Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives | The Adventure Travel Site

Top Secret Spots for Scuba Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives is a world-renowned scuba diving destination, offering some of the most breathtaking underwater experiences. Beyond the popular sites, there are secret spots that offer unique encounters with marine life and pristine coral reefs. Here are the top hidden gems for scuba diving in the Maldives.

Fotteyo Kandu – A Diver’s Paradise

Located in Vaavu Atoll, Fotteyo Kandu is often considered one of the best dive sites in the Maldives. This channel dive offers dramatic overhangs, swim-throughs, and a wealth of marine life. Divers can expect to see everything from grey reef sharks to barracudas and vibrant corals, making it a must-visit for experienced divers.

Maaya Thila – Night Diving Adventure

Maaya Thila in the North Ari Atoll is famous for its night dives. This small pinnacle dive site is teeming with marine life, including white-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and an array of colourful fish. The site transforms at night, offering a completely different experience as nocturnal creatures come to life.

Kandooma Thila – Thrilling Drift Dive

Situated in South Malé Atoll, Kandooma Thila is a top spot for a thrilling drift dive. The submerged pinnacle is covered in soft corals and attracts large schools of fish, including jacks and snappers. The currents can be strong, making it an exciting dive for those looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush. Staying at Maldives scuba diving resorts nearby such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives provides easy access to this hidden gem.

Dhigurah Arches – Hidden Underwater Tunnels

Dhigurah Arches, located near the island of Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll, is a lesser-known dive site that features stunning underwater tunnels and arches. These natural formations are home to a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and the occasional whale shark. The unique topography and tranquil setting make it a perfect spot for divers seeking something different.

The Ultimate Maldives Snorkeling Guide: Dive Into Paradise

The Maldives, a string of idyllic islands adorned with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, beckons snorkelers with a kaleidoscope of marine life. Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing this underwater wonderland.

Finding Nemo & Beyond

The Maldives boasts coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and you may even spot the occasional turtle. Snorkelling in Maldives opens up your world to butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish darting amongst the coral formations, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Keep an eye out for larger residents like Moorish idols, parrotfish, and even graceful manta rays gliding by.

House Reef Paradise

Many Maldivian resorts such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives provide access to stunning reefs, accessible directly from the shore. This eliminates the need for boat trips, making snorkelling convenient and perfect for families or casual explorers. Explore the vibrant underwater world just steps away from your villa.

Manta Magic & Whale Shark Encounters

For an unforgettable experience, embark on a snorkelling excursion to specific locations. Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers the chance to witness majestic manta rays gracefully feeding on plankton blooms. Certain areas are renowned for whale shark sightings, allowing you to swim alongside these gentle giants.

Snorkelling Essentials & Safety

Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience by packing essentials like a properly fitting mask and fins. Reef-safe sunscreen protects the delicate coral ecosystem. Opt for a guided snorkelling tour, especially for beginners, as guides can navigate the best spots and ensure your safety.

Discover the Joys of Surfing in Maldives – Where Paradise Meets Perfect Surf Breaks

Surfers, it’s time to let you in on a little secret: the Maldives isn’t just for honeymoons, it’s also a world-class surfing destination! Beyond the idyllic beaches and turquoise waters lies a surfer’s dream – consistent waves, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable island experience. So, grab your board, pack your boardies, and get ready to shred some seriously epic waves.

Where to Stay

To make the most of your Maldivian surf trip, look for a surfer-friendly resort in places like the South Male Atoll, offering convenient access to premier surfing hotspots. A prime example is that you can paddle out to the Kandooma Right, a legendary break, right in front of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives! Such properties also feature exclusive surf packages and daily surf passes for experienced surfers as well as gear rental, making your adventure seamless and hassle-free.

Surfing Hotspots

The Male Atolls, both North and South, offer plenty of spots to ride the waves. In the South Male Atoll, home to some of the best surf resorts in Maldives, one will find the previously mentioned Kandooma Right, a hollow right that attracts surfers from across the globe. Other notable spots in this atoll include Riptides and Quarters. You can also head to the North Male Atoll and test your skills at waves with names as exciting as they are challenging – Cokes, Chickens, and Ninjas!

