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Top 5 Reasons to Travel to the Maldives

June 27th, 2011 anand Comments off

As this idyllic island getaway destination continues to soar in popularity, we all know there are many reasons to travel to the Maldives, and each individual traveller will have his own list of wishes and priorities, but here are a few of the best reasons we know of to travel to Maldives.

1. Maldives Beaches

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Beautiful Maldives Beach

Travel to Maldives will give you the chance to come face-to-face with some of the most incredible beaches in the world. The Maldives comprises hundreds of islands, each surrounded by perfect white sand, swaying palm trees and incredible turquoise blue sea.

All travel in Maldives is done either by boat or plane, both of which give you plenty of time to soak up the amazing beach views. When you’re not dashing about the islands, you’ll enjoy lounging around on these incredible Maldivian beaches or enjoying the view of the Maldives beaches either from your hotel room, swimming pool or scuba diving liveaboard.

2. Maldives Scuba Travel

Maldives scuba travel is widely considered to be some of the best dive travel in the world. The Maldives have been known as a scuba diving destination for many years now so you will find all dive crews and boat captains to be extremely experienced and knowledgeable about Maldives dive travel. There are many Maldives travel books and Maldives travel websites that will give you a good idea of what to expect from your Maldives scuba travel experience before you leave home and that will help you find the best deals and learn about the best time to visit. Just to give a quick overview of what to expect from Maldives diving travel, here are a few pointers.

The best Maldives dive travel experiences, and one of the main reasons people travel to Maldives is the liveaboard diving concept. A Maldives liveaboard trip involves divers living aboard a cruising yacht for any length of time (usually 1 – 2 weeks) and doing a couple of dives a day from the liveaboard. When you’re not diving, you can enjoy other aspects of Maldives travel, including sunbathing, going to the beach, island hopping, fishing and generally relaxing. Maldives liveaboards come in a range of styles; you’ll find that whatever your budget and personal preference, there’ll be a scuba diving liveaboard waiting for you in the Maldives.

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Diving with a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Of course, there are opportunities to simply dive or snorkel from a resort’s dive centre, and that might be the right choice for you, but however you decide to discover the underwater world of the Maldives, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be disappointed!

A quick glance in any Maldives travel book will tell you that the Maldives is home to an amazing array of marine life, ranging from more than 15 varieties of shark, 2 types of turtles, several ray species and many types of eel, wrasse and tuna. The list is really endless, but a couple of the real “stars” of the Maldives dive travel world are the whale shark and the manta ray – definitely the country’s biggest aquatic attractions.

3. Aerial Views from Maldives Air Travel

One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel to the Maldives is the incredible views when travelling from the airport to your hotel or liveaboard, if you have the chance to travel by air. When researching your Maldives holiday on any Maldives travel blog, you’re sure to see many aerial photos of the islands, taken during Maldives air travel, which are simply spectacular. Aerial views of the islands really put into perspective how remote of a destination each of the islands really are and just how the colour of the ocean contrasts perfectly with that of the land. It really is the quintessential image of the tropical “islandscape”.

Check out this stunning aerial video shot whilst approaching the Maldives.

4. Visiting Secluded Maldives Islands

Following on from the idea of the quintessential island image is the opportunity to visit some of the Maldives’ desert islands. Many of the islands are completely uninhabited, or perhaps inhabited only by very small villages of people, who are only to happy to show you around their pristine island and introduce you to their way of life. Villagers will treat you to dances, feasts and other shows of their individual culture and visits to these islands are a very common part of Maldives cruise travel.

5. Incredible Maldives Marine Life

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Fascinating Coral Formations and Marine Life

As you would expect from a world-class diving destination, the marine life in the Maldives is nothing short of spectacular. Expect to see brilliantly coloured coral formations, vibrant shoals of reef-dwelling fish, incredibly large pelagic species and, of course the magnificent whale shark. The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where you can expect to glimpse a whale shark throughout the year, which means that travel to Maldives is possible 365 days a year.

When it comes to planning travel in Maldives, there are thousands of resources to help you make the best decisions. Online you will find a selection of Maldives travel agents all offering a wide variety of travel deals to Maldives. It can be difficult finding the best travel agent to book holiday to Maldives, so in these days of social media, the best advice is to ask around, check out blogs on Maldives travel and ask fellow travellers their own experiences and opinions.

