Banana Reef In Maldives: Best Diver’s Paradise To Explore!

 In Holidays, Places To Visit, Travel

Banana Reef is nestled in the North Male Atoll and is renowned as one of the best diving spots in Maldives. This place has very rich biodiversity and the coral atoll which are not only meant for visual retreat but also one of the best places to add to your Maldives Trip.

The name Banana Reef in Maldives came from its distinct shape that resembles a banana which is 300 metres depth and mainly offers an underwater landscape that includes steep cliffs, overhangs, intriguing marine caves and also clear waters to observe all these.

This ideal spot creates a friendly environment to dive from novice to expert divers to sight vibrant marine species like barracudas, moray eels, bannerfish and various other colourful small fishes. Let’s explore more insights on Banana Reef, the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, how to reach Banana Reef and also the best time to visit. 

How To Reach Banana Reef Maldives

Banana Reef in Maldives is sweetly rested in the North Male Atoll, just a distance of 9 kilometres from the capital city Male. To reach Banana Reef you can use a speed boat transfer which is readily available at the airport junction. There is also a provision for spot booking if you already have a booking with the best resorts in the Maldives and can take hardly a 20-minute ride to reach Banana Reef.  Local shared boat transfers will hardly charge you around $30-$50 and the speed boat transfers come for $100-$150 one way.

Best Time To Visit Banana Reef Maldives

The best time to visit Banana Reef Maldives is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. In this period the weather is typically warm and temperatures range around 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) making it an ideal setting for underwater marine activities. 

If you want to stay on budget and also see the best marine life you need to opt for Banana Reef to visit in the months between December to March. During these months, as the northeast monsoon hits with the drier conditions, you can encounter the best chances of marine sightings. Never plan between June to October, as there are sudden rains that make the sea rougher and harder for marine activities.

Best Hotels Near Banana Reef Maldives For Families

Here are the best hotels near Banana Reef Maldives for families:

1 .  Bandos, Maldives

bandos-maldives

Bandos Maldives is nestled in the famous Bandos Island of Maldives. This place has luxury interiors with spacious rooms. There is also a private swimming pool, restaurant options and a customised marine fun activity schedule. You can also book a guided tour executive from this hotel to explore all entertainment options in Banana Reef. 

2 . Sheraton Maldives

sheraton-maldives

Sheraton Maldives is located at Furanafushi Island. This hotel offers best-in-class luxury accommodations ranging from $400-$650 per night, spa services, and top-class dining facilities. There is a dedicated kids’ play zone and a water sports activity hub for the adults. You can enjoy your cuisine in the rooftop environment and wind the day with the water activities.

3 . Kurumba Maldives

kurumba-maldives

This place is located on VIhamanafushi Island and is considered to be one of the finest family-friendly resorts in the Maldives. With a price range of $350-$500 per night, this place has spacious rooms and kids’ clubs, it is also an ideal place to enjoy the place with the whole family with indoor games and island strolling. Kurumba Maldives is hardly at a distance of a 10-minute speed boat ride from the Banana Reef Maldives.

4 . Paradise Island Resort

paradise-island-resort

This place lies on the Lankanfinolhu Islands and has spacious rooms for common leisure. There are numerous recreational activities to enjoy here like a private swimming pool, tennis court, kids club and much more. Its location is the near vicinity of the Banana reed and can be accessed within minutes of your stay.

5 . Coco Bodu Hithi

coco-bodu-hithi

Coco Bodu Hithi is a luxurious family villa to opt for near Banana Reef. They also offer a diverse range of culinary options to try and the best part about opting for this place is their infinity pool and the spa services. There are various water activities to enjoy here and to reach Banana Reef it hardly takes a ride of 15 minutes.

Top Hotels Near Banana Reef Maldives For Couples

como-cocoa-island

1 . Como Cocoa Island

This place rests on Makunufushi Island and offers the best overwater villas for couples to have their intimate trip. With a serene environment with lots of exquisite dining options, this is one of the best resorts to stay in the Maldives.

2 . Huvan Beach Hotel

With hardly a distance of 1 km from the Banana Reed diving spot, Huvan Beach Hotel can be one of the viable choices to pick and stay in the Maldives for couples. 

3 . Point Inn

Point Inn lies in Hirundhu Magu, Hulhumale and serves its visitors with comfortable and luxurious stays. You can check in at this hotel and reach Banana Reef within 10 minutes of the ride.

Things To Do In Banana Reef Maldives

Here are the top things to do in Banana Reef Maldives:

1 . Scuba Diving At Banana Reef

scuba-diving-at-banana-reef

You can explore the vibrant coral reef formations and enjoy the views of the diverse marine life by Scuba Diving at Banana Reef.

2 . Snorkelling Activity

If you are afraid of deep ocean dives you can opt for snorkelling to enjoy the abundant fishes and the corals.

3 . Dolphin Watching

dolphin-watching

Enjoy the guided boat ride from the Banana Reef to witness the stunning dolphin play.

4 . Sunset Cruises

Sunset Cruising is one of the best things to do in the Maldives to enjoy romantic trips with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Tips For Diving At Banana Reef Maldives

When coming to the tips for diving at Banana Reef Maldives you need to opt for the guided tour for the special spotting. Always make sure you follow the instructions clearly.  Respect the marine environment, don’t unnecessarily disturb the reef’s fragile ecosystem and maintain order at all times during your dive.

Restaurants Near Banana Reef Maldives

Check this list of the best restaurants near Banana Reef Maldives to try:

 

  1. The Lighthouse: This restaurant comes with the proper blend of seafood and international cuisine amidst the ocean viewpoint. 

 

  1. Seahouse Maldives: This is a popular spot for fresh seafood and local dishes with perfect beachfront seating.

 

  1. Salt Restaurant: This is one of the best restaurants in Maldives with a blend of Mediterranean and Asian flavours. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Banana Reef In Maldives

What is the banana reef known for?

Banana Reef is one of the best diving spots in the Maldives highly revered for its best spotting of Marine life.

What is the famous barrier reef?

Great Barrier Reef is in Australia, similar to that, Maldives also have the Banana Reef where you can feel the presence of rich marine life

What is the cost of going to Banana Reef in Maldives?

You can reach Banana Reef in the shared boat for just $50 and a private speed boat can take 10 minutes from the Male and charge over $150-$200.

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