Boue said:
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!