Ambassador of Germany, Jens Ploetner, Pays Courtesy Call on Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed

Ambassador of Germany to the Maldives, Mr. Jens Ploetner, has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed. The meeting was held this afternoon at the President’s Office.

Meeting between German Ambassador Ploetner and Maldives’ President Nasheed

In the meeting, President Nasheed and Ambassador Ploetner discussed the friendly relationship between the two countries and ways to strengthen the current relationship between the Maldives and Germany. Mr. Ploetner gave additional details on the President’s upcoming official visit to Germany.

The President was joined at the meeting by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, Special Envoy to the President Ibrahim Hussain Zaki and Political Advisor to the President Hassan Afeef.

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Moorish Idol

The majestic Zanclus Cornutus, more famously known as the moorish idol, is one of the most popular fish among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts all over the world. The only member of the Zanclidae family, the moorish idol is commonly sighted in the exotic Indo-Pacific waters. The moorish idol is often mistaken for a butterfly fish, due to some very similar features.

Moorish Idols

Moorish Idol Habitat

Despite its popularity among aquarium hobbyists, the moorish idol, like most fish, is best suited in its natural habitat, particularly because of the creature’s acute sensitivity to water temperature. Commonly found in depths of 3m to 180m in both clear and cloudy waters, the moorish idol is usually spotted swimming alone because of its tendency to fight with other moorish idols.

Moorish Idol Appearance

Adult moorish idols grow to an average lengy of 4-6 inches, although some can reach up to 9 inches. Its distinct features are a long dorsal fin end with thread-like tip, long snout, three bold black bands over the eye to ventral fins, rear body and on the tail.

Moorish Idol Diet

In its natural habitat, the moorish idol is usually found on flat reefs preying on sponges, tunicates, and other small invertebrates to satisfy its rather indifferent appetite. In captivity, the moorish idol can be a far pickier eater.

Moorish Idol Behaviour Toward Scuba Divers

Moorish idols are quite harmless marine creatures and safe to dive around with.  The moorish idol is not an endangered species and as such is not on the IUCN list  of threatened species.

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Maldives Dive Sites

The following is our definitive guide to the five best Maldives Dive Sites. At these Maldives Dive Sites, you can expect to see some of the finest marine life in the world.

Maldives Dive Site #1 – Fotteyo Kandu

Many scuba divers consider Fotteyo Kandu to be the best Maldives dive site and it is also rated among the top 5 dive sites in the world. The mouth of the channel is exposed to the ocean and during north east monsoon when the currents are incoming, a good variety of fish species gather at the entrance to the channel.  Animals commonly spotted at Fotteyo Kandu include Gray Reef Shark patrolling the channel mouth, Jack and Tuna in the deeper water, schools of Midnight Snappers and Red Snapper form in huge groups. The wall features caves, overhangs and swim-thoughs at different depths. These caves and overhangs are filled with colourful yellow color like soft coral, deeper caves and overhangs are filled with huge bushes of black corals. The Thila in the middle of the channel entrance is the best place to do the safety stop.  A surface balloon is a must at Fotteyo Kandu.

Maldives Dive Site #2 – Maaya Thila

Maaya Thila is one of the best Maldives dive sites for a night dive. The dive boat is usually fixed to the mooring and a line is used for the ascent and descent for safety reasons.  A strobe light is attached to the rope at 5 meters to identify the rope underwater.

On the Maaya Thila night dive, divers get to experience swimming close to White Tip Reef Sharks. Turtles rest inside caves / overhangs, while Moray Eels and White Tip Sharks hunt the vulnerable Fusiliers. Octopus and Stone Fish can be found around the top reef. The caves where the crevices are found are the ideal place for people who are interested in macro photography. Here you will find Cleaner Shrimps, Ghost Pipe Fish and many more seldom-seen species.

The Maaya Thila night dive is a must for all scuba divers visiting the Maldives and is a one-of-a-kind dive.

