The top leisure activities on your Maldives holidays

The stunning Indian Ocean island archipelago of the Maldives boasts fantastic tropical landscapes surrounded by soft sandy beaches that are washed by crystal blue seas. For many the allure of simply lying on a secluded beach practicing the art of simply doing nothing is enough, however if you are feeling energetic on your Maldives holidays, there are enough leisure activities on offer to keep you entertained. Whether you want to feel the adrenalin rush of going parasailing or you would like to explore plethora of marine life by snorkelling or fishing, on a visit to the Maldives you can do it all.

Parasailing

For an unrivalled aerial view on your Maldives holidays, consider a white knuckled parasailing adventure. This is a great way to explore the splendour of not only the island you are staying on, but the majesty of the surrounding islands and vast expanse that is the Indian Ocean. Be aware that generally parasailing is only offer by the larger resorts, so if this is high on your list of priorities ensure you find out whether the resort you wish to stay at offers this service,

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular activities for anyone on Maldives holidays is exploring the myriad of underwater flora and fauna on a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. With visibility of up to 60 metres, 70 different coral reefs and more than 700 different species of fish, people from all over the world travel to the Maldives just for the magnificent diving conditions. Many of the resorts across the Maldives have onsite certified scuba diving schools and for those who prefer, most will offer visitors complimentary use of their snorkelling equipment.

Fishing

If you are a keen angler, you won’t be short of options for a fishing expedition on your Maldives holidays. No longer will you be dreaming of catching the elusive dolphin fish, rainbow runner or barracuda as these hard to come by fish and many others are found in abundance in the waters of the Maldives. For extra keen fishermen or women there is the option of charter trips to the nearby reefs where the ever present challenge is to land some of the strongest fish in the area such as giant trevally and snapper.

Surfing

A relatively new sport to the Maldives, the islands are fast establishing themselves as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. If surfing is your thing, consider staying in a hotel near the Male Atol which is recognised as having some of the best and most easily accessible breaks. For extra indulgence consider hiring a boat or dhoni where you can sail to unexplored breaks found off some of the many uninhabited islands. The best surfing conditions are generally from May to October so you should plan your Maldives holidays accordingly.

Cruising and Catamaran Adventures

For something a little lower key, consider taking a cruising trip around the Maldives. Options range from day trips up to several weeks and there a selection of vessels available for private hire or with an on board crew depending on your sailing experience. All Maldives holidays are sure to impress and whether you add a sailing adventure onto your hotel stay or you spend your entire visit to the Maldives cruising from one island to the next, this tropical destination will leave you mesmerised and extremely satisfied.

Peter Vasiliou is an Indian Ocean specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Maldives holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great Maldives holidays.

The top leisure activities on your Maldives holidays

The stunning Indian Ocean island archipelago of the Maldives boasts fantastic tropical landscapes surrounded by soft sandy beaches that are washed by crystal blue seas. For many the allure of simply lying on a secluded beach practicing the art of simply doing nothing is enough, however if you are feeling energetic on your Maldives holidays, there are enough leisure activities on offer to keep you entertained. Whether you want to feel the adrenalin rush of going parasailing or you would like to explore plethora of marine life by snorkelling or fishing, on a visit to the Maldives you can do it all.

Parasailing

For an unrivalled aerial view on your Maldives holidays, consider a white knuckled parasailing adventure. This is a great way to explore the splendour of not only the island you are staying on, but the majesty of the surrounding islands and vast expanse that is the Indian Ocean. Be aware that generally parasailing is only offer by the larger resorts, so if this is high on your list of priorities ensure you find out whether the resort you wish to stay at offers this service,

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Unsurprisingly, one of the most popular activities for anyone on Maldives holidays is exploring the myriad of underwater flora and fauna on a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. With visibility of up to 60 metres, 70 different coral reefs and more than 700 different species of fish, people from all over the world travel to the Maldives just for the magnificent diving conditions. Many of the resorts across the Maldives have onsite certified scuba diving schools and for those who prefer, most will offer visitors complimentary use of their snorkelling equipment.

Fishing

If you are a keen angler, you won’t be short of options for a fishing expedition on your Maldives holidays. No longer will you be dreaming of catching the elusive dolphin fish, rainbow runner or barracuda as these hard to come by fish and many others are found in abundance in the waters of the Maldives. For extra keen fishermen or women there is the option of charter trips to the nearby reefs where the ever present challenge is to land some of the strongest fish in the area such as giant trevally and snapper.

Surfing

A relatively new sport to the Maldives, the islands are fast establishing themselves as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations. If surfing is your thing, consider staying in a hotel near the Male Atol which is recognised as having some of the best and most easily accessible breaks. For extra indulgence consider hiring a boat or dhoni where you can sail to unexplored breaks found off some of the many uninhabited islands. The best surfing conditions are generally from May to October so you should plan your Maldives holidays accordingly.

