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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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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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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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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Take a short seaplane ride from the Male International Airport in Maldives and you’ll arrive at this fantastic simulation of paradise living. The Maldives Royal Island Resort & Spa offers 152 guest accommodations classified in two different types. Whether you opt to stay in one of the standard beach villas or choose ultimate luxury in one of the presidential suites, you will enjoy modern resort amenities such as broadband internet, hot/cold shower, spacious living areas, and a spectacular view of the lagoon.

Maldives Royal Island Resort Activities

There are numerous activities to keep you busy and upbeat during your stay in the Maldives Royal Island Resort & Spa. Fun in the water such as water skiing, wakeboarding, scuba diving, and surfing within or near the resort premises are guaranteed to satisfy your thirst for adrenaline pumping adventure. Resort staff and services can also arrange island hopping trips to uninhabited places in Maldives where you can enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

If you want some pampering, a relaxing full-body massage can be enjoyed at the beautifully designed Aquum Spa in the Maldives Royal Island. You can choose from a variety of unique massages, aside from the traditional treatment.

The possibilities are endless when you go on a holiday at the Maldives Royal Island Resort & Spa. For more information on how to book the perfect Maldives holiday, click here.

Island resorts in Maldives are truly one of a kind. This is where you’ll get to experience the real meaning of comfort and luxury. If you’re continuously searching for a paradise you can call your own, try spending a lavish holiday in one of the first class island resorts in Maldives.

Royal Island Resort & Spa Maldives

The majestic Royal Island Resort & Spa in Maldives is one of the best resorts where you can truly have a perfect getaway. You can opt to stay in a beach front villa that has a spectacular view of the lagoon or enjoy supreme luxury in a presidential suite. Either way, a vacation at the Royal Island Resort Maldives will allow you to escape the stresses of the often busy city life.

Nika Island Resort Maldives

Take a 25 minute seaplane ride from the Male International Airport and that breath-taking journey will take you to the island paradise of Nika Island Resort Maldives. Aside from housing 26 coral built accommodations, this resort offers sumptuous local dishes and international cuisines for a lavish dining experience in Maldives. There are also lots of activities offered in the Nika Island Resort Maldives, guaranteed to make your dream vacation both memorable and exciting.

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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Manta Rays in Maldives are very popular attractions to scuba divers because of their majestic appearance and unique habitat. These creatures migrate across the 26 atolls of Maldives with the changing monsoons, following seasonal shifts in their planktonic food source.

Maldives Manta Ray Project

The Maldives Manta Ray Project (MMRP) is an organization dedicated to data collection and marine research of mantas in Maldives with the purpose of caring and preserving for the population of these precious creatures. With only 3 years of existence, the project has already gathered data that identifies over 1,500 manta rays in Maldives and counting.

This non-profit research organization also aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of manta rays in Maldives. MMRP conducts education initiatives and other marine conservation activities as part of their responsibility towards a better and safer marine life in Maldives.

If you want to see manta rays in Maldives, it would be best to go on a liveaboard holiday for all year round scuba diving. For more information, click here.

Basic Scuba Diving Course in Maldives

There are a lot of resorts and liveaboards in Maldives that offer basic scuba diving training. If you’re going scuba diving for the first time during your Maldives holiday, there is no need to worry because scuba diving professionals will attend to your training needs.

The Discover Scuba Diving Course is the introductory course you’ll need before heading out to the open waters of Maldives. In this program, you’ll learn some basic skills such as regulator and mask clearing, including alternate air source usage.

Learn Scuba Diving in Dhoni Island Resort Maldives

Each luxurious suite in the Dhoni Island Resort Maldives is partnered with a private ‘dhoni’ or Maldivian boat that can take you to the best dive locations in this tropical paradise. You’re guaranteed to have a superior holiday at the Dhoni Island Resort Maldives and it is also the perfect place to learn scuba diving!

For more information about scuba diving in Maldives, click here.

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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