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Rare Lion Fish Spotted in the Maldives

One of the biggest issues to consider is the price of your Maldives dive safari, which can vary wildly depending on the type of diving cruise you wish to embark upon. With both the resorts and the liveaboards in the Maldives, there is an extensive range of accommodation available. As far as Maldives liveaboards are concerned, you should expect to pay anywhere from USD $150 to USD $300 per person per night, plus the cost of your flights. This will include all scuba diving, meals and accommodation, but not alcoholic drinks. If you’re looking for a resort, the prices vary enormously – it would be unfair to put a price, but you can definitely find everything from mid-range hotels to absolute luxury. There are also many packages available, especially from the UK, but again these vary wildly in price.

Maldives Dive Travel, a travel agent specialising in Maldives scuba travel, maintains the interesting and informative Maldives dive travel blog, which highlights important information about scuba travel in the Maldives, tells you when is the best time to travel to Maldives and updates you with news of special travel deals to Maldives. You can find out more on our website www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

Introducing the MV Aquarius – The New Frontrunner in Liveaboard Cruisers

June 20th, 2011 anand Comments off

Maldives Dive Travel proudly introduces the MV Aquarius, the latest addition to our fleet: A majestic high-tech vessel offering rebreather diving, double-tanks and a thrilling sense of adventure, the Aquarius offers unparalleled recreation and scuba diving features. Starting in August, this 101 foot liveaboard ship will be cruising the waters of the Maldivian islands, enabling scuba divers and dive safari enthusiasts to reach much greater distances than the current norm.

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Maldives Liveaboard - MV Aquarius

Refurbished in 2011 with the most modern on-board technology and diving equipment, it is for this very reason the Aquarius can reach destinations not usually attainable with other ships, and state-of-the-art technology like underwater stabilisers and rebreather diving facilities allows divers to explore the stunning depths of the Maldives in greater detail.

The MV Aquarius will without a doubt become a frontrunner for liveaboard dive safaris in the Maldives, so be sure to reserve your spot for a unique dive experience of a lifetime.

MV Aquarius Details

The Aquarius measures an impressive 101 ft. in length and is 25.5 ft. wide, providing ample space for generous interior and exterior facilities. Constructed in the year 1998 it was fully refurbished in 2011; it holds up to 16 guests at a time, excluding the crew of 10. With two turbo-diesel engines, the cruising speed lies at 12 knots, and with Lloyd Standard certified security features like a 48 mile radar, autopilot, 3 independent steering systems, auto-inflating rescue rafts and strong search spotlights, this vessel is supremely equipped for high waters. Further features of the Aquarius MV at a glance:

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The MV Aquarius on a Maldives Dive Safari

  • Water Supply: 2 desalination plants on board
  • Power: 220V / 50Hz supplied by 2 diesel generators
  • Dhingy: Zodiac with outboard engine
  • Extra Diving boat (Dhoni): 60 ft. dive dhoni, fully equipped for scuba diving
  • DAN first aid box, oxygen, fire extinguishers, life vests
  • 2 auto-inflatable rescue rafts
  • Yacht-Control-System
  • Bord Radio System
  • Automated fire extinguishing system in engine room
  • Fire hose connections on all decks
  • Life vests and signal lights in every room
  • First aid equipment in ship and Dhoni
  • Rope cutter on propellers

But the Aquarius doesn’t just score high on safety, she also offers a great range of top recreational facilities; with sound systems on all decks, DVD player, wide-screen projector, satellite TV and internet access, the MV Aquarius guarantees you will find your time both on and off board a pleasant and enjoyable experience. And to make sure you keep those vivid memories for the future, all rooms are equipped with power sockets, and there are docking stations for cameras, video recorders and the like available on the main deck.

Diving Information

Imagine gliding along deep in the Maldivian waters when you see hundreds of sharks approaching close to you, yet you remain undetected due to the absence of water bubbles from your rebreather scuba tanks. The rebreather involves using oxygen and recycled exhaled air from the diver. As a closed circuit system this is more space efficient, as well as making the diver lighter and more compact. You can last for longer underwater, and sink to much deeper regions thanks to this sophisticated technology, and not worry about time while you admire the underwater marine life.

