The Maldive Islands are known for strong currents.  While they make diving more difficult at times, thanks to these currents the archipelago is especially known for the Maldivian ”big five” (whale sharks, reef sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and dolphins .  The surrounding schools of fish, nudibranches and turtle sightings won’t disappoint. either. The currents make for challenging diving which Maldives dive instructors are very familiar with.

Diving in the Maldives can be experienced in different ways depending on your ability and interest.  Some see diving as an adventure sport and build their holiday around it and others are happy to dive once or twice during their holiday as an excursion from the hotel or guest house.  While hotel and guest house diving is adapted to suit lower levels as needed, when participating in a dive safari or liveaboard dive holiday having some experience will ensure you can benefit as much as possible from each dive.

Sources of Maldives Currents

The main factor affecting Maldives scuba diving is the current; this goes for the channels as well as around the reefs.  With varying factors at play, the currents fluctuate frequently in the many spots around the island chain.  There are four factors that affect the strength and direction of these currents, including:

• season
• wind
• tides
• shape/type of site

Of the four factors, the most influential are the seasonal changes.  Seasons in the Maldives are linked to the winds of the monsoons.  Found out in the middle of the Indian Ocean, monsoonal periods influence the oceanic currents which cross this archipelago with the current at its strongest in the middle of monsoon rather than during the periods of transition.

Monsoon periods generally fall during these periods:

-from December to April (North-East monsoon), current from the east towards the west

-from May to November (South-West monsoon), a reverse current from the west towards the east

The lunar-influenced ocean tides also have a considerable impact on Maldives currents.  While the scale of the tidal change is not large, the limited numbers of channels where water enters and leaves the atolls create strong currents in certain areas.  It’s when a combination of the above factors comes together that the currents are strongest. For example, the tides can work against the general current to stop or slow the flow then upon changing of the tides the forces are flowing in the same direction and work together to create very strong currents.  Dive operators and instructors will be aware of this and will ensure diving takes place at the appropriate time.

Why We Like Strong Currents

Navigating the currents is not generally a problem, for divers with some experience, since divers move with the current.  Divers advance with the water under the surface while the boat follows above.

For a scuba diver, there are many good reasons to like strong currents:

• more fish (including more large fish) are attracted to the area
• more distance can be covered under water; therefore divers can discover more during the dive
• less use of fins to move; therefore less fatigue, reduced consumption of air and longer time spent under the water
• a higher quality, higher energy experience

Diver with reef hook in the Maldives current. Photo: Nicoboxethai, Flikr

Diving with the Current

The types of sites and the currents in the region mean drift dives are common and safety balloons are often a necessity.  This means you start the dive from the spot where the boat drops you off and then you’ll be picked up where you surface after the dive.

The types and shapes of dive sites combined with the effects of the current require specific entry tactics for many Maldives dive sites.  Following the dive master, everyone in the group jumps into the water and descends quickly to 5 meters to shelter from the current.  At this depth, the current is weaker thanks to the effect of its contact with the reef.  The current is forced up towards the surface to pass over the ridge so divers near the surface would be fighting the current and be taken away from the intended dive site destination.

For this reason, ample preparation before hitting the water is imperative.  Once you hit the water you won’t have time for adjustments so all the equipment has to be well-adjusted, sinuses and ears tested.  At the 5 meter point, it’s important to keep your eyes on the guide who is testing the current and deciding on the best descent.  In some cases you’ll even have to swim on the opposite side of the site in order to get in line with the current that will take you into the right area.

The use of a diving hook will be best in some spots which will allow you to hang out in the current with hands free and to remain steadier to prevent damaging coral.  There are two other major benefits to using a diving hook, which are the ability to spend more “quality time” with the larger fish who loiter in the strong current and the advantage of being at a higher vantage point with a great view above other divers.

In short, you need not worry too much about the strong currents of the Maldives.  Instructors are familiar with the local quirks and conditions.  Dive into the exotic Maldives’ marine underworld with a liveaboard package for your next holiday.

Maldives Currents – How to Go with the Flow Diving in the Maldives is a post from: Maldives Blog

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As scuba divers we are often sticking our noses into environments filled with natural wonders and we often come close to rare or important species.  Some of the dive sites we visit are recognized for their special characteristics and protected under national and international regulations while others are not.  The Maldives island nation is a region that has already registered parts of its atolls under such international guidelines and now this protection may extend to the entire country.

The wheels have been set in motion on a path towards an unprecedented event – application by a whole nation for designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  The Maldives recently made a pledge to gradually get each of their atolls on board a “Biosphere Approach” to realize the international reserve status as well as lead the way in achieving sustainability targets laid out in recent world conferences.  This could potentially change diving in the Maldives.

Environment and culture integrated in the Maldives. Mosque next to Utheemu Palace in the north of the country.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Worldwide recognition as a biosphere reserve is more than just designating an area for conservation or protection.  The programme is described as a network which integrates research and knowledge among the members.  Characterized as “learning sites”, the program strives to cultivate places where localized efforts and traditions are combined with science to create sustainable areas, both from a human and an environmental perspective.  Ideally, the organization uses the area for further research about environmental conditions while the country benefits from increased attention and efforts to sustain their resources.

