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Diving Holidays to The Maldives: Liveaboards and land-based trips |
The Maldives Islands lie South West of India. Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean where 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 The climate is warm year round, determined by the monsoons. However, being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighbouring countries. Of the two monsoons, the South West monsoon from May to October brings more rain and wind. The North East monsoon, from November to April, is the dry season. The air temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of 94F and minimum of 75F, while the water temperature ranges from 82F to 86F. The annual rainfalls run around 12 inches with a total of over 2.700 hours of sunshine each year. The Maldives are know for their enchanted underwater world. The translation of the word " Maldives " means "Realm of the thousand islands". Of the about 1.200 islands, only 200 are inhabited by a population of mainly fishermen. Another 80 islands are set aside exclusively for tourism resort development .
MALDIVES LIVEABOARD DEPARTURES 2009 /2010
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To: Diving World
Subject: We're back
from our amazing holiday!
We arrived
home late last night and I wanted to send you this quick email to
let you know what a truly awesome and amazing holiday we had in the
Maldives...You did a fantastic job for us.
Catherine
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Diving around the Maldives |
Maldives Diving
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 colourful packs: Humpback and Black and White Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicornfish, Yellowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweetlips 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 based 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 colourful, swarm in great numbers over the reef, and are nearly tame. |
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Maldives Liveaboards: accommodation
DIVING WORLD'S SELECT MALDIVES LIVEABOARD TRIPS ARE AVAILABLE ON:
MY SACHIKA, MY MONSOON, MY CONTE MAX, MY HANDY, THE PETER
HUGHES MY OCEAN DANCER, MALDIVES AGGRESSOR, MY DREAM CATCHER II, MSY
NAUTILUS 1 & 2
MALDIVES LIVEABOARD DEPARTURES 2009 /2010
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DREAM CATCHER
II

"Dream Catcher II" offers a
truly relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in luxurious surroundings
with plenty of space. The Dream Catcher II also provides 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.
There is an elegant bar on the top deck which is the perfect
location to sit and relax and watch the world go by, whilst enjoying
a long & cooling cocktail and taking in the sunset and the ocean's
breeze.
The boat itself has all the latest navigational equipment, which
enables a safe and pleasant cruise, you may wish to visit
uninhabited islands, local inhabited islands and sandbanks that are
scattered around in the middle of the ocean, the choice is yours.
 
Dream Catcher II not only offers comfort and relaxation with all the
modern facilities that you would require whilst in Paradise, but
also one of the finest Chefs who will cater for every need. They
will offer different menus everyday for you to experience. There
will be fresh fruit, fresh fish and meats that will be transformed
into amazing mouth-watering meals. IDD Telephone available in all
suites.
The
features at Dream Catcher II are:
• Separate diving boat
• Night diving
• Unlimited diving
• Oxygen
• Equipment rental
• Professional diving instructors
• PADI courses
• Snorkel tuition (if required)
Vessel Particulars
Year built: March 2008
Hull type: Wooden
Length: 104 ft
Cruise speed: 13 knots
Propulsion: Diesel engine 400 hp
Services
Electricity Source: Soundproof generators x 2 (each 40 kw)
AC voltage: 220v
DC voltage: 12v, 24v
Desalination: x 2 plants (each 6 tonnes per day)
Accommodation & Room details
Maximum guest capacity: 17 passengers
No. of guest cabins: 7 (1 mega suite, with 1 double bed & 1 single
bed, 2 panoramic suites with 1 double bed in each & 2 lower deck
suites, with a double bed in each & 1 single bed in each and 2 lower
deck suites with 2 single beds)
Air conditioning: Individual control
All cabins with attached toilet/bath: Yes
Hot/Cold water: Yes, 24 hours
Porthole: Yes
Facilities onboard
No. of decks: 3 (ideal for sunbathing/relaxing)
Dining rooms: 1 open or closed air restaurant (serving three FB
meals a day)
Bar: 1 (serving a variety of drinks/beverages)
Boutique/Shop: 1 (selling amenities items etc)
Safe in cabins: Yes
Library: Yes
First Aid: Yes
Board games: Yes
Audio/Video facilities: TV/DVD and music systems to all cabins
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. 3 cabins also come complete with LCD TV’s. The
well organised kitchen even has its own patisserie chef on board,
and guests can also benefit from the dedicated Spa facility
including large Jacuzzi and the Internet centre available for use.
The diving dhoni is 15 metres long, complete with bathroom
facilities, and a crew of three plus dive guide.
 
