Life around the thilas and faros inside the atolls is stable, with predators arriving unannounced. These provide consistent and reliable diving.

The whales, dolphins, sharks, mantas, whale sharks and tunas come and go with the seasons and the conditions. So you have to plan – and get lucky.

Essentially, when the currents are going into the atolls the water is fast and clear in the channels – ideal for sharks, eagle rays and tunas. When currents are coming out of the atolls they bring with them plankton feeding on the nutrient-rich water. Though visibility drops this is the place to see plankton-eating manta rays and whale sharks.

The prevailing currents of the southwest monsoon (roughly May to November) are from the west. The prevailing currents of the northeast monsoon (roughly December to April) are from the east. For spotting specific creatures, find a resort near eastern or western channels in the appropriate monsoon months.

Having said that, the great thing about the Maldives diving is that, with a reasonably fast boat, you can get across the atoll or reach a neighbouring atoll within an hour and a half in most circumstances.

It should be said that sea conditions in the southwest monsoon can be on the rough side, so decidedly uncomfortable, and sometimes just not worth the journey.