Diving & Snorkelling
The protective coral reefs surrounding each island contain over 1.000 species of tropical fish, innumerable varieties of shells and countless shapes and sizes of corals. The profusion of psychedelic colours, the abundance and variety of marine life, visibility often exceeding 50 metres and warm temperatures throughout the year, make diving in the Maldives a delight. Both of the mentioned resorts have excellent house reefs, and snorkellers can experience the same pleasures from the surface.

Although strict local regulation of fishing and commercial exploitation has kept the marine environment in a near-pristine state, in 1998 the reefs began feeling the effects of El Nin›. Thankfully a lot of the Maldives coral reefs emerged unscathed and it appears the process has not harmed any other marine life. Marine biologists believe this phenomena to be cyclical and are watching the growth of the new coral with avid interest. In short, the reefs are still absolutely stunning, even though they may have temporarily lost some of their splendour.

© Photo by Ulli Schonart