Feb 4 2010

Whale Sharks in the Maldives

Whale Sharks in the Maldives

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, can reach up to a massive 12 metres in length, and are common in the Maldives.  Historically, they were only to be found in the Maldives during the southwest monsoon season, but now, due to several changes in the environment including higher water temperatures and increased levels of plankton, whale sharks can be found swimming around the Maldives and in particular, the Ari and Baa Atolls throughout the year.

Maldives Whale Shark Encounters

Generally speaking, whale sharks are not spotted while scuba diving.  Instead, the dive boat, or liveaboard, will travel around an area known for whale sharks looking for signs of the sharks lurking underwater.  Meanwhile, the divers are ready in their snorkel – not scuba – equipment and once the whale shark is located, they jump into the water with their snorkel gear on, and swim with the whale shark.  Despite their massive size, whale sharks are very peaceful, curious creatures that present no real threat to humans.

Best Place to Find a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Whale sharks move around the islands of the Maldives depending on the season. In the drier, northwest monsoon season, which lasts from May to December, Whale Sharks are generally seen around the islands on the western side of the Maldives, whereas in the southeast monsoon season – the rainier of the two seasons – which lasts from December to April, the best whale shark spotting opportunities are found around the eastern side of the Maldives.

You don’t have to be a Scuba Diver to Swim with a Whale Shark!

The great thing about whale sharks is you don’t have to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy a whale shark encounter.  Anyone of any age can jump in and snorkel around with these amazing creatures.  The only requirement, of course, is that you can swim.  This is great news for non-divers enjoying a liveaboard holiday in the Maldives.

Social Bookmarking

By Corin • Maldives Diving, Maldives Diving Holidays, Maldives Liveaboards, Maldives Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving • 0

Feb 4 2010

January 2010 Holiday in the Maldives

January 2010 Holiday on Stingray

Maldives Dive Travel has just announced another great special offer on the Stingray liveaboard, so you can enjoy a great January 2010 holiday at an unbeatable price.

January 2010 Diving Holiday

The Stingray liveaboard is confirmed to depart from Male, the capital of the Maldives, on January 25th, for a seven-night scuba diving safari, stopping at the best dive sites in the Maldives. The Stingray liveaboard has long been one of the most popular liveaboard safari ships in the Maldives.

Stingray Liveaboard Features

The Stingray liveaboard has 9 comfortable cabins, offering accommodation for up to 18 people per cruise.  All cabins have air-conditioning and a private, hot-water, en-suite bathroom.  Towel service is provided regularly throughout the cruise.  As well as amazing scuba diving, Stingray liveaboard cruises also include several other activities, including snorkeling, island visits, beach barbecues, fishing and simply relaxing on board.

January 2010 Diving

January is one of the best months in the year for scuba diving in the Maldives, since the weather is dry and warm and the visibility is great.  Divers at this time are likely to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, grey reef sharks, eagle rays and many other, smaller marine life.  The Maldives really is one of the world’s finest scuba diving destinations and this great opportunity should not be missed!

What’s included in this January 2010 Holiday?

This January 2010 holiday aboard Stingray includes transfers from the Male airport to the Stingray liveaboard, three meals and snacks each day and all scuba diving.  There will be 2 or 3 dives each day.

All of this is included at a price of just USD 1,246 per person.  There are limited places, so book yours today!

Social Bookmarking

By Corin • Maldives Diving, Maldives Diving Holidays, Maldives Liveaboards, Maldives Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving • 0

Feb 4 2010

Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives

Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives

Shark diving trips in the Maldives are a great experience.   To most people, the thought of a shark diving trip conjures up images of Jaws-like great white sharks and other underwater predators that can be quite frightening to some scuba divers.  The beauty of the Maldives is that you can enjoy a shark diving trip with a variety of sharks, both large and small, which are not in the least bit threatening to humans.

Whale Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives

The most popular shark in the Maldives is the whale shark, the world’s largest fish species.   The best way to see a whale shark in the Maldives is to join a liveaboard diving holiday and during your trip, the boat captain will spend some time looking for whale sharks.  The captains have an amazing sixth sense which allows them to see the whale sharks under the surface.  Once a whale shark has been spotted, the boat slows down and liveaboard guests jump in with their snorkel gear on and spend time swimming with these enormous, peaceful creatures.

Grey Reef Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives

Grey reef sharks are probably the most commonly-seen sharks in the Maldives.  Unlike whale sharks, grey reef sharks are usually seen while diving.  There are several dive sites that are well-known as hangouts for grey reef sharks, including Maaya Thila, Cocoa Corner and Gangehi Kandu.  Grey reef sharks are stunning creatures and can reach lengths of around 2 metres and they can appear quite menacing, although they pose no threat to scuba divers.  It is interesting to see the difference between the behaviour of a grey reef shark at daytime and at night time.  The best place to see a grey reef shark at night is at Maaya Thila, where you can see the grey reef sharks hunting for their prey around the reef.

More Shark Diving Trips in the Maldives

Shark diving trips in the Maldives often include encounters with white tip reef sharks, zebra, or leopard, sharks and nurse sharks.  All of these shark species are docile, so you can enjoy a shark diving trip in the Maldives without having to worry about a cage, or anything like that.  In fact, you will most probably see a shark on every dive you do in the Maldives and the experienced dive guides will know which are the best sites for seeing which sharks.  All in all, the Maldives is a great destination for a shark diving trip and should not be missed.

Social Bookmarking

By Corin • Maldives Diving, Maldives Diving Holidays, Maldives Liveaboards, Maldives Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving • 0