Tag: maldives

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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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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The very Best Tropical Whale and Dolphin Watching

Tucked away far off in the Indian ocean surrounded by turquoise waters lies Maldives , an island that’s full of surprises. Apart from the sandy beaches and luxury resorts the island has more to offer. Water sports , beaches , luxury holiday resorts are the key highlights of Maldives.

Maldives has been also famous for Whale and Dolphin watching , ranked among the top five places on Earth for Whale and Dolphin watching excursions, Maldives is also home to over twenty species which amounts to almost quarter of the world’s population. Among them is the world’s largest animal the Blue Whale and the very acrobatic Spinner Dolphin. Among the many places to stay that Maldives has on offer one that stands out is PER AQUUM NIYAMA. Spreading across two islands the resort serves to a diverse clientele.

The Spinner Dolphins which are a common sighting in this part of the world , they have quite a predictable daily routine which makes it easier to engage in excursions to spot them. The Spinner Dolphins can be found in tens and thousands. During the night they feed offshore and come to the Atolls in the early morning hours and during the afternoons they make their way back to the open oceans.

A ride on a specialized safari boat is a great way to explore more species of Dolphins such as Bottlenose , Fraser , Rough- toothed Dolphins. This is a great way to catch a glimpse of some whales too. Some of the rarest species which could be seen in the Maldives but rarely in any other part of the world are the Dwarf sperm Whale , Tropical Bottlenose Whale. Given the diverse species , crystal clear warm waters Maldives undoubtedly is one of the best places for Dolphin and Whale watching.

 

Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.

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Snorkeling in Maldives

All the islands in the Maldives are coralline. These reefs commonly surround a lagoon and have been described as the biggest natural swimming pools in the world. The lagoons have flat, sandy bottoms which are relatively shallow and great for children. The clear water ensures excellent underwater ensues excellent underwater visibility for divers and snorkelers. The pristine coral reefs have the most incredible underwater life that can never be imagined. A kaleidoscope of florescence colored fish in an underwater garden of coral reefs is certainly a spectacular sight. Ellaidhoo Island is a safe distance away from the busy world, this bit of private paradise is located on the eastern fringes of North Ari Atoll. The Ari Atoll, the largest of 22 natural atolls that make up the Maldive Islands, is located in the western side of the Maldives. Ellaidhoo, blessed with a spectacular offering for marine enthusiasts, is known over the world as the dive island in the Maldives. The Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo is one of the most luxurious Maldives Beach Resort. This luxury hotel is all about pampering and spoiling their guests, with a luxury of comforts. The hotel is on a beautiful sun-kissed beach, giving access to the sparkling turquoise ocean.

The older, larger islands in the chain have developed a layer of soil, made up of decomposing vegetation. Mangroves and banyan trees are plentiful along with the national trees, the classic coconut palm. The vegetation supports a rich bird life. Animal life on the island is also plentiful. There are over 100 species of indigenous flora, although there are 600 species on the islands. Turtles, practically Hawksbills, breed in the waters around the Maldives. Guests will be able to observe these remarkable creatures while also actively contributing to the conservation of these unique animals. Maldives has over 700 fish species. The islands has some incredible dive sites, which are often located in the channels between atolls where the speed of water movement allows for excellent drift diving. The islands have magnificent coral reefs and sparkling crystal clear lagoons. The island is also renowned world over, for its natural beauty. The best time to visit the islands, is in December.

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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Whale Submarine

A cluster of islands home to a population that is just over three hundred thousand, the twenty six atolls that make up the Republic of Maldives is a beloved holiday destination. When staying in a Maldives resort hotel, it would truly be a shame not to explore the beautiful blue tinged world that exists beneath the calm azure ocean surface. While the adventurous and experienced dwellers choose to dive and explore pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life as well as abandoned wrecks, the more laid back opt to snorkel and experience the all that the ocean has to offer. Others choose to swim in the calm waters that surround the islands and enjoy the glowing plankton that often lights up the waters at night. Exploring the clean and clear Maldivian waters can therefore be done in a multitude of ways but the most recent and convenient option remains the Whale Submarine.

