House Reef and Diving in the Maldives
Visitors to the
Maldives are usually looking for secluded beaches, romantic getaways and
spectacular diving, and they are not disappointed. However, for avid divers and
snorkelers, it doesn’t make much sense to require a boat trip to a diving spot
that has time limits and, in some cases, costs extra. The answer is resorts
with house reefs that offer the best diving experience in the country. Called a
house reef because it partly surrounds an atoll where there is a resort, house
reefs are a veritable garden of brilliantly coloured fish and coral. At the end of the reef there is
usually a very deep drop off into deep ocean waters.
Park Hyatt Maldives
Hadahaa
This exclusive
resort is set on a tropical island in the North Huvadhoo (Gaafu Alifu) Atoll,
the north-eastern section of a large natural atoll which extends between the
channels of Footukando and Vaarulu Kandu.
This atoll offers almost untouched dive sites, vibrant reefs and
lagoons.
Angsana Ihuru Resort
Another resort
with a house reef that has been labelled as the best in the Maldives, the
Angsana Ihuru, also has its own wreck. This boat was sunk on purpose to create
an underwater decoration and home for coral and millions of fish. Grouper,
fusiliers, batfish and stingrays are regular inhabitants and nurse sharks and
moray eels visit on occasion. Divers swim close to a school of gray reef,
silver tip and white tip sharks that circle the deep waters of the drop off.
The Haa Alifu
Atoll is home to very few resorts, one of which is the Hideaway Beach Resort
Dhonakulhi. A large crescent-shape island, Dhonakulhi boasts white, sandy
beaches stretching more than 1km on each side and deep turquoise waters. Diving
in this part of the Maldives, you will encounter a wide variety of fish, such
as the Andaman sweet-lips, black-fin Barracuda and leopard sharks.
Dusit Thani Maldives
Resort
This unique
resort is situated on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll and boasts white sandy
beaches, a stunning 360 degree house reef and turquoise lagoon. Crystal clear
waters, rich coral gardens and colourful reef fish make the Baa Atoll a top
choice among diving sites in the Maldives. With different diving sites to
explore, this atoll is thriving with aquatic life and is visited often by
mantas and sharks in large numbers especially during the early summer months.
This resort is
located on Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, and is home to one of the best
private house reefs in the Maldives, which you can enjoy diving into and
exploring. The North Ari Atoll features
various exotic wreck dive locations, including the Halaveli wreck sunk in 1991, which is now home
to large morays, stingrays, batfish and groupers.
Looking to travel to the
Maldives, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Alpha
Maldives, the leading luxury tour operator in the Maldives who
are experts on the Maldives and can help create your dream holiday.
