Scuba diving in Christmas Tree Rock
Christmas Tree Rock is a dive site at Noonu Atollin the Maldives that has a large pinnacle in a shape of a Christmas tree. It is composed of plateaus, ledges, an arrow-shaped rock, swim-throughs and magnificent coral reefs. The current here is moderate, while the southwest monsoon can bring some choppy conditions.
When to go
The best time for diving at Christmas Tree Rock is from December to May, but other times are possible as well. The only exception is June, when it is too rough to explore the sea here. The temperature of the air averages 30-32C/86-90F, while the water temperature is usually around 26-29C/79-84F.
What to see
This dive site shelters a variety of species living between various types of soft and hard corals, colorful sponges, gorgonians and purple fans. It is easy to spot whitetip reef sharks, stingrays, midnight parrotfish, grouper, and wrasses. Other fish include blennies, yellow-lined snapper, basslets, trumpetfish, and dottybacks.