Technical characteristics:
Length mt 33
Breadth mt. 10
Speed of cruise 12 knots
Engine Yanmar 480hp
N.2 desalinisations capacity it/h 600
N.2 generators of 35kw
Diving dhoni mt 15
Dinghy mt 5 with engine Yamaha 40 hp.
11 crew members
 
Cabins:
N°5 standard cabins with low beds
N°1 junior suite which include: King-size bed+ single bed, bathroom
with shower and bath tube.
N°3 suites with king size bed, TV LCD, DVD and mini-bar
All cabins have: Air conditioner with independent regulation, Safety
box, en suite bathroom, smoke alarm
Facilities:
Internet point, SPA, Jacuzzi, 2 bars, 2 coffee bars, 2 restaurants
(inside and outside)
The boat is equipped with the most modern navigation systems
 
Diving:
N°2 compressors of 16mc/h
N°32 aluminium tanks 12 Lt with int/din valves
Oxygen and first aid kit
Diving equipment hire on board
PADI diving courses available on board.
Fishing equipment on board
MALDIVES
AGGRESSOR
(artist impression)
The new all
steel motor sailer, Maldives
Aggressor, was built in Bordum,
Turkey September, 2007; this is the latest addition to the
Aggressor Fleet which offers unlimited from a Luxurious Yacht.
Charters begin January 2009 with bookings confirmed now.
The
Maldives Aggressor features a 55' dive tender and some of the
most up to date diving facilities with up to Five dives per day.
It will dive two main itineraries, the South Male and Felidhe
Atolls and Rashdhoo and Ari Atolls.

SPECIFICATIONS:
• Length: 115 feet, Steel Hull
• Beam: 26 feet
• Draft: 9 feet
• Built: 2006/2007
• Fuel Storage: 4,000 gallons
• Water Storage: 2,500 gallons
• 2 Water makers: 2,600 gallons per day; 1,300 gallons each
• Desalinator: 2 x 55 gallons/hour
• Speed: 12 knots
• Cruising Range: motor sailer, therefore, unlimited cruising range
• Certification: RINA-SOLAS built to international safety standards
EQUIPMENT:
• 2x 440 HP MAN diesel engines
• 2 x 75 kw generators
• 48 miles radar
• GPS with electronic charting
• SSB marine radio
• 2 dive compressors with cascade storage
• 55 foot dive tender
• Nitrox membrane system
• Satellite phone with e-mail
• Computer station
• 2 VHF radios
• Auto pilot, coupled with GPS
• Depth sounder
• Compass
STATEROOM FEATURES:
(10) Deluxe staterooms; (6) with one dbl/one sgl berths and (4) with
two sgl berths.
OCEAN DANCER

Ocean Dancer is
one of the most luxurious vessels in the Maldives. 110’ of pure
luxury, Ocean Dancer is a labour of love for French owner/operator,
David Mesnard who has lived in the Maldives since 1990 and
predominantly worked in the dive business. David is a highly
regarded Free-diving and Scuba Dive Instructor and also a keen
surfer. David and his wife Gaëlle along with an expert crew look
forward to welcoming you onboard ‘Ocean Dancer’ for the trip of a
life-time.
Ocean Dancer
offers accommodation for up to 16 guests in air-conditioned cabins
with en-suite bathrooms. Diving takes place from a separate, dive
support vessel to maximise comfort and safety. There are good
facilities for photographers and videographers including video
service.
Ocean Dancer has
been built to suit the highest standard of service for the diving
market and is proudly part of the world class live aboard “Peter
Hughes Diving”.
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Port of Registry |
Maldives |
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Construction |
Wood |
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Type |
Mono
Hull |
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Length |
110
feet |
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Beam |
30 feet |
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Max Passengers |
16 |
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Stateroom |
8 |
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Crew |
10 |
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Tenders |
1 - 52
foot diving "dhoni" |
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Fuel Capacity |
7000
gallons |
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Fresh Water Capacity |
8000
ltrs |
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Cruising Speed |
10-12
knots |
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Range |
1000
nautical miles |
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Navigation Aids |
VHF,
SSB, Furuno 36 mile radar, GPS , Eco sondeur, Cmap |
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Voltage |
220 v |
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Length of Charters |
7 and
10 nights |
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Dives per Day |
3 and 2
night dives weekly |
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Nitrox |
Yes |
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Dive Gear Rental |
Yes |
M/Y Monsoon