Since the program seeks to harmonize people with nature there is a diverse range of project aims from economic, to cultural and biological; the program is, after all, run by UNESCO, which is the UN Education, Science and Cultural Organization.  There are hundreds of designated sites across the world including caves in Slovenia and projects like educational reform in South Africa.  This site describes some of the different projects and is the source of info for biosphere reserves for this article.

Getting a handle on fish stocks is a global concern.  Conferences are held regularly where international leaders discuss world issues and set targets towards improving the conditions of the world’s economy, society and environment.  The Maldives may be trying to lead the way for other countries towards achieving the aims set out in what is called the 2011-2020 Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and become “Biodiversity Champions”.  These are some of the efforts being made for sustainability in the international community.

The Maldives’ Commitment

As stated in the original press release, the undertaking that the Maldives has committed to involves a process of change over the next 5 years leading up to their reserve application.  The goal is to have half of the country’s atolls fully implementing proposed changes by 2017 and to become a “reserve nation”.  Since the strategies of the approach are not yet clear, it’s difficult to say exactly how this will affect tourism and diving in the islands, if at all.

Controlled fishing seems to be top on the list of strategies.  Certainly, any efforts toward preserving biodiversity will be great for the scuba dive experience; more vibrant and healthy reefs a direct result.  The example taken from the success of Baa Atoll’s Biosphere Reserve at Hanifaru Bay sheds a light of hope on the possibilities for the rest of the Maldives.  The atoll’s manta feeding area has received lots of attention and is the cornerstone of the nation-wide approach to be rolled out.

It’s a project that will require the collaboration from many different groups from the local population to industry players in tourism and fishing as well as cooperation in the political realm.  Imminent issues related to living conditions for locals are arguably more important than potential environmental ones, such as changes in climate; the two issues, however, may collide if no attention at all is paid to the surrounding environment.  Ensuring a good standard of living for Maldivians was mentioned in the president’s statement alongside the need for a “green economy” so hopefully the approach will integrate the efforts, as biosphere reserves envision for their sites.

While ambitious targets are often set during international summits and conferences, it’s sometimes difficult to follow the result of these commitments.  In the diving community, however, we’re sure to see some of the effects through our direct contact with the marine life.  In the coming months and years it will be interesting to see how the project pans out and whether the application for the entire nation to become a biosphere reserve will be realized and how quickly.  The greatest result would be that reefs continue to flourish and that the locals benefit from environmental and social stability as a result of all the efforts.  See why Maldives is worth protecting and contribute to a sustainable industry – check out our liveaboard dive packages here!

Pledge for Sustainability Announced for the Entire Maldives Nation is a post from: Maldives Blog

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In a tropical country made up almost entirely of water it’s natural that most of the activities take place in the water, like scuba diving.  As you know well, there’s a whole world below the land for divers to discover.  However, on and above the surface there are tons of activities to keep divers busy when they want to find dry land or splash around in the sun. 

The easiest way to understand the possibilities is to know the landscape, as this is what shapes the experience and it’s what makes the Maldives unique.  Unlike the islands of Thailand where you have rocky cliffs jutting out of the water, the Maldives is almost unbelievably flat and low-lying.  Unless you’re in the air, flying overhead, you’re never any further than a few feet from sea level.  This makes for some beautiful scenery, like the azure-green lagoons, endless beaches reaching out into the water as well as waves and wind that will exhilarate traditional surfers and kitesurfers alike.

This country has endless blue horizons where the sky seems to meet the water at a point in infinity.

Adventure

Now, just because the country is flat doesn’t mean your vacation will be!  There are many things to do above water other than lay on the beach – of course the beaches are top notch for when you do want to kick back to sunbathe or build sand sculptures.

To take advantage of the elements there are adventure sports like surfing, kiteboarding and wakeboarding.  Maldives is a famous surf destination with the season running from mid-February to November during the south-west monsoon, with especially good conditions in March and April.  The warm water and depths make for luxurious diving and daily surf time can be maximized since the changing tides do not hinder the waves, or the avid surfers.

If you’re looking to jump into activities every day then resorts might be a pricey option.  Resort extras beyond the package amenities are often priced to be one-offs for tourists with deep pockets looking to splurge.  There are other options though, alternatives to resorts that are less costly and which are embedded in real, local islands.

Guesthouses

Just in the past few years a new type of accommodation has gained momentum – one that’s more affordable and less synthetic than the artificial resort island atmosphere.  Guesthouses are small hotels located on islands where local Maldivians also live.  Until recently, tourism on these islands was limited to shops and short excursions, however with accommodation now permitted, new holiday packages are available.

Excursions for any water activities can be arranged through most guesthouses.  Generally, with a guest house package daily activities will be included – though it’s best to confirm which activities and equipment will be part of the deal.  You can even combine a liveaboard holiday with staying in a guesthouse to see even more of the country during your holiday.