Cruising and Catamaran Adventures

For something a little lower key, consider taking a cruising trip around the Maldives. Options range from day trips up to several weeks and there a selection of vessels available for private hire or with an on board crew depending on your sailing experience. All Maldives holidays are sure to impress and whether you add a sailing adventure onto your hotel stay or you spend your entire visit to the Maldives cruising from one island to the next, this tropical destination will leave you mesmerised and extremely satisfied.

Peter Vasiliou is an Indian Ocean specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Maldives holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great Maldives holidays.

Naladhu Island Romance

Escape into timeless romance and serenity with our exclusive Naladhu Romance package. Imagine a world of endless blue waters and ivory white sands, reserved for you and the one you love.

Skim over perfect blue waters on the speedboat ride from the airport, a haven of sand and palms rising into view over the horizon. On the welcome jetty you’ll meet your own private House Master who’s there to make your visit as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Slip into the cool embrace of your private infinity pool or simply bask in the sun on your daybed swing beside your Ocean or Beach House. Spend the afternoon dancing among colourful corals and playful schools of tropical fish as you enjoy your guided snorkelling tour of the house reef. Unwind together at the end of a day in paradise and experience 60 minutes of pure bliss with an Anantara Signature Massage – whether in the exotic Jungle Spa, the blissful Over-Water Spa or the privacy of your beach house. The true romance begins when the sun sets and the glittering stars emerge over soft Maldivian sands.

Whether celebrating a honeymoon, kindling a new passion or commemorating 50 years of love – no one can capture the spirit of your romance like Naladhu.

Ocean House: rates start from USD 1,024
Beach House: rates start from USD 1,159

Package includes:

• Accommodation in either a Naladhu Ocean House or Beach House
• Breakfast served by your House Master
• A 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage for two
• Guided house reef snorkelling trip for two

Validity

Now – 31 March 2011

The Details: Visit Naladhu.com

The best diving spots for your Maldives holidays

One of the world’s premier diving locations, the tropical island archipelago of the Maldives offers visitors a myriad of diving sites all brimming with underwater flora and fauna. On your Maldives holidays you will have the chance to visit one or more of these fantastic sites and with so many on offer we have identified our choices of the best dive sites on the Ari Atoll, North Male Atoll and the South Male Atoll. Each of our top choices is serviced by one or more resorts and with almost every resort in the Maldives having their own diving school, organising your diving adventures while on Maldives holidays is simple.

Ari Atoll

On your Maldives holidays if you are looking for encounters with larger marine animals such as hammerheads, manta rays and whale sharks ensure you visit the Ari Atoll. Here, diving is possible both the north and south of the atoll where there a number of good dive sites just waiting to be explored.

Dive at Kalhuhadhihuraa Faru in the south and you’ll be exposed to fantastic caves and overhangs that are affluent with colourful corals and invertebrates such as octopus and sponges. Keep an eye out for the plethora of grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and manta rays which populate the channel.

The Kuradah Thila region was recently declared a ‘protected marine area’ by the Maldives government and with the vast array of marine life on offer, it’s hardly surprising this reef tops many people’s lists for diving while on Maldives holidays. Possessing a glorious swim through in the south-east corner of the site, Kuradah Thila is home to a diverse array of marine life including dartfish and groupers. Venture a little further out and you should see grey reef sharks, napoleon fish and sea turtles.

North Male Atoll

Perhaps the best known and most explored atoll for those on Maldives holidays, the North Male Atoll is typically characterised by caves, stunning reefs and shipwrecks. Visit Banana Reef, the first dive site discovered in the Maldives, and you will see prolific and colourful coral formations as well as a vast array of fish including bannerfish, squirrelfish and sweetlips.

If you wish to see the unique natural phenomenon of Manta Ray cleaning, ensure you visit Manta Point. Here Manta Rays emerge from the deep blue and hover in line while little cleaner fish remove parasites and skin from the Rays before moving onto the next one- a truly astonishing experience if you have the chance witness it first hand.

South Male Atoll

For the best shark show around the Male Atoll ensure you visit Cocoa Corner while on your Maldives holidays. Here at a depth of approximately 25 metres you’ll drift along the channel edge spotting Grey Reef Sharks, Eagles Rays and Jackfish.

Finally, for some of the most diverse flora and fauna you are likely to encounter on your Maldives holidays, Guraidhoo Kandu South is a large underwater region with a variety of channels, reefs and caves. Home to eels, lionfish, trevally and sharks, any dive in this region is sure to leave you impressed.

Peter Vasiliou is an Indian Ocean specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Maldives holidays as well as holidays around the world. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book great Maldives holidays.