Banana Reef

One of the first dive sites discovered in the Maldives and still among its most popular. A curved, banana-shaped reef in North Malé (Kaafu) Atoll, about 8 km from Malé, with caves, overhangs and steep drop-offs — most dramatic along the northeast wall — covered in soft corals, gorgonians and anemones. Depths run 5–30 m: the shallow coral gardens suit beginners, while the deeper walls and currents reward experienced divers. Visibility is consistently good, often up to 30 m, and calmest during the northeast monsoon (roughly December–April). Currents vary and can run strong, so the site is commonly dived as a drift. Expect schooling bannerfish, oriental sweetlips, snappers and squirrelfish; groupers and moray eels in the overhangs; plus Napoleon wrasse, grey and white-tip reef sharks, barracuda, eagle rays and turtles. Boat entry.