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.
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...
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...
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 resort has scuttled two wrecks (traditional dhoni) on its house reef. At a depth of 98 feet (30 meters), it’s the perfect place to complete your advanced training. The channels can be challenging, mantas can be seen all year, and an occasional whale shark visits the atoll’s waters.Located on the inner atoll is Repeater’s Paradise. It gets its name because...
Dhaalu Atoll’s scuba is perfect for beginners due to its wider channels and shallower drop-offs. But advanced divers can still explore greater depths and enjoy the thrill of drift diving in stronger currents.On the inside of the lagoon, on Lohi Island, is a cave dive that is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. During stronger currents, it’s...
As this area is unchartered, your dive operator will be able to provide details of any known dive sites. However, a characteristic of the northern atolls is the wider and shallower channels. This reduces currents and makes the scuba suited to beginners as well as advanced divers. Beginners, however, won’t be able to dive unchartered sites until the currents are known...
The channels in the Haa Alif Atoll are much wider, and shallower, than in the rest of the Maldives. This reduces the currents and makes diving suited to beginners. It’s the perfect dive location for beginners to progress and experience the excitement of drift diving with sharks in the atoll’s channels.In the south-west is the Filadhoo Wreck. It rests at just 46 feet...
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...