Guest house room Asseyri Inn

Male

Another contrasting element of the Maldives’ islands to see is the capital city of Male.  While you will not find rock cliffs in these islands, there are buildings that seem to rise from the water.  It’s a small island, you can walk the city in less than a day from end to end, and it’s completely unlike the rest of the secluded quiet islands.  Most islands in the Maldives don’t even have cars – just bicycles and a few motorbikes.

To experience Male there are cafes overlooking the sea and restaurants with international cuisine as well as art galleries, large mosques, handicraft bazaars, fish markets and festivals not found in the rest of the country.  Like any major city, it’s the central hub of transportation, goods and services.

To stay near Male the best option is just a short ferry ride away in Hulemalé. The growing Hulemalé Island near the airport may catch up to the hustle and bustle of Male at the pace it’s going but for the moment it’s quieter and cleaner. There are many new beach front hotels there for those who want a bit of a city break after their holiday at sea.

Male, the capital of the Maldives, seems to jut out of the ocean; it’s unlike any other Maldives’ Island.

The Maldives, with its luxury reputation, is seen by most as just a dream vacation and it’s rarely the first country adventure travelers think of when planning their next trip.  This is all the more reason to consider an adventure holiday in the remote country, based outside the resorts, since there are no crowds yet and you can still get the feeling of seclusion.  Liveaboard and guesthouse packages are more affordable than you may think.  So to fulfil the cliché – your dreams really can come true in the Maldives!  Click here to see what package suits your budget and holiday plans.

Maldives Above Water: Activities to Round Out your Dive Holiday is a post from: Maldives Blog

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As it turns out, the serene atmosphere of the Maldives is good for more than just soothing relaxation for holiday makers.  It’s also home to underwater species that produce the base for many potentially lifesaving medicines, taking the healing process to another level.

Interest in sponges as sources of medicine has multiplied since the 1950s to a point where they can now take responsibility for almost 30% of the 18,000 natural marine products known and 75% of the new patents for natural antitumor products.  Sponges are described as a “gold mine” for certain parts of its makeup, which can potentially be used for medicines; this all according to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research.

Without getting too technical, exploring the importance of the Maldives’ sponge “community” can help divers have a better appreciation for the scenes they encounter frequently.  It will also hopefully bring awareness to ensure the less famous species in the Maldives are not overlooked.

Creeping Calcite Sponge in the Maldives. Photo: Andrew Harrison

What are Sponges?

It may seem a bit funny to ask what sponges are as we’ve all likely held a sponge of some sort from a bath sponge to a cleaning sponge.  Furthermore, considering such an object as a living organism is sometimes difficult to conceive.  While bath sponges aren’t about to come alive and bite us in the shower, the structure is basically a replica of sea sponges.  Sponges both living and non-living are made to pass water through their porous composition; cells are arranged for efficient water passage like a water filter.  In live sea sponges however, the cells are living and require nutrients; the water passing through the sponge is purposefully directed so that nutrients can be deposited in a central cavity.

Sea sponges have the capacity to reproduce but have no tissue or organs, including no organ systems for nerves, circulation or digestion.  And like the average house sponge, sea sponges are immobile (called sessile in the aquatic world).  It’s simply the flow of water through them that keeps sea sponges alive.  Coral, on the other hand have inner bodies, polyps, that can reach out of the outer shell to catch more than just nutrients that flow by them.

The aquatic sponge lifestyle requires water movement but not constant waves or current where the sand and sediment could form blockages in their pores.  It’s at all water depths and temperatures that they live, from tidal regions to great sea depths.  The Maldives has an array of environments with its shallow lagoons and surrounding ocean and also provides abundant nutrients in the tropical waters that make great conditions for diverse sponge species.

Sponges of the Maldives

Sponges come in all shapes and sizes and rarely have any symmetry.  In the Maldives’ Ari Atoll alone there are ball-shaped sponges, coral eating sponges, tube-like and branch-shaped sponges, lumpy ones, puffy ones and even spiky ones.

Since the larger fauna of the Maldives like manta rays and whale sharks usually get all the attention, it can be difficult to find photos of sponges and coral.  This collection is impressive and shows many sponge species.

They are not to be confused with the Maldives Sponge snail which is actually a sea slug.  Also named the Blue Velvet Sponge Snail, this name describes its blue, sponge-like appearance.  This species is found only in the Maldives and can be found in Baa Atoll at Dhigali Haa.  Unlike actual sponges, the sponge snail moves, albeit slowly, at a true snail’s pace.

Rare Maldives Berry Sponge. Photo: Andrew Harrison

Making Medicine

Immobile, without much in the way of protection, sponges create substances to defend themselves.  These toxins fight infection and can repel predators as well as claim space in the habitat for its own growth.  It is these substances that are making headlines for sponges as sources of antitumor, antiviral and anticancer drugs.  The Indo-Pacific regions are a target for this research and it is said that 5 species within the Maldives have shown to contain the special, potentially life-altering properties.

Technically speaking, sponges produce compounds and host other organisms that create microbial symbionts of chemicals which are used for self-defense and can be applied to control viruses, bacteria, tumors and fungi.  More simply put, the natural ways in which sponges defend themselves are being applied in science to develop anti-tumor and anti-cancer treatments.

