A Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Maldives

A truly unforgettable encounter, swimming with manta rays can be enjoyed in the Maldives though you must follow some vital steps as given below.

Choosing an Excursion

For such encounters, stay at a resort that offers manta ray excursions in an ethical and sustainable manner. This includes properties like Velassaru Maldives that have a resident marine biologist who will provide you with a deeper understanding of these ocean denizens and will accompany you on your adventures.

Entering the Water

From such a luxury hotel, Maldives manta ray encounters await, though before you begin, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember to enter the water calmly and quietly, about 33 feet (10 metres) away from the mantas; when swimming, ensure your fins are below the water to avoid splashing and scaring them off.

Approaching Mantas

Don’t get closer than 10 feet (3 metres) to the mantas; remain still and let them come towards you. Remember to give them a clear path to swim and only make your approach from the side. It is also important to NOT touch these creatures and refrain from chasing after them once they swim past you.

For Scuba Divers

scuba divers
scuba divers |Image via unsplash

While the above tips are for general manta encounters including snorkelling, there are additional guidelines for scuba divers. On your dive, remain near the seabed but ensure not to damage the reef; also, whenever a manta ray swims towards you, don’t block its way and instead, stay where you are and keep low.

Adventurous Things to Do in Auckland during spring – Blissful times!

Everything about the spring is beautiful. If you have already planned to spend your upcoming spring in Auckland, here are some of the adventures you must try out!

Image via piqsels

Head to the Botanic Gardens

This is a free thing to do, which will please everyone! Auckland Botanic Gardens spans across an area of 64 hectares, and you can also enjoy a native forest here.

Cycle rides

Auckland is just so perfect for joyous rides on cycles. Cycleway networks are growing all the time here and they link the city and the sub-regions so well.

Luxury stays

Where have you planned to spend your holiday season? If it’s at one of the Auckland harbour hotels the likes of Auckland Harbour Suites, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy all luxuries amidst the best of hospitality services.

Auckland markets

Auckland has many markets. So, explore these markets one by one and grab the freshest veggies and fruits, the most artistic crafts, and also snacks.

Ambury Farm Park

This is a chance for you to see cute animals. Cows, pigs, lambs, and sheep are all there with their cute gestures to welcome you with love.

Explore the Amazing City of Moranbah, Queensland – A relaxing adventure in a young coal-mining town!

Located in the heart of Queensland, the young city of Moranbah began as a settlement for coal miners. Today, its quaint, rustic charm attracts both tourists and locals alike.

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Big Red Rhino Bucket

Visitors to Moranbah are welcomed to the city by a life-size red Rhino bucket, regarded by locals as a symbol of the city’s coal mines. If you are staying in properties in the heart of Moranbah, service apartments the likes of Oaks Moranbah Suites conveniently provide access to Federation Walk, a 1km walk culminating in the Big Red Rhino Bucket.

Town Square Park

The Town Square Park is home to intriguing works of art in Moranbah. Visitors, both young and old, can spend their time leisurely at the fascinating musical playground featuring a musical table, chair and, railway tracks. A must-see attraction is the Bridled Nail-Tail Wallaby Statue, a sandstone sculpture created by Adriaan Vanderlugt.

Coalface Gallery

Arts and crafts enthusiasts can visit the Coalface Gallery in Town Square to get acquainted with the local talent.

Wolfang Peak

Moranbah’s central location allows visitors to explore other attractions in the region, including Wolfang Peak. Situated within the Peak Range National Park, Wolfang Peak is one of many volcanic plugs in the Range, standing at 572 meters. The climb to the summit takes approximately an hour.

How to Spend a Wonderful Weekend in Port Stephens – Explorations to remember

If you have already made plans to spend your weekend in Port Stephens, Congratulations as you’ve made a wise choice. It’s going to be a scenic weekend.

Swim with the Dolphins

Who won’t fall in love with dolphins? So, why not take the chance and start your fun-filled weekend with a good swimming session with the dolphins. You’ll have to wake up a little early, but the experience is worth it.

