Maldives : Kislingbury : July 2018

THE SCUBA PLACE

WHERE TO DIVE

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

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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.

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DUKE OF YORK YACHT & SPA

This is the most spacious live-aboard we have enjoyed to date, and the quality and comfort match
the dimensions!   And  we have to mention the service - it is impeccable! From porter services at
boarding, daily cabin cleans and exceptional catering to full kit wash at the end of your diving trip -
everything runs like a true 5 star hotel.

With twin, double and triple cabins available across three decks, groups of up to 24 divers can be
comfortably accommodated - even the en-suite bathrooms are as big as some cabins on other
boats!  For those after a little more luxury, there are two upper deck suites, and to top it all, the on
board spa and masseur is there to tease all those aches and pains away!
A huge rear deck provides the best place to dine under the stars, and an over-sized salon with
ample seating, camera charging station, tv, dvd and music facilities provide creature comforts.
 There is a vast roof-top sun deck with plenty of cushioned loungers, and a mid deck that provides
quiet space to watch the sunsets with a cocktail.   The bow deck also has cushioned sofas and
tables.

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DUKE OF YORK LIVEABOARD
SAMPLE ITINERARIES

CENTRAL ATOLLS : North Ari and Rasdhoo
A one week cruise that will begin and end at Hulule/ Male airport.
Navigation will start westwards, towards the island of Rasfari, which is
just perfect for an overnight stay; we will then transit through the atoll of
Rasdhoo (whose main island is the chief town of North Ari). Here, you
will be given the opportunity to dive in search for hammer sharks.
Navigation will then continue towards North Ari, not far away, trying to
sight the devil fishes (manta rays), in some of the most renowned
cleaning stations of the Maldivian archipelago. Moreover, there will be
many stops in desert islands and in some of the “thila”, that attract
divers from all over the world. The last day but one, navigation will
continue towards the atoll of South Male, where we will visit Guraidhoo -
the most famous fisher’s island of the Maldives - and dive in the
wonderful passes of the region, to sight sharks and big pelagic fishes.
A visit to Male on the last day.
CENTRAL ATOLLS : Felidhoo and Mulaku
A one week cruise with tours to five different atolls eastwards of the
archipelago: North and South Male, Felidhoo, Vattaru, Mulaku. A
wonderful cruise that you can decide to make in every period of the
year, thanks to the many diving points that offer the best sights of grey
sharks, white fin sharks or devil fishes, according to the season. After
leaving Hulule we will head southwards, crossing therefore South Male,
Felidhoo, Vattaru and touching the northern part of Mulaku.
You will get the opportunity to relax on wonderful beaches and desert
islands, while those who are looking for great emotions, will be satisfied
by the stops nearby the passes of Alimathà, Fotteyo, Rakeedhoo and
Mulaku. On our way back we will visit Guraidhoo with its precious shops
of local handicraft and dive at the atoll of South Male.
A visit to Male on the last day.

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk

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.  

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk

MALDIVES GALLERY

© THE SCUBA PLACE by Nigel Wade

THE SCUBA PLACE

MALDIVES - DUKE OF YORK YACHT & SPA with KUREDU ISLAND RESORT
7 or 14 NIGHT ITINERARY : Sunday 22 July to Monday 30 July 2018 (7 night)

Sunday 22 July to Monday 6 August 2018 (14 night)

TRIP SUMMARY

- Return airfare London Heathrow to Male via Dubai on Emirates
- 7 nights aboard Duke of York Yacht & Spa : full board and free NITROX with 3 to 4 dives daily

and night diving where permitted

- 7 nights Kuredu Island Resort add on available : all inclusive in Garden Bungalow - room

upgrades available

- Airport, sea plane and local transfers

__________________________________________________________________________
PRICING : 20 SPACES

7 night itinerary : Duke of York liveaboard only
£2100 per person double occupancy

14 night itinerary : Duke of York with Kuredu Island Resort
£3150 per person double occupancy : Kuredu Garden Bungalow (see upgrade options below)

£500 non-refundable deposit per person
balance due 13 weeks prior to departure
please review all Booking Conditions here
__________________________________________________________________________
FLIGHT DETAILS :
Sunday 22 July 2018 : Emirates Airlines 030

departing : LHR - London Heathrow at 16:55
arriving : DXB - Dubai at 02:50 (GMT+4 / next day)
Monday 23 July 2018 : Emirates Airlines 658
departing : DXB - Dubai at 04:20 (GMT+4)
arriving : MLE - Male at 09:30 (GMT+5)

Monday 30 July 2018 : Emirates Airlines 659 / 005 or
Monday 6 August 2018 : Emirates Airlines 659 / 005

departing : MLE - Male at 11:00 (GMT+5)
arriving : DXB - Dubai at 14:00 (GMT+4)
departing : DXB - Dubai at15:45 (GMT+4)
arriving : LHR - London Heathrow at 09:40

details : economy seating, 30kg checked baggage
__________________________________________________________________________

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk

THE SCUBA PLACE

LIVEABOARD DETAILS :
Duke of York Yacht & Spa : Male, Maldives

check in : Monday 23 July 2018
check out : Monday 30 July 2018
details : twin cabin, full board basis
Diving : 3 or 4 dives per day and night diving where tides, currents and itinerary permit
_______________________________________________________________________
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS :
Kurdedu Island Resort : Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
check in : Monday 30 July 2018
check out : Monday 6 August 2018
details : all inclusive in a Garden bungalow

Room Upgrades Available :
Beach Bungalow : £3225.00 per person
Beach Villa : £3325.00 per person
Jacuzzi Beach Villa : £3395.00 per person.
Sanghu Water Villa: £3750.00 per person

__________________________________________________________________________
EXTRAS:
airline upgrades : we can arrange for higher class seating and/or extra baggage, please contact
us for up to date pricing
Maldivian Green and Bed taxes : $25 USD payable locally
liveaboard extras : equipment rental, massages, wifi, alcoholic drinks, tips (at your discretion -
£35 per diver is recommended)
resort diving : Prodivers Kuredu operates a 5 star PADI dive centre with daily excursions
available. Please contact us for pricing.
__________________________________________________________________________
BOOKING DETAILS:

To book this trip please contact us 020 7644 8252 or at [email protected]

Any change in pricing due to flight 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 confirmation of their booking and receipt for deposit or any
payment immediately after processing along with an ATOL certificate.

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 final documents can be distributed.

Travel and Diving Insurance are mandatory.

Please review all Booking Conditions here

[email protected] | 020 7644 8252 | www.comedivewithus.co.uk