The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean and stretch 900 kilometres from north to south. They are made up of over 1200 tiny, low-lying coral islands surrounded by white sand in 26 atolls. The islands are some distance from land, which means there is an abundance of marine life. Night dives are a must as the reefs become highly active, with predators on the prowl. The Maldives are particularly renowned for the large pelagics that visit the area, particularly sharks and rays. Reefs form channels and lagoons, but don’t expect many wreck dives as these are minimal and not very spectacular.
The Maldives has a wet season is between May and August, which reduces visibility and may restrict the number of accessible dive sites. The hottest air temperatures are from April to June. December to March has the lowest humidity and the clearest water, so may be a good time of year to visit. However, a plankton bloom in early May causes lower visibility, but attracts whale sharks and manta rays. 
Banana Reef was the first dive site to ever be discovered in the Maldives and is still among the best. The best diving at this site is on the banana-shaped area in the northeastern where there are caves, gutters and overhangs filled with fish life and soft coral. Spend as much time as possible near the coral heads; if you begin the dive with your left shoulder to the reef, this is an excellent way to observe the area.
At Banana Reef, you are likely to see many fish, including Oriental Sweetlips, Giant Squirrelfish, Bannerfish and many other species that congregate in this spot.
Information found at: http://www.maldivesdivetravel.com/maldives-blog/banana-reef-dive-site.html
Iformation also found at: http://www.divesitedirectory.com/maldives.html
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