Quite contrary to its name, the Whale Submarine is not for those who simply wish to observe whales. It is a submarine that provides patrons with a forty five minute experience of seeing the beautifully diverse underwater world comfortably and without getting wet. While hotels such as Anantara Veli, Maldives will be happy to arrange the tour, once booked, patrons will be picked up from a rendezvous point and taken to the point of submergence.

Once aboard, be prepared to be stunned by the variety of colours, shapes and fish that reside quietly beneath the calm blue surface. The experience also includes beaching close to a cave which will allow patrons to witness the myriad of marine life that takes up residence there and, if one is really lucky, White Tip Reef Sharks! So far the Whale Submarine has dived over seven thousand times and has provided close to three thousand lucky tourists the experience of a lifetime.

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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Maldives wildlife

The Maldives, the magical island located in the heart of the Indian Ocean consists of around 1200 little islands. Each island is unique in its own way but the pristine white sandy beaches, the gently swaying palm trees, the turquoise waters and the warm hospitality is common to all.

The beauty and excitement of the Maldives is multiplied by its fascinating wildlife. Maldives Wildlife is not restricted to its marine species, but the flora and fauna of its islands are truly remarkable. This tropical Island is home to approximately 170 different types of colourful birds. Since the islands of the Maldives are relatively small in size and the majority of the land is occupied by resorts, reptiles are hard to find. The Maldives is dotted with amazing resorts that are built in harmony with Mother Nature. For instance, the Cocoa Island by COMO is a wonderful eco-friendly accommodation option for those who want to enjoy a holiday close to nature and wildlife.

There are only a handful of land mammals in the Maldives. The endemic flying fox and a unique type of shrew exist in the Maldive Islands. The Koel, white breasted water hen and the crow are three of the most common bird types in the Maldives. The stunning fairy tern can be spotted at the Addu atoll in the southern region of the country.

The Indian Ocean surrounding the Maldive Islands is blessed with abundant marine life. Close to 18 types of different whales and dolphins are found in the surrounding waters. The Bottlenose Dolphin, Spinner Dolphin, Risso’s Dolphin, Spotted Dolphin and Striped Dolphin are some of the Dolphin types found swimming close to the islands. The Dwarf sperm whale, Blue whale, Bryde’s whale and Beaked whale are also commonly visible. The 15meter long Whale Shark is one of the key wildlife attractions of the Maldives.

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. Google+

Underwater Adventures in Maldives

As a country comprising mostly of ocean and just one percent land scattered over a thousand islets it is not surprising that adventure in the Maldives is to be had underwater. This is made exciting by the presence of coral reefs, rocky pinnacles rising from shallow lagoons and channels that offer varying landscapes and swim throughs teeming with marine life. As a prominent Maldives resort, Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa Maldives offer access to underwater adventures that make some of the most memorable vacation experiences here.

The Maldives underwater landscape is made up of many highly rated dive sites where an abundance of coral, varied marine life at different depths and an interesting variety of geological features makes scuba diving an adventure. Channels that connect groups of islets with the ocean offer some of the greatest underwater adventures as they have the deepest dive spots and the most surprises. Varying in size and depth, the range of caves, caverns and overhangs festooned with marine creatures attract larger fish because of the nutrients that pass through these waterways in a steady stream. The channels are also where large marine creatures come to make use of the services of cleaning wrasses and shrimp giving the opportunity for underwater adventure seekers to get the thrill of their lives because of close quarter views of several large pelagic species. Other underwater features that are great adventures sites are the rocky pinnacles rising up from the bottom of lagoons. Because of their size some ‘thilas’ or pinnacles cannot be explored in a single day. They host large populations of crustaceans and schools of fish enough to engage the attentions of scuba divers as long as the air in their tanks last.

