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Published by The Scuba Place, 2018-07-27 08:18:07

Maldives November 2019 : Sachika and Kuredu

THE SCUBA PLACE
WHERE TO DIVE : INDIAN OCEAN
MALDIVES
© THE SCUBA PLACE by Nigel Wade


To get the best out of a diving holiday to the Maldives we suggest one of our recommended liveaboards. Diving from a traditional Dhoni is extraordinary!
MALDIVES
Widely regarded as one of the world's most fascinating scuba diving destinations with hundreds of unique diving sites for enthusiastic scuba divers to explore; The Maldives offer a myriad of possibilities for amazing scuba diving holidays. There are so many dive sites to explore that even divers who live here full-time never get to see all the underwater marvels of the Maldives, so those visiting these magical islands hungry for varied scuba diving experiences, will never be disappointed.
The Maldives Have some outstandingly beautiful coral reefs, but its the abundance and colourfulness of fish life that can be found throughout the atolls that sets these blessed islands apart from other scuba diving destinations in the world. And it is due to the myriad channels and passages between the atolls, that the currents sweep and play throughout the island chain so that nutrients for colourful species are always on the move. This accounts for the vast numbers of fish enjoying the passing feast and divers can expect to spot Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks and sweetlips in every site where the water flows.
In the channels there are caves, caverns and overhangs to explore, all teeming with soft corals, and there is a riot of colourful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonian fans all profiting from the nutrient-rich water. There are also plenty of cleaning stations where cleaning wrasses and shrimps service the larger marine species. Inside the atoll lagoons one can often find pinnacles of rock vaulting up almost to the surface. These are known locally as 'Thilas' and are often bejewelled with sessile life forms. These formations bring water up from the


ocean floor against their walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals that cling to its sides as well as creating an environment that supports a plethora of crustaceans and schools of resident fish.
Slightly removed away from the reefs, divers are likely to encounter the pelagics that frequent the Maldives, including manta rays, eagle rays and a variety of sharks including the mighty whale shark. Wherever you look there is likely to be something of interest going on and for many it is in the shallows where the best of the action takes place. Here the clear water, brightly illuminated by the sun's rays and playing host to great numbers of fish, provides an ideal environment both for photographers and scuba divers alike.
For scuba diving there are two distinct seasons in the Maldives, the North East Monsoon which runs from December through to April during the Maldivian summer and the South West Monsoon which runs from May to December and during which the focus is shifted to diving on the western side of the atolls. Both seasons offer equally amazing and different diving opportunities. On both seasons water temperatures remain fairly consistent and warm at a temperature of around 25° - 28° C.



SACHIKA LIVEABOARD
The Sachika is a luxury live board based in the Maldives offering itineraries in the Central and North Atolls. Ten spacious cabins, all ensuite with individual air conditioning and a mini- bar can accommodate 22 guests. Meals are served buffet style on the main deck with coffee, tea and bottled mineral water available at all times.
Sachika is a fully equipped cruiser with a large salon, spacious sun deck with a jacuzzi, lounge area at the bow and on the Captain’s deck, a lounge bar with panoramic views. A professional massage therapist is also on board.
Diving takes place from a traditional Maldivian Dhoni providing ample space for divers. Your dive kit and compressors are kept on board the dhoni, making the diving easy and keeping the noise at a minimum.


SACHIKA LIVEABOARD SAMPLE ITINERARY
THE BEST OF THE CENTRAL ATOLLS : NORTH AND SOUTH MALE, FELIDHOO & ARI
This itinerary is an exciting mix between submerged landscapes and breath-taking views. At the centre of this long archipelago, which is situated from east to west,lie three of the most famous atolls of Maldives: North Male, South Male and Ari.
The cruise sets out to the south, letting divers get used to the comfortable water temperatures with the exploration of a trawler which sank over 30 years ago and turned into a house for the typical micro fauna of these waters. You’ll find needle fish and scorpion fish inhabiting the outside decks along with clefts full of glassfish.
The fishermen island of Gurahidoo is surrounded by dive sites that have rivers of currents in the pass, which in turn bring large predators like white tip and grey reef sharks. It is not unusual to encounter large napoleons and green turtles between the protrusions of Kandooma Thila.
The crossing to the west of South Ari atoll is often accompanied by large groups of dolphins. These waters are characterised by rowley shoals dives. They are unique because of the abundance of fish and both hard and soft coral gardens. In fact, the area is famous for its spectacular dive sites such as Five Rocks with its blue sea fans and Kuda Thila Raa with its schools of squirrelfish and yellow striped blue snappers, soft corals and long black coral whips.
Before sailing back to the central areas is a must to look for, in true “safari” style, the great lord of this area, the whale shark.
In the western part of the atoll, when dry winds blow from the northeast, there are several points where you might meet the great manta rays that come close to the reef to enjoy the many cleaning stations that are rich with plankton.


