Exploring Dive Spots in Northern Maldives
Considering a holiday in the Maldives used to cause a heartache for those with a light budget. A vacation on board MV Nautilus Two is a choice that you should not overlook; with competitive prices and a stunning itinerary, it will be a choice that you will not regret.
The Maldives used to be famed for the fact that it was the choice for the very wealthy, and the best place for famous people to have a private, calm vacation in. All that is rapidly changing, with the large number of mid-market resorts and travel options like guest houses and safari boats complementing the high market resorts.
Of course this means that you will end up with a far more authentic experience at rates fully less than half the cost, and the only thing you will be compromising for that cost is the opulence… which most people with an adventurer’s spirit manage in a pinch.
So how does a holiday aboard a liveaboard such as the Nautilus Two differ from the tons of other options available in the Maldives?
Well for one, you won’t be tied down to one island and one house reef. This may not sound so bad, since the idyllic Maldivian village life will put you in the relaxed lassitude that most of the country “suffers” from, and the house reef will prove to be worth more than just one visit.
But then, liveaboards ply a route around the atolls of the Maldives, skipping across several islands and dive spots, and also provides you with in-house dive management and instructors who will guide you to the most attractive places under the sea in the country.
The Northern Itinerary
The Nautilus has a trip that begins on the 9th of September, till the 17th, that will take you around on a scenic route to Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal and Shaviyani, traditionally known as the Thiladhunmathi atoll and the northern half of Miladhunmadulu Atoll.
Travelers board the domestic flight from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at Malé and fly northwards on the national flag bearer’s turboprop aircraft, which will take about 45 minutes to reach Hanimaadhoo Island. The boat crew will assist in your transit into the vessel, which will then take off into the blue seascapes that surround you from every direction.
The vessel’s route may change in accordance with the weather and what you’d really want to spot fauna-wise, but generally, you’ll first head off to Thakandhoo, Molidhoo and Maaradhoo islands in Haa Alif, where most of the dive spots include caves that you can drift by. Crossing into the south towards Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Nautilus will stop by Nellaidhoo island around which the dive spots, Navaidhoo Meru Thila, Nelaidhoo Thila and the Nautilus Thila are located.
On the way to Shaviyani Atoll further southwards, you’ll stop by the Magandu Thila. All these spots have a profusion of reef fish, in addition to sight s of mega fauna such as reef sharks and manta rays. In Shaviyani Atoll, you’ll most likely be stopping by the Maroshi Island, near which the Maroshi Reefs, the Mari Thila and the Bodufana Thila are located. Before turning back up to the Northern atolls, you’ll also dive in the Ferumbaidhoo outer and inner reefs as well as at Nomara island where the Nomara Cave and the Mawadhoo Thila are located. Back in the far north, you’ll stop by the island city of Kulhudufushi in Haa Dhaal, where the Kulhudufushi Thila proves to be a testament to preservation of marine life even though the island had undergone development and reclamation, and in the Finey region at the 3 dive spots of Finey island as well as the Hirimaradhoo and Thifaridhoo reefs. The last dive of your tri[p will be at Hanimaadhoo itself, where the huge house reef as well as four adjacent ones make for an interesting dive.
Nautilus Two near an Unihabited at sunset
During the course of your holiday you will get to see how Maldivian lifestyle changes from one island to another. Accents, appearances and vocations all have subtle differences that you will not be able to experience, staying on just one island your whole trip. Besides, the local islands are of the Islamic faith, and you will have to dress modestly on these islands, which means your best bet for a perfect sun tan is on the deck of a cruiser.
Another important fact to note, well… not if you’re a teetotaler, but the fact that the severe ban on alcohol sales and consumption in the islands does not affect liveaboards, and travelers can happily imbibe in a hard drink any time, except of course, before a dive as that is quite dangerous.
In any sense, Maldivian vacations are a way to treat your mind and body to a time of timelessness. The feeling of being in another world is strong here, as there is nothing here that will remind you of the concrete jungle back home. Don’t forget to check out our special offers with Nautilus two !
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