Maldives Dive Site #3 – Rangali Madivaru

Madi in the local language of the Maldives, means “Ray”, hence the name Madivaru for this Maldives dive site, which is also known as Hukrueli Faru.  During the North East Monsoon, Madivaru is a superb Manta Ray cleaning station. The coral reef slopes down gently from its highest point at 8 meters to the Atoll floor at about 30 meters.

There are many cleaning stations along this 1 km reef, but the point where the Manta Rays are most active is halfway along the northern side. Current at Madivaru can be strong at times and can create a funnel effect due to the coral reef formation.  Divers should be prepared to make a safety stop in open water at Madivaru and a safety balloon is necessary.

Maldives Dive Site #4 – HP Reef

If you were asked to choose the best Maldives dive site between HP Reef and Nassimo Thila, the wise thing to do would be vote for both and rank them both equally as they are two of the most spectacular sites in the Maldives. Both HP Reef and display excellent soft coral growth and an abundant fish life. The best diving at HP Reef is found on the southern side of the reef and when the current is flowing into the Atoll (East to West). During mild current, you should swim slowly, while observing the coral blocks, caves and overhangs. The coral blocks and the caves at HP Reef are filled with multicolored soft coral and you should keep your eyes open for the many invertebrates, including nudibranchs, leaf fish and many more. Eagle Rays, schooling Silver Jacks and Batfish are common at HP Reef.  Strong currents are sometimes found at this Maldives dive site and a surface balloon is necessary.

Maldives Dive Site #5 – Nassimo Thila

Nassimo Thila is an oval-shaped Thila displaying a good variety of colourful, soft corals. The most interesting aspect of this Maldives Dive Site is the randomly scattered pinnacles. Spend as much time as possible around the scattered pinnacles but limit your depth to maximize bottom time as the scattered pinnacles go down to more than 30 meters.

Currents at Nassimo Thila are usually strong, so it is only recommended for advanced divers.  Depending on the strength of the currents, many pelagics can be seen near the coral reef at Nassimo Thila or in the deeper water just off the reefs, including Giant Trevallies, Jacks, Dogtooth Tuna and many more. A surface balloon is a must as this Maldives dive site is subjected to heavy boat traffic from the nearby resort island

Click here for a complete guide to Maldives Dive Sites.

Current Special Offers on Maldives Diving Holidays

Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering a selection of great special deals, making your diving holiday more affordable than ever before.  Check out the following deals and book your 2010 scuba diving holiday in the Maldives now.

Carina – Special Marine Biology Scuba Cruise, 8-22 February, 2010

Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard

Explore the Maldivian reefs under the expert guidance of two marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, Marine Biologists and PADI Instructors on board Carina from 8 to 22 February, 2010.  This cruise has a very last-minute price of just  US$ 2.660 per person.  The cruise start is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking.

Carina Marine Biology Tour Itinerary

Depending on weather conditions, this scuba diving safari is planned 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.  Furthermore, the route will follow the specific marine life upon which Mary Eichler-Bilek’s marine biology workshops will focus.

Marine Biologists Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek lead Maldives Diving Safari

Special Marine Biology Themed Cruise

This scuba diving cruise 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.

PADI-Recognised Specialty Course Available On Board

A very special feature of this cruise is the opportunity of taking the Night Naturalist Specialty Course, a programme developed by Mary herself and recognised by PADI.  This is available at an extra price and should be paid on board.

Don’t miss out on this great diving holiday, reserve your space today by contacting contact Maldives Dive Travel.

Galileo Explorer Tour March 11-22      Jan 18, 2010

This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the largest atoll in the world.  This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are many dive sites just waiting to be explored.  Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit many pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.

Galileo Hosts Special Explorer Cruise

Galileo Explorer Tour Itinerary

Depending on weather conditions, Galileo will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male.  This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights.  A few places are still available; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today.

