Magic in the Maldives

Snow delays did not keep Tristan from the Maldives!

When I was offered a trip to the Maldives and would be staying on the Monsoon I was very excited. Mainly due to the fact it was the Maldives a diving mecca known around the world, and secondly because I would be staying on the famous Monsoon.  This was not my first time to the Maldives and had previously been on a non diving resort holiday a few years back.  That trip though was to the furthest Southern Area of the Maldives in Gan.  I could not wait to head off this time to get some diving in!

After a short delay due to the weather, I was in the Maldives and quickly met by the Scuba Travel representative and transferred to the air conditioned departure area for my seaplane transfer to Kuredu island (the place the Monsoon is harboured). After a refreshing cup of coffee and a can of coke we were boarded onto the seaplane for our transfer. The 45 minute transfer is an experience in itself and a great way to see and experience the beauty of the Maldives, with the Atolls in all their beautiful splendour below us.

On arrival in Kuredu I was met by Chris (the dive guide) and taken to the boat. As with all our liveaboard boats the Monsoon did not disappoint and had all the mod cons and luxuries expected. This included tv and dvd players in each cabin and separately controlled air conditioning.   After a quick briefing of the boat and introduction to the rest of the staff we were kitted up and ready for our diving. I knew from the start I was in safe hands with Chris who has been the dive guide on the Monsoon for many years. Over that time he has built up a great rapport and working relationship with the crew of the Monsoon and the Maldivian way of life and knows all the dive sites like the back of his hand (or flipper as he would put it). Accompanied by Hoka his dive guide we set off.

Arriving at Kuredu & Monsoon and taking a stroll along an uninhabited island

Over the week the boat covered the 4 main atoll areas of Lhaviyani, Baa, Raa and Noonu and each offered great diving locations with some excellent drift and wall dives. If I had to pick, a few of my favourites would have to be Kuredu Express which provided some excellent drift dives with plenty of activity on the reef and outer waters. Kuredu Caves where I encountered more turtles than I have ever seen on one dive let alone my whole diving career. Orimas Thila where there was plenty of shark activity at the cleaning station, and my all time favourite Christmas Tree Rock. This is a fantastic dive where the reef comes out the ground upwards in a Christmas tree like shape. As Chris puts it “every Christmas tree needs certain things. Firstly a Christmas tree must have a angel which is supplied by the many angel fish on top of the reef. The lights are supplied by the many small fish, and like any good Christmas tree you need presents and at the bottom these are supplied by the reef sharks and rays.” After a quick search we found the reef and boy did it not disappoint. At the bottom like Chris had mentioned were a number of reef sharks circling as well as a few rays. This would have been a highlight in itself but for me the memory that I will take to my grave is the vast amount of small fish living on the reef.  There were so many fish that I couldn’t see in front, above or below me and thought… experiences like this only happened in nature documentaries.

During the trip, there were plenty of other special moments and not all diving.  One of the best bits for me was watching at night four dolphins hunt for fish by the lights of the boat and was amazing to see how quick and efficient hunters they are in the water. Another was a private barbecue that was put on by the boat on a deserted island, chatting and laughing with the other guests and crew whilst counting the many stars in the clear nights sky.

Huge thanks to Marc Trouard-Riolle whose awesome pics are a tantalising teaser of what they all saw

Unfortunately the trip was over far to quickly and before I knew it I was on a plane heading back to the UK.  Overall I had a great time in the Maldives and am glad that I had the chance to experience it from a liveaboard. I really do think it is the best way to see the best that the country has to offer and would recommend it to anyone.

I think Marc one of the guests on the trip has summed up the experienced very nicely.

“a great experience, great crew and diving had plenty to offer with large and small marine life. Plenty of photographic opportunities. Would definitely recommend and consider for future trip.”

I don’t think I could put it any better myself.

Tristan

3 top tips for the Monsoon:

• Make sure you have your camera in your hand baggage and ready for the sea plane transfer otherwise you will regret it!!!

• The prime reason why the Maldives offers such great diving is due to its currents. If you can, try to get yourself a reef hook before you go. If not the boat will be able to supply you with one.

• *As any good diver will tell you its help to be prepared. Make sure you have your snorkel at the ready in case you see mantas and whalesharks!!!!