Christian, thanks for the advice. I see that you’ve also done a lot of diving in the Red Sea — can i ask for your thoughts on how the Maldives and Red Sea compare? I’ve done the northern and southern routes in Egypt the last couple of years and enjoyed them both, but I’d like to do something new. I see a lot of mixed comments about the Maldives, both in terms of topside culture and underwater health/pelagics. Would be grateful for your thoughts.
By the way, I meant Jan 2022. If i had a time machine I’d go much farther back than last year!
Yes I have been there, done that in the Red Sea. I only have brief experience in the Maldives (three trips--60ish dives). I haven't been to the south or north, only the "regular" atolls and also to Nilhandoo, but a few observations: Maldives have a slightly better bio diversity, not on par with the golden triangle, but still noticable if you pay attention to details. What is very obvious is that fish density is generally higher than on
most reefs in the Egyptian Red Sea. But then, the thickest fish walls aren't found in the Egyptian Red Sea (nor is the "best" Red Sea diving inmo). Small reef sharks (black and white tips) on practically
every reef. Grey reef sharks on most outsides / kandus.
En masse in quite a few places. Currents more predictable but generally stronger in the Maldives (the current free Thila dives in general ...not
that interesting inmo). Visibility more variable in the Maldives. Particles is also what attract filter feeders ... so mantas and mobula rays more commonly spotted in the Maldives as are whale sharks (you will have to be in the right spot at the right time of course--a liveaboard will bring you there). Coral is less impressive in the Maldives and hard coral has suffered tremendously in the shallows from bleaching and silting from sand pumps in resort islands, but there are some soft coral and, on deeper parts, near inlets/kandus where water from the deep flows in, still healthy. Then again, coral has never really been the draw in the Maldives. It's the fish and the big guys. When it comes to top side, limited of course. "Paradise" islands with more or less luxorius resorts. And there are hotels in "local islands" too, where the Maldivians live. But if you go to dive, a liveaboard is definetely the easiest way to make sure you end up diving spots that are "on". If it matters, a liveaboard will also keep costs down a little per dive. Staying in a resort works out very expensive per dive and not worth it inmo, unless you also value a resort experience. You might be able to find som Covid-deals now, IDK?