Why is Banana Reef One of the Best Dive Spots in Maldives? 

An archipelago of nearly 1200 islands, the Maldives offers the ideal playground for watersports including diving. For keen dive enthusiasts, this beautiful archipelago is home to the seventh largest reef system globally alongside many species of sharks and manta rays that frequent the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Complementing these are dive sites like Banana Reef which are considered outstanding. Discover why it is such a unique diving region.

Introduction

Situated in the North Male Atoll which is a mere 15-minute boat ride away from the Velana International Airport in Male, this popular reef has a curved formation that resembles a banana in an aerial view. Hence named Banana Reef, it is well known for its rock formations, crystal clear waters and diverse and spectacular marine life. 

Avid divers who regularly visit this site book their preferred luxury beach villas in Maldives well ahead of their arrival. With many options being available in the North Male Atoll, the likes of OBLU SELECT Sangeli Maldives are favoured due to their exciting offers such as direct booking benefits and elevated all-inclusive plans.

Global Fame and Unique Formation 

Banana Reef is one of the first diving sites in the Maldives that was discovered by early divers around the 1970s, hence gaining international recognition more than 5 decades ago. They found its formation to be unique and were impressed by the outstanding underwater experience at this reef. Stretching over 300 metres it has been attracting global attention since then and at present is a protected marine area.

Its unique curved and elongated formation offers a natural haven for marine life thus the sightings of marine beings here are unparalleled. Massive rocks, canyons, caves and precipitous overhangs are a part of the ecological formation, that helps attract more marine life. Barracuda, shark, black snapper, yellow snapper, parrotfish, grouper, oriental sweetlips and trevally are witnessed around this reef often.

These very factors also make Banana Reef popular among expert underwater photographers as their capture of marine beings is so diverse, colourful and compelling.

Important link to Marine Ecosystem

The coral reefs of the Maldives are much more than an awe-inspiring vista. They are nature’s wonder and marine habitats supporting a diverse range of marine life by continuous sustenance of the fragile marine ecosystems of the Maldives. They also provide a healthy habitat for marine species and that is one of the main reasons that Banana Reef is a protected marine area.

These reefs are also natural safeguards to the tiny islands of the Maldives from unusual waves, rising sea levels and storms due to climate change. These natural processes at Banana Reef serve as a strong link for Marine Conservation and Research of the nation.

Summary of Features and Facilities

Divers are attracted to many facets of Banana Reef. This summary will be useful as you prepare to experience this outstanding site.

•    Proximity to the International Airport in the Maldives

•    Banana Reef is well equipped with diving facilities including rental of equipment and certified instructors on site. (Though your chosen resort in the Maldives may have its dive packages)

•    Crystal clear water quality offering a high level of visibility

•    Ideal depths with a minimum depth of 4 metres and maximum depth of 30 metres 

•    Suitable site for novices and experienced divers

•    Drift Diving (where the diver is moved by the current) is possible 

•    Ideal diving conditions prevail during most parts of the year 

•    Offers a unique glimpse into the splendour of underwater life

•    Daytime diving offers plenty of visibility and a realistic perspective of the underwater world

•    For experienced divers seeking a more challenging diving experience nighttime diving is possible to experience the activities of nocturnal marine beings

•    Banana Reef is also a fine site for those who prefer snorkelling over diving