Best Time for Surfing

The Maldives boasts a distinct peak surf season, generally between March and November each year when you can expect ideal conditions. During this time, the south swells and southwest or west winds combine to create magic on most of the quality breaks in the Male Atolls. Even though these months are typically part of the off-season, secure your stay ahead to avoid disappointment, especially if you are eyeing a popular surfing resort in Maldives.

Learning to Surf

Even if you are a complete newbie to surfing, the Maldives welcomes you with open arms and waves! Stay at a resort that offers surf lessons in a controlled and safe environment under the guidance of certified instructors. Whether you prefer private or group sessions or even video analysis, there’s something for every level of surfer. Some properties will also have dedicated surf camps for kids introducing the next generation to the joys of this thrilling activity.

Exhilarating Water Sports in Maldives You Don’t Want to Miss – Thrills Galore in the Indian Ocean!

The Maldives, with its azure waters and luxurious resorts, isn’t just about lounging on pristine beaches; it’s also a playground for thrill-seekers craving aquatic adventures. From the depths of scuba diving to the highs of windsurfing, here are the water sports that will leave you breathless and yearning for more!

Image via Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives

Scuba Diving

Plunge into the underwater realm of the Indian Ocean and discover a stunning world teeming with life. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned diver, unparalleled diving experiences await in the Maldives. 4 star resorts with PADI dive centres in places like the South Male Atoll give you a chance to encounter manta rays, eagle rays and sharks, all amidst colourful coral reefs and intriguing sunken wrecks!

Surfing

Catch the perfect wave and ride the adrenaline rush in world-renowned surf spots across this destination. During the peak surf season from March to November, there’s no shortage of epic swells to conquer. Beginners can hone their skills with surf lessons in safe conditions, while seasoned surfers can take on iconic breaks like Kandooma Right in front of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives where the waves beckon the adventurous!

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the most accessible water sports in Maldives, perfect for families and individuals of all ages and fitness levels. No prior experience is needed, just a sense of wonder and a willingness to explore the underwater world. For more unforgettable escapades, some resorts offer guided snorkelling excursions that give you a chance to swim alongside majestic turtles, graceful sharks, and even the largest fish on the planet – the awe-inspiring whale shark!

Jet Skiing

Feel the thrill of speed as you zip across the ocean on a jet ski adventure. Whether you are new to this activity or an adrenaline junkie, experienced instructors will guide you along, ensuring a safe and exhilarating ride. Once you have mastered the art, take control, and feel the rush of freedom as you explore the shoreline around your resort island or head further ahead to where the sea meets the sky!

Windsurfing

Harness the power of the wind and glide across the ocean’s surface with windsurfing, a delightful sport for beginners and pros alike. With top-notch equipment and expert instruction available at resorts across the Maldives, you will be catching the breeze and riding the waves in no time. Let the wind be your guide as you embark on an action-packed windsurfing adventure in paradise!

Diving with Manta Rays in Maldives

Tipped to be one of the most exhilarating and unique underwater experiences on offer in the Maldives, diving with manta rays is not for the faint of heart. Though these gentle giants are in fact, one of the most docile marine species in the ocean, they do cut imposing figures especially when one interacts with them in their own turf. Available through a variety of Maldives villas and resorts with diving centres including the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives and innumerable others, diving with manta rays is specifically geared for seasoned divers.

The Maldives is not only home to large schools of manta rays but is also one of the few diving hotspots in the world where spotting the large creatures is almost guaranteed due to their large local populace. Visitors who wish to experience a scuba diving excursion with manta rays will typically be transported to a site in the Indian Ocean such as Hanifaru where many mantas are known to feed during high tide. After the speedboat ride, divers will typically wait for high tide as the rising waves cause the manta rays to gather in one location to feed on plankton. Hanifaru is, in fact, one of the top diving destinations in the paradise archipelago and is especially well-known as a popular spot to witness manta rays as well as other marine creatures in their natural habitat.

