Florida Keys

By admin

Oct

5


FLORIDA KEYS string of small islands (Keys) stretch into the Gulf of Mexico like a necklace of uncut bejeweled stones. A fitting description considering all the Spanish and other treasures known to have sunk off the coasts of the area! The ten Keys of the string start with Key Largo, Marathon, Tavernier, Bahia Honda, Islamorada, Big Pine, Long Key, Little Torch, Grassy and Key West are interconnected by a series of bridges including the famous ‘Seven Mile Bridge’ facilitating excellent access to the mainland.


Beaches Wonderfall Sale! Subject to tropical storms and hurricanes, early warning centers provide residents with ample time to make preparations or leave the area to avoid damage or discomfort. Visitors are advised to spend time touring and stopping at the upper, middle and lower keys to experience all of the best on offer. Fishing, diving and jet-skiing are encouraged under controlled conditions that will ensure ecological and practical survival of the only living coral reef off the US coast, as well as licensed commercial fishing. Apart from the mainland Everglades National Park, there are ten parks and beach sites on the Keys, where boating, swimming, viewing, hiking and sometimes camping is available, from Key Largo to the end of key West.

Travelling from Miami (US 1) naturally the fist stop would be at Key Largo, a haven for fishing, ‘diving capital of the world’ with coral reef and boating, with lots of hotels, motels and resort and camping accommodation, restaurants, attractions, tours and night life.


 The central Island of Marathon is known as the ‘sports fishing and water activity Mecca’ of the Keys, where you can swim with dolphins or bask on Sombrero Beach. ‘Boatels’ are a popular accommodation experience and an airport provides flights on national carriers.

Tavernier is known for its Bird Park and as a choice to stay in a ‘quiet community’ with easy access to the rest of the islands and entertainment areas.

Islamorada Island is considered the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World’ with almost as many boats as fish! That can guide to the big game or numerous wrecks to explore in shallow waters. Overflowing with restaurants, entertainment and nightlife, it also offers stunning sunsets off the waterfront.

Big Pine key is home to two small State Parks, where the rare White Tailed Deer roam, and the Marine Sanctuary where you can go off shore or ‘flats’ fishing and afterwards relax to some island music in a local (Tiki) Bar.

Long Key is where the State Park accommodates campers and nature lovers who like seclusion yet easy access to neighboring keys.

Little Torch Key is known for being a quiet location, close to the corals of the marine sanctuary and its exclusive, off shore, Palm Island Resort.

Grassy Key hosts the Dolphin Research Center which offers tours and swims with these delightfully friendly ‘cousins’.

Key West has a historical significance as one of the first visited by Spanish explorers and was until more recently, a staging point for travelers to and from Cuba. Writers like Hemingway lived here, and many festivals and occasions still honor his memory. After a day of rides and attractions, visitors and locals still have big fascination to visit many of his old ‘watering holes’ that lure boaters, divers, fishermen and visitors to explore the night life, musical vibrancy or watch sunsets over the island, while listening to pipers playing “Amazing Grace”, is an emotive experience not to be missed.

Palm Island

By admin

Oct

2


PALM ISLAND a barrier island, some fifty miles south of Sarasota is a small privately owned paradise with resort facilities for quiet, family and romantic holidays, taking in all that natural environment (and man) can provide for relaxation and pleasure.

Virtually a ‘car free zone’, strolling, biking or canoeing are the popular means of perambulation around miles of beach, coast line where seabirds and marine life continue their ageless rituals and palm trees whisper in the breeze. For the overactive, there is golf nearby, photography, hiking, fishing, ecological excursions, and for the kids – an in-house giant of a pirate that will entertain. A little bit of exclusive heaven!

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

By admin

Oct

2

SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA are barrier islands off Florida coast and also the site of the ancient Calusa Indians civilization. It is speculated that this is where the explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon met his end at the hands of the warlike tribe.

