark is dangerous. While attacks have been reported, the good news is that such attacks are very rare and usually it is a case of a scuba diver or swimmer in the way of a very curious shark.

Maldives Reef Shark Diving

There are plenty of opportunities for scuba diving with grey reef sharks in the Maldives. One of the best sites for reef shark diving is Maaya Thila, in North Ari Atoll, where there are several different dive routes both for day and night diving. A Maaya Thila night dive is a great opportunity for you to see grey reef sharks while they are hunting alone, while during a day dive you are more likely to encounter them swimming in groups around the reef. This is also a great dive spot for seeing the white tip reef shark, as well as moray eels and octopus and countless coral-dwelling fish species. Many liveaboard divers will spend a day moored close to Maaya Thila, allowing them to take in a night-time, morning and afternoon dive, all of which will bring you in contact with different marine life.

Guraidhoo Kandu is another great dive spot, well known for its impressive grey reef shark populations, varied marine life and gorgeous coral heads. Located in the South Male Atoll, Guraidhoo Kandu is often visited on the way to or back from Maaya Thila on the same Maldives liveaboard cruise.

Elaidhoo Thila is another top diving attraction for Maldives reef shark diving; here you will find populations of white tip and grey reef sharks, amid groups of trevallies, nurse sharks and batfish. Like many dive sites in the Maldives, Elaidhoo Thila can be subject to strong currents and so is recommended for experienced scuba divers. Novices may be able to dive here when currents are calm.

More Grey Reef Shark Information

You can find more grey reef shark information online on the dedicated pages on pages like Wikipedia or MarineBio, where you will find a wealth of information related to all kinds of marine species. If you are looking for more information on reef shark diving in the Maldives, check out our recent blog post about it here.

Furthermore, you may be interested in “Maldives SharkWatch”, a research initiative launched by www.saveourseas.com. The page is set up for divers, fishermen and in general all tourists or visitors to the Maldives, who can assist in the study by reporting their personal shark sightings. In turn, contributers can obtain significant information about different species of sharks, and their whereabouts. Please check out the page here, and don’t hesitate to get involved!

For divers, one of the big attractions of the Maldives is the abundance of sharks, making it a great destination for shark diving holidays. There are many different varieties of sharks in the Maldives, the majority of which are harmless, which makes for a both spectacular and safe scuba diving experience.

Divers Snorkeling with Sharks in Maldives

There are more than 25 types of sharks Maldives, some of which I have detailed throughout this article and others which are less common. While there is no guarantee for divers that they will encounter a shark while in the Maldives, the abundance of these incredible creatures makes chances quite high and few divers leave the islands disappointed.

Whale sharks in the Maldives

Definitely the most sought after variety of Maldives sharks are the whale sharks. Because the abundance of whale sharks in Maldives is so well-known and Maldives whale sharks can be found throughout the year, the Maldives has become one of the most popular destinations in the world for swimming with whale sharks in Maldives. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of around 40 feet and incredibly, they are very docile and friendly creatures, posing no threat to scuba divers. Diving with whale sharks Maldives is difficult and unusual because most whale shark encounters happen on the surface, so snorkeling or swimming with whale sharks Maldives is a better way to look for whale sharks in the Maldives.

Whale Sharks are Often Spotted in the Maldives

Many resorts offer Maldives snorkeling whale sharks safaris, where they take guests out for the day on a boat and look for signs of whale sharks. When you spot one, it’s time to don your snorkel and mask and jump in for a swim around with the whale shark. This can be a very long and time-consuming process and a better way of spotting the whale sharks Maldives is from Maldive liveaboards. Whale sharks can be quite elusive, so it often happens that you see one when you really aren’t looking. By taking a week-long trip on a Maldives liveaboard, during which time you’ll cruise the gorgeous waters of the archipelago, you’re more likely to spot whale sharks as you meander along and it will feel like a more natural sighting than if you are purposefully looking for them.

When it comes to whale sharks, everybody wants to know exactly when is the “best time to see whale sharks Maldives?” The answer is simple: the whale sharks Maldives season lasts all year round, although the area you visit in the Maldives will vary according to the time of year. A whale sharks diet consists mainly of plankton so the whale sharks habitat changes throughout the year depending on where the plankton is most abundant. For this reason, in the months of July and August, when plankton levels are high around whale sharks Baa Atoll, a great place to look for whale sharks Hanifaru is Hanifaru Bay. Additionally, there is the Maldives whale sharks Baa Atoll, which is a great place to look for manta rays at this time of year as they are also drawn to the plankton.

