Here is a picture for you to paint – serene beaches embellished with palm trees, crystal clear water with shades of blue and green, sunny days, and tranquil vibes. This is a picture of the Maafushi islands in the Maldives. Every person who has ever thought of scuba diving has definitely thought of Maafushi. Why? Because where else can you fin exquisite and unmatched marine life amidst shipwrecks, overhangs, caves, and swim-throughs. Right?
Scuba diving in Maafushi is on every adventurer’s bucket list as the island city offers a vast diversity of underwater life like whales, sharks, fishes, turtles, corals, and many more. Maafushi helps every diver to witness the amazing underwater world through their eyes and in this blog, we willl give you a sneak-peak into the underwater world of Maafushi!
What Is Scuba Diving?
Scuba diving is an enthralling and adventurous sport that is carried out across many parts of the world and is highly enjoyed by all those who try it. The sport involves swimming underwater using a scuba which is short for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Scuba diving is approached more than just a regular sport; it is often tried by people to simply find peace and solace in their lives as they exist in a world beyond conventions. It is really fun to swim underwater as you explore the marine life like never before – from fishes, turtles, and whales to many more aquatic beings along with beautiful coral reefs- you can experience the joy of meeting them all during scuba diving!
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Best Time For Scuba Diving In Maafushi
You can take a dive in Maafushi island throughout the year but the perfect time for a visit to the place to experience scuba diving is between the months of January and May. Maafushi island experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season which falls between June and November which is why the remaining months are ideal. The months between January through May experience a pleasant and balanced weather condition and during this time, the water current is also moderate allowing everyone to experience the sport. The average temperature during this fluctuates between 26 and 28 degrees celsius which is ideal for scuba diving.
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6 Best Places For Scuba Diving In Maafushi
There are several scuba diving sites in Maafushi along the channel that divides between north & south Male Atoll. The scuba diving places in Maafushi island is worth to be experienced by all divers which is why you must check out these six places for scuba diving
1. Miyaru Faru
2. Kuda Giri
3. Cocoa Corner
4. Guraidhoo Corner
5. Kandooma Thila
6. Embudhoo Kandu
1. Miyaru Faru
The shark reef or “Miyaru Faru” is a well-known scuba diving center 15 minutes away from Maafushi island by boat. The term itself depicts the idea about this center as “Miyaru” means shark and “Faru” means reef. In this diving site, strong current exists which may attract eagle rays as well as sharks. You can also see several species likely barracudas, snappers, triggerfish, shrimps and much more.
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2. Kuda Giri
It is an amazing diving center just 15 minutes away from Miyaru Faru and it has both reefs as well as a wreck with a depth of 20-35 meters. The fragments of the wrack are mainly covered with algae, sponges, stars, and corals. Different types of fish like stonefish, frogfish, clownfish as well as leaf fish along with turtles and octopuses can be found resting on the wreck. You will have a lot of fun scuba diving in Kuda Giri and the most unique point with this spot is that you can easily dive during the night without any hesitation.
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3. Cocoa Corner
The cocoa corner is a 400 meters pinnacle and steep drop-off and during a dive here, you can see marine creatures’ likely tuna, manta rays, gray reef shark, trevally and much more. You can also find fish pipes, sweetlips as well as stone cod along with attracting and vibrant colored sponges and gorgonians.The cocoa corner is well famous for its amazing underwater scenic landscape, underwater turbulence and strong currents in the water and you can take a dip here and taste adventure!
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4. Guraidhoo Corner
It is the most renowned diving site in South Male atoll. Here, you can see eels, parrotfish, squirrelfish, and black corals. Among large marine creatures, you can only see stingrays & gray reef sharks in Guraidhoo corner. Guraidhoo corner is a great place for drift diving and you must experience the joy of diving here!
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5. Kandooma Thila
One of the most magnificent diving sites in Maafushi, Kandooma Thila invites all to explore different marine life such as gray reef sharks, white tip sharks, groupers, perches, barracudas and trevally. There is a cave with a depth of 23 meters below Jack corner at this site which has large snapper schools, big-eyed Carville jacks inside the cave which you can enjoy.
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6. Embudhoo Kandu
It is a 6 km long channel located in the northeast of South Male Atoll and is famous for providing all with the opportunity to dive with sharks! Divers can start diving 30 meters deep and can enjoy the views of white-tip sharks, schools of marbled perches, Napoleon wrasse, lionfish, eels and octopuses. A dive at the Embudhoo Kandu will be a dive to remember forever!
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Tips For Scuba Diving In Maafushi
- You should check the diving gear beforehand diving. You must check the gear regulator, air taste, air leakage in air gauze.
- Avoid the use of the camera for first-time divers as they concentrate on the camera & pictures while forgetting the measures required underwater.
- You are advised to take seasickness medicine if you are usually prone to it.
- Always remember to avoid scuba diving in Maafushi if you have any wound in any open area as it may get infected underwater near coral reefs. You are advised to wear a wetsuit to protect the wound.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration during your dive.
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Scuba diving in Maafushi is not only adventurous but also unique as you get to explore rare species of aquatic life and swim amidst extraordinary marine animals. Imagine swimming deep underwater where you can lose all your inhibitions and simply enjoy being alive to each and every moment! So, experience this awesome sport as and when you plan your trip to the Maldives!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Maafushi
Can non-swimmers try scuba diving in Maafushi?
While some agencies and operators allow non-swimmers to dive in Maafushi, others may require people to learn swimming first.
Is there any limit on the weight required for scuba diving?
No, there is no limit of weight required for scuba diving. As scuba diving is a sport, it requires physical fitness for it.
What all can be done on Maafushi Island?
Some of the best things to do on Maafushi island are:
1. Snorkeling
2. Scuba diving
3. Sandbank tours
4. Island hopping
5. Dolphin safari
Is there any age limit for scuba divers?
Yes, only the children above the ages of 10 are allowed to dive.
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A budding entrepreneur, Raminder has completed his studies from Delhi and gradually developed interest in writing. His zeal and experience is what has made him a successful writer today.