Cheap Scuba Diving
Good Value Scuba Diving Deals in the Maldives
Current Special Offers on Maldives Diving Holidays
Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering a selection of great special deals, making your diving holiday more affordable than ever before. Check out the following deals and book your 2010 scuba diving holiday in the Maldives now.
Carina – Special Marine Biology Scuba Cruise, 8-22 February, 2010
Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard
Explore the Maldivian reefs under the expert guidance of two marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, Marine Biologists and PADI Instructors on board Carina from 8 to 22 February, 2010. This cruise has a very last-minute price of just US$ 2.660 per person. The cruise start is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking.
Carina Marine Biology Tour Itinerary
Depending on weather conditions, this scuba diving safari is planned to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22. Furthermore, the route will follow the specific marine life upon which Mary Eichler-Bilek’s marine biology workshops will focus.
Marine Biologists Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek lead Maldives Diving Safari
Special Marine Biology Themed Cruise
This scuba diving cruise is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises. In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light.
PADI-Recognised Specialty Course Available On Board
A very special feature of this cruise is the opportunity of taking the Night Naturalist Specialty Course, a programme developed by Mary herself and recognised by PADI. This is available at an extra price and should be paid on board.
Don’t miss out on this great diving holiday, reserve your space today by contacting contact Maldives Dive Travel.
Galileo Explorer Tour March 11-22 Jan 18, 2010
This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the largest atoll in the world. This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are many dive sites just waiting to be explored. Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit many pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.
Galileo Hosts Special Explorer Cruise
Galileo Explorer Tour Itinerary
Depending on weather conditions, Galileo will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male. This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights. A few places are still available; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today.
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Maldives Dive Sites
The following is our definitive guide to the five best Maldives Dive Sites. At these Maldives Dive Sites, you can expect to see some of the finest marine life in the world.
Maldives Dive Site #1 – Fotteyo Kandu
Many scuba divers consider Fotteyo Kandu to be the best Maldives dive site and it is also rated among the top 5 dive sites in the world. The mouth of the channel is exposed to the ocean and during north east monsoon when the currents are incoming, a good variety of fish species gather at the entrance to the channel. Animals commonly spotted at Fotteyo Kandu include Gray Reef Shark patrolling the channel mouth, Jack and Tuna in the deeper water, schools of Midnight Snappers and Red Snapper form in huge groups. The wall features caves, overhangs and swim-thoughs at different depths. These caves and overhangs are filled with colourful yellow color like soft coral, deeper caves and overhangs are filled with huge bushes of black corals. The Thila in the middle of the channel entrance is the best place to do the safety stop. A surface balloon is a must at Fotteyo Kandu.
Maldives Dive Site Fotteyo Kandu
Maldives Dive Site #2 – Maaya Thila
Maaya Thila is one of the best Maldives dive sites for a night dive. The dive boat is usually fixed to the mooring and a line is used for the ascent and descent for safety reasons. A strobe light is attached to the rope at 5 meters to identify the rope underwater.
On the Maaya Thila night dive, divers get to experience swimming close to White Tip Reef Sharks. Turtles rest inside caves / overhangs, while Moray Eels and White Tip Sharks hunt the vulnerable Fusiliers. Octopus and Stone Fish can be found around the top reef. The caves where the crevices are found are the ideal place for people who are interested in macro photography. Here you will find Cleaner Shrimps, Ghost Pipe Fish and many more seldom-seen species.
Maldives Dive Site Maaya Thila is a Reef Shark Hotspot
The Maaya Thila night dive is a must for all scuba divers visiting the Maldives and is a one-of-a-kind dive.
Maldives Dive Site #3 – Rangali Madivaru
Madi in the local language of the Maldives, means “Ray”, hence the name Madivaru for this Maldives dive site, which is also known as Hukrueli Faru. During the North East Monsoon, Madivaru is a superb Manta Ray cleaning station. The coral reef slopes down gently from its highest point at 8 meters to the Atoll floor at about 30 meters.
There are many cleaning stations along this 1 km reef, but the point where the Manta Rays are most active is halfway along the northern side. Current at Madivaru can be strong at times and can create a funnel effect due to the coral reef formation. Divers should be prepared to make a safety stop in open water at Madivaru and a safety balloon is necessary.
Manta Rays Gather at Maldives Dive Sites
Maldives Dive Site #4 – HP Reef
If you were asked to choose the best Maldives dive site between HP Reef and Nassimo Thila, the wise thing to do would be vote for both and rank them both equally as they are two of the most spectacular sites in the Maldives. Both HP Reef and display excellent soft coral growth and an abundant fish life. The best diving at HP Reef is found on the southern side of the reef and when the current is flowing into the Atoll (East to West). During mild current, you should swim slowly, while observing the coral blocks, caves and overhangs. The coral blocks and the caves at HP Reef are filled with multicolored soft coral and you should keep your eyes open for the many invertebrates, including nudibranchs, leaf fish and many more. Eagle Rays, schooling Silver Jacks and Batfish are common at HP Reef. Strong currents are sometimes found at this Maldives dive site and a surface balloon is necessary.
