Banana Reef,Maldives

• Dramatic coral overhangs and canyons
• Vertical walls and bommies (isolated coral heads)
• Swim-throughs and small caves
• Abundant reef fish — fusiliers, snappers, groupers and jacks
• Regular sightings of reef sharks, turtles and rays
• Snorkeling-friendly shallow sections

• Distinct banana-shaped reef formation visible on charts
• Healthy hard and soft coral gardens
• Cleaning stations where fish gather
• Good visibility and varied topography suitable for photographers

• Guided scuba dives (suitable for many experience levels)
• Snorkeling trips from nearby resorts and Malé
• Underwater photography and macro spotting
• Drift dives along the reef edges
• Night dives (with operator arrangements)

Best time: November to April (dry season) for the clearest water and calmest conditions; diving is possible year-round, with May–October bringing more plankton and occasional stronger currents that can attract larger pelagics.

Tropical marine climate: average air temperatures 26–31°C (79–88°F). Two monsoons — northeast (dry, Nov–Apr) and southwest (wet, May–Oct). Sea temperatures remain warm year-round (around 27–30°C).

Banana Reef itself has no separate public entry fee; access is via licensed dive operators or resort excursions that charge per dive or trip. Operators set dive schedules (typically morning and afternoon dives). Some national parks or protected areas in the Maldives charge fees elsewhere, so confirm with your operator if any site-specific fees apply.

Located in North Malé Atoll, roughly a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport (Malé). Reachable by day-trip boat from Malé or nearby resorts, or included on liveaboard itineraries. No land access; all visits require boat transfer.

Half-day for a single dive/snorkel visit; allow 1–2 dives to fully experience the site. If diving from a resort or liveaboard, plan it as part of a multi-day diving schedule.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a lightweight cover-up or rashguard, swimwear, towel, hat, and polarized sunglasses. Divers should carry their certification card, logbook, and appropriate dive gear; consider a dive light for swim-throughs and a surface marker buoy for drift awareness.

Enjoy Maldivian dishes at nearby resorts or Malé — try mas huni, fish curry and fresh seafood. Typical souvenirs include lacquered wooden boxes, woven mats (thundu kunaa), local shell or mother-of-pearl jewelry, and coconut-based products.