Monsoon was launched in May 2007. This boat is the first
truly international standard steel hulled vessel to operate
in the Maldives. She is not only luxurious but has been
designed by people who really know Liveaboard diving.
Cabins:
There has been no compromise when it comes to providing
comfort for her guests. All cabins are en suite with a small
fridge, safety deposit box, TV, DVD and A/C with individual
controls. Music and lighting are controlled from the
bedside.
 
Saloon & Dining Room:
The restaurant is situated on the main deck and provides a
spacious and tasteful environment to enjoy an excellent
variety of local Maldivian and European cuisine. Above the
restaurant on the bridge deck is the saloon and bar, a
comfortable relaxation area with stereo, CD/DVD and a plasma
screen for viewing the day’s digital shots and video footage
or taking in a movie. The bar is stocked with wine and a
selection of spirits and cocktails.
Sun Deck:
The cocktail deck provides relaxation in or out of the sun.
For the real sun worshipers there are several sun decks
where you can find your own place to relax. On the upper
deck you will find a heated Jacuzzi.
Dive Deck:
The dive deck is fully equipped to cater for all diving
needs, scuba or technical, open circuit or re-breathers,
photo or video.
- Features include:
- Tanks filled in situ;
- Air-drying for cameras;
- Nitrox membrane;
- Mixing panel;
- Haskel booster pump.
Nitrox, Oxygen, Helium, Inspiration tanks, pony
cylinders, sofnolime and 15 litre tanks are available by
request and are subject to additional charge. There are two
spacious 6m RIBs with centre consoles and a smaller
inflatable for use by the crew.

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There are many Liveaboards in the Maldives but only a few special ones. The BAANI (Gentle Wave) Fleet own and operate two outstanding Ships
The MY Baani Explorer and the MY Baani Adventurer. Both are very similar and have built a reputation based on excellent service, spacious luxurious accommodation and great value for money. Guests never cease to be impressed no matter how many times they return. During the cruise three vessels are always at your service; the mother ship, the dive support vessel or Dhoni as it is locally called and from where all the dives are conducted and the Dinghy.
M.Y. Baani Explorer – Maldives
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. The carefully selected, english-speaking crew ensures your comfort and safety on board. The beautiful dive sites and seascapes of the Maldives, the ship’s spacious, air-conditioned cabins and the fabulous catering guarantee that your holiday will be an unforgettable experience. Nitrox 32% is available.
Specifications
Year of Construction: 2004
Length: 30m
Width: 8,5m
Cabins: 7 double cabins (twin/double bed) on lower deck, 2 Suites on upper deck. Every room with: air-conditioning, exterior windows, en-suite hot water shower and WC European style. Room service and towels.
Equipment & Safety: Water desalination, 2 generators, 2 compressors, diving rental equipment on request. Medical oxygen, First Aid box, GPS, Email, Mobile GMS 900. Dhoni: extra diving boat (18m) with toilet. Equipment and compressor stay on the Dhoni throughout the safari. That means there is no carrying heavy equipment and no compressor noise on the mother ship. First aid box and oxygen are onboard. Salon: TV, Video, DVD, HiFi and comfy Bar Decks: Jacuzzi for 4 persons, sun recliners, mattresses, decks are partly roofed.
Comfort and service make this liveaboard attractive to both divers and non-divers. Escorted snorkelling, island visits and fishing are included in the price, which makes it an ideal destination for diver/non-diver couples. The most beautiful dive sites of the Maldives, the generous and tasteful design, the air-conditioned spacious rooms and fabulous catering combine to make your diving holiday on M.Y. Baani a memorable experience.
See prices and rates
M.Y. Baani Adventurer – Maldives
The brand new 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. Guests on Baani Adventurer will not only profit from the brand new facilities, but also from the pleasant atmosphere created by the experienced and forthcoming staff. In their tradition of immaculate service the crew have hand-picked to ensure outstanding hospitality for our guests.
Specifications
Year of Construction: 2006
Length: 30m
Width: 8,5m
Cabins: 7 double cabins (twin/double bed) on lower deck,
2 Suites on upper deck, Every room with: air-conditioning, exterior windows, en-suite hot water shower and WC European style. Roomservice and towels.
Equipment & Safety: Water desalination, 2 generators, 2 compressors, diving rental equipment on request. Medical oxygen, First Aid box, GPS, Email, Mobile GMS 900.
Dhoni: extra diving boat (15m) with toilet. Equipment and compressor stay on the Dhoni throughout the safari. That means there is no carrying heavy equipment and no compressor noise on the mother ship. First aid box and oxygen are onboard.
Salon: TV, Video, DVD, HiFi and comfy Bar
Decks: Jacuzzi for 4 persons, sun recliners, mattresses, decks are partly roofed.
See prices and rates
MY Carina
A super luxury yacht at a reasonable price. Carina is a 100-foot luxury liveaboard built recently with the finest of materials. She has spacious double-occupancy staterooms with en suite baths, hot water, and individually controlled air-conditioning units. Her finishing is of the highest quality.
Carina hosts three large decks in addition to ample inside and outside spaces. Her gourmet buffet restaurant offers local and international cuisine.
The diving operation is carried out from a 50-foot diving boat with the assistance of two skilled dive guides. If the divers exceed 14, a second diving boat will be provided.
  