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Take advantage of the low price currently available in March for the Galileo Southern Atoll Explorer Tour!

Mark your calendars – March 11 – 22! But, BOOK NOW! Limited Availability.

This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the world’s largest atoll.  This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are numerous dive sites just waiting to be explored.  Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit an array of pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.

Galileo Southern Atoll Explorer Tour

Depending on weather conditions, the safari will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male.  This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.

Galileo Mar 11-22 Southern Atoll Explorer Tour
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of
only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights

Galileo Liveaboard

Galileo is one of the most well-equipped safari ships in the Maldives, perfect for a true expedition-style adventure.

Learn more about the Galileo, including its amenities, facilities, service, food & photos, here: Galileo Liveaboard!

What’s Included in the Galileo Scuba Diving Cruise?

- Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with window, en-suite shower (hot water) and WC. Daily cleaning. Towels provided.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge at all times plus one bottle of water per person per day.
- 27 dives
- Tanks with DIN/INT 12 lts, lead belts, extra diving boat
- Guidance by a PADI-qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive instructor
- Use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits.
- Island-hopping, snorkelling service
- Picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route).
- On the last day a trip to the capital city Male will be offered
- Pick-up & drop-off at Male’ International Airport to connect with international flights on first and last day of the cruise, before noon.

Price does not include:

- International or Domestic air fares ( Male-Kaadhdhedhoo is 217 return flight)
- Airport taxes
- Dive/snorkel equipment rental
- Beverages, except those mentioned above
- Bed Tax: 8 per person per night is charged on board
- Dive and travel insurance
- Transfer supplements for arrivals/departures on days other than scheduled boat arrival/departure
- Fuel surcharge: in the event that crude oil reaches USD $100 per barrel on the international market, a EUR 6 fee will be charged per person per night
- Nitrox is available for EUR 5 per filling
- Additional dives will be charged at EUR 34 each

***All prices are subject to change without notice***

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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.

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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.

***Check out Maldives Dive Travel’s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE for unforgettable liveaboard diving holidays!***

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!***

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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!

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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.

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Special Explorer Cruise on Galileo Liveaboard

Maldives Dive Travel is proud to announce a very special “Galileo Explorer Tour” from March 11-22, 2010.

This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the largest atoll in the world.  This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are many dive sites just waiting to be explored.  Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit many pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.

Galileo Hosts Special Explorer Cruise

Galileo Liveaboard Route

Depending on weather conditions, the Galileo safari will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male.  This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.

Galileo Mar 11-22 Southern Atoll Explorer Tour

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights.  Galileo is one of the most well-equipped safari ships in the Maldives, perfect for a true expedition-style adventure.

Explore Untouched Dive Sites of the Maldives

What’s Included in the Galileo Scuba Diving Cruise?

- Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with window, en-suite shower (hot water) and WC. Daily cleaning. Towels provided.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge at all times plus one bottle of water per person per day.
- 27 dives
- Tanks with DIN/INT 12 lts, lead belts, extra diving boat
- Guidance by a PADI-qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive instructor
- Use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits.
- Island-hopping, snorkelling service
- Picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route).
- On the last day a trip to the capital city Male will be offered
- Pick-up & drop-off at Male’ International Airport to connect with international flights on first and last day of the cruise, before noon.

Price does not include:

- International or Domestic air fares ( Male-Kaadhdhedhoo is 217 return flight)
- Airport taxes
- Dive/snorkel equipment rental
- Beverages, except those mentioned above
- Bed Tax: 8 per person per night is charged on board
- Dive and travel insurance
- Transfer supplements for arrivals/departures on days other than scheduled boat arrival/departure
- Fuel surcharge: in the event that crude oil reaches USD $100 per barrel on the international market, a EUR 6 fee will be charged per person per night
- Nitrox is available for EUR 5 per filling
- Additional dives will be charged at EUR 34 each

A few places are still available on this amazing cruise; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

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