Today the natives are much more friendly! Tourists are welcomed to the area’s National Wildlife Refuge which annually draws almost a million visitors. Eco-tourists bask in the Florida sun, island beaches, the Everglades jungles and waterways, swamps, exotic views and skies, recreational adventures fishing and aquatic pursuits, marine life and one of the best shell collectors sites in the world.

With both International and local Resorts and Inns on the islands, accommodation is available from Luxury to budget – if you can get in! More than a dozen Restaurants offer the freshest seafood available to tickle the taste of the most discerning of culinary fundi’s!

The great visual draws are the cream colored beaches, the azure seas and the spectacular orange sunsets. The sports fishing is legendary, the sailing and boating exhilarating and the primeval forests and waterways of the Everglades, a glimpse into natural pre-history. Awesome, don’t you think?

45% off our top secret hotels

Pine Island

By admin

Oct

2


PINE ISLAND is one of the largest mangrove islands off the Florida Coast – 17 by 2 miles, and quaint and secluded. Protected by three outer islands from the Gulf of Mexico it was fist settled thousands of years ago by the mysterious and ‘highly cultural’, Calusas Indians. Some of their shell mounds and archaeological sites are all that remain to intrigue and mystify modern visitors. Tourists and visitors enjoy the same views, fabulous fishing, waterways, marine, animal, bird and access to the Everglades that the ‘Ancients’ and following waves of Spanish, Europeans and Settlers that followed.

St. James City hosts most of the population with most homes on canals, while port of Bokeelia in the north is home to most of the commercial fishermen, marina, historic buildings and subtropical fruit and other agricultural production. Pine Island Center is the ‘commercial hub’ that offers the Shopping Center, School, Cultural and community Center, Sports, and Medical and Emergency Services.

Bottom line is – Pine Island is a natural place to relax, dine and wine, or to use as a stepping stone to cruise, kayak the waters of the surrounding islands, visit State Parks, and view the rare marine life, fish for that trophy or deliciously fresh meal. It’s ‘paradise found’.

Book with Otel.com & get 5% cash back on next booking!

Marco Islands

By admin

Oct

2

Tourists today are unaware of the thousands of years of occupation by the (now extinct) Colusa Indians, except for remnants in the local museum. The largest of the “Ten Thousand Islands of the Everglades”, modern tourist facilities have spread yet maintained much of the indigenous Everglades and pristine beaches.

As a consequence of the abundant natural resources, the Colusa Indians had the opportunity to develop a much greater social and political complexity and a larger population density than is typical of hunters and gatherers.

Tourists and holiday makers, the new breed of ‘Hunter – gatherers’ now explores, experience and enjoys the comfort and natural beauty that has been preserved. Magnificent beaches, high-rise apartments with stunning views, quaint inns, much to do – boating facilities to cruise, fish or visit the thousands of islands with their marine, birdlife and wildlife in the unique Everglades environment, laze away on the beach or compete on the golf course.

Tourists are entertained by events specific to the area – Arts and Crafts, Marine Festivals, Cultural Events and Annual National and State Festivals. Restaurants offer the finest of sea and other foods and night life entertainment.

If you want satisfying activity or simply rest and relaxation this jewel among the everglade islands will lure you back, again and again.

Longboat, Lido and St. Armand’s Key

By admin

Oct

2

Longboat Key, Lido Key and St. Armand’s Key
Logo 120x60 CheapOair are year round attractions. Between Sarasota Bay and the Mexican Golf, the perfect temperate weather draws tourists and mainlanders alike. The miles of beaches, sports like tennis and golf, fishing and a wide range of resorts, hotels and holiday apartments, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues, cultural and events, parks, bird and marine life offer a fulfilling holiday vacation for all.

Gasparilla Island

By admin

Oct

2

GASPARILLA ISLAND – is small but unique to fishermen and tourists. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, off the south coast of Florida and the Bay of Charlotte Harbor, this ‘sun-kissed’ island has the small town of Boca Grande in the center and an old world charm of rustic homes, miles and miles of lazy beaches, bike paths and of course boast to be, “The Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World”.