Not that much is known about the lifestyle of the whale shark, although it is known that numbers are in decline, partly because of the commercial fishing of whale sharks and trade of whale shark meat in some countries and the fact that in some places you might even find baby whale sharks for sale. Fortunately, in the Maldives, the threats to whale sharks have been recognised and the government has begun to protect them. They understand that the fact that whale sharks life in the Maldives is a great economic bonus for the country because of the numbers of tourists they attract.

Reef sharks in Maldives

If you’re interested in scuba diving with sharks in Maldives, you’re most likely to encounter reef sharks under water. There are several types of reef sharks Maldives, one of the most common of which is the grey reef sharks. Grey reef sharks in the Maldives are found living around the coral reefs and are most active at night when they are hunting. A reef sharks diet consists generally of smaller fish and they are savvy hunters, although there is no evidence confirming the question, are grey sharks dangerous to scuba divers. Grey reef sharks can reach lengths of about 6 feet long and usually have a grey back with a white belly.

Gray Reef Sharks

Another common variety of reef shark in the Maldives are white tip reef sharks, which is similar in size to grey sharks but is a paler shade of grey with a white tip on the end of their dorsal and caudal fins. Baby white tip sharks and their adult counterparts are also found around the coral reefs. While the reef sharks are the most commonly spotted in the Maldives, there are many threats to reef sharks because they are still hunted for their meat, their fins are exported to China and most importantly, they are not protected yet.

A Baby White Tip Shark in Maldives

Dangerous sharks in the Maldives

Many scuba divers and holiday makers alike want to know: are there dangerous sharks near the Maldives? The truthful answer is that no, there are not, and Maldives diving with sharks is quite the safe activity. Probably the most dangerous sharks in Maldives are the hammerhead sharks, although these are not particularly common and there have been no reports of hammerhead shark attacks in the Maldives.

Hammerhead sharks Maldives

In the Maldives, fortunate divers will come across several types of hammerhead sharks, mainly the scalloped hammerhead. These are not commonly sighted, but one dive site, Rasdhoo Kandu is the most common spot for finding them.

Zebra sharks

Lucky scuba divers might come across zebra sharks while diving in the Maldives. The zebra shark is not a particularly common shark but is quite stunning in appearance. Also known as the leopard shark, the zebra shark is a species of carpet shark and the zebra sharks behavior finds the creature usually moving around the seabed, close to the coral reef. Most of a zebra sharks prey is caught at night, since the shark is a nocturnal creature. A zebra sharks diet consists mainly of small fish and crustaceans.

Zebra Shark Sighting in the Maldives

These are just a handful of the shark types seen in the Maldives. Other species include the nurse shark, variegated shark, snaggletooth shark, silvertip shark, silky shark, tiger shark and sliteye shark, and many others, which together make the Maldives a great destination for shark-loving scuba divers. Check out the reef shark maldives lens on squidoo.

The Stunning Beaches are a Major Attraction of the Maldives

Many people will have heard of the exotic destination that is the Maldives, but few of us – unfortunately – have had the opportunity to visit. A quick look at some Maldives pictures will give you a good idea of what this faraway island paradise is all about; the stunning white-sand beaches, crystalline waters and luxurious accommodations are the stuff of glossy travel magazines and honeymoon dreams. Recently being named on the list of New Natural Wonders: Maldives has earned the country even more recognition as a stunning holiday location.

Travel to the Maldives

All visits to the Maldives begin at the Maldives airport since practically all tourists arrive by plane. Located in Male Maldives, the Maldives international airport is a modern facility, with direct flights to hundreds of cities worldwide.

There are many activities to enjoy while on a Maldives holidays, including Maldives diving, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, fly fishing Maldives or simply indulge in one of the many services offered at the spas in one of the many amazing Maldives resorts. Thanks to the amazing Maldives weather, any outdoor activity or water sport is a perfect way to while away the days on a Maldives holiday.

Weather in Maldives

Since the weather Maldives is one of the biggest attractions to the country, it’s not surprising that most of the year is sunny, with temperatures between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius throughout the year. While it is nearly always warm, the country is susceptible to heavy rainfall at some times of the year. The rainiest part of the year, which might be described as the “Maldives winter”, is between April and October and while visitors during this time might experience increased rainfall, it typically comes in short, heavy showers and is unlikely to last for days on end – although this is not unheard of. The driest months of the year, and logically, the best time to scuba dive in the Maldives, is between November and March.