Check out the following video of a scuba diver swimming alongside a Maldives grey reef shark.

Liveaboard dive safaris aboard the MV Aquarius are sure to be popular along the south where there is an abundance of deep drop offs and ship wrecks. The diving equipment on this ship is remarkable; following are a few of the exclusive perks of travelling with the Aquarius:

  • Twin Tanks with Isolated Manifolds on board
  • Haskel Booster Pump for O2 and Helium, allowing easy and hassle free filling of mixed gases
  • Evolution & Inspiration Rebreather bottles on board so clients don’t need to bring their own, thus saving weight
  • Softner Lime for Rebreathers available for sale on board
  • O2 cleaned Stage bottles and Stage rig kits

Dive Cruise Info

The MV Aquarius is active this season from 1st July 2011 – 30th April 2012. Starting July, the Aquarius will be sailing Monday through Monday at following cost:

p/p/n $ 185
Single occupancy $ 259
Full charter 16 guest max. $ 2.590

There is currently a special offer for travellers in large groups; with a group of 16 guests, number 15 and 16 are free of charge.

The price includes accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with windows, en-suite showers (hot water) and toilet. Bath towels provided along with full board, meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tea, coffee and water are available free of charge at all times. Soft drinks and liquor can be purchased at the well-stocked bar. There are 17 dives during a seven night safari (including check dive and a special night dive, tanks with DIN/INT, lead belts, and the use of the extra diving boat. Guidance is provided by a qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive guide, helping you to feel relaxed and secure in the care of a seasoned professional. You can also enjoy the use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits. Also on the agenda is a picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route), where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine and if you are lucky, even experience a spontaneous traditional drum and dance session.

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Sunset Beach Picnic

Not included in the price is bed tax: US$ 8 per person, per night and only payable on board. The fuel surcharge, that is to say if the crude oil price on the international markets reaches USD 100/barrel, US$ 6 p/p/n will be charged on board. Any domestic flights, air fares and/or airport taxes are also not covered in the package price. You can bring your own dive/snorkel equipment, or you can choose to hire them on board. Bear in mind the use of US Dollars is widely accepted, along with the local currency the Rufiya. Dive & travel Insurance is also excluded.

Cruise Details

Currently there are three liveaboard cruise offers running on the Aquarius from August 2011 to April 2012. Each cruise is tailored to a different route around the Maldives, and benefits from seasonal perks with regards to the very popular and unique marine life.

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Scuba Divers Catch Sight of a Manta Ray

1. August – October: “Manta Madness”

Male, Baa, Rasdhoo, N. Ari Atoll. There is an abundance of Manta Rays at this time of year along this exact route. For all scuba divers interested in this fascinating creature, don’t miss out on a chance to witness phenomena like the manta feeding frenzy. You can read more about manta rays on our page on Maldives marine life.

2. November & December: “Best of Maldives”

Male, Rasdhoo, Ari, South Male Atoll. This liveaboard cruise encapsulates all that is fascinating about the Maldives. With dives at various world-renowned dive spots populated with whale sharks, turtles and clownfish to name a few, this cruise is perfect for exploring the Maldives both above and under water.

3. January – April: “Southern Sharks”

Addu, Foammulah, Huvadhoo (Guests Fly to Addu (Gan), and fly out from Huvadhoo (Kaadedhdhoo). New guests fly into Huvadhoo, out from Addu, alternating each time. Addu is notorious for boasting an abundance of manta rays and ship wrecks. Foammulah is the home to numerous tiger sharks and silver sharks, and along the entire route you may even spot several whale sharks. Diving amongst these imposing creatures is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

For more info about cruise schedules and reservations contact us right here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Whale Shark Dive Trips 2010

July 19th, 2010 admin No comments

Maldives Whale Shark Trips – Summer 2010

Is swimming with whale sharks something you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance?  Have you seen whale sharks in the wild before while scuba diving/snorkeling, but you’re dying for another opportunity to swim with them?  Now is your chance!  Maldives Dive  Travel is offering a wide selection of whale shark safaris this summer, so there’s bound to be one to suit your schedule and budget.  The following scuba diving safaris all depart from the city of Male, the capital of the Maldives.  Prices include accommodation, meals and diving.

