The Maldives has nearly 1,200 islands of which only about 200 are inhabited. Whether you head north or south, the diving just about everywhere is fantastic. The fish life is prolific and as the low-lying coral islands are grouped in 26 atolls, some of the dive sites can be subject to very strong currents as the sea rushes in and out. The dive sites are endless and it is simply not possible to pick a best. Recommendations include Madivaru, with its mantas and whale shark, and Fish Head, so-called by anglers because that’s all there is left by the time their catch reaches the surface. Both are fantastic dive sites, but any of the thousands of dive sites can be their equal.
There are few wrecks, but those it does have are home to some of the most vibrant and wildlife-rich places on earth. Deliberately sunk to form an artificial reef, the Fesdu wreck sits on the sea floor in roughly 30m (98ft) and is covered in spectacular corals. The British Loyalty, is another deliberately scuttled vessel where divers regularly report encounters with turtles and large shoals of snappers. And finally, The Shipyard is one of the Maldives most beautiful and famous wreck sites, with two vessels to enjoy. Known as Skipjack 1 and Skipjack 2, both were purposely sunk and provide spectacular coral growth, attracting butterflyfish and angelfish, as well as whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays.