Holiday Maldives
Many divers prefer the south west monsoon months for diving because of larger fish such as Manta Rays and Whale Sharks that frequent to feed on Plankton.
During these months the current flow remains unstable and it flows both in and out of the atolls and channel bringing poor visibility and planktons to the eastern side. However on the western side of the atoll the visibility is clear with incoming current.
maldives_weather_scuba_diving_season
South West Monsoon Fish Life
While north east monsoon dominate the peak scuba diving holidays maldives months to dive on the eastern side of the atolls offering spectacular drift dives, sharks, and specially the channel dives, the south west monsoon offers channel diving on the western side and gives the opportunity to see lager fish too.
During south west monsoon due to the flow of current Manta rays and Whale sharks are common on the eastern side.
Prime dive sites in North Male atoll during the south west monsoon include: Lanka Manta Point, Sunlight Thila are top dive sites for Manta Rays. In BAA atoll; Nelivaru Thila, Nelivaru Haa and Hanifaru Bay is considered as Manta Points while Hanifaru bring the opportunity to see both Whale Shark and Manta and keeping the cleaning station busy at times.
During the South West Monsoon, the dive sites on the western side are well accessible if the seas remain calm. These include; Kalhahandhi Kandu ( Panettone), Thundufushi Thila and Gangehi Kandu.
Rasdhoo to North Ari atoll
Early morning Hammer Head dive took place at Rasdhoo Madivaru on Thursday, the underwater condition was poor mainly because of visibility. Only few divers got to witness 4 Hammerhead Sharks.
Anchored at Maayfushi lagoon and went off for second dive at Maaya Thila which turned out to be an amazing dive.
Much more action on Maaya Thila during the night dive, the current condition was strong which led to heaps of White Tip Reef sharks and many other fish.
maldives_diving_fish_reef_saltwater_scuba
(Big Nose Surgeon Fish)
Moving South
Out of 3 dives which took place on Friday, Mushimasmingili Thila (Fish Head) ranks first and interesting dive, clear visibility with average current and tons of fish including 4 Gray Reef Sharks.
The second most interesting dive holds Raidhigaa Thila, again with very clear waters, displaying colorful soft corals and many Gray Reef Sharks.
Whale Shark search
Saturdays first dive to Angaga Thila, the visibility remain unchanged but its resident Gray Reef Sharks and Tunas were missing due to inadequate current.
The same story repeated on the southern border and didnt catch sight of whale sharks too and the visibility on 3rd dive at 5 rocks remains very poor.
squirrel_fish_maldives_boats_diving_scuba_reef
(Gaint Squirrel fish)
Mantas at Dhigu Rah Lagoon
On returning from the dive to main boat the dive guide spotted long nose hawkfish Mantas inside the lagoon from Dhigu Rah. Having enough time before sunset, everyone decided to go for snorkeling with Mantas.
MV Sting Ray will be heading to south Male atoll tomorrow and will perform the top dive sites including around south Male before the trip comes to an end.
MV Sting Ray set sail on her second trip of the season on the 14th July . With a total of 13 divers from Germany and UK, Sting Ray heads to Himmafushi on the first day after the check dive.
Orientation dive was made at Lanka Manta Point with mild out going current and the divers go to witness 7 magnificent manta rays just gliding above their heads at the cleaning Station.
Manta Point was repeated the next day morning as a request from all the divers but this time it was just one single manta. Second dive to Rasfari, here the visibility was much better with clear blue water.
stingray_maldives_scuba_diving_reef_fish
Channel crossing and weather
After the second dive Sting Ray cross over to Rasdhoo atoll and dived at Rasdhoo Madivaru before entering into north Ari Atoll. Rasdhoo Madivaru with poor visibility and unstable current turns out to be a satisfying dive. Few Gary Reef sharks, napoleons and white tip reef sharks were among the highlights.
Today MV Sting Ray will move to Maaya Thila for a day dive and for the night dive.
Blogging
more info
