Boasting clear blue water, white sand beaches, and great visibility, the Maldives is an idyllic diving paradise that beginners will love as much as advanced divers. The rock pinnacles (thila) that rise up from the depths are cloaked in soft corals and a plethora of marine creatures large and small. As well as healthy reefs, the country is famous for its manta rays, reef sharks, fish schools, and whale sharks.
Travelling to the Maldives
As of August 2021, there are regular but limited commercial flights in and out of the Maldives. You are only required to present a negative COVID-19 test (conducted within 96 hours of your departure) when checking in for your flight. Fully vaccinated travelers are permitted to stay at a hotel or guesthouse of their choosing, while unvaccinated visitors must stay on certain islands where there is appropriate vaccination coverage of the local population (which now applies to almost every island).
Diving in the Maldives
Diving is permitted in the Maldives, but standard COVID-19 rules alongside safety procedures based on PADI and DAN recommendations apply. You must make a booking with your desired operator prior to arrival. Divers are encouraged to bring their own scuba equipment. Health authority rules must be observed and divers must have their body temperature checked and carry out contact tracing procedures via the TraceEkee app. All divers need to complete the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire, which enquires about major health issues that may affect your fitness to dive, and the standard PADI medical statement prior to diving. Finally, a resort doctor must assess divers and give final approval for them to dive.
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