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Stockton Sand Dunes

These amazing landscapes are located with the Worimi National Park, and you can’t simply miss out on those! Hire 4WD for a greater experience.

Tomaree National Park

This is an epic experience. Take the 45-min walk to the summit and enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the harbour. Do not forget, you’ll find many koalas waiting to say hi to you on your way.

Enjoy seafood

Port Stephens is a heaven for those who love seafood. Try out the local oysters when you are here as they are at their freshest forms.

Do not worry about accommodation

Did you know that there are many great accommodation options here such as Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort? Check out the Port Stephens hotel deals online before you make your reservations.

Enjoy Toowoomba like a True Local Using this Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Area – Fall in love with Toowoomba

Toowoomba, which is also known as the Darling Down region’s Garden City is today, a popular tourist destination. It’s a city with many charms.

Japanese Gardens

Yes, Australia has many Japanese Gardens but, the Ju Raku En Japanese Garden you find here is one of the largest. It has a waterfall, a central lake, and a dry garden in addition to the greatest collection of native trees from both Australia and Japan.

Cobb + Co Museum

Do you wish to explore the history of the town? Head to the Cobb + Co Museum that houses 59 horse-drawn carriages and many other special galleries.

Kgbo, Cobb & Co Museum, Toowoomba, Queensland 02, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kloud 9ine

Feeling adventurous? Head to Kloud 9ine which is an indoor theme park designed for both kids and adults (who are still kids at heart). It has 5 different sections to delight everyone.

Toowoomba accommodation

Choose to spend your weekend at one of the serviced apartments in Toowoomba. There are great options such as Oaks Toowoomba Hotel with many special offers to suit your holiday requirements. Since weekends are going to be busy, make sure you do your reservation much in advance.

What to Do on Your Holiday to Oman – The Best Places to Visit & Experiences

Oman has much to offer intrepid travellers looking for diverse adventures; here are some of the best destinations to visit and the key things to do as well.

Salalah

In southern Oman is Salalah, a city known for its lush greenery during the Khareef (monsoon) season and idyllic beaches home to properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Here, you can enjoy water sports, dolphin watching, sunset cruises and visits to the Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense.

Image via Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Dhofar Deserts

The deserts of the Dhofar province provide captivating exploration in Oman. Attractions abound here and are best experienced on luxury mobile camping escapades. You will get the chance to travel to secluded spots in the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet with dunes sometimes reaching heights of 200 metres!

Green Mountain

Also known as Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the Green Mountain is a destination where travellers will feel as if they have stepped back in time. Hiking amidst the inspiring mountain landscapes is not to be missed and on your journeys of discovery, you will come across terraced orchards, intriguing wadis, secret waterfalls and ancient villages.

Muscat

Last but not least is the capital, Muscat, where you can soak up the local culture. Amongst its top attractions is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its stunning chandelier and handmade Persian carpet. Other sites of interest include the Mutrah Souq, a bustling historical market and the Mutrah Corniche with its waterfront promenade.

The Best Shipwrecks to Explore in the Maldives

While you may have heard of the many reefs to visit when diving in Maldives, there are captivating shipwrecks to explore as well, like those mentioned below.

Fesdu Wreck

Spanning a length of around 30 metres, the Fesdu Wreck is easily accessible from resorts in the Ari Atoll such as Kandolhu Maldives. This former fishing trawler now features various soft and hard corals and you can encounter fascinating marine life too be it longnose hawkfish, damselfish, clownfish, scorpionfish or octopuses.

Halaveli Wreck

Those based at resort villas in the Ari Atoll can also plan diving excursions to the Halaveli Wreck, a 38-metre cargo vessel. An ideal spot for evening or night diving, this wreck has some beautiful corals including on its mast, while moray eels, turtles, barracudas, surgeonfish, angelfish and stingrays may be spotted too.

The Shipyard

Located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, The Shipyard consists of two wrecks; while one lies on its side, the other is upright, adding to the allure of this dive site in Maldives. Soft and hard corals have formed on both wrecks, while divers have a chance to see grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, butterflyfish, Napoleon wrasse and moray eels.