The isolation and creation of these important substances within a lab, without exploiting natural sponge growth, is also a task at hand.

The Maldives has not only the beauty but also the substance to make it a significant target for environmental protection.  Isolated and surrounded by highly diverse and productive ecosystems, the islands of the Maldives are worth a visit and worth a dive.  Check out Special dive packages that fit your needs here.

How Maldives Marine Creatures could Save your Life: Sea Sponges for Medicine is a post from: Maldives Blog

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Time and time again the name Ari Atoll comes up when searching anything to do with Maldives diving. Take that as a hint – it’s popular for its outstanding dive spots in this secluded country, made up solely of islands and their surrounding ecosystems. This specific group of lagoons should be top on any diver’s destination list.

What makes this particular atoll so appealing is the accessibility to Male atoll (airport access), the sheer number of dive sites that can be seen with mobility of a liveaboard trip, and the unique underwater landscape with clusters of pinnacle reefs and the many channels among the beautiful lagoons. Often sites are specified as located in North or South Ari atoll and the region is perfect for divers looking to make the most of Maldives diving.

Now that you’re eager to know more, here’s the Who, Why, When and How of discovering Ari atoll, nestled in the Indian Ocean, on the mid-western side of the chain of tropical islands known as the Maldives.

Oriental Sweetlips in Ari Atoll. Photo: nicoboxethai, Flikr

Ari Atoll for Who?

Among the 50 plus dive sites of Ari Atoll, also called Alif or Alufu Atoll, the diving is more of the intermediate to advanced level – but that doesn’t mean with the right conditions and instructors that novices can’t dive in Ari.  Strong currents are the main reason why the waters can be difficult.

As for who the “locals” are that divers are here to visit, the flora and fauna that call Ari home are some of the larger species like sharks and mantas as well as whale sharks and turtles. Flourishing coral around the many wrecks is also a treat for divers who are happy to dip below 25 meters.

Why Ari?

If the general popularity and recommendations aren’t enough, there are plenty of specific highlights among the sites known to Ari.

Firstly, there are many shipwrecks in North Ari Atoll like that of Fesdu Wreck which boasts a 30meter long boat and a thila right beside it. Submerged in the 80s it’s now covered in soft and hard coral, flashing colors of the rainbow all around. The reef starts at 12 meters and the wreck at 23 meters all the way down to 30 meters or so; tons of opportunity for discovery. Another submerged boat, Halaveli Wreck, has openings to be explored and schools of fish around the 40-meter freighter.

Maamigili and Gangehi Maavaru in Ari are known for whale sharks and divers have been known to get up close, swimming alongside these ocean gentle giants.  Manta encounters are well known in Ari at cleaning stations like southern sites at Rangali Madivaru (“madi” meaning “ray” in Maldivian Dhivehi language) and Kudarah Thila as well as in the west at Donkalo Thila.

Maaya Thila, Fish Head and Broken Rock are a few of the other famous sites, which have interesting names but even more interesting and fun dive experiences. From sharks to turtles, frogfish, batfish and nudibranchs, the lively atmosphere makes these sites constant head turners and true delights for click happy photographers.

 
 
When to Go?

The best chances of seeing whale sharks and mantas are between February to April, but the Maldives climate and marine life is generally abundant throughout the year.  As you’ll see below, the best ways to dive the Maldives are available year round.
How to Dive Ari Atoll

The obvious choice to dive as many of Ari’s highlights as possible is by liveaboard.  Many of the dive boats hit Ari to take advantage of the great diving, like the Nautilus One and Nautilus Two to name just two. You can find a liveboard boat itineraries to suit your vacation in any month of the year.  Another scuba dive enthusiast’s option in the Maldives is the not-so-obvious guesthouse package stay. Located on local islands among the Maldivian people, with connections to local dive experts, most guesthouses have excellent diving excursions to please even the most avid divers.  In Ari Atoll, on the island of Omadhoo, one guesthouse called Kuri Inn has just that – access to comfortable accommodation with a high level of customer service, and access to experienced dive instructors and plenty of nearby diving spots.

So whether you choose to come during the manta and shark season or stay on a liveaboard or at a guesthouse, Ari Atoll in the Maldives is a prime scuba dive destination.  Get your travel plans started by checking out these packages for liveboards.

Here’s Why you Shouldn’t Miss Ari Atoll in the Maldives is a post from: Maldives Blog

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The attraction to the Maldives reefs, spread out over the atolls of the Indian Ocean, is something divers have in common. The views above ground are stunning and a peek below the water surface reveals a lively, colorful underworld.  However, all dive spots and all divers are not the same.

Some dive spots have treasures at deep depths, some have marine life that just has to be captured on film and others are protected sites that deserve a bit more care and respect.  Then there are divers that are more excited by these different spots – some seek out adventure, some are out to take photos, others are out to explore and others are eco-oriented.  Which type or types do you fall into?  Here are some great spots for your interests:

Adventure Seeker

If you’re a diver who’s thrilled by the deepest depths and fastest currents, the Maldives has some locations that will provide the buzz of exhilaration you’re looking for.

