Freediving in the Maldives

[Boue]

Has anyone any experiences of snorkelling from Vilamendhoo or kuramathi.
After a lot of saving I'm off there soon (tectonics permitting!)

Thanks

[Boue]

Surely someone has been snorkelling here ?

[Freediver81]

Hi There!

You should contact Island Sands, She is a member of this forum and up to a month ago was a diving instructor in the Maldives, She will probably be able to answer you questions! you can also send her a PM!

We also have another member called Sharky which has just returned from a 2 week holiday in the Maldives!

Good luck,

Said

[octopus]

I was in White Sands, South Ari. It was great experience. I do not think you'll meet many freedivers there though. If you do not like diving on your own, then you'll have to join snorkeling group and limit your diving depth/time. They have at least two dives per day (couple of hours each) and one night dive. You can also rent a kayak and dive on your own. You see more that way.

[island_sands]

Originally Posted by Boue

Has anyone any experiences of snorkelling from Vilamendhoo or kuramathi.
After a lot of saving I'm off there soon (tectonics permitting!)

Thanks

Kuramathi is a huge resort, and also sports the residential hammerhead diving site of the Maldives, Madivaru Corner off Rasdhoo Atoll. The surrounding reefs are great, on the outside wall there is a steep drop off and loads of stingray, grey reef sharks, mantas (in season), eagle rays and reef fish.

To see the hammerheads you have to be in water at 0600am, you jump in the blue, sink to 30m and hang out and wait... they will come by... sometimes up to 50 at a time. then you navigate back to the reef and complete your dive. its a great dive.

As far as freediving is concerned, the housereef off Kuramathi is quite deep. I don't know about kayak hire but i am sure they have them (Kuramathi is an all inclusive resort right?)

Also you can visit Rasdhoo island (local island) and check the local life a little. There is a great tea room there where you can savour some local delicacies (ask for "short eats")

Vilamendhoo, from what i remember great house reef for freediving also, sometimes there may be some current. Where ever you choose, Maldives is great for any kind of diving. Just don't go in June/July as its very rough sea.

Enjoy your trip!

[Boue]

Maldives were amazing !

Both Vilamendhoo or Kuramathi have lots to see underwater.
Vilamendhoo has a house reef down both sides of the island and some quite strong tides, whilst Kuramathi is much larger, but with a reef only along one side.

Kuramathi is larger and more commercialised, but has a bio station with resident marine biologist, which is useful for finding out a little more about the wild life. The biologist also runs snorkelling trips and gives evening lectures.

From Kuramathi we also did a day trip to another island (can't remember its name right now) which, unlike most of the islands, had been virtually un touched by coral bleaching - the coral was stunning - well worth a visit.

Coming from the UK I couldn't believe the 40 - 50 ft visibility and 30 C water!

Oh well - back to 15C water and 12 ft vis !

[island_sands]

Glad you enjoyed!!! let's have your pics!