TRAVEL FEATURE
A Group Travel Guide to The Maldives by Christopher P. Weaver & Michael Salvarezza , ecophotoexplorers.com, NY
H IGH ON THE BUCKET LIST for many scuba divers are the Maldive Islands. A nation of approx- imately 1,190 tiny islands, none more than a few miles across and none more than a few feet above sea level, the Maldives are strewn across a vast section of the Indian Ocean and remain the epitome of a tropical diving adventure. The islands themselves are like tiny jewels spread across an azure sea. The reefs are thriving and teeming with life, the diving is spectacular, and the beaches are postcard perfect. For dive retailers, travel sellers, instructors, group leaders and operators, the Maldives represent one of the world’s
Understanding Atolls and Islands The Maldives are comprised of numerous islands, each part of a larger atoll. When referring to an atoll, for example Ari Atoll in the Central Atolls region, you are talking about a group of islands and reefs spread across a defined geographic area. If you are planning to visit a specific island, it is best to first understand which atoll it is part of and where that atoll is lo- cated. If you are planning a liveaboard itinerary, the operator will most likely list the atolls they will visit and may not always specify each individual island.
most recognizable dream destinations. But it can also be a confusing and complex place to plan. Atolls, islands, domestic flights, seaplanes, live- aboards, resort transfers, seasonal conditions and regional differences all af- fect the guest experience. In this special section, we will examine the Mal- dives through the geo- graphic lens of the atolls that comprise this nation. We begin with the Central Atolls, where most visitors first arrive and where many first-time Maldives dive trips begin. We then move north, to quieter and less crowded atolls known for manta
For travel professionals, this distinction matters. A customer may say they want to visit “the Mal- dives,” but the experience can vary significantly de- pending on whether they choose the Central, North- ern or Southern Atolls, and whether they travel by liveaboard or stay at a resort. Part One: Introducing the Central Atolls Almost all visitors to the Maldives arrive at Malé, the capital city and the location of the interna- tional airport. Malé is lo- cated in the Central Atolls region of the country. For divers, the most prominent dive opportu-
Many resorts have their own islands in the Maldives
aggregations, pristine reefs and remote diving. Finally, we head south, where advanced divers often seek strong currents, shark encounters, and some of the most exciting diving in the region. Whether your customers wish to dive from a liveaboard or a land-based resort, a diving trip to the Maldives can be a life-enriching experience. The key is helping them choose the right region, right season and right style of trip.
nities in this area are in North and South Malé Atoll, Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, and Rasdhoo Atoll. The city of Malé itself is a bustling capital, but unless visitors are interested in touring the city, most divers depart directly from the airport to their final destination within the country. For first-time Maldives visitors, the Central Atolls are often the easiest region to understand and sell. Access is generally simpler, transfer options are well established, and the variety
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