Where to dive for adventure:

Known as one of the top dives for excitements, Kudarah Thila is situated in South Ari Atoll about 1km south of Kudarah. The depths start around 14 meters from the top of the reef and drops to 20-25 meters.  Dive initiating techniques are used to best descend to the thila.

Also in South Ari Atoll the Broken rock canyon is in the Dhigurah Channel.  Among other great sights there are great soft corals to see for divers who brave the depths and currents with a dive torch and surface balloon.

Finally, if it’s depth that drives you, head to Maalhos Thila where the temptations are coral heads located mostly below 25 meters.

. 

Photographer

Many divers like to snap photos of their dives and even holiday makers often have underwater cameras.  When taking photos becomes more than a leisure activity and when the main goal becomes capturing sightings and having “trophies” of the dive, this is when it becomes something more.  The Maldives is full of sites with great photos ops but here are a few great ones:

The site known as Fotteyo Kandu is considered a top world dive site as a result of its abundant marine life and also provides an opportunity for hammerhead sightings on early morning dives.

Capturing color that pops from the mono-color blue sea is a great effect in photos.  HP Reef has multicolored soft coral and tons of flashy invertebrates to light up your camera, not to mention Eagle Rays and schooling Silver Jacks.

Photographers are often looking to capture the big subjects like whale sharks and mantas.  The aptly named Madivaru (madi means ‘ray’ in Maldivian language) is known for mantas and especially the cleaning station during the north east monsoon.

Explorer

Those who seek to find something new and really investigate their surroundings are those who like to explore.   Backed with some knowledge of Maldives marine species before departure, these divers can get the most out of their dives by learning a bit of what they might see. These spots have nooks and crannies to be investigated:

The wall, overhangs and caves of North Male’s Banana Reef is open to discover though divers are warned about a washing machine phenomenon which has swirling down currents during the north east monsoon. Experienced divers who make the diver are just advised ride it out close to the reef.

For deep exploration, Filitheyo Thila has caves and dolphin corner but also has some deep caves below the 30-meter point.

One for taking time to explore is Kikki reef in Gulhifalhu (also known as Hans Hass Place) where there are tons of different features so explorers will be kept entertained.

Shark at Filitheyo Dive Site. Photo: warrenski, Flikr

Environmentalist

For those who have an inclination to consider the environmental side of things, the Maldives is a great location to consider current issues and solutions at play.  These sites have a protected status from the result of current and past activity:

Previously seen as a highly productive shark fishing area, Fish Head (Mushi Mas Mingili Thila) is now a top dive location and protected from shark fishing since 1995.

The 2km stretch of Makunudhoo Kandu, located in Kuda Faru is lined with dive sites. Protected status has been given to the northern side and it’s a real highlight in the region.

Eco-oriented divers will know how to be careful around the reefs and Orimas Thila is one place to make sure of this.  A protected marine area, it’s a small reef where divers often spend time examining the marine life around it.

So no matter what tickles your fancy and gets you excited about diving, the Maldives has dive spots to satisfy all inclinations.  Comment about what kind(s) of diver you are and take a look at the liveaboard packages available to go live the dream, diving in the Maldives.

What kind of Scuba Diver will you be in the Maldives? is a post from: Maldives Blog

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Scuba diving in different places around the world you’ll get to know some familiar faces from the underwater community.  While some fish types are specific to certain countries many are found in the Maldives as they are found around Indonesia, the Red Sea and beyond – with slight variations. Wrasse are a diverse group of fish with the Maldives home to a long list of these colorful carnivores.

Wrasse are diverse in type and appearance; they’re often colorful and named for the type of pattern they flaunt. They also have different functions which make it easy to locate and identify them as well.  The wrasse population may often be ignored as plentiful and therefor common, rather than special.  How unfortunate!  Adding color and liveliness to the reef as well as carrying out special functions – they really should be celebrated.

Hardwick Wrasse in the Maldives. Photo:spookypeanut

My Name is Napoleon… But you can Call me Humphead

On one hand it’s easy to identify wrasse.  While one type may have several names for it internationally, one of the names is usually connected to a discerning feature.

The popular Napoleon fish, also known as Maori Wrasse is a good example with its characteristic name being the Humphead wrasse.  As you can imagine or may have seen, mature Napoleon Wrasse have humps on their foreheads that make them stand out from the rest.  By another name they’re also known as Thicklip Wrasse because of – you guessed it – they’re big lips.   The word “giant” is often added to the name as well, seeing as it’s the largest of the wrasse known to grow over 2m long.  It’s the impressive size, apparent friendliness and interesting look that make it popular in the Maldives, as well as the fact that it’s now a protected species.

Other wrasse in the Maldives are more plentiful and much smaller so don’t get as much attention as the Napoleon; they’re a colorful bunch nonetheless.  What diver wouldn’t want to see fish with such great names – Slingjaw, Dragon, Blue Star Leopard, Tubelip, Zigzag, Canarytop – not only are they intriguing names but some have interesting habits such as the Dragon or “Rockmover” Wrasse that feeds in teams with one moving the “rock” and the other going in for the kill.