Although manta rays appear fierce and imposing their nature is anything but hazardous to humans although divers must be careful when coming face to face and interacting with the creatures. Noticing the various patterns and spots on their bellies and skin has helped marine biologists and seasoned divers in the area to differentiate one manta ray from another. Diving fanatics who are based in the Maldives are certainly adept at interacting and recognising individual manta rays and also look to photograph them using underwater cameras. Tourists and those who are diving with the rays for the first time, however, should exercise caution and respect the distance between one’s self and the ray and enjoy the experience.

Stay Adventurous, Img. Src:[Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives]

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

Experience the wild side of Maldives under the crystal clear waters

Maldives is the unanimous choice if you are looking for an ultimate underwater experience. Its group of 1192 coral islands, which form 26 coral atolls and 80 islands, and which are home to many tourist resorts, have made the Maldives one of the most popular tourist destinations for water-based activities.

That said, tourism is a major source of income in the Maldives. You can easily find 5 star and 4-star resorts in Maldives. You will find more tourists than locals in these resorts. You have nothing to worry about regarding transportation, as speedboats will carry you across to your resort after you have touched down at Malé International Airport. It is simply a matter of choosing a hotel or a resort and planning your ‘underwater’ schedule.

Diving is the best option if you are looking to have an adventure under water. Most hotels and resorts offer diving equipment. If you are not so familiar with diving, you can take a diving course, which is abundantly available on the island. Note that you will most probably be required to pass a medical examination before you are allowed to dive. Most hotels such as Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives offer this medical examination on a complimentary basis.

Once under the water, you will spot creatures such as napoleon wrasses and eagle rays in addition to manta rays and whale sharks. You are also likely to meet the hammerhead shark, though they are a rare sight. In plain words, diving under the crystal clear waters of the Maldives will introduce you to a wide range of fish life amid magnificent coral gardens.

As the Maldivian water is crystal clear, you can see clearly up to around a good 40 metres away. And the Maldives is recognised as an ideal location for underwater photography as well. If you are interested in underwater photography, then the Maldivian waters offer not only rich wildlife but also other interesting sights such as shipwrecks. Wreck diving teaches you about how the marine system can gradually digest the remains of manmade products. It is interesting and ironic to see that coral reefs have grown over the hulls of shipwrecks, which were once the glorious man-made products. These coral reefs are now the home of many marine creatures.

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

Surf the Crystal Clear Waves of the Island Paradise Kandooma

Interested in chasing waves across the Maldivian archipelago? Start and end your tour at beautiful Kandooma. Home to excellent break points and irresistible waves, the resort is every surfer’s dream.

Visit South Male Atoll – The Breaks are Fabulous
Located within the South Male Atoll, Kandooma offers you less crowded beaches and the opportunity to surf almost alone. Head over to the island and slip into the laid back way of life predominant in sunny Maldives. There are plenty of Maldives surfing resorts to choose from and on Kandooma you get to enjoy a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.

Choose from Excellent Surf Points
Some of the best surf points of the South Male Atoll are located around Kandooma; best of all these top waves are almost forgotten by the masses of tourists heading out to the more popular North Male Atoll. However, to let you in on a little secret – the waves here are just as amazing and rewarding.

“Kandooma Right” a Swell to be Reckoned With
This is a fast-breaking right wave offering two take off points; one offers a basic start while the other provides a more precarious one for all adrenaline junkies. Offering a number of barrel prospects to enjoy, the waves break over a shallow reef to a distance of 100 metres. Best times to handle the waves are mid tide and at heights of 3 to 6 feet, it’s considered one of the best swells in Maldives.

Experience Tuckey Joes and Boatyards
On a fine day, this break can outdo any in the archipelago. The take-off is quite sudden with speed gathering up quite quickly. You have a number of barrels to experience on the long almost 200-metre run.

Natives and Foxys for Quick Reactions
This is a fast breaking wave that spills over shallow coral. Surfers skilled on backhand will love the fast paced action this waves offers. The break is 100 to 150 metres incorporating many barrels.

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+