Banana Reef
★ 4.7🇲🇻 North Male AtollSuggested visit Half a dayBest season Year-round; November to April for the best visibility
DivingCoral reefWater sports
The first protected dive site in the Maldives, known for its canyon topography and dense fish life.
Overview
In the northern part of North Male Atoll, Banana Reef was among the first protected dive sites in the Maldives. Shaped like a banana, it comprises canyons, walls and overhangs between about five and thirty metres, suiting divers of several levels. Lionfish, eagle rays, turtles and schooling snappers are common, the reef top is covered in soft coral and anemones, and visibility is good year-round.
History
Listed as a protected area in the 1990s in response to diving pressure, it helped establish dive management in the Maldives.
Highlights
- •Canyons and wall topography
- •Lionfish and eagle rays
- •Soft coral and anemones on the reef top
- •Suitable for several diver levels
Practical tips
- •Allow 18 hours after diving before flying
- •Do not touch coral or chase marine life
Practical information
- Best time
- November-April
- Tickets
- Dives about USD 60-100 each
- Opening hours
- Dive centres roughly 8:00-18:00
- Local food
- Maldivian fish curry, coconut rice, tuna
- Getting around
- About 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé, or by dhoni from resort islands.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport and proof of accommodation.
Traveller reviews
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