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Maldives Underwater Photo Sites (10)
Alifu Atoll is comprised of three geographical atolls –
- Ari Atoll :
one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, measuring 80
kilometres in length and 30 in width
- Rasdhoo :
Atoll also boasts some exceptionally exciting dive sites
such as the hammerhead point
- Thoddoo :
Atoll.
If you visit a resort in Ari, you will be surprised to learn that this is one
of the most highly developed tourist areas in the Maldives. However, they are
all protected dive sites and famous for sighting of whale sharks.
| Facts about North & South Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll) It is in Maldives- North & South Ari Atoll (Alifu Atoll) is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.
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Kaafu Atoll consists of four
geographical atolls; North and South Male’ Atoll, Gaafaru and Kaashidhoo
Atolls . This collection of smaller atolls is located almost in the center of
the Maldives atoll chain. With 80 islands in all, only 12 are inhabited. Kaafu
Atoll is dotted with dive sites, many of them well known in the diving
community. Manta sightings, interesting reef formations, coral gardens and
wrecks are all part of the diving experience in these atolls. The wreck of
the Maldives Victory , which sank on Friday the 13th 1981 near the airport
island of Hulule, is now an exciting diving attraction.
| Facts about North and South Male' Atoll (Kaafu Atoll)- It is in Maldives
- North and South Male' Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 0-3 Metres 0-10 Feet.
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Vaavu Atoll is comprised of two
geographical atolls; the main Vaavu Atoll and the adjacent large circular
atoll, Vattaru, which is 9 kilometres in diameter with just one uninhabited
island. Vaavu Atoll is a true geographical wonder. It is a boot-shaped
atoll and the ‘toe’, Fotteyo Muli is the easternmost point of the
Maldives archipelago. In addition to this, the 55 kilometres long unbroken reef
that stretches from the ‘toe’ to the ‘heel’ of the ‘boot’ is the
longest reef in the Maldives. Vaavu atoll has been exposed to tourism since 1975
and the atoll has been a great favourite with safari and cruise operators.
However it is more isolated and less commercialised than any of the other
tourist atolls. Vaavu Atoll hosts some of the best diving in the
Maldives. Fotteyo Kandu is considered by many as the best dive site in
the country and one of the top five in the world. The reefs of the eastern side
of the atoll are in pristine condition and are wonderful for divers and
snorkellers alike. There are many thrilling shark dives in the atoll, where
divers may be lucky enough to see hammerhead sharks as well as the more common
gray reef sharks.
| Facts about Vaavu Atoll (Felidhoo Atoll)- It is in Maldives
- Vaavu Atoll (Felidhoo Atoll) is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-10 Metres 0-30 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.
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We went there 2 years agao and had a great time. The viz was good, but we were in March so don't know about Nov. We did meet a lot of people who were making return trips to the resort (some up to 10 times) so it must be fairly good. The currents can be strong in places, but this is also where the big pelagics hang out so is well worth the effort. The walls on the far side of the island are quite good and there are many dive sites to suit a range of experiences.
The dive centre (Pro Divers) was very good and friendly and provided nitrox at no extra cost. You could also pick up a tank and go diving on the house reef any time you wanted.
The island itself isn't huge (you can walk round it in less than an hour at a leisurely pace) and there is not a lot to do other than dive and lie on the beach. The food is good but make sure you get an all-inclusive package as the price of extras (like drinks) can be extortionate otherwise. On the way there, you may have the option of a sea plane or boat trip to get from the airport. Take the plane even if it costs a bit more as the 4-5 hour sea trip was described as being not that much fun after a 10 hours plane journey - especially if you get seasick.
I understand that they have upgraded the accomodation in the last 18 months since we were there, so whether it has changed the character of the resort - which was fairly laid back - I don't know, but I hope not.
Other than that - enjoy your trip.
Iain
| Facts about Kuredo- It is in Maldives
- Kuredo is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.
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A bit of a current here. Saw grey sharks and some large Napoleon Wrasse and resident turtles that came up to nosey around. They seemed quite tame.
| Facts about Mushi Mash Magili (South Ari Atoll)- It is in Maldives
- Mushi Mash Magili (South Ari Atoll) is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 10-30 Metres 30-100 Feet.
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Short boat ride to the dive. This is a cleaning station for Manta Rays when the current is running. There were nurse sharks but we were to busy photographing the Mantas!
| Facts about Rangali Madivaru- It is in Maldives
- Rangali Madivaru is in the Indian Ocean.
- The typical depth is 0-20 Metres 0-60 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 10-30 Metres 30-100 Feet.
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