Left for the Maldives on Tuesday night flying with Emirates the flight was full but the seats in economy were roomy with enough space to stretch out legs. left Heathrow for Dubai 45 minutes late which meant that instead of having a stroll around Dubai airport (to the bar) instead I just had time to get to the other end of the terminal before the gate closed as the last call for the Male flight was called. This Emirates flight was only a quarter full at best so loads of room for all.

Got to Male its always a great view as you fly in and see some of the islands below you realise that it was worth the long journey to get here. I would recommend that you wear shorts and sandals or flip flops as it is hot and a little humid when you arrive I changed before landing so was a lot cooler than some who were in jeans etc. Through customs etc and I have to say its way better and more organised than when I was last here mind you that was about 9 years ago. Everything was simple then a minibus across the island to the sea plane terminal which was just a hut last time but is now a large building with all amenities so if like me there is an hour’s wait for the plane its enjoyable sitting in a comfy chair under the shade with a lovely cool breeze while watching the other sea planes taking off and landing. The flight itself was 35 minutes and is fantastic as you fly over some of the islands and reefs plus looking at the blue, green and turquoise waters below it really is an amazing sight. Don’t forget the ear plugs as it is a little noisy though and have your camera at hand.

Arrived at Meedhuppuru and first impression is paradise its 5 hours ahead of the UK and its 30 degrees lovely. Checked in etc shown to room fantastic big room, air con, tv, safe, mini bar, patio with two comfy chairs and two sun loungers. The bathroom area is part inside with toilet, two sinks and enclosed shower and part is roofless and has an open air shower still private though as nobody can see you. Patio is straight onto sand and sea is about 20 meters from bungalow. I decided to go all inclusive as it makes life easier and you don’t end up with a surprise bill when you come to check out so I can have that extra beer lol The main restaurant is large and there is a good selection of food.

I have just checked in with the dive centre and taken all my gear there and will get the first dive in this afternoon hopefully. Nitrox is available and free to Nitrox qualified divers which is a plus as it saves me having to reset my computer. (or find a small child to show me how to do it) lol

First dive: Meedhupparu House Reef

16th Sept 10

54 mins Max depth 14m Bottom temp 29 degrees

It has been a while since I last dived so need to do a check dive. Kitted up with another pair of divers who had also not dived for a while. A giant step of the pier and into the glorious warm blue water and settle on the bottom in a couple of meters depth to complete flooded mask, regulator recovery and out of air drills. All good needed a bit more weight than the 8 kg I had (must cut back on the frothy coffee and cheesecake lol). Then follow the pier to the end and down the wall a bit and follow it along. Lots of fish about names escape me at the moment (still thinking of cheesecake ) turn round and back to the start exit via the steps. A nice easy dive with a very slight current to get into the swing of it again my new split fins are great and seem easier than my previous ones but more on that tomorrow.

Two boat dives tomorrow so will post a message here in the evenning if I can.

Have to go now and have a massage Just met a fellow fish4diver as well can you guess who

Shaun ( Fish4divers Maldives correspondent)

I am looking at going to the Maldives April/May next year and was wondering what Dive Company or travel agent you had used to book your holiday or were planning to use.

Who offers the best deals and of course the best bargain’s.

Many thanks

Shaun

I have just signed up to Fish4Divers - picked up the leaflet at LIDS earlier this year.

My husband and I fancy diving in the Maldives this November - it is a special birthday present for me - probably 2weeks - part liveaboard and part hotel diving holiday.

Has anyone got any good experiences of diving in the Maldives that they could share with us please?

I look forward to getting to know some more divers on this website.

My nick name is Pinky because most of my clothes and dive gear is pink - if you have dived with me you will probably remember me!

Cheers!
Jane (Pinky) Slatter

I’m planning a small group “Safari plus Scuba” ‘adventure’ in South Africa for July 2010. The idea is really to get a nice balance between land and marine safaris as it would be a shame to go all the way to South Africa and only do the dive side, yet also a pity not to dive Sodwana Bay which is considered one of the world’s premier dive sites. Most land-based tours don’t include anything for divers and most dive tours seem to do very little on land…

We’re going to Kruger National Park, Sodwana Bay and Hluhluwe Game Reserve from 18-28 July 2010 (excludes flight days) and would love to have anyone else interested join us. Please email me for full details: Karen_holladay at hotmail dot com.

Happy Diving!

Karen.