maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives

When compared to freediving, scuba diving is much more practical if your goal is to take in the underwater world at a slower pace. It is a highly-sought activity, especially among first-time divers or amateurs in the field.

Diving Lessons

For some of us, scuba diving can be an unnerving task. But with professional training, you will be able to swim like a pro alongside the colourful inhabitants of the sea. Check with the Maldivian resort you are staying at, such as Saii Lagoon Maldives and they are sure to recommend a place that provides diving lessons.

The Equipment

If you can see yourself becoming a regular diving enthusiast, having your own equipment would be a lot easy on your wallet. A regulator, a BCD, and a wet suit are what you need when diving. If you don’t want to carry these around, you can always rent the equipment. Just be sure to check some of the best and the exclusive Maldives offers before opting for a particular resort.

Diving Sites

Reefs, Kandus, Thilas, and Giris, are some of the fascinating diving sites around the Maldivian atolls. You could even explore a wreck and discover something from the past. All these sites will offer you mindblowing experiences of a world that transcends time.

The Experience

It isn’t that surprising that diving is one of the best attractions of Maldives. From being transfixed by vibrant reef fish to getting up close to a gorgeous manta ray, it offers an exhilarating feeling that would last for a lifetime.

Top Things to Do in Maldives

Island escapes, a world of wonder above and below the water, sublime relaxation; there’s never a dull moment in the Maldives with plenty to see, do and experience.

Water Sports

The ocean which surrounds the Maldives offers water sports enthusiasts lots to look forward to. Those staying at resorts the likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can enjoy snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides and SEABOB experiences to name but a few!

Enjoy Entertainment

Of course, when on holiday, enjoying some entertainment is as good a “thing to do” as any! In the Maldives, celebrations can be experienced at various resorts or inhabited islands. For something different, travellers can look to visit venues such as The Marina @ CROSSROADS which features band performances, special events and live music.

Indulge in Spa Rituals

Resort spas provide holistic healing that will certainly help you unwind and feel revitalised. From traditional Asian therapies with herbs and oils to innovative western treatments featuring sound vibrations, an enriching wellness journey awaits!

Embark on Ocean Voyages

There is much to discover on voyages out to sea be it on a luxury yacht, modern boat or traditional vessel known as a dhoni. Sunset cruises are popular for couples, while dolphin watching excursions and visits to inhabited as well as uninhabited islands provide many adventures too.

Friendly Advice for Parasailing Thrill Seekers

Parasailing has become a popular pastime on many coastal resorts around the world. Although this is definitely one of the safer extreme sports, there are still a few things you should know before you sign up.

Image Credit: Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Get to know the ropes

Most parasailing accidents are caused by the ropes breaking. This could be because of strain, overexposure to the elements, knots and numerous other factors. Even if your instructor has years of experience, always check the ropes yourself. If the ropes look frayed or dirty, insist on changing them.

Keep an eye on the weather

Parasailing during strong winds is a big no! Some countries have strict rules about parasailing, and even large resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, for example, a luxury resort in Maldives, have guidelines. However, others are based solely on the decision of the instructor. The rule to follow is if it’s too windy for an umbrella, then stay on the ground.

A seated position is safer than standing

There are two positions for parasailing: sitting in a gondola or hanging upright in a harness. The first is the safest choice, the latter might sound more fun, but the possibility of an accident is much greater.

Don’t stick too close to shore

The accepted rule for parasailing is the 3-to-1 distance from the beach. Basically, if the instructor gives you 500ft of rope then he should keep a minimum of 1500ft distance from the shore. If he boasts about going closer, pass on the ride.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Adventure of Snorkelling

From vibrant corals to a range of fish species including ethereal-like manta rays, the Maldives offers one of the best snorkelling destinations on the planet. Here’s your chance to enter this whole new “world”.

Best times for snorkelling

Snorkelling in Maldives can be pretty much enjoyed all year round while at your Maldives resort; however January to April is a particularly great time for this activity since the waters are clearer and the weather at its best. Do keep in mind that the weather from May to September can be less predictable.

In search of Nemo & Co.

Be it clownfish (Nemo!), bannerfish, powder blue tangs, fusiliers parrotfish, butterflyfish or hawksbill turtles, the ocean surrounding the Maldives offers much to see. Resorts the likes of Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort have reefs nearby providing the ideal chance to get up close to this marine life.

Underwater superstars

Of course, there are certain marine creatures that add to the excitement of a snorkelling adventure; graceful manta rays, unhurried whale sharks and stealthy blacktip reef sharks swimming in their natural habitats are sights that are certainly unforgettable.