Perfect Weather Maldives View from the Liveaboard Theia

Liveaboards in the Maldives

Maldives liveaboards are a great idea for scuba divers wishing to explore the underwater world of the Maldives. There are many Maldives diving safari options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the best-known Maldives liveaboard boats are Theia Maldives, MV Orion Maldives, Carina Maldives, Galileo Maldives, Black Pearl Maldives, Stingray Maldives and Dreamcatcher Maldives, all of which are operated by experienced liveaboard Maldives operators and offer a good Maldives liveaboard package variety, with trips usually ranging from 5 to 15 nights. Many customers enjoy the Maldives dive safari experience because it is an almost all-inclusive holiday, with all scuba diving and meals included and it’s a great way to meet other like-minded scuba divers. To find out if a diving safari Maldives is for you, take a look on the web and read a Maldives liveaboard review to see what other people are saying about the experience. If you think it’s something you’d be interested in, you can contact Maldives Dive Travel for more information about availability, safari dates and prices.

Scuba Diving in the Maldives

Maldives scuba diving holidays are a great choice when looking for your next scuba diving expedition. With literally hundreds of reefs and dive spots, you could go diving in the Maldives many times and never visit the same Maldives dive site twice. Scuba diving in Maldives offers a wide range of diving, including some challenging dives thanks to the sometimes strong currents and deep reefs and some impressive marine life.

Definitely the best way to get the most out of diving in the Maldives is to go on a Maldives safari on one of the many liveaboards, which will allow you to cruise around a selection of the best dive sites in Maldives without being limited to one small area of the archipelago. The islands of the Maldives cover an enormous area, to get an idea of the locations of the islands, take a look at a map of Maldives atolls.

Scuba Diving with Manta Rays at Hanifaru

Many people are nervous that Maldives diving prices will be very high, when in fact the actual cost of diving is comparable with any other diving destination. What can be expensive, of course, is the price of actually getting to the Maldives, but the diving is not so pricey, especially if you take a liveaboard diving holiday. The price of scuba diving holidays Maldives if you base yourself at one of the country’s resorts can be considerably more expensive. To get the best deal on Maldives diving holidays, try and find a last minute Maldives scuba diving holiday.

Marine Life in Maldives

The Maldives marine life is naturally one of the biggest attractions of this island nation for many visitors, especially those wishing to engage in some diving or other marine activity. Among the most impressive Maldives sea life are the Maldives manta rays and the whale sharks Maldives. There are also hundreds, if not thousands of Maldives fish species which range from the colourful parrotfish to the ugly moray eel.

The Maldives boasts World-Class Diving Holiday Destinations and Stunning Marine Life

You can find guides to the many types of fish found in the Maldives on all kinds of websites, including the Maldives Dive Travel website, which includes photos and descriptions of the many types of fish in the Maldives as well as tips on finding manta rays Maldives and handy hints like when is the best time to see whale sharks in the Maldives.

Learn More about the Maldives

There are many resources online that will help you find more information about the Maldives, including photos of Maldives, resources about Maldives dive sites, special offers on Maldives scuba diving prices, and links to other sources of information including the updated Maldives weather forecast, exchange rates for the Maldives currency the Rufiyaa. If you want to read about the daily occurrences in the Maldives, you might visit the site of the Haveeru News Maldives, the country’s daily newspaper and you will also find many a Maldives blog, filled with up-to-date information about all aspects of the country’s news. We also recommend you check out the lenses on squidoo.com, there is a great deal of helpful information on diving with mantas at hanifaru bay, as well as a comprehensive guide to the Maldives.

Whale Shark in the Maldives

Q: When is the Maldives whale shark season?

A: The Maldives are one of the few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks all year round. The whale shark season in the Maldives between the months of November and March finds more whale sharks around the western atolls of the Maldives, whereas if you visit between April and October, they’re more likely to be found on the eastern side.

Q: Where is the best place to see a whale shark in Maldives?

A: The best place to see whale shark in Maldives depends largely on the season in which you visit. You’ll typically spot the whale sharks when you see a large group of birds descending on a patch of open water. At this point, you’ll get as close to the area as possible by boat and jump into the water to see if you can swim with the whale shark. It is very unusual to see a Maldives whale shark while scuba diving; most encounters are had while snorkeling. While the best place to swim whale shark Maldives does change with the seasons, if you have a chance to visit in July or August, one of the best places is Hanifaru whale shark.

Q: How should I behave when I swim with whale shark Maldives?

