The Maldives, a string of 1,192 coral islands stretching 900 km (560 miles) from south to north, is a top snorkeling and scuba diving destination. Notwithstanding the damage to the reef caused by the December 2004 tsunami and coral bleaching in 1998, the diversity of the marine life is beyond compare. Over a 1,000 species of fish including manta and eagle rays, frog and triggerfish and various types of shark, hammerhead, gray reef and white tip reef sharks, and nearly as many type of coral are found here. Warm water and exceptional visibility round out the experience and ensure the Maldives is nothing short of a great place for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the underwater world.

Formed by volcanic eruptions each of the islands found in the country's 26 atolls - ring-like coral formations enclosing a lagoon - has its own unique charm. Deserted white sand beaches. Peaceful lagoons. Stunning house reefs and deep marine channels teeming with colorful fish. And each resort has a unique appeal: dive resorts, all-inclusive family resorts, and barefoot luxury resorts.