Month: July 2011

Surrounded by calm and crystal clear sea waters, the islands of the Maldives make for an ideal destination for those looking to spend their holiday snorkeling. A relatively cheap way of experiencing the spectacular marine ecosystem that lies along the ocean floor, snorkeling is a safe and fun outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Since the Maldives is home to a diverse reef system, snorkeling is the ideal way in which to take in its colorful corals and the varied marine life that have found a home here such as Angelfish, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Sweetlips and the Wahoo.

While learning to snorkel is relatively easy and hassle free, there are a few basic tips one can follow which will help to make a snorkeling excursion a memorable one.

First one needs to get the right equipment which basically consists of a mask, fins and a snorkel. If you do not have your own, they can either be bought or rented out. It is important that the mask should fit snugly on your face, even without the need of tightening the head strap. One should also check the fins and ensure that they afford both comfort and flexibility for your feet. Since faulty or ill fitting equipment can ruin your snorkeling adventure, always double check your equipment before setting out.

Another tip for those wanting to go snorkeling in the Maldives is to plan ahead and come prepared. This includes finding out information and the locations of the best areas for snorkeling as well as knowing what the weather and tidal current patterns are for the area at the time you plan to visit.

Last but not least, generously apply a sunscreen brand that is also waterproof and always try to snorkel with family and friends or even with an instructor because you never know when you might need a helping hand or two!

Set alongside the water, Maldives Water Bungalows provide guests with a laidback home away from home in which to explore the stunning coastal beauty that surrounds the Maldives. Maldives Boutique Resorts are ideal for a romantic holiday getaway and the Anantara Veli, Maldives is just one such example that offers guests a truly unique and magical holiday.

There is no better venue than the magical Maldive Islands to engage in the thrilling pursuits of water sports. With the essential ingredients of surf, sun and sand in plentiful proportions, the Maldives has in recent years made a name for itself as a premier destination for water sports. Whatever your energy level or preference, the Maldives assures a delightful experience with aqua sports.

Swimming and snorkelling may be the simplest of water sports, but they are no less enjoyable amidst the Maldives’ sapphire seas. Snorkelers will be able to obtain a glimpse of the vibrantly coloured coral formations to be found in the tropical seas, and the multitude of denizens of the deep to be found amongst them.

If you wish to venture further into the depths of the shimmering waters, a scuba diving session is the answer; the Maldives is renowned as one of the world’s exceptional diving sites. There are many diving schools in the Maldives which offer training and equipment for this always memorable activity.

Sailing is a well-established sport that has never lost popularity, with many water sport fans taking to the evergreen sport.

The rolling ocean waves beyond the coral lagoons offer a wonderful environment for surfers, and windsurfing is equally popular in the sea breezes of the Maldives. For the thrill seekers a multitude of water sports await. Speedboating offers thrills in a relatively secure manner, and there are many models on offer to suit the taste of the enthusiast. Jetskiing is a popular option, and powerful machines are available for the expert. If water-skiing is more to your taste, there are many sites in the Maldives which cater to this exciting pursuit.

There are many more somewhat unusual sporting activities for those who enjoy these adrenaline-inducing pastimes. Parasailing has become common in recent years, with a growing number of enthusiasts who will find themselves well-catered to in the Maldives. Catamaran rides are also growing in popularity as numerous aficionados have grown to relish this unusual sport. Other options on offer for the enthusiast include kite surfing, mono skiing, knee boarding and banana riding.

If you desire a more leisurely experience, you may opt for an excursion in a glass-bottomed boat, which will enable you to experience underwater life while remaining dry, or venture farther into the seas for a dolphin cruise. The avid big game fishing aficionado will be delighted with the spoils on offer in the Maldives.

For the traveller desiring to stay at villa in Maldives an ideal choice would be Anantara, Kivavah. One of the excellent Maldives resorts this fine accommodation offers modern comforts in a lovely setting.

Surrounded by stunning marine biodiversity, the Maldives has much to offer in way of underwater adventure. With the intention of giving visitors of all ages a chance to experience this remarkable beauty, the country’s latest attraction gives one a chance to go diving by way of an actual submarine!

Built in Germany, this spacious vessel has a 50 person capacity and lays claim to being the largest passenger sub involved in deep sea diving. The air conditioned aquatic vehicle can achieve dive depths of up to 150 meters and has a perfect safety record.

This unique attraction gives passengers a chance to not only experience what it is like on board a submarine, but to also take in the breathtaking sights of the coral reef system and the colourful creatures that call it home.

A typical ride on the submarine involves descending below the ocean surface to an underwater reef. On the way down one can view a range of marine life and Lionfish, yellow and blue stripped Snappers and turtles are among the underwater inhabitants common in the area. One of the stops sometimes involves setting down near a submerged cave where one can see various other fish and depending on the day even rare sightings of Napoleons, White Tip Reef Sharks or the fearless Giant Grouper who is not known to be camera shy!

Dive destinations sometimes vary according to such factors as current and passengers may on occasion be taken near shipwrecks or even a shark feeding area. The dives start at nine in the morning and continue till eight at night, spaced out in ninety minute intervals. Night time dives bring a whole new perspective including a chance to see such creatures as manta rays.

This forty five minute undersea exploration is a chance to experience a world of vibrant colour and grotesque beauty which one would not normally get a chance to see and makes for a truly memorable holiday.

Maldives resorts offer travellers a chance to enjoy life amidst the peace and quiet of a private retreat. Those looking for an exclusive coastal getaway can stay at five star hotels Maldives such as the Nalandhu, Maldives which combines modern luxury with the privacy of a secluded resort.

