The Maldives is a paradise for divers and the majority of islands have diving centres with professional instructors. Boasting an incredible number of dive and snorkel sites, the diverse nature of these sites make it suitable for divers of all levels of experience. Within each atoll there are sheltered reefs or shallow reef gardens suitable for training or recently qualified divers, whilst experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift dives in the world. Channels generate fast tidal flows which attract many of the sharks, rays and fish species for which the Maldives are renowned. The recommended best time for diving in the Maldives is June to October and December to March.
In the Seychelles archipelago, diving is possible all year round with the best conditions being in March to May and September to November when the sea is calm and the water temperature can reach 29 degrees Celsius. Sites vary in depth from eight metres to thirty metres and provide conditions for divers of all abilities. The inner islands plateau is characterized by impressive granite formations, soft and hard corals, schools of colourful fish and an assortment of wreck dives. The offshore dive sites, where one could encounter whale sharks and giant stingrays, are suitable for more experienced divers.
