Category: Land Extreme Sports

Full Day Diving Safari in South Male Atoll

Maldives is one of the most picturesque islands of the Indian Ocean. Being a popular tourist hub, this island nation welcomes thousands of tourists annually. Maldives is well equipped with an array of accommodation options. Among them the luxury resort Maldives gain significant prominence. One such resort that has been a noteworthy choice among visitors has been Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort. The over water villas are perfectly appointed above the turquoise waters and offer maximum comfort and luxury.

Maldives has most of its tourist activities centered on the waters surrounding it. One of the activities popular among the tourist visiting the South Male Atoll is to engage in diving. Considered to be one of the best dive sites in Maldives, the South Atoll is perfect place to spend the day diving. South Male is considered to be one of the best diving sites mainly because of the astonishing array of marine life. The currents that flow through the channel support a large number of marine lives. The atoll is blessed with colorful caves and overhangs. Coco Thila is considered to be a typical south male dive site. Another site to explore would be Guraidhoo Kandu which supports abundance of life.

There are very few live-boards cruising that take place in this part of the country. Very few dive boats venture out here making it one of the less explored yet less disturbed regions.

Some of the interesting sites include Vaadhoo Caves, located on the northern tip there are various caves and there is a chance to spot bigger visitors such as the White tip sharks, Tuna as well as Turtles. Another site would be Kandooma Point, which is a great site to dive when the current goes inwards where the big groupers such as Tuna and Sharks enjoy the fast flowing waters.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Earn a Certificate for Diving

The Maldives islands in the south-west of India are a true diver’s paradise. The island archipelago boasts some of the most beautiful marine scenery since they are composed of coral-based reefs. The tropical splendor of Maldives is legendary around the world for her serene beaches, lush forests, and Maldives Water Sports. These aspects combined make the islands of the Maldives a grand setting where one can gain experience in the realm of diving and even earn a professional certificate.

Due to the nature of the Maldives, there are many institutes where one can enroll in courses to develop oneself in the art of diving. Many of the elite resorts located on the various islands, such as the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offer a wide variety of diving courses ranging from basic ones to PADI certified advanced courses for rescuers.

The wild-life of Maldives is incredibly diverse, and contains a rich variety of marine in abundance. The seas surrounding the islands boast over two thousand species of coral and an equal number of fish species as well, ranging from small schools of colourful reef fish to even whale sharks. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and the Maldives is the only place in the world where they can be seen all year round. There is also a wide variety of eel’s present in Maldivian seas, ranging from the cosmopolitan Moray-Eel to larger forms such as the Sting-ray and Manta-Ray respectively.

The Maldives is one of the most prominent places in the world when it comes to the presence of coral reefs, and given that coral reefs are the equivalent of under-water rain-forests, the scope of underwater life present in these amazing formations is extraordinary. If you are a diving enthusiast looking to obtain professional certification, then the magical under-water realms within the seas of the Maldives will be your perfect lecture hall.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Water Sports In Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

Sri Lanka is one of the mind blowing islands of the Indian Ocean. All year round thousands of tourists make their way to this island paradise. Famous for its beaches, Sri Lanka is no stranger to those who prefer a good deal of fun in the waters. Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka has always been a popular choice of accommodation among most tourists who visit the country. Among them one that has gained a significant amount of fame in the recent past has been Citrus Waskaduwa. Located on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka the hotel has a set of well appointed rooms some of which offer a panoramic view of the ocean beside it as well as a spacious garden and pool for the guests.

Water sports have rose to fame in the recent past and are enjoyed by both tourists as well as locals alike. Not too far from Waskaduwa is one of the hot spots for water sports. Bentota is one of the first places along the coast to open up water sport centres. Most of the centres here utilize the river that run across the town known as the Benthara Ganga (River) as well as the sea. Activities available in the region are carried on with the guidance of trained professionals. Some of the activities include, jet skiing, wake boarding, banana boat rides, ring rides among many others. Along the river by the Bentota Bridge one can find many of these sports centres.