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Whale Shark Trips with Maldives Dive Travel in 2010

Maldives Whale Shark Dive Trips 2010

  • Stingray : August 17 – 24.  7 nights. USD $1,176
    Baa Atoll / Hanifaru
  • Black Pearl: August 30 – September 13.  14  nights.  USD $2,590.
    Hanifaru Whale Shark / Manta Ray safari with Marine Biologist on board
  • Black Pearl: September 13 – 20.  7 nights.  USD $1,295.
    Mamingili Beyru Whale Shark Safari with Marine Biologist on board
  • Stingray: September 15 – 22.  7 nights. USD  $1,176.
    Baa Atoll, Hanifaru
  • Theia: August 2 – 9. 7 nights. USD  $1,344.
    Baa Atoll, Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • Theia: August 9-16. 7 nights. USD $1,344.
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • Theia: August 16-23, 7 nights. USD $1,344
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • Theia: August 23-30. 7 nights, USD $1,344
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • Theia: August 30 – September 6. 7 nights. USD $1,344
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • MV Orion: September 3 – 13,  10 nights USD $1,990
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll
  • Theia: September 6-13. 7 nights, USD 1.344
    Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Ari  and North Male Atoll

All cruises on Theia are subject to the following surcharges on board: USD $8 p.p./p.n. obligatory Maldivian tourism tax + USD $14.50  fuel surcharge per person per night.

Please Note (valid for all boats):
Travelling to Baa Atoll and back requires adequate weather conditions and is subject to change. Prices are per person, per cruise in a standard cabin full board accommodation inclusive all dives.  On many of the boats, upgrades to other cabins are available at a cost.

Summer Holidays 2010 in the Maldives

June 11th, 2010 admin No comments

Summer Holidays 2010 Diving in the Maldives

Are you still undecided on what to do for your 2010 summer holidays?  Have you thought about a scuba diving holiday in the Maldives? A diving holiday in the Maldives is a great experience and is something that can be enjoyed by all the family.  There are several different ways to enjoy your 2010 summer holidays in the Maldives, but our favourite way is by taking a scuba diving safari on a liveaboard ship and exploring the many islands and atolls of the glorious Maldives.

Special Offers on 2010 Summer Holidays in the Maldives

There are several excellent summer holiday special offers available at the moment with Maldives Dive Travel.  These vary in price and style so there’s something to suit every taste and budget.   The following are our top 5 picks for 2010 summer holidays in the Maldives:

1. Hanifaru Bay on Theia – July 19-26

hanifaru manta rays Summer Holidays 2010 in the Maldives

Manta Ray Feeding Frenzy at Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is home to one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world, especially when it comes to scuba diving attractions. The spectacular “Manta Ray Feeding Frenzy” can be seen here only during the months of July, August and September – and stunning liveaboard Theia can take you there at a great deal.

Book your space on Theia’s Hanifaru Bay Cruise for only $1,344 per person for a 7-night cruise.

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2010 Summer Holiday on Theia

2. Dream Catcher II Special Last Minute Deal – July 12 – 19

Dream Catcher II, one of the most luxurious liveaboards in the Maldives is offering a special last-minute deal where you pay for 6 nights and get the 7th night free for several dates throughout July.  This popular offer has sold quickly, but there are still some places available on the July 12th departure.  This cruise will visit some of the best dive sites in the Maldives and divers will hopefully experience some of the main attractions of Maldives diving - the whale shark and manta ray.

Book your space now on Dream Catcher II for just $1,295 including all diving and meals

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Summer Holidays 2010 on Dream Catcher II

3. Great Value Short Trip on Black Pearl – August 25 – 30

If you just want to take a short diving safari, perhaps in conjunction with a Maldives resort stay, you should consider this 5-night cruise on Black Pearl for just $840 per person, including all meals and diving.    The Black Pearl is a traditional-style Maldivian liveaboard but it also offers all the modern conveniences and creature comforts you need to ensure a safe and exciting diving safari in the Maldives.

Book your space on this Black Pearl safari for just $840 per person!