Not only are they great names, but they have patterns to match; the Zigzag Wrasse or Zigzag Rainbow fish are mainly white with a pinkish stripe that zigzags from its head along the side of its body, at different lengths. The Blue Star Leopard, aka Peacock Wrasse, is complex in its spotted design, white spots on reddish and yellow background merging into black spots on a white background – all on the same small fish.

Wrasse that divers usually know well are cleaner wrasse as they hang around other larger fish and sea creatures like mantas, feeding on the dead skin and parasites that are unwanted by the host but considered dinner to the wrasse.

Where identification and recognizing your favorite wrasse becomes a bit challenging is their changing characteristics over their lifetime.  With maturity wrasse seem to morph into new shapes and colors. The Humphead doesn’t have so much of a hump as a juvenile, for example.  Not to worry, there are online resources (mentioned below) to help identify fish including juveniles and adults and see pictures of the intense designs, like that of the Blue Star Leopard mentioned above.

Maldives in 7 days from Valery Latyshev on Vimeo
Wrasse Encounters of the Maldivian Kind

Scuba divers will see wrasse pretty much everywhere in the Maldives.  With all the different types there is basically a wrasse around every corner.  It’s possible when hanging out in a lagoon for a leisurely swim to feel them before you see them, as some types of wrasse like to nibble at skin of humans as well as their marine friends.  This is not quite the controlled environment of those fish pedicure shops though.

Cleaning stations are the obvious place to find wrasse as they indulge in a meal and continue the reciprocal relationship that provides a “cleaning service” to the underwater community.  In North Male Atoll at Manta Point is just one location where wrasse can be seen nibbling on happy mantas.

As for the big boys, Humpheads spend their time around the reefs and up to 100m deep on slopes of channels. Before reaching maturity the juveniles prefer keeping to areas laden with sea grass and coral branches.  The numbers of humpheads are not like those of the abundant smaller wrasse though.  In fact, this fish now has a protected status as previous overfishing has caused the populations to drop off.  Just like mantas and sharks, the other large and elite species, Napoleon Humphead fish are wanted as a delicacy and are sold as a specialty in some circles.

For fish identification there is a comparison tool online that has a large database of information and photos.  A search for “wrasse Maldives” turns up a fantastic list of colorful characters.  Strive to make your photos and your dives more meaningful by putting names to the faces.

With your favorite wrasse in mind you can book your liveaboard trip in the Maldives knowing there will be some familiar faces waiting for you.  Check out the packages to suit you.

Would you Recognize these Wrasse from the Maldives? Familiar Faces from the Sea is a post from: Maldives Blog

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“How old are you (Crush)?” “Hundred and fifty, and still young, dude. Rock on.” The turtles of Finding Nemo were energetic with a “surfer-type” persona and they taught Nemo’s dad about how to relax and go with the flow.  In the Maldives there’s a similar laid-back atmosphere and you will get to join turtles in the ocean, slowly paddling around, that seem to really know how to take it easy.    

Turtles that call the Maldives home are the green sea turtles or the hawksbill turtles. Also known to lay eggs on Maldivian beaches are the Loggerhead and Olive Ridley sea turtles, with the Leatherback making appearances but not nesting in the island chain. Just like in the Kung Fu Panda movie (there seem to be turtles in many animated movies) the turtle usually takes the role of old, sage one, an image likely originating from their naturally long life span and calm demeanor.  A fascination for scuba divers, tourists and conservationists alike, turtles have been on the endangered species list for some time with projects running in many countries of the sub-tropical regions.

Green Sea Turtle playing it cool in the Maldives

Telling Apart Turtles in the Maldives

Being able to identify turtles during a dive sighting is a great advantage for scuba divers.  The underwater world becomes much more intriguing and divers more knowledgeable when their stories and photos can be accompanied with specific details of their encounters.  Fortunately, identifying turtles is a bit easier than distinguishing the many types of fish.

To start, the two most common Maldives sea turtles can be contrasted by their skin color and head shape.  While the green sea turtle has a greenish tint to its skin, the head is small for its body and more rounded.  The hawksbill turtle on the other hand is has more yellow and brownish-orange tones and its head narrows into almost a beak shape, like that of a bird (hence the name).  Hawksbill sea turtle shells are also more elongated, and regularly eats non-plant material (sponges, crabs and jellyfish) while the green turtle adults are herbivores.

If the shell is more rounded and circle-shaped than the green turtle, with many plate sections bunched into the shell design, and claws on both front and back flippers, you may be looking at an olive ridley turtle.

For the rarest sighted turtles divers will want to know if they’ve spotted one.  In the Maldives this would be either the Loggerhead or the Leatherback.  Large heads and reddish or yellowy-brown skin characterizes the loggerheads, while the leatherbacks are much more easily distinguishable.  The only sea turtle without a hard shell, the leatherback has instead a leathery-looking set of 5 ridgelines from head to toe where the shell would usually be.

For diagrams of each type this online identification tool is also useful.

Tracking Down Maldives Turtles

If it’s turtles you seek than the Maldives is just the place.  Whether you stay at a resort, at a guesthouse or on a liveaboard you have the chance to see turtles – though some locations may present more opportunities than others.

