Manta Rays and Stingrays in Maldives

Manta rays and stingrays are rather popular sea creatures in Maldives. Thousands of tourists travel long miles from their hometowns just to experience these marine wonders themselves. These two exotic species of rays not only occur in this tropical paradise, but are also surprisingly common.

Maldivian Manta Ray

Maldives Manta Rays are fascinating sea creatures, attracting scuba diving and marine enthusiasts worldwide in this tropical paradise. There are numerous dive sites in Maldives  that feature sightings of these spectacular creatures. This largest species of rays can grow up to 20 feet and weigh 4,000 pounds heavy but is very friendly and harmless to scuba divers despite their frightening  size.

Maldives Diving with Manta Rays

Manta Rays in Maldives are very popular attractions to scuba divers because of their majestic appearance and unique habitat. These creatures migrate across the 26 atolls of Maldives with the changing monsoons, following seasonal shifts in their planktonic food source.

Maldives Manta Ray Project

The Maldives Manta Ray Project (MMRP) is an organization dedicated to data collection and marine research of mantas in Maldives with the purpose of caring and preserving for the population of these precious creatures. With only 3 years of existence, the project has already gathered data that identifies over 1,500 manta rays in Maldives and counting.

Sharks and Rays

This non-profit research organization also aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of manta rays in Maldives. MMRP conducts education initiatives and other marine conservation activities as part of their responsibility towards a better and safer marine life in Maldives.

Stingray Feeding

Stingrays often dwell on shallow waters in search of their prey. This is the perfect opportunity for you to feed these tooth-less and velvet-like creatures with pilchards and other small fish.

Maldives Stingray Feeding

There are numerous resorts in Maldives that holds nightly stingray feeding events. Before allowing their guests to feed these graceful and gentle sea creatures themselves, a resort professional will give a short orientation about stingrays and their habitat.

Want to know more about Scuba Diving in Maldives? Visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com for special deals, liveaboard information, and other tourist concerns.

Wreck Diving in Maldives

It doesn’t come as a surprise when we say that the Maldives features a tremendous amount of wreck dive sites, given the vast majority of its huge bodies of water. Most tourists actually embark on a holiday in this captivating paradise to experience an unforgettable scuba diving trip.

Wreck Diving Maldives

Some holiday packages in Maldives offer scuba-diving-specific itineraries via liveaboard lodging, which is probably the best way to experience wreck diving. Although, there are also numerous resorts that organizes wreck diving trips as part of service to their guests.

Maldives Victory Wreck

The Maldives Victory Wreck is probably the most popular shipwreck open for commercial diving in the country. This 110 meter long vessel sank on the western side of Hulhule Island back in 1981, and has gradually turned into a natural habitat for a colorful and exotic variety of marine life.

Maldives Victory Wreck

The ship’s main deck is to be found at a depth of 12 meters, where you’ll be greeted by turtles, large groupers and tuna. The Maldives Victory Wreck is classified as an advanced dive, mainly because of strong currents and the many sharp objects surrounding the site.

The British Loyalty Wreck

Another interesting dive in Maldives is the British Loyalty Wreck. This 140 meter long ship was neutralized by Japanese torpedoes during the Second World War back in 1946.

Maldives Wreck - The British Loyalty

The British Loyalty is a very popular wreck site in the Maldives’ Addu Atoll. With its upper portion at a depth range of 17 meters, the ship’s vertical orientation basically allows beginner-friendly diving. More experienced divers can easily explore the British Loyalty’s propellers at 29 meters deep, and could also swim through its torpedo hole in the hull.

British Loyalty Wreck Diving

Aside from the usual reef fishes, some of the other marine features of the British Loyalty Wreck include large sea turtles, omnipresent wrasse, parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, and bannerfish.

Planning your dream holiday in Maldives? Visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com for special deals and tourist/diving information. You may also go to www.scubadivemaldives.com for additional Maldives/general scuba diving articles.

Paradise Island Resort Maldives

In an arrow-shaped island locally known as Lakanfinolhu lies the Paradise Island Resort in Maldives. Opening its doors to worldwide tourists back in 1994, this majestic hotel structure is famous for its first-class service, eco-friendly architecture, five-star lodging, and is surprisingly rather affordable.

Paradise Island Maldives Resort Activities

Paradise Island Resort Maldives is no doubt an attractive tourist destination, with a variety of restaurants to dine-in, a huge range of water sporting and other leisure activities available, not to mention, the perfect opportunity to relax in its world class spa.