Kiru Dhooni
This is a beautiful 85-foot Turkish motor yacht built recently.
Kiru Dhooni offers eight air-conditioned staterooms, each with a king bed and an en suite bath.
A very spacious deck allows guests the choice of either eating inside or dining "al fresco", pleasantly caressed by the soothing Maldivian breezes. The crews are extremely skillful and helpful.
This combination of Maldivian splendor, fabulous diving, excellent lodging and food and wonderful service guarantees an outstanding vacation!
NOTE: This yachts guarantee departures with a minimum of 6 passengers.
The diving operation of Kiru Dhooni, is carried out from 50-foot diving boat.
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Maldives hotels: land-based accommodation |
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Kuredu, Kuredu, Maldives 
Kuredu is a stunning island, ideal for a tropical getaway and well suited for those looking for a relaxing holiday in an informal setting. On the western end of the island, the Sangu Resort offers romantic Jacuzzi Beach Villas and fabulous Water Villas.
Accommodation:
Beach Bungalows have thatched roofs, comfortable wicker furniture, spacious open-air bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, mini-bar, safe, tea & coffee making facilities, telephone, CD player, a wooden terrace and sun loungers
Beach Villas have fine views and are larger with sitting area, wrought iron furniture, some with 4 poster bed and sundecks
Jacuzzi Beach Villas have private fenced garden and Jacuzzi
Sangu Water Villas are individually built over the lagoon and have 4 poster beds
Jacuzzi Beach Villas & Sangu Water Villa guests have their own exclusive restaurant and bar.
Facilities:
3 Main restaurants
3 Speciality restaurants (at a supplement)
Choice of bars
Swimming pool and children's pool
Fitness centre
Entertainment centre with TV room and library
Games room with table tennis, darts, pool tables, football tables
Floodlit tennis court and beach volleyball
windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and snorkelling
Spa
Dive centre
Game fishing
6 Hole floodlit golf course, driving range and putting green
Local boat excursions
Evening entertainment.
Reethi Beach, Reethi Beach Island Resort, Maldives 
In a stunning and remote location, this elegant island resort prides itself on its diving opportunities in the surrounding reefs, home to mantas and whale sharks. Crystal-clear waters, fabulous white sand beaches and luxurious spa facilities create a perfect Maldivian retreat.
Accommodation:
All rooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fan, small fridge, satellite television, IDD telephone, hairdryer and terrace
Reethi Villas have part open-air bathroom with shower
Deluxe Villas are detached with a sitting area, a Maldivian swing and bathtub
Water Villas are semi-detached with CD player, tea & coffee making facilities, sitting area and private deck.
Facilities:
Choice of speciality restaurants
Bars
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre (payable locally)
Tennis, squash and badminton (payable locally)
Dive centre
Watersports, including catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing and waterskiing (payable locally)
Evening entertainment.
Meerufenfushi 
Great quality and outstanding value
On a seventy-acre island covered with tropical palms, beautiful white beaches and with attractive accommodation. The house reef offers excellent snorkelling, whilst the fantastic location provides both seclusion and great excursions.
Facilities
2 main restaurants (one for guests staying in standard rooms and Land Villas and one for those staying at The Meeru Village) • 2 a la carte restaurants including the ‘Asian Wok' offering fantastic Thai, Indian and Maldivian cuisine on the beach • Gift Shop • Jewellers • Choice of bars • Coffee shop • Swimming pool • Spa • Fitness centre • Tennis & badminton courts • Golf driving range • Dive school • Watersports, including snorkelling, windsurfing and catamarans • Kids pool • Excursions arranged locally • Evening entertainment.
Accommodation
