Maldives Dreams
The iconic image of the Maldives islands (or atolls) just breaking the surface of the aquamarine Indian Ocean is just a small part of the areas landmass, with these islands being simply the peaks of a sub-surface mountain range decending some 3000m below.
The 26 atolls stretch over 800 km from North to South, and thanks to their remoteness, strong currents and plankton rich waters have allowed a phenomenal amount of marine life to grow up around them. These nutrient rich currents feed an ever growing amount of reef species in an almost marine-nursery environment within the atolls, which in turn then supports an equally impressive amount of more predatory and paeligic species around the outer edges of the atolls …
There are two distinct seasons in the Maldives, and we have scheduled this WWR trip to coincide with the North East Monsoon (Maldivian Summer). This period should ensure great visability on the East of the Atolls, offering superb adrenaline charged drifts along the outer walls; lower visability on the West, with greatly increased sighting opportunities of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, and of course the more gentle and easy going reef diving opportunities within the Atolls themselves. On this trip we should be all but certain to have the chance to fill our cameras up with shots of Manta Rays; Reef Sharks; Stingrays; every possible type of Reef Fish ever created and “fingers crossed” Hammerheads …
Our Accomodation (and mobile diving platform) for this WWR trip will be MY Fathima, a 2003 locally built liveaboard with 8 twin berth ensuite cabins. As with the majority of Maldives liveaboards she is a more simple design than that of Red Sea liveaboards, and does not at present provide hot water (but hey in the Maldives who needs it !) but she still boasts a large salon, spacious sun-deck and most importantly local dive guides with over 20 years of experience finding the critters that we’re looking for …
Once our week in paradise comes to and end we will head back to Male, and take advantage of the rest of our final day at the Hulhule Airport Hotel, before we wave goodbye and head back to the UK …
| Depart UK – London Heathrow ~ 14th February 2009 | Airline – Sri Lanken (Currently Offering + 10kg **) |
| Arrival – Male (Direct Flight) | Price @ £1899* – Approx Predicted Price ~ Dep £300 |
| Accommodation – My Fathima L/B ~ 7 Nights (Full Board) | Diving @ Included On Lb (Approx 18 Guided Dives) |
| Extension (Included) – Hulhule Airport Hotel (Day Use Only) | Single Supplement @ Not Available |
| Depart Maldives – Male (Direct Flight) ~ 22nd Feb 2009 | Min Diver Level – PADI Advanced / BSAC Sports (50+ Dives) |
* Worldwide Price Basis – Price Increases Expected
** Details Correct At Time of Printing – Subject To Confirmation At Time Of Booking
^ Split Deposit – Total Deposit Divided Into Two Equal Payments (Second Payment Due 12 Months Before Departure)
# Terms & Conditions as Per Booking Forms
# National / Marine Park Fees and Gratuities Are Not Included In Any Wwr Trip Prices
# Equipment Provision Includes Cylinders and Weights Only (Additional Charges Apply For Other Hire Equipment)
# Fuel / Taxation Surcharges May Be Applied By Airlines Or Charter Operators At Any Time