Maldives Dive Site #5 – Nassimo Thila
Nassimo Thila is an oval-shaped Thila displaying a good variety of colourful, soft corals. The most interesting aspect of this Maldives Dive Site is the randomly scattered pinnacles. Spend as much time as possible around the scattered pinnacles but limit your depth to maximize bottom time as the scattered pinnacles go down to more than 30 meters.
Currents at Nassimo Thila are usually strong, so it is only recommended for advanced divers. Depending on the strength of the currents, many pelagics can be seen near the coral reef at Nassimo Thila or in the deeper water just off the reefs, including Giant Trevallies, Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna and many more. A surface balloon is a must as this Maldives dive site is subjected to heavy boat traffic from the nearby resort island
Click here for a complete guide to Maldives Dive Sites.
Nassimo Thila is an oval-shaped Thila displaying a good variety of colourful, soft corals. The most interesting aspect of Nassimo Thila is the randomly scattered pinnacles. Spend as much time as possible around the scattered pinnacles but limit your depth to maximize bottom time as the scattered pinnacles go down to more than 30 meters.
Currents at Nassimo Thila are usually strong, so it is only recommended for advanced divers. Depending on the strength of the currents, many pelagics can be seen near the coral reef at Nassimo Thila or in the deeper water just off the reefs, including Giant Trevallies, Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna and many more. A surface balloon is a must as the dive site is subjected to heavy boat traffic from the nearby resort island.
Moorish Idol
The majestic Zanclus Cornutus, more famously known as the moorish idol, is one of the most popular fish among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts all over the world. The only member of the Zanclidae family, the moorish idol is commonly sighted in the exotic Indo-Pacific waters. The moorish idol is often mistaken for a butterfly fish, due to some very similar features.
Moorish Idols
Moorish Idol Habitat
Despite its popularity among aquarium hobbyists, the moorish idol, like most fish, is best suited in its natural habitat, particularly because of the creature’s acute sensitivity to water temperature. Commonly found in depths of 3m to 180m in both clear and cloudy waters, the moorish idol is usually spotted swimming alone because of its tendency to fight with other moorish idols.
Moorish Idol Appearance
Adult moorish idols grow to an average lengy of 4-6 inches, although some can reach up to 9 inches. Its distinct features are a long dorsal fin end with thread-like tip, long snout, three bold black bands over the eye to ventral fins, rear body and on the tail.
Moorish Idol Diet
In its natural habitat, the moorish idol is usually found on flat reefs preying on sponges, tunicates, and other small invertebrates to satisfy its rather indifferent appetite. In captivity, the moorish idol can be a far pickier eater.
Moorish Idol Behaviour Toward Scuba Divers
Moorish idols are quite harmless marine creatures and safe to dive around with. The moorish idol is not an endangered species and as such is not on the IUCN list of threatened species.
Special Explorer Cruise on Galileo Liveaboard
Maldives Dive Travel is proud to announce a very special “Galileo Explorer Tour” from March 11-22, 2010.
This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the largest atoll in the world. This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are many dive sites just waiting to be explored. Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit many pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.
Galileo Hosts Special Explorer Cruise
Galileo Liveaboard Route
Depending on weather conditions, the Galileo safari will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male. This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.
Galileo Mar 11-22 Southern Atoll Explorer Tour
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights. Galileo is one of the most well-equipped safari ships in the Maldives, perfect for a true expedition-style adventure.
Explore Untouched Dive Sites of the Maldives
What’s Included in the Galileo Scuba Diving Cruise?
- Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with window, en-suite shower (hot water) and WC. Daily cleaning. Towels provided.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge at all times plus one bottle of water per person per day.
- 27 dives
- Tanks with DIN/INT 12 lts, lead belts, extra diving boat
- Guidance by a PADI-qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive instructor
- Use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits.
- Island-hopping, snorkelling service
- Picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route).
- On the last day a trip to the capital city Male will be offered
- Pick-up & drop-off at Male’ International Airport to connect with international flights on first and last day of the cruise, before noon.
Price does not include:
- International or Domestic air fares ( Male-Kaadhdhedhoo is 217 return flight)
- Airport taxes
- Dive/snorkel equipment rental
- Beverages, except those mentioned above
- Bed Tax: 8 per person per night is charged on board
- Dive and travel insurance
- Transfer supplements for arrivals/departures on days other than scheduled boat arrival/departure
- Fuel surcharge: in the event that crude oil reaches USD 0 per barrel on the international market, a EUR 6 fee will be charged per person per night
- Nitrox is available for EUR 5 per filling
- Additional dives will be charged at EUR 34 each
A few places are still available on this amazing cruise; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today!
