The islands of the Indian Ocean are a varied collection, including many of the smallest territories in the world. Many hug the coastlines of continents; others must be sought out hundreds of miles from any other land.
Untouched waters are the name of the game on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The idyllic setting is unlike any other in the world, and you are almost guaranteed to be one of the only few who have dived in specific locales.Expect visibility of 25 meters or more, and warm, calm waters. A few favorite dives to check out during your stay are Cabbage Patch and the Garden of...
Because the use of scuba diving equipment has long been prohibited in the British Indian Ocean Territory, not much is known about the area’s dive sites. What little information we have is from scientific expeditions or dives completed by military members stationed on Diego Garcia. There is hope that the regulations concerning scuba diving in the Chagos Archipelago...
The coconut palm and the yellow-fin tuna, symbols of the Maldives, say a great deal about this nation of more than a thousand islands. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the islands are inhabited. The Maldives is flat with white sandy beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift...
Thaa Atoll’s diving is suitable for beginners, but many of the best dive sites have strong currents that requires experience. Advanced divers can explore deep, steep walls that are decorated with coral.With little current, lots of macro life, and the possibility of a manta, the Caribbean Garden is for all divers. This large thila (submerged island) starts at 20 feet...
The diving in Vaavu is popular for its channels, but the strong currents aren’t always suitable for beginners.Located to the south of the Vattaru Reef is an easy dive. It’s protected from strong currents and begins in the channel. You’ll drift along the reef’s edge with butterflyfish and oriental sweet lips that have a leopard-skin pattern on their fins...
The atoll’s central lagoon is 40 miles (65km) across at its widest point and up to 279 feet (85 meters) deep. The substantial outer reef forms a natural barrier to the ocean’s currents, and diving options are available for both beginners and advanced divers. The atoll’s diverse topography includes caves, steep drop-offs and pristine reefs.There are numerous dive...
Laamu has fewer channels than many atolls which reduces currents and improves visibility. The scuba is suited to beginners as well as advanced divers.The inside walls of Laamu are shallow (82 feet / 25 meters), and with reduced currents are easier for less experienced divers to manage. You can enjoy the soft corals and drifting ornate ghost...
With feeding manta rays, graceful whale sharks and schooling hammerheads, the Ari Atoll is a pelagic dream. Most of the dive sites here are not protected walls or coral reefs. Rather, the region favors thilas (pinnacles) and kandus (channels) perfect for drift diving. Because of the exposed nature of the atoll, currents can be quite strong and many dive sites might...
Due to the popularity of this atoll the dive sites are well explored. You’ll get the best advice during your visit.The Aquarium is a sheltered dive on the reefs off Huravalhi Island, and suitable for all levels. A steep drop-off follows a reef that descends to 82 feet (25 meters). Wonderful schools of bluestripe snappers with cyan stripes down their yellow...
With the diverse marine life around its reefs, thilas (submerged islands), overhangs and swim throughs, Baa Atoll deserves its UNESCO status.Located to the east, and part of the atoll’s protected reef, is the Horubadhoo Thila at a depth of 39-52 feet (12-16 meters). The thila is covered in different hard and soft corals, lots of macro life and large pelagic. On...