In the middle of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by turquoise, almost transparent expanses, lies a chain of islands, the mention of which evokes dreamy glances and longing sighs: the Maldives. With its 26 atolls, the island chain, composed of over a thousand coral islands, boasts numerous blue lagoons and fine white sand beaches. And also coral reefs, which are perfect for your next dive. Here, whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, and exotic fish cavort between the colorful corals - an unforgettable sight! 

The following five dive spots should not be missed by snorkelers and divers during a stay in the Maldives.

Did you know: Hotels are only allowed to build their houses on uninhabited Maldives islands in order not to disturb the local Muslim population. © Ahmed Yaaniu

Good to know:

Best time to visit: all year round
Flight time: 9 hrs from Vienna to Malé, nonstop
Climate zone: tropical climate with 25 to 32 degrees, high humidity
Water temperature: 26 to 30 degrees Celsius

Related: Immerse yourself in another world: these are the best dive spots around the globe 

Monsoon change in the Maldives: Best time for diving

The "Seasons" on the Maldives are determined by the Monsoon change . The northeast monsoon is the Maldivian summer with little rain and many hours of sunshine. At this time, between November and April, visibility underwater is consistently excellent - especially in the east of the atolls. During the southwest monsoon between May and October you should rather go diving in the west of the Maldives. Although there are more frequent stormy weather conditions during these months - especially in June and July - you can still dive in the Maldivian winter.

Diving in the Maldives - whether in Maldivian winter or summer. © Inchs

Important terms

The following words can be used to find out in advance what the dive site or atoll looks like:

Kandu: Dive sites at the edge of the atolls
Thila: small underwater mountains in the atoll interior
Giri: about like a Thila, with the mountain reaching almost to the surface of the water
Faru: small reef inside a lagoon, usually horseshoe-shaped
Huraa: Coral bank without vegetation
Fushi: sandy island with vegetation

Related: Seven extraordinary experiences in the Maldives

Haa Alifu Atoll

Where: Northern Thiladhunmathi-Miladummadulhu Atoll, in the north of the Maldives

Since Haa Alifu Atoll, part and administrative district of Thiladhunmathi-Miladummadulhu Atoll, is very wide and shallow, divers will find particularly calm reefs here. The highlight is the Filadhoo wreck in the southwest of the atoll, which is overgrown by numerous corals and inhabited by a large group of exotic fish. While diving, you will roam through colorful coral fields, past stonefish and groupers, and with a little luck spot eagle rays, manta rays and white-tip sharks.

Maaya Thila in South Ari Atoll

Where: Reef in the south of the Ari Atoll, in the west of the Maldives

The almost circular Maaya Thila with a diameter of 80 meters in the Ari Atoll reaches several terraces that go six meters deep. As one of the most beautiful and colorful reefs in the Maldives, it is one of the top diving spots in the world. Not only during the day, but also at night the Maaya Thila attracts. Because as soon as the sun has set, you can watch white tip sharks hunting for fish. But beware: If the current is too strong, the reef is only suitable for experienced divers.

North Malé Atoll

Where: Central Maldives, near Malé

Not far from the island's capital are some of the world's most famous, but also most beautiful and oldest dive sites in the North Malé Atoll. The Banana Reef, for example, named after its shape, houses numerous caves and is home to numerous animals and corals that live on the steep slopes of the lagoon. From the island of Bari, you can plunge into the crystal-clear expanses and swim with whale sharks, peaceful as well as fascinating giants. A dream for divers!

Faadhippolhu Atoll

Where: Northwest Maldives, north of North Malé Atoll

The twelfth largest atoll in the Maldives, Faadhippolhu or Lhaviyani is an excellent spot of the ocean for reef shark encounters. Apart from the shipwreck of the Skipjack II, which towers a proud five meters out of the turquoise expanse, you dive among colorful corals and numerous schools of fish. Especially the Nakolhu Giri Reef with its overhangs and colored slopes is worth a dive.

Related: These are the best Adults Only Resorts in the Maldives

Fuvahmulah

Where: around Fuvahmulah, in the south of the Maldives

In the deep south of the Maldives, in the middle of the Equator Channel, lies the island of Fuvahmulah. The reefs in the Laccadive Sea around the upscale atoll are the ideal dive spot for shark sightings. In addition to numerous tiger sharks, fox sharks, hammerheads, basking whale sharks, as well as manta rays, sunfish swim in the crystal clear, pleasantly warm waters.