For diving enthusiasts and underwater adventurers, the Maldives is a bucket-list destination

Ad feature by Sun Siyam Resorts

By Ailbhe MacMahon

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 10 September 2024

Take a deep dive to find a hidden shipwreck discovered in Vaavu Atoll

Seeking the ultimate Maldivian experience? Sun Siyam Resorts offers an unparalleled gateway to this aquatic paradise.

With five exceptional properties spread across three distinct atolls, Sun Siyam Resorts provides access to some of the archipelago's most spectacular underwater seascapes. Each resort boasts its own house reef teeming with marine life, where snorkellers and divers alike can encounter turtles, eagle rays, and majestic manta rays.

Sun Siyam's commitment to diving excellence is evident in their SSI-certified dive centres at each resort, ensuring top-notch instruction and equipment for divers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner in the shallows, their experienced dive teams will guide you to the perfect underwater adventure.

New for 2024, Sun Siyam Resorts is taking night diving to a whole new level with the introduction of blue light diving across all its Maldivian properties. This cutting-edge technique reveals the mesmerising world of biofluorescence, allowing divers and snorkellers to witness marine life glowing in ways invisible to the naked eye.

From the ray-rich waters of South Malé Atoll to the underwater mountains of South Nilandhe Atoll and the vibrant marine forests of Noonu Atoll, Sun Siyam Resorts offers a diverse array of experiences. Let's dive in and explore the unique underwater wonders that await at each Sun Siyam destination.

Ray Rendezvous in South Malé Atoll

Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offers divers an aquatic wonderland where rays reign supreme. For a truly magical experience, head to Banana Reef, also known as Manta Point. Here, graceful manta rays gather to be cleaned by small wrasses, offering divers an intimate view of these gentle giants. The site's diverse ecosystem also supports a wide array of marine life, from giant moray eels to the rare pink bulb-tentacle anemone coral.

The resort's prime location provides easy access to some of the atoll's most spectacular dive sites, including the renowned Guraidhoo Corner. Here, divers can witness an abundance of fish life, including majestic eagle rays and various shark species. The site's unique topography creates the perfect conditions for up-close encounters with hovering stingrays and schools of barracuda. During the Northeast Monsoon, lucky divers might even spot spinner dolphins frolicking in the waters.

Noonu Atoll's Festive Marine Forest

A short seaplane ride from Malé brings you to Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in Noonu Atoll, where a brand-new diving paradise awaits. The resort's house reef, once a local fishing hotspot, now flourishes with soft and hard corals, attracting a diverse array of marine life.

Make the most of the opportunity to get up close with these unique creatures, and watch from the resort jetty as they circle their favourite feeders.

One of Noonu Atoll's most iconic dive sites is the aptly named Christmas Tree Reef. Descending to depths between 14 and 33 metres, divers are treated to a stunning display of colourful soft corals. The site is a haven for marine life, from schools of snappers and groupers to the occasional white tip reef shark or eagle ray gliding by.

For an adrenaline-pumping dive, Koen's Dream offers the chance to encounter up to 30 grey reef sharks during medium currents. This thila (or underwater mountain) is not only a shark hotspot but also boasts a vibrant top reef teeming with fascinating coral formations and smaller reef dwellers.

Gentle Giants in South Nilandhe Atoll

In the South Nilandhe Atoll, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef serves as a gateway to some of the Maldives' most captivating underwater worlds. The resort's surrounding reefs boast an impressive array of soft and hard corals, creating a paradise for both macro life enthusiasts and those seeking larger species.

Anyone looking for the ultimate underwater encounter, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef offers full-day excursions to a nearby whale shark point. Here, divers have the rare opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants of the sea, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the atoll's standout sites is Stephan Thila, a sea mountain adorned with vibrant corals and teeming with marine life. Divers can marvel at the spectacle of yellow and blue fusiliers swirling among barracudas, while green turtles and stingrays frequent the thila's southern side.
For a more relaxed experience, Velavaru Tongue offers a sprawling top reef at depths of 10 to 15 metres. This site comes alive during incoming currents, with reef fish, oriental sweetlips, and young sharks putting on a mesmerising display. As you drift along the reef, keep an eye out for majestic napoleon wrasses and the occasional shark patrolling the drop-off.

To find out more and book your dream holiday visit sunsiyam.com

Swim amongst hundreds of clownfish in their natural habitat for the ultimate photo opportunity.