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Black Pearl Liveaboard Holidays

4. LAST MINUTE SPECIAL!!! HURRY!!! MV Orion Diving Adventure – June 23 – 30

This very last minute deal allows you to experience the magic of the South Male, North Male and Ari Atolls from the comfort of the stunning MV Orion liveaboard.  Divers will experience what has been referred to as “Business-Class Scuba Diving” as they cruise around these incredible atolls, stopping off at many of the finest dive sites in the world.  Expect manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, stunning coralscapes and pristine white sand beaches.  The Maldives is waiting for you!!!

Book your space on the 7-night MV Orion special for $1,197 per person!

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MV Orion Super Special Offer

Hanifaru Bay Videos

April 28th, 2010 admin No comments

Diving Videos from Hanifaru

To coincide with our newly announced Hanifaru Bay Scuba Safaris, the following are a number of videos taken by people scuba diving in Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll in the Maldives.  You will notice an incredible number of manta rays that gather here to feed on the masses of plankton.  The best time of year to see this spectacle is from July to September, so don’t miss out on our limited number of dive safaris.

Contact Maldives Dive Travel Today for More Information about Hanifaru!

Feeding Frenzy: Manta Rays in the Maldives from National Geographic

Save Our Seas – Manta Rays of the Maldives

Atoll Ecosystem Conservation Project (Maldives) Footage of Hanifaru Bay

Join the Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program

April 12th, 2010 admin No comments

Become an Affiliate Today and Start Earning Great Commissions!

Maldives Dive Travel is the first provider of Maldives liveaboard holidays to offer an affiliate program.  By signing up as an affiliate, you can earn great commissions simply by placing banners or text links on your website or social media profiles.

How Does the Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program Work?

Becoming an affiliate for Maldives Dive Travel is completely free and it takes only a few minutes to sign up.  Simply visit our affiliate program web page, where you will be invited to join the program.  Once you have confirmed your account, you will be able to take numerous online tutorials that will tell you everything you could need to know about becoming a successful affiliate.

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Options for Maldives Dive Travel Affiliates

Once you are inside your affiliate program account, you will find a number of different options that you can use to promote our diving holidays.  Traditional options include putting text links or banners on your website.  Once you select a banner or text ad, you will see your specific affiliate code.  It’s this code that tells us the customer came to our site from yours, and that’s how we know when to pay you a commission.  There are other, less traditional options, such as the light boxes, that will add an eye-catching and stylish touch to your site.  There are also email templates, links for including on your social media profiles and so on.

mdt 300x250 02 Join the Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program

Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program Commissions

Commissions in the Maldives Dive Travel affiliate program are paid on a per sale basis.  When a customer comes to our website from your site and proceeds to make a purchase, your commission will be recognized as soon as the customer completes payment.  Affiliates are paid 8% of the value of the sale.  You must accrue $250.00 of commissions before receiving your first payment, and from then on, commissions will be paid once a month.

Who Can Be a Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate?

The great thing about the Maldives Dive Travel affiliate program is that ANYONE can join!  It’s ideal for people with a website about scuba diving, the Maldives or international travel, but it’s also a viable option for people who don’t have a website.  Perhaps you’re an avid scuba diver, and you have a lot of scuba friends on Facebook – you can put your affiliate links on Facebook or Twitter or any other social media profile, and we will see when customers come from your site.  Maybe you have a massive email address book, filled with people who love travel and scuba – send them an email using one of our email templates and all they have to do is visit the site via the link you provide.  There are many ways you can make money with our affiliate program, starting today, and it’s totally free to join, so you have nothing to lose!

Maldives Dive Travel is the first provider of Maldives liveaboard holidays to offer an affiliate program.  By signing up as an affiliate, you can earn great commissions simply by placing banners or text links on your website or social media profiles.

tnmdt lightbox 02 Join the Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program

Diving Holiday Destinations

March 30th, 2010 admin No comments

Diving Holiday Destinations

One of the top diving holiday destinations in the world is the Maldives.  This amazing archipelago of over 1100 islands is home to a wide variety of dive sites and an even wider variety of marine life.  While there is an extensive diversity of reef-dwelling fish and smaller marine creatures, the real attraction of this diving holiday destination is the larger oceanic species that can be found here, including the whale shark, manta ray, eagle ray, grey reef shark, napoleon wrasse and several other shark species.  The Maldives is one of the few diving holiday destinations where divers can enjoy whale shark encounters throughout the year.

