If you would like to go scuba diving Maldives is a destination that you should consider. This island paradise is one of the world's most popular destinations for anybody who loves water sports. The best part is that you don't need to be an experienced diver to enjoy the underwater wonders of this country.
The Republic of Maldives consists of twenty-six atolls. In fact, the word 'atoll' comes from the Maldivian Dhivehi word 'atolhu'. These atolls are spread over about thirty-five thousand square miles in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. Of the 1,192 islands that make up this extensive territory, only two hundred are inhabited. A further eighty consist of tourist resorts. This means that you will always be able to find a private, secluded spot for relaxing on the beach or for exploring underwater.
Several factors combine to make the islands so popular as a destination for divers. First there is the variety of marine species. They live in the over 3,000 coral reefs surrounding the islands and find abundant food when the monsoon currents bring plankton into the area.
The water is warm, with temperatures usually between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is clear too, so there is a high degree of visibility. Add to this the tropical climate and the fact that it is easy to get to the islands and you have a destination made in diving heaven.
There is no real diving season in these islands, since you can dive any time of year. The best visibility is from February to March, during dry season. However, during the rainy season the monsoon currents bring in plankton, which attracts many species of fish, both small and large. One of the larger marine species that you may see in these waters is the whale shark. From around May to July you can also see large groups of manta ray, although you should be able to spot these creatures at any time of year.
To stay on the islands you will most probably have to book into a resort. Most of the resorts here occupy their own island and have what they call a house reef for guests to explore. If you want to have more space in your luggage for other things, you can leave the scuba gear at home and just rent gear from your resort. You may also hire the services of a diving instructor, so you can dive even if you don't have much experience. If you're serious about the sport, though, you can enroll here for a PADI certification course.
As the world's lowest-lying nation, the Maldive Islands are particularly vulnerable to the whims of the ocean. Global warming and the subsequent rise in sea levels mean that the country may lose much of its territory. This has prompted the government to hold the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to create awareness of the problem.
The islands are also still recovering from the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Over 100 people died in these islands and about 15,000 lost their homes. The tsunami also devastated the tourist-based economy and the coral reefs were bleached, which killed marine life. However, the infrastructure has mostly been rebuilt and the coral reefs are almost fully recovered, so if you're looking for world-class scuba diving Maldives is one of the best destination choices you can make.
The Republic of Maldives consists of twenty-six atolls. In fact, the word 'atoll' comes from the Maldivian Dhivehi word 'atolhu'. These atolls are spread over about thirty-five thousand square miles in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. Of the 1,192 islands that make up this extensive territory, only two hundred are inhabited. A further eighty consist of tourist resorts. This means that you will always be able to find a private, secluded spot for relaxing on the beach or for exploring underwater.
Several factors combine to make the islands so popular as a destination for divers. First there is the variety of marine species. They live in the over 3,000 coral reefs surrounding the islands and find abundant food when the monsoon currents bring plankton into the area.
The water is warm, with temperatures usually between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is clear too, so there is a high degree of visibility. Add to this the tropical climate and the fact that it is easy to get to the islands and you have a destination made in diving heaven.
There is no real diving season in these islands, since you can dive any time of year. The best visibility is from February to March, during dry season. However, during the rainy season the monsoon currents bring in plankton, which attracts many species of fish, both small and large. One of the larger marine species that you may see in these waters is the whale shark. From around May to July you can also see large groups of manta ray, although you should be able to spot these creatures at any time of year.
To stay on the islands you will most probably have to book into a resort. Most of the resorts here occupy their own island and have what they call a house reef for guests to explore. If you want to have more space in your luggage for other things, you can leave the scuba gear at home and just rent gear from your resort. You may also hire the services of a diving instructor, so you can dive even if you don't have much experience. If you're serious about the sport, though, you can enroll here for a PADI certification course.
As the world's lowest-lying nation, the Maldive Islands are particularly vulnerable to the whims of the ocean. Global warming and the subsequent rise in sea levels mean that the country may lose much of its territory. This has prompted the government to hold the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to create awareness of the problem.
The islands are also still recovering from the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Over 100 people died in these islands and about 15,000 lost their homes. The tsunami also devastated the tourist-based economy and the coral reefs were bleached, which killed marine life. However, the infrastructure has mostly been rebuilt and the coral reefs are almost fully recovered, so if you're looking for world-class scuba diving Maldives is one of the best destination choices you can make.