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

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

Marine Biology Diving Holiday with Mary Eichler-Bilek

Diving Holiday with Marine Biologist Mary Eichler-Bilek

A very special diving holiday opportunity is available in the Maldives.  On your next diving holiday, why not explore the amazing coral reefs of the Maldives with the expert company and guidance of marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek.

This 14-night diving holiday is being held aboard the Carina liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ favourite scuba diving safari ships, which is equipped with everything you will need to enjoy this amazing diving holiday.

Last-Minute Diving Holiday

The Carina marine biology diving holiday is being offered at a very special, last-minute price of US$ 2.660 per person for the 14-night trip.  The diving holiday includes all dives, meals, accommodation and the incredible amount of knowledge that you will inherit from these marine biology experts.  There is also the opportunity to take the PADI-Approved Night Naturalist Specialty Course, designed by Mary Eichler herself.

Carina Diving Holiday Route

Proposed Tour Route: This diving holiday is confirmed to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22.

Special Marine Biology Themed Diving Holiday

This scuba diving holiday is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises.  In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light.

Diving Holiday Special Deal

VERY LAST MINUTE price: US$ 2.660 per person.  The diving holiday is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking. Marine biology course can be booked on board (€ 320 per person).

We look forward to diving with you!  To book your space on this very special diving holiday, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

Social Bookmarking

Map of Maldives

Map of Maldives

A map of Maldives is an essential tool to any holiday in this exotic destination.  But, finding a map of Maldives is not as easy as you might expect.  The islands of the Maldives are spread out over an enormous distance, so a map of Maldives is a very long map, with not very much land mass at all.  We have put together a selection of maps of the atolls of the Maldives to help you get a better grasp of where everything is in the Maldives.

Map of Maldives Islands

Map of Maldives

This map of the Maldives shows all the atolls, which cover an area of around 90,000 square kilometres in the Indian Ocean.

Map of Maldives’ Male Atoll

Map of Maldives Male Atoll

Male Atoll is divided into two sections – the North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll.  Dive sites that can be found in North Male Atoll include Lion’s Head, HP Reef and Okobe Thila.

Map of Maldives’ Felidhe (Vaavu) Atoll

At Felidhe, or Vaavu Atoll, there are a variety of great scuba diving sites, but by far the best is Fotteyo Kandu, widely regarded as the very best dive site in the Maldives.

Map of Maldives’ South Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll has a wide variety of dive sites, including the exciting Pannettone, Gangehi Kandu and Broken Rock.

Map of Maldives’ South Male Atoll

In the South Male Atoll, divers can look forward to diving at Guraidhoo Kandu, Kandooma Thila and Cocoa Corner.

Social Bookmarking

5 Reasons to Book your Maldives Diving Holiday Online with MDT!

The top 5 reasons to book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel!

Maldives Dive Travel, possessing over 20 years experience scuba diving in the Maldives, makes booking your Maldives diving holiday online a breeze!

There are tons of reasons to book online with Maldives Dive Travel, but here are the top 5!

1. Best Price Guarantee – Maldives Dive Travel offers a Best Price Guarantee! Find a better price for one of our holidays?  Send it to us and we’ll beat it! Learn more about our Best Price Guarantee here!

2. Immediate Availability – Maldives Dive Travel offers visitors “immediate availability,” meaning that you know exactly how many spots are available on a liveaboard trip when choosing your diving holiday! Instead of wasting time by writing to the operator to inquire about availability and then waiting for a response (which could take days!), with Maldives Dive Travel you know if there is space on a particular liveaboard for a specific time frame while booking your trip.

3. Liveaboards – All liveaboards featured on Maldives Dive Travel are checked regularly to ensure the highest level of service and safety.

4. Last Minute Deals – Maldives Dive Travel is constantly featuring last minute deals on the liveaboards, saving you money!

5. Convenience – At Maldives Dive Travel, we speak English and German, respond to all inquiries promptly and professionally, as well as provide information on the best dives sites, marine life, weather and much more!

Book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel now!

Social Bookmarking

Marine Biology Tour Special Offer

Marine Biology Tour Special Offer on Carina Liveaboard

There is currently an amazing special offer on the Carina liveaboard to participate in a one-of-a-kind marine biology cruise of the Maldives in the company of two marine biology experts, Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, who are also certified PADI instructors and naturally very experienced scuba divers.

Carina Liveaboard at a Special Price

This special, marine biology focused cruise of the Maldives is now on offer at a special, last minute price of just USD $190 per person per night, including all scuba diving, meals and accommodation.  There are just 8  places left, so hurry and book your space today.

Maldivian Marine Life has Never Been so Interesting

To explore the stunning coral reefs of the Maldives in the company of these two experts is guaranteed to be an amazing experience for even the most seasoned scuba diver.  The knowledge that will be imparted during the cruise is more than any of us can imagine.

