TRAVEL FEATURE continued
surfers from around the world. For divers, the south carries a different reputation. This is the region many advanced divers look toward when they want stronger action, bigger animals, fewer crowds and a more remote edge to the Mal- dives experience. When Is the Best Time to Visit the Southern Atolls?
speed drift dives. The locations for these adventures are remote and lack concentrated resort infrastructure in some areas. The Southern Atolls, including Fuvahmulah, Addu, and Huvadhoo, are spread out, and liveaboards are often re-
quired to reach the best and most remote dive sites. For divers interested in maximizing time underwater, a liveaboard is usu- ally the most efficient choice. Luxury Yacht Maldives, Ag- gressor Fleet, Blue Force, and Emperor Fleet are among the options for divers. Luxury Yacht Maldives, with M/V Conte Max and M/V Duke of York, offers several varied itineraries that take divers to some of the best sites across the archipelago. For those traveling in mixed groups of divers and non-divers, or customers who wish to com- bine luxury and relaxation with diving, a land-based luxury resort may be a better fit. There are numerous resort op- tions across a wide range of costs and amenities in the South- ern Atolls. Planning a trip here requires careful research into costs, offerings, transfer logistics, and dive options for any resort under consideration. Southern Atoll Diving High- lights Diving in the Southern Atolls is appropriate for a range of skill levels depending on the site, but many highlight dives in the region require advanced skills. Many of the dives are channel dives conducted while tremendous volumes of water
The best time to visit the Southern Atolls is from De- cember to April, when dry weather, maximum sunshine, and excellent visibility are most common. For optimal shark diving, particularly in Fuvah- mulah and Gaafu Atolls, January to March is often considered the peak period, with calmer seas and higher concentrations of tiger and thresher sharks. Many liveaboards only venture here during these few months because of the spectacular con- ditions. For retailers and travel sellers, this timing is important. South- ern Atolls trips should be posi- tioned as seasonal, advanced, and highly rewarding, but also more dependent on conditions and proper planning.
Liveaboard or Land-Based? Visiting the Southern Atolls offers a unique, off-the-beaten- path experience characterized by pristine, uncrowded beaches, superior diving, and vibrant marine life. Key highlights in- clude consistent big-animal en- counters with hammerheads and whale sharks, along with remote luxury resorts and some of the country’s most exciting diving.
rush between islands and atolls. Some of the best dives take place in the channels of Gaafu Atoll, along the walls of Fuvahmulah, and on the reefs of Gemanafushi. Fuvahmulah lies south of the equator, so ex-
For exploring the Southern Atolls, a diving liveaboard is often the superior option for dedicated divers seeking top- tier action such as tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and high-
PAGE FORTY-SIX | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker