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Banana Reef
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Landmark
Banana Reef is a renowned dive site in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers, it features a dramatic underwater topography with steep walls, overhangs, and abundant coral growth. The reef is dominated by table and brain corals, providing habitat for diverse fish species including parrotfish, snappers, and moray eels. Known for its currents, the site has frequent sightings of grey reef sharks and stingrays. Its accessibility and clear waters make it suitable for divers of all levels. Water temperature averages 28°C, with visibility up to 30 meters. The reef's formation dates back to volcanic activity millions of years ago, which laid the foundation for coral development.
- Location: Maldives
- Top sights: Sharks and rays viewpoint · Anggerik Spa
- Nearby: Gulhi (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 50 | 33 | 47 | 95 | 190 | 156 | 168 | 192 | 183 | 182 | 228 | 180 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Banana Reef is an underwater dive site accessible only by boat. It is best explored with scuba gear or snorkel, and a guided tour with a certified instructor is typically recommended for safety.
Typical hours
Dive trips to Banana Reef typically depart late morning and last into the afternoon. The best visibility is in the early hours, but no fixed opening hours apply as the reef is continuously accessible from the water.
Photography
Underwater photography is allowed, but be mindful not to damage the delicate coral. A good underwater camera with a red filter or flash is recommended, as colors fade at depth and natural light may be limited.
Time needed
A typical dive trip to Banana Reef takes about half a day including boat travel. Allow roughly three to four hours for the dive itself, transit, and preparation time.
Combine with
Banana Reef can easily be combined with other North Malé Atoll dive sites like Manta Point or Shark Tank. A visit to a nearby island for lunch afterwards is also a common itinerary.
Getting there
Access is solely by boat from Malé or nearby resort islands. Most local dive centers offer organized tours, with boat transfer typically included in the price.
Insider tip
Book the dive early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best visibility. Always check current conditions beforehand - the reef can have strong currents that are challenging for beginners.
Geography
Facts
- Banana Reef spans approximately 1.5 kilometers in length.
- The average water temperature is 28°C.
- Underwater visibility can reach up to 30 meters.
- The reef hosts over 100 different coral species.
- Maximum dive depth is around 30 meters.
- The reef is located in North Malé Atoll, about 8 kilometers from Malé.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Banana Reef (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Banana Reef?
The shape of the reef formation resembles a banana.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, there are areas with varying depths.
What can you see there?
Colorful corals, groupers, and many reef fish.
How is the current?
Can be strong at times, so caution is needed.
When should you dive?
Year-round, but visibility is best in the morning.
Banana Reef: where is it located?
Banana Reef is located in Maldives.
Banana Reef: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sharks and rays viewpoint, Anggerik Spa.
Banana Reef: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Banana Reef: why is it worth visiting?
Banana Reef is a renowned dive site in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives.
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History & landmarks
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu)
A famous dive site near Paradise Island Resort where giant manta rays gather to be cleaned by small fishes.
Velana International Airport
The main international gateway to the Maldives, a remarkable airport occupying an entire island named Hulhulé.
HP Reef
A spectacular marine park in the North Malé Atoll, famous for its soft, vividly colored corals and extremely strong currents.
Sinamalé Bridge
An iconic bridge connecting the capital Malé to the airport island of Hulhulé, considered an engineering marvel.
Artificial Beach (Malé)
A popular man-made beach on the east coast of Malé, offering recreation in the densely populated capital area.
Malé Friday Mosque
The oldest mosque in the Maldives, built from coral stone with intricate carvings.
Muleeaage
The official residence of the President of the Maldives, known for its colonial architecture in the center of Malé.
Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine
The tomb of the Moroccan scholar who introduced Islam to the Maldives in the year 1153.