Image of resort — Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Adding splashes of colour

Marine life aside, you can also look forward to seeing a stunningly vibrant array of corals on your snorkelling expeditions; staghorn, finger, brain and table corals are amongst the varieties that can be spotted here, each adding to the charm of this underwater spectacle.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Scuba Diving: An Adventure to Explore Ocean

Scuba diving is a diving technique that involves self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (thus the name ‘scuba’). This specialized diving gear provides the diver with the ability to spend more time underwater that surface divers which means that there is more time to explore the deep blue! And that’s the reason why divers simply love what they do!

How scuba diving came to be

In early times divers used the closed-circuit scuba that allowed the diver’s breath to be recycled and sent back to be inhaled, however, there was a risk of oxygen intoxication that came with increasing depth. It was all thanks to Henry Fleuss the diving engineer who perfected the rebreather equipment in 1878 that the discovery of many treasures under the sea has been made possible today.

Types of scuba equipment

There are 2 types of scuba apparatus that are available for divers to use. The open-circuit apparatus provides oxygen to the diver and allows the user to exhale the air into the water. This is an economical piece of equipment and easy to use. The rebreather apparatus is where the diver’s exhaled breath is recycled and sent back for inhalation. This equipment is quieter and resourceful.

Deep-sea animals to look out for

What makes a diver passionate about what they do is encountering various queer ocean creatures that only a diver would have the luxury of seeing! Species like whale sharks, manta rays and Caribbean reef sharks are some of the monstrous yet magnificent aquatic beings that you might get a glimpse of. Furthermore, the red spotted blenny, leafy sea dragon and pygmy seahorse are some of the tiny but fascinating creatures one could ever see.

Diving hotspots

If you’ve perhaps planned a holiday to the Maldives, five-star resorts such as the well-known Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort are ready to provide the gear you need as Maldives is a famous diving hotspot. All you have to do is take the plunge! Indonesia, Australia and Hawaii have some of the most fabulous diving spots in the world too!

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Adventurous Hanifaru Bay in Maldives

Hanifaru is an island in Maldives that is home turquoise blue waters and a bay with pristine white sand beaches. The reef teems with marine life and it is one of the few popular dive destinations where you get to see the magnificent Manta rays.

The Bay

Measuring not more than a football field, The Hanifaru Island is located in the Baa Atoll in the archipelago of Maldives. The island is home to a pristine white sand beach and a bay of turquoise blue waters that teems with marine life which makes it a popular dive and snorkelling destination.

The Manta Ray

MantaRay | Image Credit - Agsftw, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons — MantaRay | Image Credit – Agsftw, CC BY-SA 3.0 Via Wikimedia Commons

The Hanifaru Bay is a breeding ground for the enigmatic Manta rays; a magnificent creature that gracefully swims across the oceans. Manta rays are a type of rays which belong to Manta genus and are known for its gigantic size measuring over 7 meters in width and weighing over a whopping 1350 kilograms.

What can you do in the bay?

Being a popular dive site in Maldives one of the exciting things you could do here is feeding the rays and other feeble sea creatures in the bay. This is one of the most sought over activities that tourists love doing. If you are lucky you can even see mantas do barrel rolls which is a spectacle to watch and will certainly be an experience worth your while

Best time to visit the bay

The right time to visit the bay is between May to November as this is the time period when there will be a concentrated plankton population in the bay which invites in these beautiful creatures for a feeding frenzy.

Places to Stay and diving Excursions

As the island of Hanifaru and the area surrounding the island is a protected reserve there aren’t any accommodation options in the island but you can find many resorts in the islands located close proximity to the Hanifaru islands the likes of Dhigali Maldives, you can book a diving excursion form almost any resort in Maldives but it is recommended that you plan your stay at a hotel near Hanifaru Bay in order to reduce the time and money spent on travel and for your convenience.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Windsurfing in Maldives

Maldives is one of the most popular tourist destinations for beach holidays and water sports. Windsurfing is one of the more popular water sports in Maldives which combines sailing together with surfing.

eNil from Portsmouth, UK, 462670058 79bd8c4442, CC BY 2.0 Via Wikipedia Commons

Maldives is the ultimate destination for water sports. The lovely strong winds, the turquoise waves and the year-round sunny weather present the perfect conditions for the sport.

Perfect place to windsurf

Maldives is an island nation that comprises of 26 atolls made of over a thousand coral islands. Choose to stay at a Maldives luxury resort the likes of COMO Maalifushi, The Maldives which offers this activity and a great option to consider since it has a windsurfing course for novices or those looking to get reacquainted with this thrilling recreational activity.

