MALDIVES
"Flower of the Indies' said Marco Polo when he first saw Maldives. Truly a natural wonder, these islands are scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean and rarely excess two meters in altitude.

It has 1190 islands consisting of 26 atoll formations. With a population of approximately 240,000, only 200 islands are inhabited. Maldives is the dream island of ones fantasy. Coconut palm fringing the islands and surrounded by coral reefs.

Diving in Maldives is world class. Visibility averages about 50-100 feet. As it is a volcanic ridge a variety of diving ranging from reef, wall, caves to wrecks are available. The water is tropical and rarely below 27 º C. Season is practically year round. The better period is the late half of the year. However rain is seldom long lasting here as they are mainly passing rainstorms. The currents of the Maldives have notorious reputation hence most dives here are day dives. The diving regulations are strict, dives should not exceed 100 feet depth and 2 boat dives are available per day. Beach dives on the home reef are available round the clock.

Because most dive sites are prone to occasional strong currents, some experience in drift-diving may be required, especially if you want to get close to big pelagic fish. As diving in this area is still relatively new it is an ideal opportunity to explore uncharted waters.

Getting there
International arrival from France, several African, Asian and European capitals, US (via Europe) and Australia. Or alternatively you can arrive by yacht.

Accommodation
Hotel, beach resort, budget motel.

Activities
Wrecks diving, fishing

Season
Diving seasons: all year round. Best diving seasons : December to March.

Getting there
International arrival from London, Rome, Zurich, Singapore, Johannesburg, Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Nairobi, and Mauritius. Inter-Island service are available though sea, air or helicopter.

Accommodation
Live boards, Hotels and beach resort (budget accommodation)

Activities
Marine national park, fishing, surfing, bird watching

Season
Diving seasons: All year round

Until recently Christmas Island was accessible only from Perth in Australia. Since the Indonesian carrier Merpati Air started its direct service to the island from Jakarta, it has become an easy destination to reach.

Most of the year, the waters are warm and clear with visibility often exceeding 30 m. One of many attractions are the unusually shaped caverns, carved out of the island's steep coastline by the pounding swell. Reefs are well developed and the marine life is abundant.

Barracudas, tunas and schools of silver jacks are a common sight. You can expect dolphins to follow your dive boat on almost every trip.

Whale sharks are yet another exciting feature of this destination and can be seen around Christmas Island throughout the year. Two World War II wrecks add to the attraction of this truly fascinating dive destination.

Getting there
International arrival at Christmas Island from Singapore (2 hr) and Jakarta ( 1,25 hr). Or alternatively, international arrival at Perth (Australia), and connect domestic flight to Christmas Island (4 hr).

Accommodation
Beach resort, budget lodge, bungalows

Activities
Caves dive, Whale sharks, Dolphins, red crab, birds watching.

Season
Diving seasons: all year round. Best diving seasons: April to December. Whale sharks: November & April