With nearly 1,200 picturepostcard islands home to countless dive sites beneath its turquoise waters, the Maldives has long been one of diving’s “bucket list” destinations. Ever since the first resort — Kurumba Village Tourist Resort in North Malé — opened its doors in 1972, stories of the most remarkable high-energy encounters have continued to lure divers: Aggregations of feeding whale sharks and manta rays, schools of gray reef sharks, soft-coral-covered thilas and coral-encrusted reefs ensure that your logbook will be stuffed with truly memorable underwater memories. Check out our live-aboard feature in the September / October 2010 Issue