Explore the Maldivian reefs under the expert guidance of two marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, Marine Biologists and PADI Instructors on board Carina from 8 to 22 February, 2010.

Social Bookmarking

Maldives Diving Season

The Maldives Diving Season is in full effect!

While people in countries like the UK, Germany and Italy are shaking in their boots, trying to stay warm during the winter holidays, the Maldivians are welcoming their summer, also referred to as the North East Monsoon Season. (As opposed to the South West Monsoon Season.)

Book your liveaboard diving holiday in the Maldives now!

Diving in the Maldives during the North East Monsoon Season

The North East Monsoon season greatly effects diving in Maldives. The North East Monsoon season begins in November, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall lasting for about a week. Then, it travels from north to south, eventually setting in January.

During the North East Monsoon season, the weather in the north and mid atolls is distinct from that of the southern atolls. The north and mid atolls experience clear skies, sunshine and calm seas for most of the period. Scuba diving is fantastic during the North East Monsoon, characterized by excellent visibility on the eastern side of the atolls and incredibly warm water, averaging around 28 degrees.

Take advantage of Maldives Dive Travel’s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE!

During this season, there are very few rainy days and the sun is almost always shining, making the Maldives a perfect winter escape.  Imagine the envy of your colleagues as they are trudging to work in the snow while you sun yourself and scuba dive in the Maldives!

On the other hand, the southern atolls receive a large amount of rainfall and experience rough seas during the early stages of the North East Monsoon. However, the sea becomes more calm and hot, dry periods prevail until the arrival of Hulha’ngu, the South West Monsoon.

Currents during the North East Monsoon Season

During the North East Monsoon season, currents begin to flow from the northeast, making visibility superb on the eastern side of the atolls. Scuba divers can expect a lot of action in the channels and atolls, including whale sharks, grey reef sharks and other large pelagic species.

Currents tend to be stronger in January and ease up in February. During February, the waters become more calm and the surface of the sea is undisturbed by any major wind or wave action. The doldrums continue through March and April, characterized by easy diving and slack currents. During the end of May, the season begins to transition to the South West Monsoon.

Check out this special offer on the Carina Liveaboard for February!

Marine Life during the North East Monsoon Season

Throughout the North East Monsoon Season, pelagic species, such as shark and jacks, can be easily spotted on the current points on the eastern side of the atolls. Futhermore, there is usually an abundance of reef life.

However, manta rays and whale sharks are normally found on the western side of the atolls during the North East Monsoon Season.

Social Bookmarking

Maldives Liveaboard Holidays — Book Online Now!

Book your next Maldives liveaboard holiday online now!

Take advantage of Maldives Dive Travel’s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE, last minute deals, high season special offers and everday low prices on our vast array of Maldives liveaboards!

Not only does Maldives Dive Travel offer a diverse selection of high quality liveaboards, unbeatable prices and unparalleled customer service (in both English and German), but we make booking your Maldives liveaboard holiday online a breeze!

Book your Maldives liveaboard holiday online now!

If you’re not convinced, check out the top 5 reasons why you should book your Maldives liveaboard holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel!

Maldives Liveaboards

Maldives Dive Travel prides itself on our diverse selection of high quality liveaboards, hand picked for their adherance to our strict service and safety standards.

Check out the following Maldives liveaboards offered by Maldives Dive Travel!

Black Pearl Maldives Liveaboards

The Black Pearl liveaboard, measuring 95 feet long and 26 feet wide, offers guests seven comfortable cabins, each with air conditioner, en-suite bathroom and one double bed plus one single bed. The Black Pearl liveaboard’s main deck is gorgeous, made entirely out of Balau wood.

The Black Pearl liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 4, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!
• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Black Pearl now!

Carina Maldives Liveaboard

The Carina liveaboard, under the professional management of long-time diving instructors Shaahina and Gert, attracts many repeat bookings from all over the world – the ultimate reward for any high-quality safari operation. Currently, Carina is the only liveaboard in the Maldives that offers ENOS-diver-location security equipment.

The Carina liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 4, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Wednesday, January 6, 2010 – Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Saturday, January 30, 2010 – Saturday, February 6, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Carina now!

Dream Catcher II Maldives Liveaboard

The Dream Catcher II liveaboard, built in 2008, has everything: a great atmosphere, lots of space and outstanding scuba diving. Dream Catcher II liveaboard, available for single and group bookings, offers a great combination of luxurious accommodation and modern facilities that will make your scuba diving holiday in the Maldives a most memorable occasion.

The Dream Catcher II liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Saturday, January 30, 2010 – Saturday, February 6, 2010 – Only USD$244/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Dream Catcher II now!

Galileo Maldives Liveaboard

Certified according to the strict guidelines of German Lloyd, the Galileo liveaboard can venture further afield than the usual dive cruise routes. The owner of the Galileo liveaboard is a diving instructor, possessing 20 years diving experience in the Maldives. Choose from 423 dive spots in the on board GPS. Briefings are held in English and German.