Going further down South in Hikkaduwa there are various other water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling as well as glass bottom boat rides as Hikkaduwa is a town blessed with one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the island.

A trip to the southern coast of the island would not be complete without a few of these adrenaline pumping activities.

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

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Island Hopping Adventures in the Maldives

If you’re wondering what’s better than visiting a tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean, one can perhaps conclude that the answer to it is visiting an assortment of islands on the Indian Ocean. The place where you can embark on a journey of visiting a number of unique tropical wonderlands in a single day, is the Maldives, where island-hopping adventures, a concept that sounds like the epitome of adventure, is a commonplace occurrence. The nation’s chain of island’s offer visitors the unique experience of travelling from one unique island to another, instantly witnessing the remarkable scope of the tropical realm that is the country of Maldives. The nature of these islands varies from being utilized as industrial locations to resort islands, while the majority of the land-masses are un-inhabited islands that are examples of pristine tropical splendor.

Island hopping adventures are commonly organize by resort islands, whereby guests can embark on unique voyages whose likes cannot be experiences in any other corner of the world. A resort chain in particular one should keep an eye out for are the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, a renowned Sri Lanka hotels brand that is widely recognized in South-East Asia. Throughout the course of your island hopping journey you can learn about the distinct culture of the Maldives, through discussions with the many locals you may encounter or by simply observing the lavish ornaments designed by the sovereign nation’s talented artisans. Certain islands even offer traditional dance and musical routines as welcome to their foreign visitors. Through a visit to an industrial island one can educate themselves in the operations of world-class fishing-companies in their massive fish-processing factories. If one wishes to go snorkeling, there’s a selection of over a thousand coral-islands for you to explore the magic of the sub-marine wonders that lay under the shallow depths of the Maldive seas.

Embark on a one-of-a-kind and discover the true Maldives through an island hopping adventure.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travelers.
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Snorkelling in Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the perfect island getaway, a place where turquoise-blue seas lap a shore fringed by tall coconut trees? If your answer is ‘yes’ then Sri Lanka is the place to be! Dubbed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is truly an island paradise. Home to 1340 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka’s breathtaking beaches are a favourite local hangout, and one of the reasons tourists keep coming back!

Some of Sri Lanka’s most famous beaches lie a few kilometres to the south of the country’s commercial capital of Colombo and is a comfortable half day journey away from the bustling Colombo city. The journey to Sri Lanka’s South will take you through quaint coastal towns that is home to many beachside resorts and a hardworking fishing community. Visit the famous Mirissa beach which lies in Sri Lanka’s extreme south and be blown away by its beautiful surroundings overlooked by CASA Colombo Collection Mirissa. As many a Mirissa hotel and restaurant lie away from the beach, the crescent shaped Mirissa beach can be enjoyed in complete privacy. Witness the beautiful sunrise and stroll along the beach to watch fishing boats return to shore while an afternoon can be spent surfing or sipping on refreshing king coconut while reading a book under a shady coconut tree.

Come the Whale Watching season from November-April, Mirissa comes abuzz with excitement as excited locals descend to Mirissa for the many boat rides that take them on whale watching excursions. Here visitors are treated to the sight of Blue whales, Sperm whales and Bottlenose dolphins. However if you want to escape the crowds and discover the Island’s sea life on your own, the shallow, calm waters of the eastern Mirissa beach is ideal for snorkelling. Spend an afternoon snorkelling in the cool waters off Mirissa’s coast and admire abundant sea life including Bluefin tuna and Flying fish among beautiful corals and wandering turtles. It’s this along with breathtaking sunsets and a picture-perfect coastline that make Mirissa a vital part of Sri Lanka’s serendipity story!