A: No matter how tempting it might be to touch these gentle, curious creatures, divers should never forget that a reef is no petting zoo. Whale sharks are remarkably calm creatures and swimming with them is an incredible and safe experience. Not to worry, nobody has ever been eaten by whale shark. Some people will talk of what happens when a diver in whale shark mouth and gets swallowed whole, and while this is probably technically possible, we can assure you it has never happened and is not something you should worry about! The Maldives boast one of the highest populations of whale sharks in the world and, thanks to the country’s climate, you can swim with whale shark in Maldives all year round.

Diving with Maldives Whale Sharks

Q: What does a whale shark look like?

A: The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and is simply an amazing creature to encounter in the water. Despite the name “shark”, a whale shark is indeed very docile and gentle. Most whale sharks grow to lengths of around 10 meters (about 32 feet), although the largest on record measured over 41 feet and a 40-foot whale shark is not uncommon. At its widest point, the mouth, the width of a whale shark is usually around 3 to 5 feet. Whale shark width remains fairly constant until halfway down the body, when the fish tapers off to a slender tail.

The appearance of whale shark is different from animal to animal; the patterns are the equivalent of the human fingerprint. You will see from looking at pictures of whale shark that typically the colour of whale shark is dark grey or black with white spots on their backs and a usually white underbelly.

As you might imagine, the whale shark is a very heavy creature, with most adult whale sharks reaching weights of around 20 tons.

Whale shark teeth are quite a force to be reckoned with: the average specimen has between 300 and 400 rows of tiny teeth – although fortunately these are used for filtering rather than biting.

Since whale shark reproduction has not been studied for long and while significant progress has been made in studying the whale shark mother and father, little is known about the young of the whale shark, so it is almost impossible to estimate baby whale shark weight, although a baby whale shark was found in the Philippines in 2009 measuring only 15 inches, which was possibly the smallest whale shark on record.

Q: What is the outer covering of a whale shark?

A: The outer skin of the whale shark is smooth to touch and can be around 3 inches thick. Nevertheless, it is important never to touch a whale shark, as the whale shark might get scared and swim away quickly, which can lead to injuries caused by their powerful fins and tails.

Q: Where does a whale shark live?

A: The whale shark habitat is made up of all the warm and temperate oceans. Because whale shark diets consist mainly of plankton, most habitats are found around areas of high plankton-density. Whale sharks are mainly diurnal creatures and it is unlikely that you will ever see a whale shark at night.

Diver Swims Past a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Q: What does a whale shark eat?

A: As a filter feeder, the whale shark diet consists mainly of plankton and small fish. As whale shark filter feeders, the many rows of teeth are used to filter out the larger fish and the whale shark simply feeds by opening its mouth and gliding through the water.

Q: What’s the best way to see whale sharks in the Maldives?

A: Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives offer whale shark snorkeling tours Maldives. Whale shark watching in Ari Atoll is a particularly popular excursion. The problem with day trips for whale shark watching Maldives from a resort is that you have a very limited chance of actually seeing one. For the best chance of swimming with a whale shark, a liveaboard diving trip is a great idea. Live aboard and whale shark diving is a brilliant way to spend a unique holiday and, since you’ll be on the boat for the duration of your trip, chances of whale shark diving are great. Maldives Dive Travel, a liveaboard holiday specialist, offers several Maldives whale shark package throughout the months of August and September each year, which is one of the best whale shark Maldives season – a great opportunity for seeing both whale shark and manta rays Maldives. Going on a Maldives whale shark safari on a liveaboard boat is really the perfect holiday if you love scuba diving or would like to learn scuba diving. Some operators, such as the Black Pearl have even gone so far as to offer “whale shark guaranteed” packages!

Q: Are whale sharks endangered species?

A: The population figures of whale sharks are unknown, but since they are victims of commercial fishing whale shark are considered “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the Maldives, there are several active projects to save whale shark in the Maldives, the most important being the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. To protect the species from becoming endangered, it is considered a protected species and commercial fishing is illegal, as is the trade of whale shark meat in the market.

Q: How can I learn more about whale sharks in the Maldives?

A: There is a lot of information about whale shark Maldives and Maldives whale shark diving online, including news and updates about whale shark season Maldives, conservation efforts and peoples’ reports about swimming and snorkeling with these amazing creatures. If you’re interested in whale shark diving Maldives, you should check out the whale shark maldives blog and you’ll be able to see loads of whale shark pictures, find out when is the best period whale shark Maldives and get the latest news on special offers for whale shark tours Maldives.