White sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, hot sunny days, and swaying palm trees are some of the things that come to mind when thinking of the Maldives. While this would be reason enough to visit this astounding tropical paradise, scuba divers are generally more motivated by what lies beneath the surface than what can be explored above it. However, this area is one of the few rare places where the incredible treasures on land are (almost) equal to those under the sea. The Maldives is a collection of over a thousand islands that lie scattered like pearls in the Indian Ocean and it boasts a marine environment with beauty that rivals the landscape. From big marine life like manta rays and whale sharks to crystal clear visibility, scuba diving in the Maldives is on the bucket list of almost every scuba diver. If it’s not on yours, here are 7 reasons why it should be: 1. Thriving marine environment The Maldives boasts the seventh largest coral reef ecosystem in the world as well as rich mangroves. It covers an area of 21 300km² and constitutes 3.14% of the world’s coral reefs. As such, conservation of these ecosystems is a top priority for the country and there are 42 marine areas that are protected by Maldivian law. Here you can see healthy reefs teeming with life as well as endangered species like green turtles and hawksbill turtles. 2. Manta ray cleaning stations Manta rays are so prolific in this biodiversity haven that you are almost guaranteed to see at least one of these gentle giants. Cleaning stations are sites in the ocean where bigger fish like sharks and mantas go to get their skin, teeth, and gills cleaned by cleaner wrasse, parasitic copepods and other crustaceans. There are many of these
White sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, hot sunny days, and swaying palm trees are some of the things that come to mind when thinking of the Maldives. While this would be reason enough to visit this astounding tropical paradise, scuba divers are generally more motivated by what lies beneath the surface than what can be
