Category Archives: Cheap Holidays
Liveaboard cruises are becoming the ultimate pastime for holidays in Maldives. We offer a wide range of scuba trips, dive safaris and cruises on a carefully selected array of ships. All our ships conform to strict government health and safety regulations, and are accompanied by experienced dive masters and certified guides, so you will be carefully looked after! For those of you who would like to know exactly how your liveaboard holiday in Maldives will unfold, here is a brief outline of the standard procedures. In most cases your Maldives holiday experience starts as soon as you land at Male International Airport. You will be picked up by the liveaboard operators, who will accompany you to the ship for some refreshing drinks and snacks, while you wait for all the guests to arrive.
Grey reef sharks in the Maldives are found living around the coral reefs and are most active at night when they are hunting. If you’re interested in scuba diving with sharks in Maldives, you’re most likely to encounter grey reef sharks under water. There are several types of reef sharks Maldives, the most common of which is probably the grey reef sharks. A reef sharks diet consists generally of smaller fish and they are savvy hunters, although there is no evidence confirming the question, are grey sharks dangerous to scuba divers. Grey reef sharks can reach lengths of about 6 feet long and usually have a grey back with a white belly.
There are loads of resources online that will help you find more facts about the Maldives, as well as photos of Maldives, resources just about Maldives dive sites, special offers on Maldives scuba diving prices, and links to further sources of information including the updated Maldives weather forecast, exchange rates for the Maldives currency the Rufiyaa. If you want to find out about the daily occurrences in the Maldives, you might visit the website of the Haveeru News Maldives, the country’s daily newspaper and you will also come across many a Maldives blog, overflowing with up-to-date reports regarding all aspects of the country’s news.
The weather in Maldives in July is during the wet season, however weather conditions in the Maldives remain tropically blissful all year round.
The Maldives weather forcast for July shows a daily average temperature of 28 degrees. Similarly, the water temperature fluctuates around the 28 degree mark, ideal condition for scuba diving around the islands of Maldives. Unfortunately, the southwest summer monsoon also results in consistent thunderstorms, averaging 16 rainy days in the month with an average rainfall of about 150 mm.
The Maldives weather in July also brings balmy yet breezy conditions, with humidity around 85%, and about 15 hours of sunshine a day. In terms of Maldives weather conditions, it may not be the best time of year to visit, but relatively speaking, it still surpasses expectations with regards to delightful holiday climate.
You can view the detailed weather data for Maldives in July below, along with a 14 day weather forecast Maldives; for a breakdown of weather statistics by month, click on the month you wish to view!
The most commonly asked question about Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atol Maldives is when is the best time to visit Hanifaru rah to be in with the best chances of diving in Hanifaru with manta ray Maldives Hanifaru and whale sharks Hanifaru. Hanifaru and whale sharks manta Hanifaru Bay are attracted to the malidiven Hanifaru Bay because of the large amounts of plankton that appear in Hanifaru Bay tauchen at certain times of the year. The Hanifaru reef Maldives is best visited in the months of July and August each year, when the Hanifaru plankton bloom is most prolific. Still, a visit on any July or August day to Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives does not guarantee that you will see the amazing feeding frenzy. That is why we recommend visiting on a Hanifafu Baa Atoll, so if conditions are not perfect, you can go and enjoy a nearby Hanifaru dive and then return to Hanifaru Island when conditions are improved. Many people also want to know how long feeding frenzy last Hanifaru, and the answer is that it can vary dramatically, typically the Hanifaru manta ray congregation lasts for around an hour or until the mantas Hanifaru have eaten all the plankton.
Seamoth (Pegasidae)
Most scuba divers that visit the Maldives are anxious to observe large pelagic species, such as manta rays, whale sharks, napoleon wrasse and reef sharks. However, the vast array of smaller Maldivian fish provide an unending amount of eye candy for underwater explorers.
Seamoth, or Pegasidae
The seamoth, or Pegasidae, is a small Indo-Pacific family that includes 2 genera and 5 species, of which one has been spotted in the Maldives.
The seamoth is an easily overlooked (yet funky-looking) species. Seamoths are often missed by divers since their exterior is camouflaged by the sandy ocean floor. Adults tend to bury themselves in the sand during the day, making it even more difficult to apperciate this odd-looking underwater species.
Seamoths can be easily spotted during the spawing period, when the female is pregnant and males, after having changed their colors, are courting their female counterparts (which generally occurs at dusk).
Slender Seamoth, or Pegasis volitans
The Slender Seamoth, or Pegasis volitans, can be found in the Maldives, due in large part to its long pelagic stage.
Additional Information About The Seamoth
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5 – 5; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 19 – 22. Color in life variable; body usually light to dark brown, with dorsal and lateral area darker than ventral surface. Pectoral fins hyaline, distal margin white and spotted. Pelvic fin spine and 1st ray forming an elongate, tentacular structure. 3 pairs of dorsolateral body plates; 4 pairs of ventrolateral body plates; tail rings 8 (rarely 9), mobile. A pair of deep pits posterior to orbit. Suborbital shelf concave, eye visible in ventral view. Ventral ridges of rostrum greatly expanded than dorsal ridges, each with laterally directed denticles. Anal papilla absent.
Despite the recent economic crisis, the Maldives tourist industry is going strong!
The Maldives President’s Office has reported that 67,478 tourists arrived in the Maldives during January 2010, making it the country’s strongest January in five years.
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Moosa Zameer, Head of Planning and Statistics for the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, said that January 2o1o was “the best [January] we have ever had.”
