For divers, all archipelagos are not created equal. Follow our lead to nine of the most awe-inspiring of the bunch.

Study the Maldives’ most exciting residents— manta rays and whale sharks

“Eat, sleep, dive,” that’s the Aggressor Fleet and Dancer Fleet motto. Whether you’re a creature of routine or checking off your bucket list, live-aboard diving offers definite perks (beyond the bragging rights, of course)

An amazing photo gallery of whale sharks — the biggest fish in the sea — from around the world.

Lovely ships, spectacular dives, and friendly crews await you on Siren Fleet Luxury Liveaboards

From the Andaman Sea to the Coral Sea, this region offers unspoiled reefs, big animals, thrilling drifts, World War II wrecks and unparalleled macro life.

Stunning video from Nat Geo: When tide and current turn a tiny bay into a bowl of plankton, manta rays in the Maldives gather for a roiling, whirling feast.

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