Paradise Island Maldives Water Villas

This beautiful resort at the Maldives’s North Male Atoll is easily reached by seaplane or speedboat in short day trips. In Paradise Island, you get a chance to escape the stress of city living, as it is surrounded with lush greenery, flawless white sand, and crystal clear waters.

Paradise Island Resort Maldives Accommodations

Bond with nature as you enter Paradise Island. The luxurious guest accommodations here are all spacious and comfortable, certainly rating amongst the best in Maldives. Its excellent design is mostly highlighted by elegant furnishings of local Maldivian wood, a fantastic panorama of the ocean, and simply the beauty of its surroundings.

Paradise Island Maldives Beach Villas

All deluxe beach bungalows in Paradise Island Resort Maldives are fully equipped with modern amenities such as satellite television, IDD phone, in-room safe, mini-bar, hot/cold shower, air-conditioning, and a private veranda.

Dining at Paradise Island Maldives

There’s no denying that one of the best things-to-do during a vacation is to eat. Here in Paradise Island Resort Maldives, you’ll get to experience an unforgettable feast. Guests has the option to dine in any of these tastefully decorated restaurants and cafes.

Main Restaurant – Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served daily.

Ristorante al Tramonto & Sunset Bar – Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. Provides an excellent overlooking view of the sea.

Fukuya Teppanyaki – A cozy indoor restaurant, not only serving authentic dishes, but sporting a true Japanese design as well.

Dhaavan Coffee Shop – A casual snack bar with once a week DJ nights.

Karaoke Bar – Friendly atmosphere for karaoke lovers.

Beach Bar – Conveniently located right near the beach and water sports center.

For more information about Scuba Diving Holidays in Maldives, you may visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

Maldives Shark Diving

Shark diving is a very exciting and popular activity in a country surrounded by vast bodies of water such as the Maldives. It is a common misconception that shark diving is an extremely dangerous activity, given the species’ notorious underwater reputation and unpredictable behavior. Although in truth, there are many kinds of sharks which actually allow safe diving.

Maldives Shark Diving

In the Maldives, there are many kinds of sharks you may encounter, making the possibilities of your underwater adventure endless. There’s also something for every level of diving skill and preference. For beginner to advanced divers, Shark diving in Maldives is not only safe. It can be a very unique and fascinating experience.

Shark Diving Trips in Maldives

Whether you’re staying in a resort or enjoying your holiday via liveaboard, the accommodating party is most likely to have shark diving in its menu. Liveaboards are usually the superior choice, as these first-class Maldives holiday cruises basically intend to provide its guests a scuba diving holiday not to be forgotten.

Whale Sharks in Maldives

Whale shark diving is extremely popular for liveaboard divers in Maldives. The ship captain with the help of a very experienced and well-trained staff can spot a whale shark approaching or near the ocean with ease.

Maldives Whale Shark

Once it has been spotted, guests may simply grab their snorkel gears to meet these friendly marine creatures. Swimming with whale sharks are pretty much commonplace in Maldives and a safe activity even for first timers.

Maldives Grey Reef Shark

The grey reef shark is probably the most commonly sighted kind in Maldives. These seemingly dangerous underwater species are actually safe to dive with. Many popular dive sites in Maldives such as the Maaya Thila and Cocoa Corner offer sightings of grey reef sharks, where they usually hunt their prey. Unlike whale sharks, these kinds are usually seen while diving. An opportunity not to be missed by any avid marine or scuba enthusiast.

Maldives Grey Reef Shark

Want to know more about Liveaboard Holidays in Maldives? Visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com for photo galleries, dive site information, liveaboard profiles and so much more! Check it out now!

Kuramathi Cottage & Spa

Kuramathi Cottage & Spa is a luxurious resort spa located at the North Ari Atoll’s island of Kuramathi. It is one of the three hotels on this 1 kilometer long island, certainly among the biggest resort-developed tourist destinations in Maldives.

Kuramathi Cottage & Spa Maldives

Kuramathi Cottage Guest Bungalows

Kuramathi Cottage has a total of 81 tourist accommodations that you may select as your chosen holiday home during a tranquil and uninterrupted stay in this health-oriented resort. The 50 over the water bungalows are essentially perfect for romantic holidays and honeymoons. All of these exquisite rooms are elegantly designed and constructed with exotic Maldivian furnishings.

Kuramathi Cottage Beach Bungalow

The other 31 beach bungalows in Kuramathi Cottage brings equal delight to its guests as well, providing captivating and unique views of the ocean panorama that clearly boasts amongst the best in Maldives tourism.

