DIVING HOLIDAYS IN THE MALDIVES

Ref: Maldives, Indian Ocean

Maldives:
The Maldives boasts an incredible number of dive and snorkel sites. With the development of previously inaccessible areas, new dive sites are being established in Atolls ranging from Huvadhoo in the south to Haa Alifu in the North. The diverse nature of dive sites in the Maldives makes it suitable for divers of all experience levels.

Within each atoll there are sheltered reefs located away from fast flowing currents that are suitable for training new divers as well as those who have recently qualified. By contrast experienced divers will enjoy some of the best drift dives in the world. Channels in to the atolls generate fast tidal flows, which in turn attract many of the shark, ray and fish species for which the Maldives are renowned. Every island in the Regaldive programme provides an excellent and varied range of boat dives.

There are two distinct seasons in the Maldives. The North East monsoon from December through to April represents the Maldivian summer and is generally characterised by drier conditions and a current flow that runs from the North East through the atolls exiting out to the South West. Visibility on the Eastern sides of the atolls is excellent through the North East monsoon. The current is typically faster at the start of the monsoon and decreases in power as the season progresses. Water temperatures remain fairly consistent at around 28° centigrade.

Although the visibility drops on the Western sides of the atolls during the North East season, divers are more likely to encounter Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The South West Monsoon from May to December shifts the focus on diving to the western sides of the atolls. The current flows from the South West through the atolls exiting out to the North East. Dive sites in the west experience wonderful clear visibility and slightly cooler water temperatures, attracting many of the shark species closer to the surface. During the South West season Manta Rays and Whale Sharks will typically only be found of the Eastern edge of the atolls.

We offer a range of diving resorts in the Maldives and below are details of two of them. To get details on the rest of the range please enquire.

ANGAGA

Dive Centre:
The excellent run Sub Aqua dive base is a PADI 5* resort. Unlimited diving is available to experienced divers on the house reef. For those wanting to dive further a field, dive boats go out twice a day and cater to all levels of experience. Occasionally the boats operate full day trips to access dive sites beyond the range of a single tank dive. Angaga’s central location in the South Ari atoll makes it ideally placed to access fabulous dive sites year round. Over 30 dive sites are accessible within under an hour’s travelling time from resort.

Equipment:
The centre is equipped with 12 litre aluminium cylinders that will take both DIN and INT fittings. As with all Sub Aqua dive centres Nitrox fills up to 32% are offered FREE of charge to certified Nitrox divers.

30 complete sets of rental equipment are available, including
BCD’s (Sea Quest and Scubapro)
Regulators
Dive computers (Suunto) air and nitrox.
5mm Shorties from Camaro  (Ladies size 36-44, Male 48-58)
Masks, fins, snorkels (JWL and Seemann Sub)

Digital images can be burned at the dive centre but divers should bring their own discs.

Dive packs:
We recommend you pre-book your dive packs prior to departure in order to secure your diving / course and benefit from lower rates than you will pay in resort.

To pre-book any unguided diving, divers need to have PADI Advanced or equivalent qualification and to have logged 30 dives in the 18 months prior to arrival. If you do not meet this requirement then divers should take a guided dive pack.

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