All rooms have air conditioning, telephone, mini-bar, tea & coffee making facilities, safe, shower and terrace • Standard rooms are in terraces of 4 or 6 rooms, some with part open-air bathroom • Land Villas are in individual wooden bungalows with part open air bathrooms • Meeru Village rooms consist of Jacuzzi Villas which are as Land Villas plus an outdoor Jacuzzi, cable TV, CD player, wooden sun deck, shade pavilion and private tropical garden area • Water Villas are built partly over the lagoon and have a CD player and sun-deck with ladder into the sea • Jacuzzi Water Villas are built entirely over the water and have cable television, CD/DVD player and a Jacuzzi for two overlooking the ocean. They are in great demand, so book early! Please note guests need to be 18 years or above to stay at The Meeru Village.
Optional All Inclusive - What’s Included • Buffet style breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily in the main restaurant • Drinks in the main bar by the glass - selected spirits, soft drinks, beer, house wine (also available by the glass during lunch & dinner). All-inclusive bar open 1000 to 2400 • 2 Excursions per stay • 1 One hour massage per stay (adults only) • 1 Introductory scuba lesson per stay (adults only) • 1 Love boat cruise per stay inc. lunch and drinks (adults only) • Use of fitness centre (adults only) • Use of tennis court (daytime) and badminton court.
Taj Coral Reef 
Silky soft white sand and a world-class spa
Part of the renowned Taj Hotel group, this tropical hideaway has a house reef with exotic species and its own shipwreck. Offering good service and exceptional attention to detail, the hotel has a rejuvenating spa and beautiful decor throughout its Lagoon and Garden Villas. Island hopping can be organised on request.
Facilities
Restaurant • 2 bars • Swimming pool • Water sports including catamaran rides, paddle boating, wind surfing, sailing, water skiing and canoeing • Dive centre • Spa offering a range of massages and therapeutic treatments • Table tennis • Billiards • Beach volleyball.
Accommodation
All rooms have one double or twin beds, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, direct dial telephone, satellite TV with in house movies, tea/coffee facilities and safe • Beach Villas are set back from the water's edge, have a private balcony, hammock and open-air shower • Lagoon Villas are built on stilts over the water, are slightly larger and have a private sun deck and bath.
Honeymoons: Couples receive flower decorations, a cake and fruit basket, one beach dinner with bottle of wine and 20% discount on all services at the Spa. |
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LIVEABOARD & ISLAND COMBI COSTS 2009 /
2010
Liveaboard & Land based combinations
Please email us at
Surf@diving-world.com for tailor made quotes
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OVERVIEW |
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A choice of three luxury liveaboards and two hotels.
Prices include flights, transfers, airport taxes, accommodation, FB and 3 / 4 dives a day on liveaboards.
Liveaboard diving 3 / 4 dives a day. Land-based diving arrange seperately. Nitrox diving and courses available.
Prices start at £1295pp / 7 nights on a liveaboard.
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The air temperature varies little with an annual average daily maximum of 94F and minimum of 75F, while the water temperature ranges from 82F to 86F. |
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Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow to Male.34 inch economy seat pitch. Upgrades available at a fee.
Departures every Saturday or Sunday
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Tourist visas for 30 days will be issued on arrival only and are free of charge to all visitors in possession of valid travel documents. Note that
foreign visitors who enter the Maldives must be in possession of return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover duration of stay
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| Return flights - 7 nights cruise on board your chosen M/Y - Full board basis - up to 3 dives per day during the cruise - all transfers- airport taxes.
FROM £1465.00
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