While underwater adventures are usually experienced among the coastal water off resorts, scuba diving off a range of well equipped water crafts is one of the best ways to experience life beneath the water in the Maldives as adventurers can visit several popular dive sites. While underwater adventures during the day is undoubtedly exciting looking at micro and mega fauna beneath the waves illuminated only by the beam of a hand held torch is probably even more exciting. Different underwater adventures are possible during the southwest and the northeast diving seasons when large concentrations of pelagic species are to be found in different places.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Wreck Diving in Maldives

Many leagues under the Indian Ocean lies a mysterious underwater world. Many Titanics have met their waterloo under the water and rest in peace with reefs. All this is simply a heaven under the water for the diver.

What more could you expect than exotic marine life, stunning dive sites, warm water, wonderful weather, top quality rental equipment, excellent safety systems, comfortable boats and an enthusiastic and experienced multilingual dive team on your adventure? All these services are available at Anantara Veli, Maldives, one of the Maldives Bungalows.

Maldivian atolls offer easy access to these shipwrecks. However government permission is required to dive into shipwrecks of historical interest. Interestingly these wrecks get different shapes with the pattern of marine life.

Wreck diving is not every diver’s cup of tea. Only a few divers – who are professionals, in fact – have developed an interest for diving underwater to explore this wreck life. Intriguingly they can discover how marine life absorbs these human civilization’s relics and adapts into a symbiotic connection with them. Strangely there is a rhythm to their co-existence.

Maldivian waters are calm, warm and clear. The opportunity is quite inviting to watch how this relationship exists underwater. The reefs grown on wrecked remains have naturally offered shelter to underwater flora and fauna. These remains, which were once titanic ships, could pose interesting stories that echo a glorious past. In a way it is somewhat ghastly to watch them as they silently re-narrates a story.

Seven diving sites are identified in Maldives which have wrecks: Maldives Victory in North Male, Kuda Giri in South Male, Fesdu Wreck in the centre of Ari Atoll, British Loyalty in Addu Atoll and Khudaa Maa near Angaga Island. Most these wrecks are located 30 metres (average) deep under the water.

It will be amazing to see how lobsters have made their homes on the bow of these wrecks.

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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Diving in Baa Atoll

Those waters in Baa Atoll are quite inviting and warm. You will feel like taking a dip immediately once you sight those waters. There is so much to see in these waters, when you dive.

From Male International Airport, it is only a 35-minute seaplane flight to Baa Atoll. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, one of the Maldives Hotels, offers a deluxe perspective to this atoll.

Baa Atoll’s fish life mainly includes midnight snapper, small-toothed emperor, coral rock cod, moon fusiliers and broad-striped fusiliers.

An administrative division in Maldives, Baa Atoll has three natural atolls: Maalhosmadulu, Fasduthere and Goifulhafehendhu. There are two marine-protected areas well noted for whale-shark encounters. Hanifaru Bay, which is on the east side of Baa Atoll, is a small vacant isle, is known for whale sharks. Take your waterproof camera and try to capture the underwater life.

For manta ray feeding too, Hanifaru Bay is considered to be the best place. You will see different kinds of behaviour patterns as you dive near the surface. As the Bay is full of food for manta, different behaviours could be seen. They would even get into fights with each other, as they idle around.

Once under the water, you are the photographer who can take spiral whip corals. Check out for Maldivian sponge snail too in this area. Its looks are quite distinctive. In Maldives, this snail is considered endemic. Its movement is ultra slow, around a centimetre a day. It will be your treasure as a photographer.

Baa Atoll has 16 identified dive sites: Bathalaa Kandu, Milaidhoo House Reef, Veyofushi Bodu Giri, Hirundhoo House Reef, Kakani Thila, Dhonisu Thila, Faimini Bodu Thila, Faimini Kuda Thila, Dharavehoo Thila, Horubadhoo Thila, Kunfunadhoo Thila, Digalihaa Thila, Nelivaru Thila, Miriandoo Thila, Madi Thila and Muthafushi Thila.

As a significant biosphere reserve in Maldives, Baa Atoll narrates a detailed account of human interaction with the environment.

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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