Long-Awaited Theia Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise
Luxury liveaboard safari ship, Theia, made her maiden voyage on January 11. The long-awaited super cruiser is a beautiful ship reminiscent of private yachts often seen cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Theia Liveaboard
Theia Liveaboard Features
Theia has 8 cabins on board, of which 2 are luxurious ocean view suites located on the upper deck and 6 are cabins on the lower deck. In total there is accommodation for 18 people. All rooms have air-conditioning, hot water, en-suite bathrooms and exterior windows. They are all stylishly decorated with dark woods and fresh green and white colours. Internet access is available on board, as well as a TV and Hi-Fi system in the lounge area.
Theia Guest Room
Theia Diving Holidays
The first diving holidays on Theia are scheduled to begin in February 2010. You can reserve your space here. All diving holidays on Theia are different, but they all promise to show guests the most pristine, untouched areas of the Maldives, finest scuba diving sites and most spectacular scenery.
Whale Sharks are Often Spotted in the Maldives
Food and Activities on Theia
All diving trips on Theia include three meals a day, snacks and all dives (2 or 3 dives each day). Meals are prepared by well-trained chefs and highlight many of the local, fresh ingredients you can find in the Maldives, including a lot of fresh fish and tropical fruits. The kitchen creates many great meals, combining local flavours with western favourites. There is a full bar on the ship, but alcoholic drinks are charged additionally at the end of the trip.
For more information about Theia, and to reserve your space on this amazing liveaboard, click here.
Diving Holiday with Marine Biologist Mary Eichler-Bilek
A very special diving holiday opportunity is available in the Maldives. On your next diving holiday, why not explore the amazing coral reefs of the Maldives with the expert company and guidance of marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek.
This 14-night diving holiday is being held aboard the Carina liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ favourite scuba diving safari ships, which is equipped with everything you will need to enjoy this amazing diving holiday.
Diving Holiday with Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek
Last-Minute Diving Holiday
The Carina marine biology diving holiday is being offered at a very special, last-minute price of US$ 2.660 per person for the 14-night trip. The diving holiday includes all dives, meals, accommodation and the incredible amount of knowledge that you will inherit from these marine biology experts. There is also the opportunity to take the PADI-Approved Night Naturalist Specialty Course, designed by Mary Eichler herself.
Carina Diving Holiday Route
Proposed Tour Route: This diving holiday is confirmed to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22.
Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard
Special Marine Biology Themed Diving Holiday
This scuba diving holiday is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises. In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light.
Diving Holiday Special Deal
VERY LAST MINUTE price: US$ 2.660 per person. The diving holiday is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking. Marine biology course can be booked on board (€ 320 per person).
We look forward to diving with you! To book your space on this very special diving holiday, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!
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Whale Sharks in the Maldives
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, can reach up to a massive 12 metres in length, and are common in the Maldives. Historically, they were only to be found in the Maldives during the southwest monsoon season, but now, due to several changes in the environment including higher water temperatures and increased levels of plankton, whale sharks can be found swimming around the Maldives and in particular, the Ari and Baa Atolls throughout the year.
Maldives Whale Shark Encounters
Generally speaking, whale sharks are not spotted while scuba diving. Instead, the dive boat, or liveaboard, will travel around an area known for whale sharks looking for signs of the sharks lurking underwater. Meanwhile, the divers are ready in their snorkel – not scuba – equipment and once the whale shark is located, they jump into the water with their snorkel gear on, and swim with the whale shark. Despite their massive size, whale sharks are very peaceful, curious creatures that present no real threat to humans.
Best Place to Find a Whale Shark in the Maldives
Whale sharks move around the islands of the Maldives depending on the season. In the drier, northwest monsoon season, which lasts from May to December, Whale Sharks are generally seen around the islands on the western side of the Maldives, whereas in the southeast monsoon season – the rainier of the two seasons – which lasts from December to April, the best whale shark spotting opportunities are found around the eastern side of the Maldives.
You don’t have to be a Scuba Diver to Swim with a Whale Shark!
The great thing about whale sharks is you don’t have to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy a whale shark encounter. Anyone of any age can jump in and snorkel around with these amazing creatures. The only requirement, of course, is that you can swim. This is great news for non-divers enjoying a liveaboard holiday in the Maldives.
January 2010 Holiday on Stingray
Maldives Dive Travel has just announced another great special offer on the Stingray liveaboard, so you can enjoy a great January 2010 holiday at an unbeatable price.
