An archipelago of 26 major atolls and coral reef islands, what Maldives lack in terms of land mass, it more than makes up for in sheer territory size. Since most of the islands are, in actual fact, the tops of a vast underwater mountain range, it comes as no surprise that the Maldives is home to a huge array of spectacular marine life, ranging from the small humble critters living in corals to the giant majestic whale shark. Myriad passages and channels between the atolls allow currents to sweep nutrients throughout the island chain, accounting for the extensive numbers of fish and various other marine life who come to feed. Napoleon wrasse, snappers, tuna, barracudas, sponges, gorgonian fans, cleaning stations complete with cleaning wrasses and shrimps, manta rays, eagle rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and even dolphins are only a taste of the marine life one will encounter while diving in the Maldives. So what are you waiting for?
Additional Information
Great for:
Advanced, Reef diving, Drift Diving
Highlights:
Hammerheads, Manta Rays, Eagle rays
Depth:
Over 3000m
Visibility:
15-40m
Currents:
Can be strong
Surface conditions:
Calm
Water temperature:
24 – 27°C
Number of dive sites:
5 major sites and uncountable minor ones
Experience level:
Advanced
Recommended Length of stay:
5 – 10 days
- Baa Atoll
- Ari Atoll
- Nilandhe Atoll
- North Male Atoll
- South Male Atoll
Requirements:
- Valid passport and Visa (if applicable)
- Cash in Singapore or local currency (Maldivian Rufiyaa MVR)
- Personal Medication
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Able to snorkel/swim in the sea
- Minimum of PADI Open Water Diver Certification or equivalent (for leisure diver)
Getting there:
Fly from Singapore to Male International Airport, Maldives. (approximately 4.5 hours)
Coach/mini-bus transfer from Male Airport to Handy Cruise.
Includes:
2 way land transfer between Male International Airport and Handy Cruise
7N full board accommodation at Handy Cruise
Up to 17 guided boat dives
Air tanks and weights provided
Excludes:
Air fare between Singapore and Maldives
Miscellaneous:
Currency accepted:
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Electricity Supply:
230V 50Hz, 3 pin straight plug
Time difference:
Maldives time (GMT +5) is 3 hours behind Singapore time.
Immigration:
All countries require a visa for entry
Proposed flight (from Singapore):
Direct flight from Singapore to Maldives via Singapore Airlines
Departure
Singapore (SIN) Male (MLE) SQ452 Changi Airport Male International Airport Economy
Depart: 2045hrs (Singapore time)
Arrive: 2210hrs (Maldives time)
Arrival
Male (MLE) Singapore (SIN) SQ451 Male International Airport Changi Airport Economy
Depart: 2325hrs (Maldives time)
Arrive: 0710hrs (Singapore time)
MV Handy Cruise
Liveaboards are by far the best way to dive Maldives, due to the islands and atolls being spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers. On MV Handy Cruise, relax in luxury and enjoy being pampered, while you enjoy spectacular dives.
Rooms:
Standard package is based on twin-sharing accommodations.
All rooms are air-conditioned and come equipped with ensuite bathrooms with hot/cold shower, mini bars, plasma TV with DVD players and telephones.
Amenities:
Lounge deck (with spacious saloon),
Restaurant,
Bar,
Disco,
Karaoke,
Media Library,
Wi-fi Access,
Plasma TV with DVD players and surround sound speakers,
Board games,
Sun deck (with loungers),
Jacuzzi,
Steam Bath,
Sauna,
Araamu Spa (indoor/outdoor treatments),
Diving Dhoani,
Dinghy (with outboard engine),
Fishing lines and gear (local style),
Snorkelling gear,
Life Jackets,
Fire Alarms,
Fire Extinguishers,
2 Sound proof Marine Generators (220/110 Volts AC),
2 Desalination Plants,
Air-conditioned cabins and saloon,
Hop off the Handy Cruise and straight into the ocean to dive. For harder to reach dive sites, the diving dhoani will bring you there.