Diving in Jeddah

There is a world of excitement waiting for all the divers out there in Jeddah. This article lists down a few of the most amazing dive sites in the seas here.

Image credit- Unsplash,
Sebastian Pena Lambarri,CC0

Sharm Obhur

You can enter this dive site right from the shores. The reef is easy to explore and perfect for beginners. You will see clown fish, turtles and eels. Maybe a Bullshark or 2 as well if you are lucky.

Abu Tair

If you are an experienced diver, you can try exploring the Staphonos shipwreck in Abu Tair. This was a cargo ship that carried cables, steel beams and chains, thus it is also called the Cable Wreck.

Abu Faramish

This spot is known for, yet another wreck called Ann Ann. The ship sits upright even to date with many of the rooms intact. You can also see the toilet in the ship which divers find quite interesting.

Jebel Al Lith

If you’ve already tried out all the activities, there are to do at your Jeddah accommodations the likes of Spectrums Residence Jeddah, its time you searched for some thrills. Jebel Al Lith offers a dive site which just happens to be the territory of the whale sharks!

Enjoy Flyboarding in Maldives – Soaring to New Heights

Looking for new water sports in Maldives to get your adrenaline pumping? Don’t miss the chance to try flyboarding that takes you above the waves on an experience you won’t forget!

Understanding the Basics

Ever wished you could take off the ground like Iron Man? Well, flyboarding is similar! Your feet will be strapped into special boots on a board connected to a watercraft by a long hose; through high-powered water pressure, jet nozzles lift the board / boots into the air which can reach heights of over 70 feet!

Where You Can Try It

The ideal water sport to try after relaxing at a Maldives water suite, flyboarding is on offer only at certain private resorts so check ahead. This includes properties such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort that have professional instructors and follow the needed safety procedures for a fun and safe experience.

Image via Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort 

More Than Just Flight

While this activity is relatively simple to learn, once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy more than just soaring in the air. Apart from speeding along the water, you can also (with the proper guidance) perform “tricks” which can include spinning around and even diving below the waves before being propelled back up.

Other Fun-filled Thrills

If you are craving more action-packed excitement on the water, then the right place to be is in the Maldives! Resorts feature a range of other thrilling water sports too; you can zip along on jet skis, satisfy your need for speed while kneeboarding, wakeboarding or water-skiing and try parasailing for stunning aerial vistas.

Dolphin Watching in Oman – For the marine life enthusiasts

Oman isn’t all about the dry sea of golden sand, but is also about the very very wet sea with turquoise waters that happen to be super clear as well! The weather warms the water, making it just the right temperature that dolphins love, so you’ll be seeing a lot of them around here.

Bandar Al Khayran

This location is just 20 km away from Muscat and isn’t your typical beach. In fact, its more of a river valley. You’ll find all sorts of rock formations and islands here and the best part is that is you swim far enough; you’ll be able to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

Dhofar Beaches

This beach is located towards the southern region of Oman and is famous for diving, snorkelling and other water sports. Dolphins are abundant here and you are sure not to miss out on a glance at them.

Vilphy Pulickan from Sohar, Oman, The unique beach (48779396443), CC BY 2.0

Bandar Khayran Reserve

If you are already lodged at a hotel in Muscat the likes of Al Falaj Hotel, all you have to do is take a 40-minute boat ride to this reserve. It is yet another spot that is ideal for diving and snorkelling and of course, you will spot the dolphins on their merry way when the sun is high above.

Things to know

Dolphin watching is one of the best things to do in Muscat, but make sure you visit on a bright sunny day as the creatures aren’t too fond of rain clouds. October and May would be the best time to visit for this activity.

Exciting Things to do in the Maldives

Have you ever daydreamed about what you’d do when you’re surrounded by exquisite stretches of white sand beaches and turquoise waters?! When you make reservations at one of the many Maldives resorts, you will experience the excitement and exhilaration that adventure seekers do.

Parasailing

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience in the Maldives, then Parasailing is a must-experience activity. You’ll feel exhilarated when you feel the ocean breeze on your face while drinking in the views of the azure waters of the Arabian Sea.

Fun Tubing

One of the most exciting things to do in these paradisiacal islands, fun tubing is an excellent activity if you love feeling that insane adrenaline rush through your veins. During your stay at the Maldives at properties such as Baros Maldives, you can try out this fun activity with your loved ones.

Scuba Diving

A different experience from the ones above the water surface, scuba diving provides an ethereal experience for those who brave the deep waters. Swimming alongside manta rays and whale sharks will enhance the sense of adventure.

Water Skiing

One of the most enjoyable water sports is water skiing although you must avoid the months from June through September as the rainy season brings harsh weather conditions. However, one should definitely experience this exciting sport where they get pulled around the ocean behind a boat.

Wakeboarding in Maldives

Planning a holiday to the Maldives and looking for some speed-filled thrills? With plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun on offer, wakeboarding is the water sport for you!

What is Wakeboarding?
This water sport is like a combination of several activities; the board is somewhat like what you will see in snowboarding, techniques used are similar to surfing and you are pulled at pace by a speedboat as in water-skiing. Besides staying at villas in Maldives resorts, you should try this experience too!

Where to Try It
Not all accommodation options provide this activity so do check ahead; properties on private islands such as Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences do offer it and you can soon be out in the water. April to October is a great time to try wakeboarding though it can also be enjoyed at other periods.

Lagoon and Sea
When looking to enjoy such water sports in Maldives, you can try it either out at sea or in more tranquil lagoon waters. Most operators will provide the needed training and guidance for novices, while seasoned pros can take part in this activity as soon as possible and show off their aerial tricks and manoeuvres too!

Tips to Remember
While you will get help with the techniques of wakeboarding, it’s always good to keep in mind a few basics;

• Figure out which foot you should lean on / place forward
• When standing up, put more than half your weight on the front foot
• When in the water before starting, keep the board on its side

 

 

A Doha Holiday with Kids

An ideal place for a family vacay, Doha has much to offer young travellers who will not have to suffer from boredom! Here are some of the many things that you and the kids can enjoy.

Resort Activities

The family-friendly resorts here not only offer spacious beachside villas or suites in Doha but captivating activities as well. Some resorts feature clubs for both kids and teens with plenty of games and things to do; depending on the property, there can be bowling, a cinema and a surf pool on offer too.

Image Credit: Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Water Sports

At such properties the likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, you will also find exciting water sports to try. Banana boating is a perennial favourite for children, while stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are ideal for some family exploration. Older kids can look forward to wakeboarding as well.

Places to Visit

The kids will have a blast at some of the best family attractions in Doha; these include Aqua Park Qatar, the Doha Festival City mall with its Angry Birds World and the Gondolania amusement park at the Villaggio Mall. You can also enjoy time at the Doha Corniche and have a picnic at Aspire Park.

Beach Escapes

Nothing beats a day out on the sand and beside the ocean which the kids are bound to love when at the beaches in Doha. The Katara Beach which also features water sports and a play area is amongst the most popular, while Al Wakrah Beach and the Simaisma Family Beach are worth heading to as well.