KUREDU ISLAND RESORT
Kuredu Island Resort is one of the larger resorts in the Lhaviyani Atoll, an area famous for its abundant fish life. Situated 80 miles north of the International Airport and 35 minutes by seaplane, Kuredu Island is protected by one of the best house reefs in the country and has more than 3km of white beaches and lagoons. With a glorious setting and a range of facilities there is something for everyone.
Kuredu ProDivers operates a dedicated dive centre offering a full range of daily excursions and courses catering to beginners and experienced divers and snorkelers alike. With almost 50 dive sites on offer, variety is the key theme. Whether it’s a calm and relaxed shallow dive, or an adrenalin fuelled drift dive or channel crossing, Kuredu ProDivers caters to your every wish. They also have access to the only dive site in the Maldives with two shipwrecks at the same site. Independent diving is available at the house reef and night dives can be done every night.


THE SCUBA PLACE
TRIP SUMMARY
MALDIVES - SACHIKA LIVEABOARD add-on KUREDU ISLAND RESORT
7 or 14 night itinerary : Friday 1 November 2019 departure
- Return airfare London Gatwick to Male via Dubai on Emirates
- 7 nights aboard Sachika liveaboard : Beset of Central Atolls itinerary : full board with 3 dives daily
- and night diving where permi ed
- Add on 7 nights Kuredu Island Resort : all inclusive
- Seaplane transfer with add on
Airport and local transfers __________________________________________________________________________ LIVEABOARD ONLY PRICING :
£2250 per person based on double occupancy
LIVEABOARD & LAND PRICING :
£3440 per person based on double occupancy in a Kuredu Garden Bungalow £3500 per person based on double occupancy in a Kuredu Beach Bungalow £3750 per person based on double occupancy in a Kuredu Beach Villa
£500 non-refundable deposit per person
balance due 12 weeks prior to departure
please review all Booking Conditions here __________________________________________________________________________ FLIGHT DETAILS : for reference only - ights will be published 11 months before departure
Friday 1 November 2019 : Emirates Airlines 16 departing : London Gatwick at 14:25 arriving : Dubai at 00:15 (GMT+4/next day)
Saturday 2 November 2019 : Emirates Airlines 658
departing : Dubai at 03:25 (GMT+4)
arriving : Male at 08:30 (GMT+5)
details : economy seating, 30kg checked baggage plus 7kg hand baggage allowance
Saturday 9/16 November 2019 : Emirates Airlines 661 departing : Male at 18:20 (GMT+5)
arriving : Dubai at 21:35 (GMT+4)
Sunday 10/17 November 2019 : Emirates Airlines 11
departing : Dubai at 02:50 (GMT+3)
arriving : London Gatwick at 06:40
details : economy seating, 30kg checked baggage plus 7kg hand baggage allowance
________________________________________________________________________________
[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk


THE SCUBA PLACE
LIVEABOARD DETAILS :
Sachika Liveaboard : Male, Maldives
check in : Saturday 2 November 2019
check out : Saturday 9 November 2019
details : twin cabin, full board basis (bu et breakfast, lunch and dinner), 6 days with 3 dives each day plus night diving
__________________________________________________________________________
RESORT ADD ON DETAILS :
Kurdedu Island Resort : Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
check in : Saturday 9 November 2019
check out : Saturday 16 November 2019 details : all inclusive in selected accommodation
__________________________________________________________________________
NOT INCLUDED :
airline upgrades : we can arrange for higher class seating and/or extra baggage, please contact us for up to date pricing
liveaboard extras : Maldivian Green and Bed taxes of $25USD, NITROX, extra dives, equipment rental, massages, wi , alcoholic drinks, tips (at your discretion - $70USD per week per diver is recommended). The liveaboard will accept $USD or MasterCard and VISA with a 4% fee.
resort diving : Providers Kuredu operates a 5 star ADI dive centre with daily excursions available. Please contact us for pricing and arrangements. ________________________________________________________________________________
BOOKING DETAILS :
To book this trip please contact us 020 7644 8252 or at [email protected]
Any change in pricing due to ight availability or other circumstances will be disclosed and discussed at time of booking.
Tickets and full travel documentation for group travel will be issued to all passengers 2 weeks prior to departure. All passengers will receive con rmation of their booking and receipt for deposit or any payment immediately after processing along with an ATOL certi cate.
Passenger names as listed on passport, together with passport number and expiry date, date of birth and nationality is required for each passenger travelling before nal documents can be distributed. Travel and Diving Insurance are mandatory.
This brochure is intended for marketing purposes only. You will have been alerted to the conditions of your booking at the time of booking and as soon as we issue our con rmation invoice, a contract will exist between you and The Holiday Place Plc. Please check your con rmation invoice carefully and contact us immediately if any details are not correct. The contract is made on the terms of our booking conditions, which are governed by English Law, and the jurisdiction of the English Courts.
Please review all Booking Conditions here Thank you!
[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk


MALDIVES GALLERY
© THE SCUBA PLACE by Nigel Wade


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