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Diving in the
Maldives
The Maldives is renowned for its coral
gardens and multiple coloured tropical
fish that swim lazily in the crystal clear
waters. For a visitor, the ideal holiday
cannot be fulfilled without a glimpse
of these underwater marvels. The turtles,
rays, sharks and seaweed growth provides
a breathtaking view. It is no wonder,
the Maldives is included among the best
diving spots of the world. The average
visibility is around thirty meters sometimes
even extending to sixty meters.
THE BEST MARINE HABITAT (AsiaWeek August
18 2000, Page 92)
Maldivian waters are a paradise for divers.
The 'Cyber Diver' has rated the Maldives
as one of the top 10 marine habitats in
the world (the only one with in Asia).
Under the category "best dive sites"
the archipelago is described by Cyber
Diver (AsiaWeek August 18 2000, P 93)
with the telling phrase, "too many
to list".
THE DIVING SCHOOL
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Dive schools
giving introductory lessons to beginners |
Dive schools are found in almost all
resorts. Some liveaboards are also equipped
with dive bases. The schools offer internationally
recognised certificates and are usaully
affiliated with PADI, NAUI or CMAS. The
courses are conducted by qualified instructors.
Almost all schools offer PADI Open Water
Diver certificates while some schools
even provide courses up to professional
levels.
THE EQUIPMENT
Most diving equipment can be hired from
the dive schools.
SAFETY
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A Diver in the
deep blue with corals |
It is always rewarding to regard these
beautiful waters with some caution. Diving
alone is never recommended. It is best
to dive in groups and with a good instructor.
It is better if you do not make decompression
dives and never go below thirty meters.
The currents and tides can become quite
nasty sometimes. It is advisable to take
the currents and tides into consideration
while diving. It is also good to be not
too far away from the boat as this may
be useful in case of an emergency.
Bellow are some of the very popular dive
sites in the Maldives and are ranked among
the best in the world.
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Dive boat taking
divers to location |
Rainbow Tila
Location : South off Girifushi Island
Depth : 8m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Kani Corner
Location : Outside corner of Kanifinolhu
Depth : 10m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Maldive Victory
Location : In front of Hulule Airport
Depth : 16m - 30m
Type of Dive : Wreck dive, ascent &
descent on a rope
Vaadhoo Caves
Location : North end of South Male Atoll
Depth : 3m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Lions Head
Location : Vaadhoo Channel
Depth : 3m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Aquarium
Location : outside corner of Lohifushi
Island
Depth : 10m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Banana Reef
Location : Male' Atoll
Depth : 3m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Old Shark Point
Location : Vaadhoo Channel
Depth : 3m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
Rasfari
Location : Outside of Rasfari Island
Depth : 10m - 30m
Type of Dive : Driftdive
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