mercredi 10 octobre 2012

An Introduction To Scuba Diving Maldives

By Sharlene Fleming


If you enjoy go scuba diving Maldives should be a destination on your list of must-sees. These tropical islands are one of the premier destinations in the world for water sports like diving and snorkeling. It not only accommodates experienced divers, but is also a great place to learn how to dive.

The Republic of Maldives consists of twenty-six atolls. In fact, the word 'atoll' comes from the Maldivian Dhivehi word 'atolhu'. These atolls are spread over about thirty-five thousand square miles in the northern part of the Indian Ocean. Of the 1,192 islands that make up this extensive territory, only two hundred are inhabited. A further eighty consist of tourist resorts. This means that you will always be able to find a private, secluded spot for relaxing on the beach or for exploring underwater.

What makes the islands such a wonderful scuba diving destination is a combination of factors. There are more than three thousand coral reefs that form the habitat for marine life. The monsoon tides ensure that there is an abundance of microscopic marine creatures that then feed bigger species, so that there is a great variety of species to be spotted.

The water is warm, with temperatures usually between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It is clear too, so there is a high degree of visibility. Add to this the tropical climate and the fact that it is easy to get to the islands and you have a destination made in diving heaven.

There is no real diving season in these islands, since you can dive any time of year. The best visibility is from February to March, during dry season. However, during the rainy season the monsoon currents bring in plankton, which attracts many species of fish, both small and large. One of the larger marine species that you may see in these waters is the whale shark. From around May to July you can also see large groups of manta ray, although you should be able to spot these creatures at any time of year.

Accommodation on the islands is mostly resort style. Usually a resort has its very own island with a so-called house reef where you can dive or snorkel. Most resorts have scuba gear for rent and there are instructors who will show you the ropes and take you on guided dives if you don't have much experience in the water. You can also sign up for PADI courses to get your certification.

As the world's lowest-lying nation, the Maldive Islands are particularly vulnerable to the whims of the ocean. Global warming and the subsequent rise in sea levels mean that the country may lose much of its territory. This has prompted the government to hold the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to create awareness of the problem.

As if to illustrate this vulnerability, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hit these islands very hard too. It left about 100 people dead and 15,000 homeless. Not only did it devastate the economy, but it also bleached the coral reefs, killing off many species. However, the nation has been rebuilding its infrastructure and the reefs have recovered for the most part, so as a destination for scuba diving Maldives should be at the top of your list.




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