Figure out your equipment

The equipment needed for this activity is not complicated at all and once you have got the balance mastered and learn how to navigate, you can be skimming the surface in no time.

When to go

Beginners can go anytime. As the sun is always shining, suitable wind conditions can be found somewhere around the collection of atolls. If you are a skilled surfer and are looking for something suitable for your skill level, though, things get more selective. The best time for you to visit would be from May to October.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Diving in Maldives -Beauty of the world under

Anyone who ever plans to visit Maldives will surely have diving in mind, it is one of the must try activities on the islands.

Discover Scuba Diving — Img by: Summitandbeach via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Diving in the Maldives is an extra ordinary experience as the clear blue waters let you see every colour and beautiful coral reef the seabed has to offer. Planning your vacation with travel agencies like Maldives Resorts Club lets you put together the perfect holiday activities for your tastes, be it a lazy day lounging by the beach or having thrilling adventures.

Best Dives

scuba diver — Img via : publicdomainpictures

Literally, every island in Maldives will have a diving spot around it, and of them, all the greatest dives are at the Fotteyo Kandu, Kuredu Express, Okobe Thila, Kandooma Thila, Broken Rock and Kudarah Thila. These sites have some of the most vibrant fishes and are home to both soft and hard corals respectively.

Going underwater

The water is not chilling and the temperature stays around 27 degrees throughout the year. Diving can be done during all the months except the monsoon periods and during the sunnier days, the visibility under water can up to an impressive 70 feet. Manta rays, tuna, eagle rays, a variety of sharks and more pelagic animals can be found in the open ocean near the reefs.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Exploring the underwater beauties in a whale submarine

Maldives is a group of islands that are surrounded by crystal clear azure waters that are teeming with a rich variety of marine life. To explore the beautiful life below the seas, diving and snorkelling is always the more popular options as it allows you to discover the marine life at your own pace. However, for non swimmers and those who have an innate fear of swimming in the sea, this can be problematic. In Maldives, all inclusive hotel excursions feature a variety of water sports and activities, like diving and snorkelling, that will keep you entertained and busy during your entire holiday, such as those offered at Maafushivaru Maldives.

Travelling with little kids can also mean that they won’t be able to experience the beautiful life that lives under the glistening waters of the Maldives, but fear not! The German Whale Submarine, the first of its kind, was created to allow anyone and everyone a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the diverse population of sea creatures. This submarine that was invented by the Germans and can hold a total of 50 passengers is believed to be the largest deep diving submarine that’s used for tourist activity.

The submarine initially dives to a depth of 25m, then 40 meters and finally up to a depth of 150 metres. Each of the three stops promises you a completely different view of the sea, without ever getting wet!

Each tour will be accompanied with an expert guide in marine life who will be point out the various species you come across, such as lionfish, anemone fish, parrotfish, eels, manta rays, sting rays, sea turtles, butterfly fish, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, eels and many more! So keep your eyes peeled for the exotic marine life. Some submarine tours even allow for night dives.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Wildlife in Maldives

Most countries have a certain kind of local wildlife that they are proud of, from the big game that roam Africa’s national parks to the majestic Bengal tigers in India; the Maldives archipelagos is no different, except here, you won’t need a 4×4 vehicle to admire the local wildlife as most of its located under the clear turquoise waters that the Maldives is famous for.

The waters surrounding the atolls have a worldwide reputation for spectacular diving that entices hordes of visitors to the country every year, and with good reason. There’s an enormous diversity of sea life, a vast formation of colourful coral reefs and over 2,000 species of tropical fish found in the waters surrounding the famed Resort Maldives islands.
The area is home to several indigenous varieties of mantra rays, sting rays and eagle rays, as well as many kinds of sea anemones and jellyfish. Most of the leading resorts located here, like the Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives include special diving and snorkelling excursions for guests to get up close the marine life and appreciate the beauty of these sea creatures.

It’s not uncommon to see schools of whales, dolphins and even the elusively timid whale shark, passing by or sea turtles like the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle. Indigenous land mammals and reptiles are rare here and the most common birds in the Maldives are ocean birds.

Wherever you go, there’s always something or some creature that will captive your attention, whether it’s a school of fish in the shallows waters near the shore or whales in the deep blue seas further from the islands. Whatever it may be, one thing is for sure; the crystal clear water and beautiful coral, brightly illuminated by the tropical sunshine is truly an underwater paradise that is not to be missed.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
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