January 2010 Diving Holiday
The Stingray liveaboard is confirmed to depart from Male, the capital of the Maldives, on January 25th, for a seven-night scuba diving safari, stopping at the best dive sites in the Maldives. The Stingray liveaboard has long been one of the most popular liveaboard safari ships in the Maldives.
Stingray Liveaboard Features
The Stingray liveaboard has 9 comfortable cabins, offering accommodation for up to 18 people per cruise. All cabins have air-conditioning and a private, hot-water, en-suite bathroom. Towel service is provided regularly throughout the cruise. As well as amazing scuba diving, Stingray liveaboard cruises also include several other activities, including snorkeling, island visits, beach barbecues, fishing and simply relaxing on board.
January 2010 Diving
January is one of the best months in the year for scuba diving in the Maldives, since the weather is dry and warm and the visibility is great. Divers at this time are likely to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, grey reef sharks, eagle rays and many other, smaller marine life. The Maldives really is one of the world’s finest scuba diving destinations and this great opportunity should not be missed!
What’s included in this January 2010 Holiday?
This January 2010 holiday aboard Stingray includes transfers from the Male airport to the Stingray liveaboard, three meals and snacks each day and all scuba diving. There will be 2 or 3 dives each day.
All of this is included at a price of just USD 1,246 per person. There are limited places, so book yours today!
Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives
Shark diving trips in the Maldives are a great experience. To most people, the thought of a shark diving trip conjures up images of Jaws-like great white sharks and other underwater predators that can be quite frightening to some scuba divers. The beauty of the Maldives is that you can enjoy a shark diving trip with a variety of sharks, both large and small, which are not in the least bit threatening to humans.
Whale Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives
The most popular shark in the Maldives is the whale shark, the world’s largest fish species. The best way to see a whale shark in the Maldives is to join a liveaboard diving holiday and during your trip, the boat captain will spend some time looking for whale sharks. The captains have an amazing sixth sense which allows them to see the whale sharks under the surface. Once a whale shark has been spotted, the boat slows down and liveaboard guests jump in with their snorkel gear on and spend time swimming with these enormous, peaceful creatures.
Grey Reef Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives
Grey reef sharks are probably the most commonly-seen sharks in the Maldives. Unlike whale sharks, grey reef sharks are usually seen while diving. There are several dive sites that are well-known as hangouts for grey reef sharks, including Maaya Thila, Cocoa Corner and Gangehi Kandu. Grey reef sharks are stunning creatures and can reach lengths of around 2 metres and they can appear quite menacing, although they pose no threat to scuba divers. It is interesting to see the difference between the behaviour of a grey reef shark at daytime and at night time. The best place to see a grey reef shark at night is at Maaya Thila, where you can see the grey reef sharks hunting for their prey around the reef.
More Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives
Shark diving trips in the Maldives often include encounters with white tip reef sharks, zebra, or leopard, sharks and nurse sharks. All of these shark species are docile, so you can enjoy a shark diving trip in the Maldives without having to worry about a cage, or anything like that. In fact, you will most probably see a shark on every dive you do in the Maldives and the experienced dive guides will know which are the best sites for seeing which sharks. All in all, the Maldives is a great destination for a shark diving trip and should not be missed.
Scuba Diving Special Offers – January 2010
Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering some great last minute special offers on scuba diving holidays in the Maldives. Take a break from the icy winter and spend a week cruising around the gorgeous atolls of the Maldives in complete style. Enjoy two or three dives every day amid some of the finest underwater scenery in the world.
MV Orion Liveaboard Scuba Holidays
MV Orion is the newest, most luxurious liveaboard in the Maldives. Built in 2009, this magnificent ship has all the amenities onboard to ensure a comfortable, stylish winter break in the Maldives.
Enjoy a 10-day scuba diving safari on MV Orion for USD ,990 per person, including all scuba diving, meals and accommodation. The cruise departs from Male on January 8. Only a few spaces left.
MV Orion is also offering a 7-day January cruise, departing Male on January 18th, returning on January 25th. This cruise costs just USD ,093 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving.
Contact Maldives Dive Travel today to reserve your space on MV Orion this January.
Galileo Liveaboard Holiday Deals
Galileo is one of the most popular scuba diving liveaboard boats in the Maldives, offering an enticing combination of comfort and true adventure. The boat is extremely well-equipped with navigational equipment that makes it perfect for long adventures at sea. There are several scuba diving adventures scheduled for Galileo this January, all of which are already confirmed. Book today, there are only a few places left on board each cruise:
14-night safari from January 4 – 18. EUR 1,764 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving
7-night diving safari from January 18-25. EUR 756 per person, including all meals, diving and accommodation