Maldives Underwater Photos Coral Reef 2 Diving Holiday Destinations

The Maldives is a World-Class Diving Holiday Destination

Diving Holiday Destinations within the Maldives

A single trip to the Maldives is not enough time for any scuba diver to truly enjoy what this spectacular archipelago has to offer.  There are several different diving holiday destinations with this island paradise.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the finest diving holiday destinations within the Maldives.

Maldives Underwater Photos Eagle Ray Diving Holiday Destinations

Spotted Eagle Rays are Common at this Diving Holiday Destination

Diving Holiday Destination: Hanifaru Bay

The amazing diving holiday destination, Hanifaru Bay, is a marine protected uninhabited island located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives Islands.  Its size is no greater than that of a football field and yet it has become one of the hottest spots on the planet for underwater photographers.  The reason for this modern day phenomenon of underwater diversity is because plankton blooms between the months of May and November – a very unusual phenomenon – attracting manta rays by the hundreds.  At any one time at this diving holiday destination, there can be up to 200 manta rays feeding off the coral reefs as well as plenty of whale sharks which do the same.  Hanifaru Bay has become one of the best diving holiday destinations in the world for people looking for manta ray encounters.

Maldives Underwater Photos Dancing Manta Diving Holiday Destinations

Hanifaru Bay Diving Holiday Destination is a must for Manta Ray Lovers

Diving Holiday Destination: Baa Atoll

The Baa Atoll in the Maldives is a great diving holiday destination thanks to its many varied dive sites and also the high probabilities of spotting whale sharks. Dive sites in the Baa Atoll include Manta Point, Maavaru Kandu and Muthafushi Thila.  There are many resorts whose dive centers take divers to the sites around the Baa Atoll, but the best way to enjoy this diving holiday destination is by liveaboard.

Diving Holiday Destination: Ari Atoll

The Ari Atoll is another great diving holiday destination within the Maldives, offering a range of dive sites that include Maaya Thila, Broken Rock, Kudahrah Thila and Veligandu Kandu.  There are also good chances of seeing whale sharks in the Ari Atoll.

Theia Diving Holiday Destinations

Liveaboards are the Best Way to Explore this Diving Holiday Destination

Destination Maldives

A trip to the diving holiday destination of the Maldives is best when enjoyed from the comfort of a liveaboard diving ship. Liveaboard diving holidays in the Maldives are great because you can cover far more area on a boat than when you have to return to a resort each night.  Liveaboard diving holidays include other activities as well as scuba diving, such as fishing, snorkeling, visiting island communities, beach parties and shopping excursions.

To reserve your holiday to the Maldives now, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

Maldives Diving Season

December 22nd, 2009 admin No comments

The Maldives Diving Season is in full effect!

While people in countries like the UK, Germany and Italy are shaking in their boots, trying to stay warm during the winter holidays, the Maldivians are welcoming their summer, also referred to as the North East Monsoon Season. (As opposed to the South West Monsoon Season.)

Book your liveaboard diving holiday in the Maldives now!

maldives atoll Maldives Diving Season

Diving in the Maldives during the North East Monsoon Season

The North East Monsoon season greatly effects diving in Maldives. The North East Monsoon season begins in November, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall lasting for about a week. Then, it travels from north to south, eventually setting in January.

During the North East Monsoon season, the weather in the north and mid atolls is distinct from that of the southern atolls. The north and mid atolls experience clear skies, sunshine and calm seas for most of the period. Scuba diving is fantastic during the North East Monsoon, characterized by excellent visibility on the eastern side of the atolls and incredibly warm water, averaging around 28 degrees.

Take advantage of Maldives Dive Travel’s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE!

During this season, there are very few rainy days and the sun is almost always shining, making the Maldives a perfect winter escape.  Imagine the envy of your colleagues as they are trudging to work in the snow while you sun yourself and scuba dive in the Maldives!

On the other hand, the southern atolls receive a large amount of rainfall and experience rough seas during the early stages of the North East Monsoon. However, the sea becomes more calm and hot, dry periods prevail until the arrival of Hulha’ngu, the South West Monsoon.

