Dive Maldives is a detailed guide to diving and travelling the Maldives Archipelago. It is packed with information on over 350 dive sites based on the author’s personal research over 20 years. It includes 135 topographical maps of atolls, protected marine areas and major dive sites that graphically illustrate the features and marine life of the reef, through the use of symbols and text. The book gives a comprehensive overview of island history, Indian Ocean maritime history and famous shipwrecks of the Maldives.The dive site maps are useful references for divers and show the topography and scale of the reef. Through the use of symbols for features such as caves, overhangs, saddles and canyons, as well as commonly seen fish and marine life, divers get a pre-dive glimpse of what they can expect to see during the dive.

Scattered throughout the book are 191 photographs with informative captions. All fish mentioned are listed in a separate index at the back and are grouped by class and family, with both their common and scientific name reported for easy identification. For those divers who have never been to this remote nation of 1190 islands, there is a useful section with practical information for travellers and divers, and an up-to-date index of resorts and liveaboard vessels.

Besides the diving related material, Dive Maldives covers other important aspects of the Maldives Archipelago, including island history, Indian Ocean maritime history and shipwrecks, coral reef ecosystem and environmental problems. Although non-divers would find it extremely pleasant and interesting to read, this is indeed a book dedicated to divers, particularly those seeking a deeper knowledge and understanding of this top-class dive destination.

Read the author's comments on Dive Maldives