MALDIVES DIVING TRIPS

The Maldives Islands lay South West of India. Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem-like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, fascinates visitors as it has for thousands of years.

Truly a natural wonder, the height of the islands rarely reaches above 6 feet higher than the water. The 1196 islands consist of 19 atoll formations spread over an area of 56.000 square miles.

The islands are surrounded by shallow crystal clear lagoons enclosed by coral reefs. These unique islands provide visitors with one of the most breathtaking views of underwater life in the world. Formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, upon layers of both living and dead coral as well as remnants of other marine life, the islands are generally covered with dense tropical vegetation. Coconut palms tower above dense undergrowth that protect the shores from erosion. The smaller islands are sand banks under formation.

MALDIVES LAND-BASED RESORTS

Ranveli Village	Vadhoo Resort	Nika Island Resort

MALDIVES SCUBA DIVING INFORMATION

While the Maldives certainly have some gorgeous reefs, it's the fish life that makes them an outstanding dive destination. There are three distinctly different types of diving: inside the atolls, outside the atolls and inside the channels or passes, which is where the currents are strongest and you'll find the greatest congregation of fish life. Most intriguing are the cleaning stations, found around every corner and under every ledge. Groupers, Snappers, Surgeonfish, Eels, Parrotfish, even Giant Napoleon Wrasse Park casually in corners, oblivious to all, (including cameras) while armies of wrasse, shrimp and other assorted cleaners pick at debris in their open gills and cavernous mouths.

The big attraction, however, are the schools of fish that patrol the reefs in colorful packs: Humpback and Black and White Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicorn fish, Yeollowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweet lips almost comical in design. The reef's larger inhabitants, including sharks, rays and occasionally even Whale Sharks, are often seen cruising in the blue. This parade of awesome marine life combines with exquisite coral covered backdrops to create many of what is surely some of the world's most extraordinary dives.

Dive sites in the Maldives are widely scattered while hotel base clients only have access to a limited number of good diving spots; a far greater number can be reached on a liveaboard, making it the ideal holiday for experienced divers.

The great magic of the Maldives is the tame fish life to be found on very shallow, sun dappled reefs. This is one of the best places in the world for fish photography. The fish are intensely colorful, swarm in great numbers over the reef, and are nearly tame.

Diving seasons:
Best : January - April
Good : August - November ( likely to encounter Mantas)
Wet season : May - July
Best of big animals : January - March ( most currents), August - November

MALDIVES LIVEABOARDS

GEO-DIVE in cooperation with MALDIVES LIVEABOARDS offers a complete fleet of liveaboards of various standards to accommodate the needs of any customer. All boats are built according to European standards, with all the amenities for a comfortable cruise. They are the most modern and efficient boats that can be found in the Maldives . All of them offer a well trained Maldivian crew under the guidance of a European or American cruise director.

Diving is carried out from attached 40/50 feet local diving boats, called "diving dhonies”, which will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface. This is the safest and most comfortable way to do the diving in the Maldives .

Every diver will have his own seat and his own basket where he will store his diving gear, which will always remain on the diving dhoni. The system leaves the main boat free to handle accommodations, meals and social activities in a quiet and uncluttered atmosphere.

There will also be night dives.

It is necessary for everyone to bring their own diving gear. 84 cubic feet aluminium tanks and weights will be provided. There will be diving guide for every 8/10 people

	MV Baani Explorer MY Baani Explorer offers an attractive combination of Liveaboard diving, top-notch cuisine and great service at an affordable price, making it one of the most sought-after safari yachts in the Maldives. With activities such as escorted snorkelling, island visits and fishing included in the price, Baani Explorer is an ideal destination for divers as well as non-divers. Our carefully selected, English-speaking crew ensures your comfort and safety on board.. READ MORE
	MV Baani Adventurer The Baani Adventurer offers the same excellent comfort, spacious design and attentive service as her sister ship Baani Explorer. Baani Adventurer is an ideal destination for both divers and non-divers as it combines the comfort of a resort island with the mobility of a Liveaboard. All cabins are air-conditioned, the interior is functional and tasteful and the cuisine is mouth-watering. READ MORE
	MV Dream Catcher II There are many resorts that can offer you all that you need, but only one safari boat "Dream Catcher II" can offer this in a truly relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Dream Catcher II provides luxurious accommodation, top class diving, delicious food and dedicated services, all with a spectacular sea view. The cabins are spacious and made from the finest teak interiors and have the latest facilities in them, such as TV, DVD and music systems. READ MORE
	MY Conte Max High level design and quality for a yacht of 33 metres in length and 10 of width: 3 sundecks, 2 restaurants (one inside and one outside), precious wood furnishings with parquet flooring, 4 triple cabins and 4 doubles all with bathroom en suite and individual air-conditioning, boutique, small library and internet point. But the Conte Max doesn’t stop there; it not only offers comfort like any other yacht, but keeping their guests in mind they came up with the idea of creating a special concept of well being on board by adding the presence of a SPA specialized in ayurvedic treatments with a masseur. READ MORE
	MV Kamana The Kamana is a brand new 28-metre motor yacht, and is the only twin-engineered boat cruising in the Maldives. It has three spacious bridges, 6 double rooms and a spacious main cabin with one double bed and one single bed. All rooms are modern and elegant with private bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. There are large internal and external communal areas and overall service and comfort are of an extremely high standard. READ MORE
	MY SACHIKA Built and launched in 2007, the MY Sachika offers a very high standard in terms of quality and on-board service, and can be considered in the luxury category. It has three bridges and very modern infrastructure; Cabins are spacious with individually controlled air conditioning, bathrooms with showers and some with bath tubs READ MORE

MALDIVES ITINERARIES

7 nights on board/8 days or 14 nights/15 days
Board : Male every Monday
Disembark: Male every Monday

Our liveaboard do not follow fixed itinerary. The routes will be adapted to seasonal conditions, available time and weather forecasts. The experienced crew will choose the best possible route.

Please note: The Captain’s decision regarding itineraries and any eventual modification, is final and based on weather conditions at the time

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