Marvel at the underwater life in the Maldives

Surrounded by the blissfully warm Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular and sought after holiday destinations on our planet. The pristine collection of islands match perfectly to most people’s images of a picturesque paradise, yet the pictures in the magazines do not do its beauty justice. The only way to truly appreciate this part of the world is to live in it – if only for a couple of weeks. Cycle through lush palm trees, sink into silky white sand and soak up the Maldivian sun from the deck of your over-water villa.

The Maldives are quieter than you might expect from such a popular tourist destination and service levels are frequently noted as being among the best in the world, thanks to over 40 years of thriving tourism. Year-round warmth and bucket-loads of sunshine make these islands perfect for a summer getaway or a winter break – just avoid November’s monsoon season. The first three months of the year tend to be the most popular visiting period when the skies are their clearest and the water warmest. April’s ‘shoulder’ season often benefits from lower prices compared to peak seasons, and the later summer months offer slightly less predictable (but still fantastic) weather. Christmas and New Year are also extremely popular!

The Maldives has a long history. It has been inhabited for many centuries, possibly more than 2,000 years, and is now home to a fascinating culture. Among important heritage sites are the Old Friday Mosque and Grand Friday Mosque, both found in Mal, and the wooden palace of Utheemu Ganduvaru on the Haa Aliff Atoll.

Of course, there are numerous natural sites to see as well as man-made ones. The beaches are exceptionally beautiful, with sites such as Sun Island Beach gaining particular praise from tourists. Many visitors to the Maldives say that scuba diving in locations such as Banana Reef and Manta Point is also unmissable.

After you’ve explored the Maldives above-water, it’s time to head below the surface! The Maldives can be dived throughout the year, with water temperatures averaging between 26 and 30 degrees. August through until November is considered the best time of year to see manta rays and whale sharks, while January to April offers the best visibility.

Scuba dive leisurely, drifting with the Indian monsoon current, as you explore the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. This rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the soft coral clinging to the rock sides. Inside the atoll lagoons, swim through channels, caverns and overhangs festooned with colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians. From large sharks and manta rays to tiny, hidden shrimp, no matter what your diving passion is, you’re sure to find it here.

You can snorkel and dive pretty much anywhere in the Maldives – most hotels have their own house reef for you to explore. But if you’d rather venture out, we’ve picked a few of the most popular spots for our most keen divers.

The Maaya Thila reef is home to turtles, frogfish and incredible white-tip reef sharks – on a good day, up to 20 of these sharks patrol the reef! You might also spot grey reef sharks and the occasional guitar shark patrolling the pinnacle looking for food.

On the eastern edge of the South Male Atoll is Cocoa Thila, stretching over 400m and down to a drop-off 30m deep. Strong currents are responsible for the huge variety of marine life found here, but they also make this site better suited to advanced and experienced divers.

Features include craggy overhangs, ravines, and crevices, providing a brief respite from the current. Expect schools of tuna and trevally in the deeper blue water, with eagle rays flying past in formation and grey reef sharks also making an appearance.

Banana Reef on the North Male Atoll is one of the first sites that started attracting divers to these islands from around the world. It offers a sample of everything, from corals and caves to big fish and overhangs. Starting at just 5m deep, it’s also accessible to everyone, including snorkelers who may not have got their fins wet yet. The reef drops to a maximum of 35m, where the hiding holes along the sloping walls house moray eels. Sharks tend to hang out in the blue close to the reef while Jacks congregate en masse. However, the reef’s accessibility has made it one of the busiest and most popular spots so bare this in mind when visiting.

It couldn’t be simpler to book your perfect holiday in the Maldives. At Savile Row Travel, we take care of every detail. And we mean every detail. From the taxi that collects you from your home, to the overnight airport hotel if you have an early flight and everything you could wish for when you land at your destination. You don’t need to scour the internet for flights, we take care of all that hassle for you – at no extra cost than if you do it yourself. Our local connections in the Maldives also mean that we secure the best possible rate for your accommodation.

Call +44 1491 575 987 or pop in to see us in our Market Square office in Henley-on-Thames to begin your next holiday in paradise.