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Adventures on the Ayung River

Bali, an island province of the Southeast Asian nation of Indonesia, is one of the most beautiful retreats in the region. Known for its splendid beaches, lovely lush forests, many archeologoical and cultural landmarks, and recreational attractions, Bali is also one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations. Towns such as Ubud, Semiyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua, are the island’s hottest locations for tourists. A great Ubud hotel that offers tranquil accommodation and a host of leisure and recreational facilities is the Alila Ubud Bali.

The longest river flowing through the island of Bali is the Ayung River. Originating from the Northern mountain ranges, this 75km long river flows close to Ubud and is a source of life and nourishment to the luscious forests in the area. The Ayung River, whose banks are known for its beautiful forest scenery, is also a top attraction for those seeking some exciting and adventure, as the river is a great location for white water rafting.

The Ayung River boasts of many Class II and Class III rapids, and its pristine and safe waters make it ideal for white water rafting. Unlike most other white water rivers, the Ayung River is not seasonal; meaning rafting enthusiasts can surf through these waters at any time of the year. The rapids, while promising loads of excitement and adventure can be enjoyed by both veterans and amateurs. There are many rafting centers around the area that will be more than happy to rent out internationally approved equipment and trained guides so that your adventure of the river will be that much more enjoyable. The stunning scenic beauty of the river, its hidden waterfalls, unique rock formations, and the luscious greenery of the river banks, make rafting through the Ayung an adventurous experience you are unlikely to ever forget!

Another great adventure activity is elephant trekking. You can explore the wonders of the banks of the Ayung River on top of a majestic elephant, which is sure to be an exciting and extraordinary experience.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Baruna Dive Centre

Bali, an island province like no other, is the very definition of a beach holiday. The island’s popularity as a tourist destination, in recent times, has led to a mushrooming of restaurants, bars, shopping malls and beach activities. Bali family resorts are also in demand with more and more families looking to travel and spend quality time together. To get the very best of a tropical getaway, the view must include: sun, sea and sand. A few luxuries should be on hand like an in house spa and gym, so where better to stay than Kuta, the island’s most exciting beach. The Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali is a great option to consider here.

The Baruna Dive Centre is where you need to go for all the heart pumping, adrenalin flowing action. You can take a drift dive, a shore dive, a night dive, a boat dive or a wreck dive. Each experience is thrilling in a different way and gives you a chance to get a closer look at the colourful, local marine life and even learn some interesting historical facts about old ships that now lie on the ocean floor. Snorkelling tours and diving safaris are also available for those keen to explore the very best underwater sites in depth. Dive courses certified by PADI and SSI, are also available for those pursing diving as a serious area of interest. Inquire about speciality courses that include navigation, search and recovery, waves, tides and currents, equipment techniques, underwater digital photography and more. Single dive prices start at $60.

The centre is based in Amed, on the north east coast of Bali. Excursions come with instruction in three different languages: English, Spanish and French. Diving and snorkelling equipment can be rented in house. Also remember to collect a free photo of yourself on the dive before leaving!

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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White Water Rafting in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is located in northern Thailand and is a mountainous region with the added beauty of untamed rivers. It undoubtedlypossesses splendor and charm but more importantly it facilitates adventures of all kinds, predominantly white water rafting. Hotels in Chiang Mai are aplenty, but Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is heads above the rest. It captures the beauty of the old city and the picturesque landscape while also making it so much easier to hop into a raft for some fun on the snake-like rivers of Chiang Mai.

Plan your visit intelligently. The best months to go white water rafting in this area would be from March to July. When the rains pour mercilessly from August to October the waters become more menacing. It would be best to give priority to the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

You would hardly need to plan your adventure if you visit Siam River Adventures. Co, Ltd. Taking you down the rivers Mae Taeng, Mae Kok and Nam Wa, be ready to be pushed around and to take treacherous turns. The trees by the rivers watch eagerly as you push your way through, but make it a point to stare back, as nature would reveal itself in a multitude of ways on your expedition.