The Galileo liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, Jan 04, 2010 – Monday, Jan 11, 2010 – Only EUR€126/person per night!
• Monday, Jan 11, 2010 – Monday, Jan 18, 2010 – Only EUR€126/person per night!
• Monday, Jan 18, 2010 – Monday, Jan 25, 2010 – Only EUR€108/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Galileo now!

Island Safari 2 Royal Maldives Liveaboard

Island Safari 2 Royal liveaboard was launched in 2007 and boasts 8 deluxe rooms and 2 suites, offering up to 20 guests plenty of space and comfort for an unforgettable diving holiday! All cruise dates on offer at Maldives Dive Travel are guaranteed to take place – in other words: there is no minimum booking requirement!

The Island Safari 2 Royal liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Saturday, Jan 09, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 16, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 16, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 – Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Island Safari 2 Royal now!

MV Orion Maldives Liveaboard

The MV Orion is a brand new, luxurious super cruiser eager to chaperone guests to some of the Maldives most alluring dive sites. When on board the MV Orion, guests can enjoy a library, bar, jacuzzi and top of the line massage services.

The MV Orion offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Friday, January 8, 2010 – Monday, January 18, 2010 – Only USD$299/person per night!
• Monday, January 18, 2010 – Monday, January 25, 2010 – Only USD$299/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the MV Orion now!

Nautilus One Maldives Liveaboard

Measuring 30 metres in length, the Nautilus One liveaboard is much more than just a safari boat. Built entirely from timber in the traditional Maldives shipbuilding style, the Nautilus One liveaboard is a true piece of art!

The Nautilus One liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Tuesday, January 5, 2010 – Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – Only USD$201/person per night!
• Tuesday, January 26, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$201/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Nautilus One now!

Nautilus Two Maldives Liveaboard

The Nautilus Two, measuring 43 metres in length, was built entirely out of wood, following the traditional Maldivian methods, which are not only visually appealing but have stood the test of time. The Nautilus Two features lots of room, beautiful construction, and the most modern equipment.

The Nautilus Two offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – Monday, January 18, 2010 – Only USD$220/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$220/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Nautilus Two now!

Stingray Maldives Liveaboard

MS Stingray is constructed from wood, combining traditional Maldivian methods and modern enginerring. The 9 comfortable cabins aboard the MS Stingray (4 with double and 5 with twin beds) are equipped with air conditioning and en-suite hot-water showers. All cabins are equipped with outside portholes.

The MS Stingray offers the following diving holidays in Janaury:

• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 11, 2010 - Only USD$210/person per night!
• Monday, January 11, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$210/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Stingray now!

Theia Maldives Liveaboard

Theia is a stylish 104-foot cruising yacht built in 2009 that offers all the amenities you would expect from a high-class Maldivian liveaboard, as well as the comfort and luxury of a private yacht. There are 8 cabins on Theia, providing accommodation for up to 18 guests. The Theia liveaboard provides scuba diving holidays each month, for either seven or ten nights, during which time guests have the opportunity to travel around the atolls of the Maldives, visiting some of the finest dive sites in the world.

The Theia offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 11, 2010 – Only USD$275/person per night!
• Monday, January 11, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$262/person per night!
• Monday, January 18, 2010 – Monday January 25, 2010 – Only USD$234/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday February 1, 2010 – Only USD$234/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Theia now!

Social Bookmarking

Maldives Diving Special Offers – January ‘10

Scuba Diving Special Offers – January 2010

Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering some great last minute special offers on scuba diving holidays in the Maldives.  Take a break from the icy winter and spend a week cruising around the gorgeous atolls of the Maldives in complete style.  Enjoy two or three dives every day amid some of the finest underwater scenery in the world.

MV Orion Liveaboard Scuba Holidays

MV Orion is the newest, most luxurious liveaboard in the Maldives.  Built in 2009, this magnificent ship has all the amenities onboard to ensure a comfortable, stylish winter break in the Maldives.

Enjoy a 10-day scuba diving safari on MV Orion for USD $2,990 per person, including all scuba diving, meals and accommodation.  The cruise departs from Male on January 8.  Only a few spaces left.

MV Orion is also offering a 7-day January cruise, departing Male on January 18^th, returning on January 25^th.  This cruise costs just USD $2,093 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving.

Contact Maldives Dive Travel today to reserve your space on MV Orion this January.

Galileo Liveaboard Holiday Deals

Galileo is one of the most popular scuba diving liveaboard boats in the Maldives, offering an enticing combination of comfort and true adventure.  The boat is extremely well-equipped with navigational equipment that makes it perfect for long adventures at sea.  There are several scuba diving adventures scheduled for Galileo this January, all of which are already confirmed.  Book today, there are only a few places left on board each cruise:

14-night safari from January 4 – 18.  EUR 1,764 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving

7-night diving safari from January 18-25.  EUR 756 per person, including all meals, diving and accommodation

Social Bookmarking

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