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Currents during the North East Monsoon Season

During the North East Monsoon season, currents begin to flow from the northeast, making visibility superb on the eastern side of the atolls. Scuba divers can expect a lot of action in the channels and atolls, including whale sharks, grey reef sharks and other large pelagic species.

Currents tend to be stronger in January and ease up in February. During February, the waters become more calm and the surface of the sea is undisturbed by any major wind or wave action. The doldrums continue through March and April, characterized by easy diving and slack currents. During the end of May, the season begins to transition to the South West Monsoon.

Check out this special offer on the Carina Liveaboard for February!

Marine Life during the North East Monsoon Season

Throughout the North East Monsoon Season, pelagic species, such as shark and jacks, can be easily spotted on the current points on the eastern side of the atolls. Futhermore, there is usually an abundance of reef life.

However, manta rays and whale sharks are normally found on the western side of the atolls during the North East Monsoon Season.

divers with whale shark maldives Maldives Diving Season

5 Reasons to Book your Maldives Diving Holiday Online with MDT!

December 17th, 2009 admin No comments

The top 5 reasons to book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel!

Maldives Dive Travel, possessing over 20 years experience scuba diving in the Maldives, makes booking your Maldives diving holiday online a breeze!

There are tons of reasons to book online with Maldives Dive Travel, but here are the top 5!

1. Best Price GuaranteeMaldives Dive Travel offers a Best Price Guarantee! Find a better price for one of our holidays?  Send it to us and we’ll beat it! Learn more about our Best Price Guarantee here!

2. Immediate AvailabilityMaldives Dive Travel offers visitors “immediate availability,” meaning that you know exactly how many spots are available on a liveaboard trip when choosing your diving holiday! Instead of wasting time by writing to the operator to inquire about availability and then waiting for a response (which could take days!), with Maldives Dive Travel you know if there is space on a particular liveaboard for a specific time frame while booking your trip.

3. Liveaboards – All liveaboards featured on Maldives Dive Travel are checked regularly to ensure the highest level of service and safety.

4. Last Minute DealsMaldives Dive Travel is constantly featuring last minute deals on the liveaboards, saving you money!

5. Convenience – At Maldives Dive Travel, we speak English and German, respond to all inquiries promptly and professionally, as well as provide information on the best dives sites, marine life, weather and much more!

Book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel now!

Maldives Scuba Diving Videos

December 16th, 2009 admin No comments

Watch scuba diving videos from the beautiful Maldives!

The Maldives is one of the world’s premier destinations for scuba diving.

Not only can scuba divers observe thousands of different species of reef fish while exploring the world underwater, but the Maldives is home to much bigger species, including the manta ray, whale shark, grey reef shark, napoleon wrasse and barracuda.

Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected uninhabited island located in the Baa Atoll, is now one of the hottest spots on the planet for underwater photographers since becoming the world’s largest Manta Ray feeding destination. Read more about the Hanifaru Bay phenomenon here!

Scuba diving in the Maldives is an exciting experience, just remember to keep the camera steady and enjoy your underwater experience!

Maldives Scuba Diving Videos

Grey Reef Shark at Makaru Thila

Beautiful video footage taken of a Grey Reef Shark swimming around the reef at Makaru Thila dive site in the Maldives. In the video, the Reef Shark is seen swimming through a nice variety of colourful reef fish.

Giant Manta Ray in North Male Atoll

Awesome close up of a giant manta ray shot in North Male Atoll, Maldives in a dive site known as Manta Point.

Snorkeling with Whale Shark in the Maldives

A group of snorkelers and divers hovering and swimming with a majestic whale shark in Maamigili dive site located at the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives.

Moray Eel at Cocoa Thila in the Maldives

A few scuba divers follow a moray eel at cocoa thila in the Maldives. This dive site is in the south Male atoll near the capital island. The eel is a fine specimen of the beautiful colored eels that are prevalent in the Maldives.

Large Sea Turtle Glides Through the Water in the Maldives

While scuba diving in the Maldives you can often see pacific green sea turtles swimming against the clear blue waters, descending down over the coral reef.

Check out more Maldives Scuba Diving Videos here!