Kuramathi Cottage Water Bungalow

In Kuramathi Cottage, your presence alone accommodates all your needs, as the resort’s guest bungalows basically provides you with everything you’ll ever need. In-room amenities include IDD telephones, a well stocked mini-bar, piped-in music, safe deposit boxes, coffee/tea making facilities, a private veranda, satellite television, and centralized air conditioning. For busy on-the-go businessmen tourists in Kuramathi Cottage, a fast wireless internet connection is available in some areas of the resort.

Kuramathi Cottage Resort Activities

Always at its best effort to give both adventure-loving and health-conscious individuals an unforgettable vacation, the Kuramathi Cottage management has made available a wide variety of resort fun and relaxation activities. Engage in endless excitement and bliss while doing an excellent selction of water activities such as jet skiing, banana boat riding, fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, or canoeing. Exploring the neighoring fishing villages near the Kuramathi island is a not-to-miss opportunity as well. Once you’ve had enough of the water, then you have full access to land-based facilities which has a table tennis court, beach volleyball/football areas, and a fine variety of board games to choose from.

Certainly not the least notable feature of Kuramathi Cottage is its in-resort spa. The hotel highly gives value to its guests’ physical and mental well-being. It will certainly not disappoint you with its first class spa facility which offers a fine range of exotic treatments and massages from trained professionals. Kuramathi Cottage Spa also has a sauna bath, steam room, jacuzzi and a refreshing plunge pool.

Kuramathi Cottage Spa

For more information about the endless vacation offerings during your one-of-a-kind Maldives Holiday, please visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

Maldives Fun Island Resort

Set on the beautiful paradise island of Bodufinolhu located at the South Male Atoll, the Maldives Fun Island Resort is a newly reconstructed private beach hotel. This majestic resort structure is an ideal holiday home for families, divers, and honeymooners.

Fun Island Resort Maldives

Maldives Fun Island Resort is surrounded with lush greenery and a long stretch of powdery white sand beach. Designed and constructed with a green philosophy in mind, the resort also provides excellent service and gives a tranquil feeling to its guests, for a closer bond with mother nature.

Maldives Fun Island Resort Activities

Fun Island Maldives offers a rich variety of resort activities for endless fun and relaxation under the beautiful Maldivian sun. If you feel like doing some really exciting water sports, there are facilities for catamaran sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, banana boat riding, and scuba diving.

Fun Island Resort Diving

There are land activities in Fun Island as well, and these include bandminton, beach volleyball, board games, snooker, table tennis, beach barbecues, plus so much more. Learn more about Maldivian culture and livelihood by taking a trip to some nearby fishing villages on the neighboring islands. A perfect romantic dinner on a virgin island can also be arranged by the hotel management.

Maldives Fun Island Resort Accommodations

For every taste and budget, a mix of economy rooms and luxurious suites serve as your choice to become your holiday home at Maldives Fun Island. All accommodations in the island are either facing the sea or the atolls, striking out captivating views, unparalleled and dreamlike. In-room amenities include IDD phones, comfortable beddings, spacious bathrooms, internet access, and hot/cold shower.

Fun Island Resort Accommodations

Learn more about the many different things you can do during your holiday in this paradise country! Visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com for more info on Maldives Diving Holidays!

Maldivian Dhoni

A Maldivian Dhoni is a traditional boat used by fishermen and tourists in Maldives as a means of transport or livelihood. It is also a strong symbol of nationalism in a country which is mostly dominated by vast bodies of water.

Maldivian Dhoni

Some Maldivian Dhonis may vary in design and construction, although most are typically built in the same way. There are many similar properties shared even by different boats varying in size and appearance.

Building a Maldivian Dhoni

Constructing a Maldivian Dhoni takes a lot of hard work and patience, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Many fishermen in Maldives use these boats as their main source of livelihood.

Maldivian Fisherman Dhoni

In the past, boats in Maldives were built using coconut wood. Nowadays this material has been replaced with imported hardwoods, which serves as the main ingredient in making the dhoni’s hull. Copper rivets hold together the planks of a Maldivian Dhoni, replacing the use of coir during the older days.

Maldivian Dhoni Cruise

A sail is essential to any Maldivian Dhoni as it will prove to be useful during emergency situations. It can also be used to save precious and expensive gasoline resources. The lateen triangular sail has replaced the traditional square sail made of coconut fronds.

Did you know that the basic hull design of a Maldives liveaboard cruise is entirely based on that of the smaller dhoni? These first class vessels are usually a hundred feet long or even bigger. To know more about luxury liveaboards in Maldives, click here.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort

If you’re looking to getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban lifestyle, then book a flight to the Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort right away. This beautiful resort island located at the South Ari Atoll is surrounded with swaying palm trees and powdery white sand beach everywhere.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Beach Resort

Encircled on a sparkling turquoise lagoon, the Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort is also a holiday home to scuba diving enthusiasts as it features lots of nearby diving.