On full moon nights, as the light of the moon stretches across the waters and the trees seem eerily still, you can plan an adventure. Siam River Adventures prepares to exhaust and energize your being throughout the day. Once you plan your excursion on a day of the full moon, you would have to whitewater raft throughout the day and late into the night. Just when you think it would be too tiring, it’s best to add thatthe adventure includes a buffet of healthy Thai delicacies, a private jungle camp and a warming riverside bonfire. These elements certainly complete the package and lure you to the waters and the surprises in store.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.Google+

Tandem Skydiving in Christchurch

Looking across the horizon and seeing nothing but an endless expanse of blue. The wind whips at your hair. Clouds drift across, lazily floating by to no place in particular. You look below from your lofty perch and between the wisps of fluffy white you see what could be another realm; an enchanting place of emerald landscapes, snow-capped mountains and crystal clear waters. Take a minute to soak up the view from 12,000 feet above the ground. And then you leap. Not quite a leap of faith as it were but one which you trust the person strapped to your back and the amazingly simple, yet lifesaving device known as the parachute; welcome to the world of tandem skydiving in Christchurch!

So first things first; if you are heading to this part of New Zealand planning to experience the pure adrenaline rush of skydiving then make sure you find centrally located accommodation to base yourself at. Motels in Christchurch such as Country Comfort Belmont Christchurch make a great option when it comes to both affordability and convenient location.

Next step is to find a sky diving company operating in Christchurch or the Canterbury region that gives you the chance to enjoy the thrills of free fall. One of the advantages of tandem skydiving is the fact that you do not have to go through extensive training and of course the added benefit of having a trained and experienced sky diver joining you on the “ride” definitely helps to calm any nerves.

Generally you will receive a relatively short briefing which covers topics such as the manner in which you will be harnessed to your instructor, the way in which the parachute will deploy and what to do and not do during freefall and landing. Once that is complete it is time to take to the skies.

There is inevitably a sense of nervousness as the plane ascends though adrenaline junkies will welcome the rush one feels as you near the jump-off point. Once you reach your point of “departure”, it is time to enjoy the view, but not for too long as you get ready to leap, and experience the true power of gravity while freefalling 200kph towards the spectacular scenery below!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Mount Agung Trek: Climbing the Majestic Bali Volcano

Renown for breathtaking beaches and mysterious temples, Bali is an exotic tropical destination. While Bali’s most famous outdoor activity would be a day lounging along the beach, further inland lie the exciting trail up Bali’s most famous active volcano, Mount Agung. Situated in the Karangasem district in Eastern Bali, the majestic Mount Agung is the backdrop for many beautiful hotels including Alila Manggis.

Measuring a height of 3142 meters, Mount Agung is Bali’s tallest mountain and fifth tallest volcano in Indonesia. It is also one of the island’s holiest sites with the Balinese belief that it is a replica of the mythical 5 peaked Mount Meru that is at the centre of the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universe according to the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist faiths. Found along the slopes of Mount Agung is the sacred Mother Temple Pura Besakih which miraculously survived a fatal volcanic eruption in 1963. Although there are multiple trails that lead to the summit of Mount Agung, the shortest trek is a five hour journey that is challenging and yet rewarding as the breathtaking views of Eastern Bali countryside unravels around you. To reach the summit of Mount Agung in time for sunrise, it is advised that you leave your Ubud Boutique Hotel Bali at 1.00 a.m and head to Pura Besakih to begin the uphill trek to Mount Agung’s peak.

Although the trail itself is safe enough to be journeyed alone, it is best to travel in groups accompanied by an experienced guide. The uphill journey begins with an offering at Pura Besakih before the trail leads you through a jungle as you embark on the six hour climb to the volcano’s peak. An alternative route up Mount Agung takes you past Pasar Agung Temple along a shorter trail. Nevertheless, the view from atop Mount Agung is worth the arduous journey with sweeping views of the East Bali, the neighbouring islands of Lombok and Nusa Penida and the startling 2300-foot wide crater of Mount Agung bound to leave you mesmerized.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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