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Banana Reef: A Maldivian Diving Paradise

Explore the underwater wonders of Banana Reef, one of the Maldives' most iconic and vibrant dive sites, teeming with marine life and stunning coral.

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Banana Reef, located in the North Male Atoll, is one of the Maldives' oldest and most renowned dive sites. Shaped like a banana, this protected marine area boasts vibrant coral, diverse marine life, dramatic cliffs, caves, and overhangs, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers of all levels.

A brief summary to Banana Reef

  • 6GMM+9F8, Malé, MV

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning (around 9:00 AM) to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Consider the southern part of the reef only if you are an experienced diver due to strong currents.
  • Snorkeling is best enjoyed on the northern end of the reef.
  • The official diving season runs from December to late May for the calmest sea conditions.
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Getting There

  • Speedboat

    Banana Reef is accessible by speedboat from Male, the capital of the Maldives, or from Hulhumale. Many dive operators offer tour packages that include transportation to the reef. A typical speedboat journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Speedboat transfers can cost between $25 to $200 USD per person.

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Discover more about Banana Reef

Banana Reef, nestled in the North Male Atoll (Kaafu Atoll), is a world-famous dive site and one of the first to gain international recognition in the Maldives. Its name comes from its distinctive banana-like shape. This protected marine area is a vibrant underwater ecosystem, teeming with diverse marine life and stunning coral formations. The reef's unique topography features dramatic cliffs, overhangs, caves, and a diverse array of hard and soft corals, creating varied diving conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. Banana Reef is home to a plethora of marine animals, including reef sharks, barracudas, groupers, Napoleon wrasses, stingrays, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful tropical fish. Snorkelers can also enjoy the reef's beauty in the shallower areas, observing schools of fish and vibrant coral gardens. The best time to visit Banana Reef is typically from November to April, when the weather is calm and visibility is at its peak.

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