For scuba divers, there’s the Kuredu Caves of Lhaviyani Atoll.  The cavities of the drop off are home to many a green sea turtle.  Though sightings elsewhere are usually of lone turtles, here a sort of “neighbourhood” brings together turtles who mainly use the caverns for napping.

Liveaboard divers are often favoured with sightings at various spots along their trip.  The dive spots of Radhdhiggaa Thila, Nassimo Thila, Omadhoo Thila, and Reethi Thila frequented by MV Orion to name just a few.

Many resorts feature beach sites where turtles lay their eggs and are involved in turtle conservation efforts.  The nesting sites of the Four Seasons and Vilamendhoo are two well-known locations.  As for getting to see baby turtles tourist have recorded accounts from resorts, but there are also many NGOs and conservation projects around the Maldives where turtles are bred in nurseries.  Tiny Island Volunteers is one organisation working to protect the fragile turtle population and as a result divers may continue to have more turtle sightings around the Maldives.

What prevents populations from flourishing and therefore makes it harder to come across turtles is the threat posed by poachers who remove un-hatched nests or kill adult turtles, all for the sale of the parts as delicacies.

The naturally slow reproduction rate (less than once per year) combined with the challenging start for hatchlings (making their way across dry sandy beaches to reach the water) are also natural challenges to the species regeneration. These are barriers which conservationists are trying to combat with nurseries to make up for depleted populations from unnatural turtle harvesting.

So while sea turtle sightings in the Maldives can teach divers about taking it easy and enjoying swimming in the ocean, they can also represent hope and diversity of marine species in the Indian Ocean and throughout the sub-tropical regions of the world. Book your Maldives dive trip and take a dip with the sea turtles.

Is Finding Sea Turtles in the Maldives like Finding Nemo? is a post from: Maldives Blog

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Many divers are so comfortable in the water it’s like a second home.  It’s not hard to imagine then how a bit of reef gardening could provide a source of nutrients to the inhabitants and just generally keeping the coral plots healthy, like our gardens at home feed us and various critters.   Growing and tending to coral is one method being used to help the underwater gardens flourish in the Maldives, with some electrifying twists. 

The focus of many coral preservation discussions seems to revolve around sea level and temperature rises, which are indeed issues in terms of coral growth.  Fortunately, there are also more immediately effective and more controllable projects underway, which are already showing promising signs of progress.   Throughout the year divers enjoy scuba diving via liveaboards and other means in the lagoon-filled, expansive island chain of the Maldives.  To ensure this continues and that biodiversity continues to thrive, some reefs are receiving the “shock treatment” while others are getting the “silent treatment”.  One day there might even be a swarm of robots taking on reef building.

Coral nursery. Photo: MyFWCmedia, flikr

Electric Eels No Longer Alone Under Water

Normally, we teach kids not to put the electric appliances near water.  It’s a good thing the developers of Biorock didn’t listen to this advice or they may have missed out on a solution to accelerating coral growth. They’re using the benefits of low electric currents to attract calcium deposits to metal structures placed underwater which is used to attract and plant coral to the structure.

The build-up of deposits and coral underwater can be seen on submerged wrecks with coral growing to cover the edifice. With the addition of electric current this process has been found to speed up and accelerate coral growth so it’s been applied to purpose-built cages placed under the sea, with positive results.

Powered ideally by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and tidal energy turbines, coral branches begin to naturally develop or are artificially grown then attached to the large cage-like structures called a Lotus. The artificial breeding not only adds to the speed of reef development, but when selective breeding is used, species more resilient to the elements are introduced.  This means that an element of the susceptive nature of coral (to water temperature, for example) is reduced potentially creating a more stable reef ecosystem.

Projects in the Maldives are often headed up by volunteer and conservation organisations and sometimes supported by industry, such as resorts.  The Plant a Fish program spearheaded by Fabien Cousteau, is one such project using resort support and the Biorock method to make a contribution to reef creation.  If the name sounds familiar it’s because he’s the grandson of scuba diving pioneer and explorer, Jacques Cousteau.  The international projects put in place by the Plant a Fish program aim to integrate communities with the success of the projects.

To take conservation to a new level some are even thinking artistically. In Indonesia, instead of domes or simple shaped cages, they’re using structures shaped like animals and other amusing items. They are “merging artwork with conservation” as they say, creating underwater coral sculptures once the metal base has been overgrown with coral.

Restrictions and Robots

If coral progression is priority, activities allowed around the atolls of the Maldives will need to be prioritized.  The coral will never win against all their enemies without a little help (namely enemies like direct destruction from unsustainable fishing techniques, irresponsible divers, boat anchors and coral collection).  Limiting activities like fishing in certain areas may help species thrive and may even attract even more positive attention, like Hanifaru which was made a UNESCO biosphere reserve to protect manta populations. In current BBC news a Coral Reef Alliance spokesperson, Rick MacPherson, endorses this type of regulation as one of the best devices there is to allow coral and the ecosystem to flourish.

