Scuba Diving The Maldives Far North
The Maldives is a scuba divers paradise. There are over 180 species of coral and over 1100 species of fish in the countries bountiful waters. This low-lying country features 26 atolls spanning a vast area of the Indian Ocean, about 750 kms off of mainland Asia. The average ground elevation is only 1.5 meters above sea level. The Maldives is home to just over 500,000 people. Many of the Maldives islands are home to wonderful scuba diving adventures, however, the far north of the Maldives is truly unique.
The Far North features many pinnacles, swim throughs, canyons, and some channel dives. The coral reefs are very diverse and are home to equally impressive marine life. Just off the reef you can find massive schools of fish. If this isn’t enough, a visit to Hanifaru Bay will allow for truly magnificent encounters with both manta rays and whale sharks.
Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is part of the Baa Atoll and is a recognized UNESCO biosphere reserve. This unique location is home to the world’s largest seasonal congregation of manta rays. From mid-August through late September this is a wonderful option for manta ray enthusiasts. This area has banned scuba diving since 2012 but offers snorkeling excursions which will take your breath away.
It is very common to see large schools of manta rays feeding in Hanifaru Bay, in an area about the size of a soccer field. If you happen to be there during a lunar tide, there could be as many as 200 mantas feeding at a time and they are often joined by the huge and majestic whale shark.
Other highlights of the Baa Atoll include Dhonfanu Thila and Dharavandhoo Thila. These underwater mountains are covered in vibrant coral and macro marine life.
Other Highlights Of The Far North
Raa Atoll & Noonu Atoll
Thee two atolls account for more than 150 islands, the majority of which are uninhabited. Here you can enjoy the deep pinnacle diving of Orimas Thila and Xmass Rock or a night dive on the Maafaru wreck. There are often dolphin encounters during this part of the trip and also visits from turtles and eagle rays. The soft coral life around this area is also very impressive.
LHaviyani Atoll
This area may be best known for the amount of sea turtles which can be witnessed while diving in turtle caves. There is also a very famous dive site called the Kureda Express which is a channel dive which has very strong currents which can attract huge schools of fish, sharks, and eagle rays.
Scubaspa Maldives Liveaboard
There are many resorts throughout the Maldives which offer access to a few dive sites each. However, if you are looking to experience the diverse scuba diving of the Maldives, your only real choice is aboard a liveaboard vessel.
The Scubaspa Maldives is like a floating resort in that it is large enough and luxurious enough that you will enjoy a very comfortable and relaxing experience. This company features 2 identical liveaboards and allow you to build a customized scuba or spa package to suit your needs. If you want to dive multiple dives a day, they can certainly accommodate that. If you are traveling with a non-diver, they can enjoy any of the numerous spa treatments which are available onboard. If you want to mix and match spa and dive days, that too is no problem.
You will get to visit and enjoy countless private islands and white sand beaches during your trip and can take advantage of the kayaks or paddle boards to explore the calm blue waters.
The Scubaspa offers dive itineraries to the Far North between August and September every year. This is the best time of year to visit the Far North if you are hoping to enjoy some of the large pelagic life in the area.
Visit their website to learn more and book your Far North trip.