Tag: maldives

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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Adventure Sports Activities in Maldives

The beautiful island cluster of Maldives is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Almost all of Maldives luxury hotels, including the Naladhu Maldives have made excellent use of the exquisite beaches, turquoise waves and the delightful weather to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Aside from lounging in the tropical sun, Maldives and its luxury resorts offer travelers a fascinating selection of adventure sports.

Diving and snorkeling are among the most popular adventure sports in Maldives. Whether you are a beginner in search of lessons or an experienced diver, you have a chance to enjoy gorgeous underwater views of coral reefs and tropical fish around an island of your choice. The supplies and instructors for diving and snorkeling are readily available all around the islands. The crystal clear waters and the abundance of underwater flora and fauna will surely tempt you to return again and again.

If you are looking for the thrill of speed, waterskiing and windsurfing are available for your indulgence. Most of the Maldives islands are surrounded with large lagoons with the perfect conditions for windsurfing in complete safety. Beginners can seek professional help at the many watersport centers while experts can rent equipment to enjoy their sport. The Indian Ocean also offers a chance for surfing enthusiasts to catch some excellent waves that range from 3 -8 feet in height.

Fishing in the Maldivian waters is yet another adventurous activity offered in this exquisite destination. Those who come in search for big game and fast boats can cast their lines for jackfish, barracuda, giant tuna and sailfish among many other exotic species. After a long day of sun and waves, you can sit back and relax with a bit of night fishing under the stars, a sport unique to Maldives.

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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Night Snorkeling in Maldives

Maldives is a archipelagic state which is located in South Asia. Known for its amazing natural beauty, pristine white sandy beaches and thriving tourism industry, Maldives is a great destination for those who wish to engage in water and beach activities. One such amazing and magical activity is snorkeling at night. The Velassaru Maldives is a luxury resort which is known for its tranquil accommodation, and offers many exciting things to do in Maldives island.

The Maldives is a world renowned diving and snorkeling destination. This is due to the reason that the waters of Maldives are home to amazing underwater sights and attractions. The Maldives has many splendid coral reefs which are abundant with marine life. These colorful coral in all shapes and sizes, many exotic species of marine life, as well as astounding underwater caves make the diving and snorkeling sites of Maldives magical even during the day. But at night time the experience become even more extraordinary…

The clear tropical waters, glistening with the moonlight, make the mere sight of the waters mesmerizingly beautiful. Snorkeling at night means you must take a flash light with you, so that you can discover the nighttime waters. You will be able to see marvelous coral reefs glistening under the moonlight. You will get to see the many species of fish, and even whales, sleeping in the calm and quiet nighttime waters. There are other species that are only active in the night, so night snorkeling allows you to see these species too .One of the most amazing highlights of night snorkeling is the glimmering and shining biolumiscent plankton and micro life. Glistening under the moonlight, these creatures create an effect of floating glitter underwater, which is a sight that you have to experience.

Night snorkeling in itself is exciting and magical, but night snorkeling in the waters of the Maldives is far more magical. So go ahead and explore the nighttime waters of Maldives.

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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Diving Safaris in the Maldives

One of the hottest spots on the planet for diving safaris, the Maldives provides countless hours of underwater exploration for intrepid divers looking to uncover the secrets of the deep. A convenient option would be to stay at a Maldives resort such as Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa Maldives which not only offers half and full day diving safaris, but also gives guests access to the Aquafanatics Diving Centre where one can get PADI certification too.

Diving safaris in the Maldives generally offer well trained guides who will accompany you on your adventures beneath the waves. Apart from day safaris, there are also overnight trips that take place on what are known as liveaboards that come with accommodation too. Amongst the well known dive sites in the country are Girifushi Thila, Lion’s Head, Kuda Haa and Banana Reef, while wrecks such as the Maldives Victory are popular as well. On your excursions you can expect to see a wide range of colourful coral along with a fascinating variety of marine life including spotted eagle rays, napoleon wrasses, tunas, butterfly fish, blue-striped snappers, gray reef sharks and manta rays. Such safaris help you truly appreciate the stunning marine biodiversity of the Maldives.

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. Google+

PADI Scuba Diving Courses: For the Bold and Brave at Heart

Maldives is a premier scuba diving destination in the world, with a reason. The clear waters and the perfect weather conditions combine to create one of the safest and best places in the face of the earth to practise the fascinating sport of scuba diving. The bonus on offer is certainly the rich and vibrant marine life the seas of Maldives is teeming with, giving one breathtaking vistas to gaze at while gliding under water. As you stay at luxury Maldives hotels such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas take time to experience the breathtaking delights of scuba diving to enjoy a holiday to remember. Further put your holiday time to best use by enrolling in a PADI Scuba Diving Course to gain a skill that you will proudly possess for the rest of your life.

Maldivian waters are smooth and immensely beautiful and are more so when experienced up close while scuba diving. The sensation you will enjoy as gravity loses its power over you and you float in the eerie silence as fish swim by unafraid will make you fall so much in love with the sea that you will wish for sure to return for more. Scuba diving, a sport that is not reserved for the professionals and wildly dashing, can be experienced even in the tender years of 10 provided that a good health backs up the enthusiasm.

Maldives offers ample opportunities to engage in the sessions of a PADI Scuba Diving Course given the plethora of water sport centres that fringe the beaches. Some of the many hotels that are found in Maldives also offer courses to those who wish to learn so the opportunities for learning are certainly immense. When booking sessions always keep your timelines as well as budgets in mind and make sure you select packages and courses that can accommodate both. Several theory classes will also have to be attended to gain a title in the sport so keep your holiday diaries well planned and ready once you decide to embark on this blissful journey.

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+

Sunset Hand Line Fishing; experience a traditional Maldivian way of life

For centuries the people of the Maldives have survived off the sea and fishing has been a way of life that has been handed down from generation to generation. The fertile reef system surrounding a number of Maldivian islands makes it a hotspot for avid fishermen looking to catch exotic fish such as sail fish or red snappers. As most forms of commercial fishing is deemed illegal in the Maldives, hand line fishing has proven to be a life line of the Maldivian people, for whom fish is a dietary staple. Resorts such as the Anantara Veli, Maldives or a number of Maldives bungalows offer visitors a chance to try their hand at this time honored tradition.

The most common form of fishing in the Maldives is hand line fishing, or more popularly known as the hook and bait system. This is where the baited hook is dropped to about a foot above the reef, perfect for catching reef fish which are abundant in the Maldives. A number of resorts will even offer to cook up your catch for dinner that day so you can fully enjoy the spoils of your expedition.

It is tradition for hand line fishing to be carried out either on the resort itself, or visitors can rent traditional Bokkuraas that seat up to 3 people. This vessel is the traditional boat of choice used by the Maldivians when hand line fishing and can be rented for a few hours. Hand line fishing is usually carried out in the evening however if the boat departs from the resort early enough, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Maldivian sunset in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Such a breathtaking view is sure to be classified as 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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