The big attraction, however, are the schools of fish that patrol
the reefs in colorful packs: Humpback and Black and White
Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicornfish,
Yeollowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweetlips almost comical
in design. The reef's larger inhabitants, including sharks,
rays and occasionally even Whale Sharks, are often seen
cruising in the blue. This parade of awesome marine life
combines with exquisite coral covered backdrops to create
many of what is surely some of the world's most extraordinary
dives.
Dive sites in the Maldives are widely scattered while hotel
base clients onluy have access to a limited number of good
diving spots; a far greater number can be reached on a liveaboard,
making it the ideal holiday for experienced divers.
The
great magic of the Maldives is the tame fish life to be
found on very shallow, sun dappled reefs. This is one of
the best places in the world for fish photography. The fish
are intensely colourful, swarm in great numers over the
reef, and are nearly tame.
Diving seasons:
Best : January - April
Good : August - November ( likely to encounter Mantas )
Wet season : May - July
Best of big animals : January - March ( most currents ),
August - November
Diving
is carried out from attached 40/50 feet local diving boats,
called "diving dhonies", that will not anchor
but will follow the divers from the surface. This is the
safest and most confortable way to do the diving in the
Maldives.
Every diver will have his own seat and his own basket where
he will store his diving gear, which will always remain
on the diving dhoni. The system leaves the main boat free
to handle accomodations, meals and social activities in
a quiet and uncluttered atmosphere.
There will also be night dives.
It is necessary for everyone to bring their own diving
gear. 84 cubic feet aluminium tanks and weigths will be
provided. There will be diving guide for every 8/10 pax.
While
the Maldives certainly have some georgeus reefs, it's the
fish life that makes them an outstanding dive destination.
There are three distincltly different types of diving: inside
the atolls, outside the atolls and inside the channels or
passes, which is where the currents are strongest and you'll
find the greatest congregation of fish life. Most intriguing
are the cleaning stations, found around every corner and under
every ledge. Groupers, Snappers, Surgeonfish, Eels, Parrotfish,
even Giant Napoleon Wrasse park casually in corners, oblivious
to all, ( including cameras ) while armies of wrasse, shrimp
and other assorted cleaners pick at debris in their open gills
and cavernous mounths.