Characterized by luxury and nature combined, Vakarufalhi Maldives is designed and constructed to bring its guest to paradise, or probably much closer to it.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort Accommodations

The guest bungalows at Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort are designed and built with a traditional Maldivian touch. With its thatched roofing and wood finishings, these excellent holiday homes let you enjoy the true comforts of living in a Robinson Crusoe style accmmodation.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort Accommodations

There are a total of 50 bungalows at Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort, each equipped with standard amenities you’ll need during this luxurious holiday. These include in-room music, private veranda, mini-bar, IDD phones, hot/cold shower, and air-conditioning.

Aside from accommodation inclusive packages, Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort also offers an “all inclusive” deal that covers not only your board and lodging, but also daily meals, and access to some other services.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort Activities

Snorkeling or diving at the nearby house reef in Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort is one of the best things to do in this paradise island. Colorful fishes, and unique underwater sightings are merely 50 meters away from the beach. If you’re up for more advanced diving, the resort may also organize excursions to some of the best dive sites in Maldives.

Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort Windsurfing

For those who are not in the mood to go scuba, need not worry cause’ there’s a whole lot more to do in Vakarufalhi Maldives Resort. Other exciting water and land activities include catamaran sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, big game/night fishing, island hopping, badminton, and table tennis.

For more information about Scuba Diving Holidays in Maldives, visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com.

Maldives Equator Village Resort

The Equator Village in Maldives is one of the rather unique resorts you’ll find in the country. If you’re up for something different, then booking a holiday at the Maldives Equator Village is something you won’t regret.

Maldives Equator Village

Maldives Equator Village is located at the Gan Island, which can be reached through another plane transfer from the Male International Airport. This island located at the Addu Atoll is one of the largest in Maldives at five kilometers in length and three kilometers wide.

Maldives Equator Village Resort Activities

There are a ton of activities you can enjoy during your holiday at Maldives Equator Village. All the usual water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and parasailing are just some of the services offered by the resort. The dive center at Maldives Equator Village conducts dive excursions to some of the best wreck sites and reefs in the country.

Maldives Equator Village Facilities

Being a large island itself, Gan is also inhabited by locals in some of its areas. You can explore around the neighboring villages near Maldives Equator Village Resort if you want to learn more about local culture, certainly a feature that other resorts simply cannot offer.

Maldives Equator Village Resort Accommodations

The 78 guest rooms in Maldives Equator Village are all spacious and comfortable, situated in a nice garden area with blooming flowers, bushes and trees. Each are equipped with modern amenities that include air-conditioning, sitting area, hot/cold shower, and fridge.

Maldives Equator Village Accommodations

Want to know more about Holidays in Maldives? Visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com for special packages.

Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives

Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives is a private owned resort island at the North Male Atoll and is one of the few resorts in the country that offers very affordable holiday deals and packages. This beach hotel facility lets you experience the natural beauty of Maldives, without sacrificing the comforts of modern luxury, despite its three star rating.

Giravaru Maldives Tourist Resort

Just a few kilometers away from the Male International Airport, Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives can easily be reached by a 20 minute speedboat transfer. The resort is also known for its first class dive center, and is frequented by seasoned divers from all over the world.

Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives Accommodations

There are a total of 65 deluxe beach bungalows at the Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives situated amongst the lush vegetation of the island. Most guest rooms in Giravaru Maldives Resort are located right in front of the beach, providing easy access to the beautiful white sand and sparkling lagoon.

Giravaru Maldives Accommodations

All the beach bungalows in Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that you won’t miss the comforts of your own home during your island paradise getaway. These amenities include fresh hot and cold water, en-suite bathrooms, TV set with in-house movies/CNN, piped-in music, air conditioning, IDD telephone, hair dryer, ceiling fan, and mini-bar.

Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives Facilities

Aside from having its own dive center that allows the guests to explore about 20 of the most talked about dive sites in Maldives, the Giravaru Tourist Resort also has a number of facilities in the island that offers an alternative to your holiday. The resort’s windsurfing facility generates a lot of interest to its guests as there are a variety of specialized and beginner courses available.

Giravaru Maldives Swimming Pool

The Giravaru Tourist Resort Maldives also has its own swimming pool with bar, ocean view coffee shop, disco/karaoke, and a conference hall for corporate functions or family events.

For more information about Scuba Diving Holidays in Maldives, visit www.maldivesdivetravel.com.