Dive the Addu Atoll, Maldives and find Manta Rays year round
One of the best reasons to scuba dive the Addu Atoll in the Maldives is because you can find Manta rays year round.
The Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives. Scuba diving the Addu Atoll is a truly unforgettable experience that stands out from the rest in the Maldives.
Whether you’re a beginner or a very experienced scuba diver, the Maldives are just one part of the world that offers a large number of diverse dive sites that cater to every individual scuba diver’s needs and desires for underwater adventure and beauty.
With warm, clear waters and abundant marine life have made the Maldives one of the top scuba diving destinations on the planet.
Turquoise lagoons that are full with life, colorful coral reefs that rival some of the best in the world, and a breath-taking parade of fish species make this the premier location for scuba diving in the Maldives.
Continue reading to learn more about it so that you can plan a trip to the Addu Atoll in the Maldives you will never want to end.
How to Get to the Addu Atoll in the Maldives?
To get to Addu Atoll, book a flight to Male, Maldives (MLE-Male Intl.) From there you can book a domestic flight to Gan International airport at Addu city from where you will then be able to explore the seven islands within Addu Attoll by boat and by car.
Dive Sites surrounding the Addu Atoll in the Maldives
With so many dive sites to choose from throughout Addu Atoll in the Maldives, it may become overwhelming to determine where you should be spending your time.
The Addu Atoll is said to be the only area in the Maldives that was not affected by the 1998 global coral bleaching. But that is not all, you can scuba dive with Manta Rays all year round.
British Loyalty: This is the largest wreck in the Maldives, and definitely a must-see for those who enjoy experiencing wreck diving around the world. This particular wreck is found lying on the port side at about 33 meters, and it measures a total of 134 meters in length.
A portion of the wreck on the starboard side can even be seen from the surface of the water on a really clear day. You can dive this site all year long, and you’ll be able to encounter sharks, turtles, rays, and large fish, making it a beautiful spot that provides a bit of history at the same time.
Shark Point: This dive site holds what’s called “Shark Hotel,” thanks to the 15 to 20 grey reef sharks that you can swim with here at any given time. If you are looking for a truly exhilarating experience diving with docile reef sharks, this is definitely a site that you have to check out.
Turtle Point: On the other hand, if it is sea turtles that you are after, definitely check out Turtle Point, where you can get up-close and personal with these graceful and friendly creatures. Hawksbill and green sea turtles are regularly seen here, so don’t forget your underwater camera to capture their beauty to enjoy for years to come.
Gan Inside: This site is absolutely perfect for divers who are just starting out. Although it is a safe, shallow dive, you will be able to see a variety of marine life, including stingrays and sea turtles.
Kandu Huraa Region: This region of Addu Atoll actually consists of four different areas for diving, including Maa Kandu, which is home to mantas and hard coral like brain coral; Bushy West, which features nurse sharks, turtles, rays, and more; Maa Kandu Beyru, where you can see schools of fish and a variety of coral; and Fihal FaruIs, which has strong currents and is best for advanced divers who want to spot eagle rays.
What to See when scuba diving the Addu Atoll in the Maldives
Addu Atoll is home to an array of dive sites, all with their own unique features. From wreck dives to drift dives and reef dives, there are plenty of things to see and enjoy, no matter what level of experience you have gained thus far in your scuba diving career, including multiple species of sea turtles and rays to schools of small and large tropical fish and impressive sharks and coral reefs.
Best Time to Scuba Dive the Addu Atoll in the Maldives?
Scuba diving in the Maldives and the Addu Atoll, in particular, is great all year round, but warmer water temperatures are experienced between the months of January and March. Although Mother nature does not give any guarantees, there is a 99% chance you will have a rendezvous with the one of the many manta rays who can be found year round at the Addu Atoll.
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This article is published by The Scuba Page, the online magazine for Scuba Dive lovers around the world. The Scuba Page is part of RUSHKULT: the online booking platform for adventure sports. Visit the RUSHKULT platform to book your next Scuba Dive training, guided trip and accommodation.
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