Sharks tend to conjure up images of horrifying and agonising deaths in the water. This is partly due to Peter Benchley’s book “Jaws” and the subsequent Steven Spielberg film of the same name that have somewhat vilified sharks as being blood thirsty predators who roam the seas in search of helpless human victims. While it makes for good suspense, the actual fact is that sharks are not the “villains” they are made out to be and many shark species are in fact endangered.

Realizing the importance of sharks both as an integral part of the marine ecosystem and as an attraction for tourism, the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives has initiated the Maldives SHARK WATCH Program. Designed to create awareness, this initiative also looks to collect data on the shark population in the Maldives by way of “sighting cards” that are gathered from such sources as local dive centres and tourist resorts that operate diving excursions.

Also blessed with a rich and diverse coral reef ecosystem, the Maldives is home to around 37 different species of shark including the “Patrollers” who are known for their relative friendliness. However, in the past, the shark population in the Maldives has come under threat due to over fishing which has caused numbers to decline. This in turn has had an adverse affect on tourism since the sharks themselves have become quite a draw especially for those looking to explore the surrounding waters.

In order to combat the declining shark population, the Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has implemented a ban on the fishing of reef sharks in and around all the Maldivian islands. It is hoped that the ban will slowly but surely lead to an increase in shark numbers while the Maldives SHARK WATCH Program plays an integral part in monitoring these developments.

Maldives Resorts are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, while travellers looking for luxury accommodation when on holiday can stay in Five Star Hotels Maldives which offer that extra bit of pampering. The Nalandhu, Maldives combines both these elements and offers guests an idyllic coastal getaway amidst the sun, sand and surf.

When thinking of a vacation in Abu Dhabi, tourists should not miss an opportunity to explore the desert landscape that surrounds this emirate. A popular tourist activity is to take a desert walk or join a tour group that would guide one through this fascinating landscape.

To begin one’s desert walk why not start at the largest Arabian oases located at the Empty Quarter – the Liwa Desert. The desert is famous for the Bani Yas tribe who has a long line of descendents who have made their homes among these surroundings.

The tribe is considered as the descendents of the Bedouin forefathers of the present generation of rulers of Abu Dhabi. With palm fringed roads and freshwater pools to enjoy, the Liwa Desert offers excursions, which are close by to the city.

The Liwa Desert is a popular tourist destination mainly due to its location, towards the south of Abu Dhabi the dessert forms a border with Saudi Arabia. Locals describe the desert much like a sentinel guarding the entrance from the Southward end of the emirate. Almost as if it were made to guard the Empty Quarter’s edge. This is also, where the largest sand desert in the world is to be found, it is known as the Rub Al Khali.

If you are on your way to the desert to indulge in a desert walk, it is hard not to notice the small quaint little towns and villages that have sprung up. Tourists will also notice that there are even a few farms that have emerged against the backdrop of the sand dunes.

On arriving at the desert or while travelling there, a unique aspect of this mysterious landscape is the changing colours of the desert sand. This will become more apparent when one sets foot on the sand. The most beautiful is towards the end of the evening when the sands begin changing from golden to red against a backdrop of a setting sun.

To be able to truly appreciate the culture of the desert, tourists should consider spending a few days at an Abu Dhabi resort . One such as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, situated in the Liwa Desert will definitely be an experience that will not be forgotten. Decked out in very traditional and local motifs the atmosphere created here, will take tourists back to the days of camping out in the desert, and unlike other Abu Dhabi resort hotels, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

In recent years Abu Dhabi has consolidated its position as a premier tourist destination. With its tropical year-round sunshine, scenic sand dunes, pristine beaches and traditional Arabian hospitality Abu Dhabi is a memorable holiday destination. Appealing to both leisure and corporate travellers with modern convention centres, spas, theatres and golf courses amongst other facilities the desert emirate never disappoints its guests.

A desert safari in the environs of Abu Dhabi is a delightful way to experience the magical aura of the Middle Eastern desert. Always a thrilling adventure, safaris take the visitor deep into the desert providing a genuine insight into the challenging conditions of the desert as well as its beauty and mystical allure.

Four wheel drive vehicles take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride over the picturesque high sand dunes which promise to be an invigorating experience for even the most jaded of travellers. The peaks of the lofty sand dunes provide a panoramic view over the desert landscape which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Especially memorable is the vista of the desert sunset, a once in a lifetime experience.

‘Wadi bashing’ is a popular activity for the thrill seeker. A ‘wadi’ is the term used for a dry rocky riverbed found in the desert carved out by flood waters over millennia; innumerable wadis are to be found in the deserts surrounding Abu Dhabi. A four wheel drive vehicle is used to drive through these riverbeds, a bone–shaking and tough adventure, but always memorable. Before engaging in wadi-bashing it is important to receive comprehensive instructions from an expert, so as to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Traditional falconry displays may also be observed in the desert environment, with expert falconers demonstrating this age-old craft. Visitors may also enjoy camel rides and receive henna decorations on their hands or feet.

Some safari excursions will take you to a Bedouin campsite where you will be entertained by a talented belly-dancer moving sinuously to local music for a truly distinctive Arabian experience. A sumptuous barbeque dinner will be served at the end of the evening.

For the traveller selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resorts, there is no better choice than the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This fine luxury resort Abu Dhabi offers promises lavishly appointed rooms and courteous service assuring a memorable stay.