The Victory Wreck

Also known as the Maldive Victory, this wreck near the airport in the North Male Atoll is well-known amongst the local diving community. A cargo ship, it lies at a depth of around 35 metres and is more suitable for experienced divers who can see colourful coral and may spot batfish, trevallies, lionfish, pufferfish and turtles.

How to Ski

Seasoned skiers might make this sport look quite easy – but it’s no walk in the park! However, for those who crave adventure, mastering this sport shouldn’t be a chore but an adventure itself. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to try out this sport during your holiday at a Whistler hotel.

Learn the ABC’s

A skier is guided by the figures displayed on trail markers. For instance, you’ll find that an easy trail is marked by a green circle and a trail that should only be attempted by expert skiers is marked with an exclamation mark inside a black diamond.

Familiarize Yourself with the Basics

Skiing in Whistler Mountains |Image by Scott Hughes via Flickr

A skiing lesson is the best option to get into the basics of this adventurous sport. Some of the properties in Canada such as Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside are known to offer skiing lessons that’ll help you master the basics.

Make The Bunny Slope Your Best Friend

A first-timer to this thrilling sport will certainly need support during the first few trips down a hill. A bunny hill is where you’ll find ski lifts; a rope tow or carpet lift will let you ease into the sport with its support mechanisms.

Correct Skiing Postures

If you lean too far behind, you’ll find out that it becomes quite difficult to take a turn; you’d even lose control. Make sure that you keep your knees bent and your hands in front to maintain the balance needed.

Adventure Sports in Sri Lanka

With its sun-kissed beaches, tropical lagoons and pristine hill country, Sri Lanka is a bubbling pot of exhilarating activities. Discover some of the adventure sports offered by this tropical paradise.

Water skiing

water skiing
water skiing | Image via Unsplash

Whether it be jet or water skiing, riding a banana boat or even windsurfing, Sri Lanka’s water activities are endless. Make the most out of your adventure by visiting travel websites like Truly Sri Lanka for information on the best destinations for water sports.

Ziplining

Ella is the epitome of adventure in Sri Lanka. Seek a different kind of sailing by heading to the Flying Ravana adventure park featuring activities such as quad biking, abseiling, and the ultimate highlight, ziplining. Sail through the air between two mountains, and amid the adrenaline rush, gaze at your picturesque surroundings.

Lagoon canoeing

A lesser-known water sport in Sri Lanka is lagoon canoeing. Paddle your troubles away at lagoons in Tangalle or Unawatuna and discover an array of fauna and flora.

Hiking

Experience first-hand the cool climes of Sri Lanka’s hillside by hiking through Horton Plains, Moon Plains or Knuckles Mountain range. As you do, be sure to take in the sights and spot a plethora of exotic flora and wildlife such as sambar deer, and if you are lucky, the stealthy leopard.

Surfing

Surfing
Surfing | Image via Unsplash

With its challenging swells, the beaches in Sri Lanka are any surfer’s paradise. Arugam Bay features daring surfing feats, while Hiriketiya Beach and Hikkaduwa offer manageable waves ideal for beginners.

Water Skiing in Bentota

Those who now come to Bentota to enjoy their beach vacations have the perfect chance to engage in an exciting water sport. That’s none other than ‘water skiing’!

What’s water skiing?

Jet skiing is something you already know about. Water skiing also is played on the surface of the water where the rider is pulled behind a boat.

The experience

It’s an exciting experience. Riders get to skim the surface using one or two skis. Two skis are generally used by beginners, but the experts can manage with just one ski.

Instructing and supervising

Once you understand how the game works, water skiing will not be a big deal at all. But, if this is your first time, you’ll need some support from the experts. Let them teach the basics to you and then develop your confidence.

Other water sports

surfing
surfing | Image via Unsplash

Bentota also offers perfect opportunities for jet skiing, surfing, and fun tubing. Those who want to swim all day can do it without any barriers too.

Holidaying in Bentota

Choose to spend your family holiday or that with your friends at one of the 5-star hotels in Bentota. There are many great options available for you including Cinnamon Bentota Beach.