Scuba Diving Tours and Scuba Dive Vacations

KAMANAA

MALDIVES LIVE-ABOARD SCUBA DIVING

Diving in the Maldives:

While the Maldives certainly have some georgeus reefs, it`s the fish life that makes them an outstanding dive destination. There are three distincltly different types of diving: inside the atolls, outside the atolls and inside the channels or passes, which is where the currents are strongest and you`ll find the greatest congregation of fish life. Most intriguing are the cleaning stations, found around every corner and under every ledge. Groupers, Snappers, Surgeonfish, Eels, Parrotfish, even Giant Napoleon Wrasse park casually in corners, oblivious to all, ( including cameras ) while armies of wrasse, shrimp and other assorted cleaners pick at debris in their open gills and cavernous mounths.

The big attraction, however, are the schools of fish that patrol the reefs in colorful packs: Humpback and Black and White Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicornfish, Yeollowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweetlips almost comical in design. The reef`s larger inhabitants, including sharks, rays and occasionally even Whale Sharks, are often seen cruising in the blue. This parade of awesome marine life combines with exquisite coral covered backdrops to create many of what is surely some of the world`s most extraordinary dives.

Dive sites in the Maldives are widely scattered while hotel base clients onluy have access to a limited number of good diving spots; a far greater number can be reached on a liveaboard, making it the ideal holiday for experienced divers.

The great magic of the Maldives is the tame fish life to be found on very shallow, sun dappled reefs. This is one of the best places in the world for fish photography. The fish are intensely colourful, swarm in great numers over the reef, and are nearly tame.

Diving seasons:

Best : January - April
Good : August - November ( likely to encounter Mantas )
Wet season : May - July
Best for big animals : January - March ( most currents ), August - November

Diving is carried out from attached 40/50 feet local diving boats, called "diving dhonies", that will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface. This is the safest and most confortable way to do the diving in the Maldives.

Every diver will have his own seat and his own basket where he will store his diving gear, which will always remain on the diving dhoni. The system leaves the main boat free to handle accomodations, meals and social activities in a quiet and uncluttered atmosphere.

There will also be night dives.

It is necessary for everyone to bring their own diving gear. 84 cubic feet aluminium tanks and weigths will be provided. There will be diving guide for every 8/10 pax.

The Boat (Kamanaa):

The Kamanaa was newly constructed in 2007 and caters to discening divers.  The boat will accommodate up to 14 divers in 7 staterooms each having private en-suite bathrooms.  All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning units.  The is approximatley 87 ft in length and has very roomy cabins.  The Kamanna also has a very large shade deck with comfortable seating for those that wish to relax between dives.