Tourists Arrive in the Maldives on Cruise Ships
Sim Mohamed from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), added that many of these tourists are “surface arrivals,” such as passengers on a cruise ship who arrive for a day or two.
Sim Mohamed noted that a number of services have begun bringing tourists regularly from India and Sri Lanka.
Under normal circumstances, most tourists coming to the Maldives are at “the high end of the market – those who have the disposable income to go wherever they want to go,” he says.
Airlines and Resorts Have Cut Rates
However, in light of the recent economic crisis, many resorts and airlines have reduced their rates significantly, he explained, with some resorts cutting their rates up to 30-50 percent. More airlines opening their routes to the Maldives also means more competitive air fares. Get more information about flights to the Maldives here, like flights from Germany to the Maldives!
Because resorts are operating at lower rates, “there isn’t a significant rise in financial activity in Malé or even in other islands,” Sim said, but “it’s still a win for the government since they get bed rent.”
Zameer believes that the rise in tourist arrivals is not only accredited to cheaper rates at resorts, but to all the “work in promotions carried out after the [economic] crisis at the end of 2008.” He believes both the private sector and the ministry have put a lot of work into promoting the Maldives as a tourist destination, even for those who are more budget conscious.
Shift in the Tourism Market in the Maldives
Traditionally, the key markets for tourism in Maldives have been the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Russia, China and Switzerland, according to MATI. But this trend has already seen a change this year.
Zameer says there has been a “shift in the market,” as European seasonal tourist numbers are dropping and the Chinese and Indian markets are emerging. Kuwaitis have also helped the market “enormously,” he says.
Zameer believes people are starting to realise this is the right time to travel, and they can “go to the destination they have been waiting to go to.”
Sim agrees “there has been a big rise in tourists coming from India. There is also a very sharp rise in Chinese arrivals after Chinese New Year, and there will be another one towards Easter, mostly Italians.”
He added that MATI is “feeling good vibes” from the market, especially from Germany and the UK.
***Check out Maldives Dive Travel’s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE for unforgettable liveaboard diving holidays!***
Theia Currently Cruising the Maldives
The newly-launched liveaboard, Theia, is currently cruising the Maldives, having set off on Wednesday, February 24 with 9 scuba divers. The orientation dive was held at Maagiri Thila, and a second dive on the first day was held at Boduhithi Thila.
Boduhithi Thila Dive Site Map
Manta Rays Spotted at Rasfari North
After the dive at Boduhithi Thila, Theia cruised on to Rasfari North, where guests were able to snorkel with some manta rays. This had been a great day’s diving and everyone was excited for more exciting dives throughout the rest of the week.
Rasdhoo Atoll: Day 2 of Theia Cruise
The second day of the Theia dive trip began at Rasdhoo Madivaru in the Rasdhoo Atoll, a dive site known for hammerhead sharks, manta rays, reef sharks and other large species. The Rasdhoo Madivaru dive started early in the morning, just before 6.00 a.m., which is the best time of the day to see the hammerhead sharks.
Rasdhoo Madivaru Dive Site
Maaya Thila Dive Site
After a successful morning hammerhead dive at Rasdhoo Thila, the guests took another short dive at Bathala Maaga Kan Thila and later two dives at Maaya Thila. Maaya Thila is one of the most popular dive spots in the Maldives, famed for grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and turtles. The site is also regarded as the best night diving spot in the whole archipelago. Divers on Theia were lucky enough to do an afternoon and a night dive here at Maaya Thila, making for an unusual four dives in one day!!! That’s what you can achieve when you wake up early! Reports of both Maaya Thila dives were excellent, including reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, moray eels (swimming freely in the night dive)
Theia Liveaboard
Theia Liveaboard continues to cruise the Maldives for the next few days. Check back here for more diving reports and updates. After she returns from this cruise, the next cruise sets off on March 3. There are many more cruise dates confirmed for this brand new luxury diving liveaboard.
To book a space on Theia, please contact us today!
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.
Diving Holiday with Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek
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.
Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard
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!
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Long-Awaited Theia Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise
Luxury liveaboard safari ship, Theia, made her maiden voyage on January 11. The long-awaited super cruiser is a beautiful ship reminiscent of private yachts often seen cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
Theia Liveaboard
Theia Liveaboard Features
Theia has 8 cabins on board, of which 2 are luxurious ocean view suites located on the upper deck and 6 are cabins on the lower deck. In total there is accommodation for 18 people. All rooms have air-conditioning, hot water, en-suite bathrooms and exterior windows. They are all stylishly decorated with dark woods and fresh green and white colours. Internet access is available on board, as well as a TV and Hi-Fi system in the lounge area.
Theia Guest Room
Theia Diving Holidays
The first diving holidays on Theia are scheduled to begin in February 2010. You can reserve your space here. All diving holidays on Theia are different, but they all promise to show guests the most pristine, untouched areas of the Maldives, finest scuba diving sites and most spectacular scenery.
Whale Sharks are Often Spotted in the Maldives
Food and Activities on Theia
All diving trips on Theia include three meals a day, snacks and all dives (2 or 3 dives each day). Meals are prepared by well-trained chefs and highlight many of the local, fresh ingredients you can find in the Maldives, including a lot of fresh fish and tropical fruits. The kitchen creates many great meals, combining local flavours with western favourites. There is a full bar on the ship, but alcoholic drinks are charged additionally at the end of the trip.
For more information about Theia, and to reserve your space on this amazing liveaboard, click here.