Maldives (Dive Sites)

The most fantastic and exhilirating experiences I have ever encountered. Sharks, mantas, dolphins, stingrays, every fish under the sun- beautiful coral reefs....

I stayed at the Kuredu Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll.
A large island with excellant choice of restaurants, rooms and evening entertainment(very rare in the maldives).

The dive centre is:Kuredu ProDivers *****

They are certified under PADI- which is one of the leading Diving associations in the world. There are PADI centres literally everywhere(e.g. i did my PADI diving certificate in Thailand- but with it you are allowed to dive anywhere in the world.)

You need to have a certificate to dive, if not you are always able to test the waters ;-) to see if diving is for you- some may find it difficult-especially if you are frightened of enclosed spaces.

If you decide to do a certificate, bear in mind that your holiday may not be long enough. It may take 5 days for the completion of the certificate and it is not recommended to dive within 48hours of flying- and the reverse.

The Kuredu Dive centre is excellent for experienced divers and those with a certificate. Some instructors are also much better than others. Make sure you are assigned someone who speaks your language!

I booked a package of 10 dives from the UK- a mistake: i should have waited until I was there- for 2 reasons:
1.) it would have been cheaper
2.)I got ill and was lucky enough to recover in time for me to complete all 10 dives in the 14 days i was there, otherwise i would not have received a refund.

word of warning:
the cost of using the boats (approx.$10 each dive)
is not included in the price of diving

I did not do my PADI certificate(Open Water Diver)in the maldives, but generally all instructors are taught to a high professional standard. And i was informed by other guests in the hotel who were doing the certificate there, that they thoroughly approved.

For beginners I thoroughly recommend going snorkelling first of all, to get a feeling for the ocean and what you are going to see.
Definitely try before you buy! Any reputable Diving School will gladly offer to give you a free go (generally in a swimming pool)!

***The Dive Sites***

The visibility is excellant. Probably the best you can get: to about 30 metres.
I saw every fish and creature from A-Z, including nurse sharks (7-8 feet), turtles, manta rays, plenty of sting rays, and beautiful coral reefs, which were inhabited by uncountable shoals of fish.

Like being inside a gigantic aquarium! Amazing.

For more experienced divers there was also the opportunity to go wreck diving- i did not do this, as i prefer reefs.

*** Choice ***

Every day lots of boats go out, and never to the same reef twice, so you always get a new experience.
There is also the opportunity to do night dives- however you need to rent extra equipment (such as torches).

All in all an experience I can thoroughly recommend to anyone!