Diving Holidays to The Maldives: Liveaboards and land-based trips

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.

Maldives Liveaboards: accommodation

ANNOUNCEMENT: IN VIEW OF THE RECENT FATALITY ON BOARD THE BAANI ADVENTURER BOTH BAANI VESSELS (THE ADVENTURER AND THE EXPLORER) ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE PENDING THE MALDIVIAN AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATIONS.

DIVING WORLD'S MALDIVES LIVEABOARDS ARE NOW 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

PLEASE EMAIL US surf@diving-world.com for information.

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.

Maldives hotels: land-based accommodation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 COSTS 2007/2008

Banni Liveaboard Rates

7 or 14 Nights with flights EX UK, airport transfers, full board and diving.

Period	Duration	Cabin Type	Price per person	Boat only 7 nights
1 Nov 2007 – 10 Dec 2007	7 nights+ Flights	Twin/double share	From £ 1295	£ 680
		Suite upper deck	From £ 1425	£ 765
		Single occupancy	From £ 1585	£ 925
Period	Duration	Cabin Type	Price per person	Boat only 7 nights
11 Dec 2007 – 20 Apr 2008	7 nights+ Flights	Twin/double share	From £ 1395	£ 730
		Suite upper deck	From £ 1495	£ 825
		Single occupancy	From £ 1675	£ 995

Prices subject to confirmation depending on air booking class available at time of booking and Liveaboard availability.

(Early booking usually secures lowest booking class). Flights on Emirates, Sri Lankan & Qatar Airways from Gatwick.

Prices do not apply to Christmas, New Year or Easter departures. Please contact for information.

Special offers from 1st May to 15th October 2008.

Liveaboard & Land based combinations 14 nights + Flights

Flights ex Gatwick, 7 nights Meeru Land Villa room All inclusive with speed boat transfers, 7 nights On Baani Adventurer or Explorer Full Board & Diving - Prices from £ 1795

Flights ex Gatwick, 7 nights Kuredu Beach Bungalow All inclusive with sea plane transfers 7 nights On Baani Adventurer or Explorer Full Board & Diving - Prices from £ 1850

Flights ex Gatwick, 7 nights Reethi Beach in Reethi Villa All inclusive with sea plane transfers, 7 nights On Baani Adventurer or Explorer Full Board & Diving - Prices from £ 1965

Prices are based on twin sharing in selected accommodation / resort and standard twin cabin on board BAANI Explorer or Adventurer.

All Inclusive in resort and Full Board with Diving on Liveaboard. Flight on First Choice from Gatwick. Sequence of accommodation subject to availability at resorts and on Liveaboards.

Please enquire for availability for liveaborads.