In a less political and more technological way solutions are also coming in the form of robots.  Tending to gardens is often seen as a hobby above ground, but at great depths it becomes more of a daunting task.  This is why robotics are being used in the development of non-human “divers”, who will take care of the tricky and risky business of planting coral underwater. So far, Scotland is the training site and testing is underway but, if proven feasible and effective, schools of fish could meet swarms of robots in the Maldives.

At the moment Biorock seems to be making the most waves in the coral building efforts.   Some advocate for waste disposal and other social issues to be dealt with as a higher priority while others could argue that what goes around comes around. Negative consequences of letting reefs decline is a decline in tourist attraction a hit to the tourism- and fishing-supported economy (especially in the holiday destination of the Maldives).  More indirectly there are physical effects to the islands where small communities are located; reduced reef barriers leave them open to the elements.

The future success of the economy and quality of daily life for Maldivians will depend on vigilant management of coral reef issues and underwater ecosystems.

Introducing Underwater Gardening 101: Saving Maldives Reefs is a post from: Maldives Blog

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When it comes to undersea exploration, Jacques Cousteau was a pioneer leading the way in scuba diving worldwide.  Divers today can take a page from his book, on looking at the marine world with curiosity and a sense of discovery.  The Maldives is a unique place; its location puts it in the centre of the Indian Ocean tropics, low-lying, teetering just at sea level, its surface area made up mostly of water with temperatures perfect for coral growth.  Getting to know the hidden elements of the reef, like the unseen coral creatures, will deepen a diver’s understanding of the world that surrounds them when venturing below the surface.  And enhance the view of what’s really going on, on the reef.

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”-Jacques Yves Cousteau

Long leather coral polyps, Coconut Thila, Maldives. Photo: Neville Wootton

Unveiling the Obscure Underbelly of Coral Reefs

 
When you seep into the ‘silent world’, as Cousteau described it, not all that is living can be seen. Concealed within crooks and crannies are innumerable tiny creatures that make it challenging to get a full picture of reef life. This is where divers with a sense of adventure can really have some fun. Coral reefs are like a painting which, from a distance, gives one impression and close up reveals something much more complex – the more you look the more you see. In the Maldives it just so happens that the surface is also worthy of the strokes of a painter’s brush.

Oh how the reef animals like to fool onlookers with their camouflage and their disguises.  While some fish just make themselves look like rocks, other creatures, like coral, actually create a rock-like shell.  The small bodies inside coral, called polyps, actually secrete the solid outer cover in which they live, building bit by bit over time.  Only at night do they venture out with their finger-like tentacles to catch zooplankton or other sources of nutrients.

The interconnected network below the hard coral shell is living and even “breathing” oxygen from their built-in algae partners.  Using the intense Maldivian sunlight, the algae make oxygen and using their tentacles the polyps guide other nutrient into their mouths that they then share with the algae. Both parties contribute to coral coloring, which gets secreted into the deposits which become the outer coral layer and the focus of many lovely underwater scenes. Like the shell of a turtle when it has retreated inside, we see just the outer cover of the complex being that lies beneath.

This reciprocal relationship not only results in reefs that serve as shelter and protection for countless marine species, but also acts as a shoreline barrier, beach builder, and tourism attraction that contributes a major part to the economy of the Maldives – not bad for creatures only centimetres in length.

To come out with the shapes divers are familiar with, the staghorn coral, table coral and many others, different types of polyp colonies are required.  Some form the longer branches and antler-like formations while others form thinner plates, giving the impression of a table. The water temperature determines whether the coral can grow their coral covers and the currents and water depths give way to different reef shapes, like those of the pinnacle reef, or “thila” as it’s referred to in the local Maldivian language, Dhivehi. It’s in intricate balance though as temperatures just a bit higher can cause coral bleaching, which can lead to coral death. Thanks to the Maldives climate, there are reefs to discover throughout the whole of the country, in all of the atolls.

Reef Life MALDIVES 2012 

Building Homes of Another Sort in the Atolls

 
The Maldives that many know now is not the Maldives of 15 years ago.  Following the onset of El Nino in 1998, coral bleaching and death of the coral was widespread; the hot water conditions were not possible for the creatures to endure.  Fortunately, thanks to regeneration efforts, divers can appreciate a diverse marine life and abundance of coral reefs around the region once again.

Environmental concerns have, in recent years, been at the forefront of Maldives international politics. Among the many conservation projects for turtles and mantas, there are also coral regeneration efforts still in place. Conservationists are now advocating for buffered conservation areas and bio-reserves to be designated so that activity is controlled, as mentioned in minivannews.com.

Reef regeneration projects attract supporters from many different types of organisations, from environmental and scientific to the tourism industry.  It’s obvious that all have a part to play in understanding and ensuring reefs are not adversely affected by human activity and that the economy will suffer in tandem with the reefs, with such heavy dependence on fishing and tourism in the Maldives nation.

While you may not be able to sail the Calypso, like Cousteau, Maldives liveaboards will take you on modern diving adventures through the living, lively reefs. You’ll feel like you’re exploring the depths of discovery – just don’t forget to document your dives with some great photos and sharing with all your online friends. Find the liveaboard package that suits your dream diving vacation.

How to Explore Coral Reefs like Jacques Cousteau in the Maldives is a post from: Maldives Blog

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