 |
 |
Atoll
in the Maldives: North Male Atoll is one of many
atolls that make up the Maldives. Once a large volcanic
island surrounded by a barrier reef, North Male Atoll
illustrates a late stage of atoll development–the
volcano once ringed by these islands has completely eroded,
leaving only a ring of barrier reef, or small coral islands,
above water.
|
|
Maldives: The republic
of Maldives is made up of nearly 2000 small islands in
the northern Indian Ocean. The economy is dominated by
fishing, which accounts for a major portion of the export
trade. Shown here is a dock on Ihuru Island.
|
|
| Male' the Capital
: Malé is a unique capital city. Small
and full to capacity, this 1.2 mile (2km) long by .62
mile (1km) wide island, with a population of 70,000, is
the busiest island in the Maldives. Malé has a
remarkable mixture of modernism and traditional Maldivian
culture. If you're visiting the Maldives because of business
purposes, the hotels in Malé will best suit your
needs. Male' is the Commercial and political hub of
the country. It is home to all government ministries
and departments, all of the larger private companies,
banks, communications and the key institutions that
control the nation's economic and social life.
|
|
| Cruising Vessels:If
you wish to discover the secrets of this Indian Ocean
hideaway, choose one of the live-aboards that cruise across
the atolls.
Ranging fron smaller 3 cabin sailing boats to the bigger
75 cabin cruise ship, the on board facilites and services
vary from rather basic to exclusive.
|
|
Diving & Snorkeling:
Some local tour operators offer the opportunity to visit
Bedouin village outside Dubai. This provides an experience
of the traditional desert way of life and may include
camel-riding lessons. Those who want a desert safari experience
with a difference may choose to stay at Al Maha, a unique
luxury resort set in 3,300 acres of dunes off the highway
between blankets, rugs, beads and a variety of other rural
wares spread on the ground. Owners urge jockeys on to
the finish line while trainers speedily follow the races
in fourwheel drives which plough through the dust of the
inside track. The atmosphere is contagious!
|
|
| Surfing:
The weather in Maldives is influenced by two monsoons;
the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon from November
to April brings fine weather coincides with the high tourist
season. The southwest monsoon from May to October is often
wet and rainy. However, this period provides the best
surf.
|
|
| Fishing:Fishing
is not only the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy; it
is also a popular pastime among locals as well as visitors.
Maldivians enjoy a variety of different types of fishing.
The most popular among these in night fishing. The boat
leaves the island and anchors at a reef before the sunsets
and darkness sets in. the lines are tethered with hooks
and sinkers and dropped overboard from both sides of the
dhoni. If the fishing is good it gives a lot of excitements
to everyone. If not it gives you an excellent opportunity
to relax under the night sky as the boat gently rocks
with the waves. Morning fishing or big game fishing
involves trolling, usually outside the atoll along the
reef. Fishing enthusiasts may prefer to bring their
own equipment if they wish to experience the excitement
during their visit.Almost all the resorts organize night
fishing trips at least once a week. Big game fishing
or morning fishing, if not included in the resorts weekly
program, may be organized on request. |
|
| Water Sports:
Shaikh Saeed was the grandfather of the present ruler
and his house has been restored as a museum. Dating from
the late 1800s, Sheikh Saeed's House was built in a commanding
position near the sea so the Ruler could observe shipping
activity from its balconies. With its windtowers and layers
of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine
example of regional architecture. An ambitious restoration
project has returned the house to its former glory and
makes it a showcase for the history and development of
Dubai. |
|
| Dive schools :
All 88 resorts in the Maldives have dive schools on them.
Of course the facilities, equipment and the staff differ
from resort to resort, depending on its size, its location
and clientele. However all the resorts offer beginners’
dive courses and a variety of other courses towards PADI
certification. In almost all the resorts instruction is
available in English and German, however many resorts
offer instruction in Italian, French, Japanese and a host
of other European languages too. While some dive schools
are Instructor Development Centers (IDCs), others too
offer a wide variety of advanced and specialized dive
courses. It is advisable to check up on the languages
of instruction and courses available, before you book
at a resort for your diving holiday. Equipment wise, all
have the basics - compressors, tanks, BCDs, wetsuits,
weights and weight belts and can provide a limited number
of other accessories such as lamps and dive computers.
Only some dive schools rent out underwater cameras and
video cameras. Dive schools at all the resorts conduct
daily dive boat trips to dive sites around the island,
throughout the year. However, bigger schools offer a variety
of trips everyday to different dive sites. In these resorts,
the advanced diver would have choice of dives daily, to
choose from. Night dives and other specialized dives are
not conducted on a daily basis at all the resorts. However
on the more specialized dive resorts, these too are available.
The same goes for night diving in the resort’s house
reef. The dive schools in all the resorts invariably consist
of one or more classrooms - air-conditioned at some, wet
room and storage space for the school’s as well
as private equipment. Some of the bigger schools also
have dive shops and video processing facilities. |
|
Cruise the Atolls:
Cruising in the Maldives offers you the best of both worlds.
The chance to see many of the 1,200 beautiful islands
of the Maldives, and the opportunity to experience firsthand
some of the world's greatest dive sites. Find out how
to get the best out of your cruise - both ways.
Many people believe that a cruise is the best way of really
appreciating the unique beauty of the Maldives, 99% of
which is water. Cruise operators offer you several possibilities.
You may choose between a diving safari and a relaxing
cruise through the atolls, which lets you be in total
harmony with nature as your boat winds its way through
the multitude of islands.
Most of the vessels are equipped with professional
diving equipment and staffed by qualified diving instructors.
While some vessels offer standard accommodation and
facilities, others offer luxury accommodation with all
the modern amenities.
A safari makes it possible for you to sample many varied
dive sites at different atolls and locations and present
you with the chance to sample island life, visit virgin
uninhabited islands and appreciate the unique beauty
of different resort islands. |
|
| Dive Safari: Maldives
is treasured as one of best diving destinations, it is
the place where a diver’s dream come true. Diving
Safaris will lead you to exciting channel dives / spots
hardly visited ever before. It is the best opportunity
to discover the breathtaking beauty of the fascinating
underwater kingdom (turquoise waters, delightful array
of colourful marine life) known as the best underwater
sceneries in the world. In other words it’s full
of memories to treasure for a lifetime. |
|
|
|
|  |
