The ominousness of dark blue waters at a deeper depth is held at bay simply because the corals continue to amaze with its colors and artistic natural designs. Corals are bigger at deeper depths because the strength of the ebb and flow of current is reduced. If you were to blind yourself to the vivid colors, the reef would look like the side of a mountain, complete with ledges, terraces, overhangs and caves. Nurse sharks often swim under the ledges to practice their notorious talent for resting for hours on end. Grey reef sharks opt the caves, and are not dangerous despite their slightly panicked look that may suggest an attack. These sharks usually keep their distance, but will get friendly if you approach them and offer tidbits. Most divers are unable to resist a swim with these majestic creatures of the ocean.

A myriad species of reef fish

Sausage-like cornetfish, trevallies, batfish, eagle and sting rays, many varieties of angelfish and groupers are common at this depth along with the sharks, and if you have sharp eyes, you can spot green turtles, octopuses, lobsters, and interesting multicolored slug-like creatures that include flatworms and spaghetti worms.

White tip reef sharks, also safe to dare close proximity, increase in number. Manta rays migrate here and there, and almost all divers who visit the Maldives have this as the first item on their to-do list.

Maldives is not a place for only professional divers; diving courses are easily available, and after enrolling, one can begin rewarding explorations of the undersea world in just a few days. Even though diving may seem very tedious at first, this is easily forgotten once the wonders of the coral reef are laid bare before your eyes.

The part of Maldives that is underwater is truly the best part of a holiday in the archipelago, and once you emerge from the water, you will be struck anew by the contrast in the placid land, and the explosive nature of the coral reef. Read more about the Maldives fauna.