Fishing off this coast is what made this island popular in recent years. Outside of the Tarpon Season, grouper, snapper, mackerel and kingfish and inshore snook and redfish offer year round fishing fun.

Accommodation is available from quaint Inns and home vacation rentals in many of the grand holiday homes and restaurants cater for the most discerning of sea foods. For perfect relaxation for the whole family to ‘unwind’ and for fisherman to chase that trophy or simply to ‘bring home the bacon’ of a fine days catch – Gasparilla Island is hard to beat.


Babylite

Isle of Capri

By admin

Oct

2

ISLES OF CAPRI are even smaller! With a development joining four mangrove islands and six hundred acres, this is the ultimate in small island development successfully retains a rural fishing village ambiance, where visitors can take to the ocean for sports and food fishing.


Book your flights and hotels online NOW!

Houtman Abrolhos Islands

By admin

Sep

17

Houtman Abrolhos Islands is another Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. The Abrolhos Islands have some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world, as well as deep sea fishing and (controlled) rock lobster fishing. Situated close to the west coast of Australia, they also have an exotic history of shipwrecks, bullion, mutiny and survival that have fueled both writers of history and fiction.
Last Minute Deaks at Sandals Resorts

These 120 odd islands have 3 major island groups, Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert. Visitors are strictly controlled as are commercial fishermen. Access to tourists is only via an invitation from a commercial fisherman or permit from the ‘Department of Fisheries, Fauna and Flora and Tourism’. No overnight facilities are available and food and liquid sustenance are not provided, needing complete self sufficiency. There is a public jetty at East Wallabi Island and an airstrip for private aircraft use.

A visit to the Abrolhos Islands is a rare and privileged experience despite the restrictions and anyone interested in marine, mammal and birdlife will find it a very fulfilling experience.

Cocos and Christmas Islands

By admin

Sep

17

Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Islands are waiting to be promoted as tourist destinations. This provides great opportunity for eco-tourists who can visit before over popularity will spoil much of the atmosphere, ambiance, natural scenery and fauna and flora. Situated deep in the Indian Ocean, these Australian Territories were once mined for their guano (Phosphates) and yet retain ecological wonders of its undisturbed tropical rainforest and marine life. (With a little imagination – the shape of the island resembles a ‘flying lizard’!)

A strange history permeates both Cocos and Christmas Islands – Once the preserve of a ‘Feudal’ Scottish family, short-lived occupation by the Japanese, British and ‘cession’ to Australia, and its modern day conflict with the flood of immigrant ‘Boat People’, and a new Immigrant Detention Center. It has even been mooted as a possible ‘Space Port’ of the future.

There are two Container Ports on Christmas Island , Flying Fish Cove and the alternative port at Norris Point – in use during rough seas. A small resident population of less than 2000, it also hosts an airport with 3 weekly flights to Perth and weekly to Malaysia. A new Recreation Centre on Phosphate hill and an abandoned Casino. The road network is reasonably good, with only a few areas requiring four-wheel drive vehicles. Crustacean (Crab) and Bird species abound – a naturalist’s paradise.
Beaches Fall Sale

Cocos(Keeling) Islands are another Coral Islands gem waiting to be promoted for tourism. Blessed with an infrastructure of a WW2 Aerodrome (now an International Airport) and Oil Terminal and various Anchorages, the South Keeling circle of islands has the potential to become a Resort Destination between Australia and Sri Lanka. North Keeling Island with its encircled lagoon offers a smaller scale development potential within the ‘Pulu National Park’ area, which protects the only endemic bird, the ‘Buff banded rail’ and a number of sea bird and Green Turtle breeding colonies. Around the archipelago are more than 500 species of fish, from migrating Whales and Dolphin to the local Angelfish and a plethora of reef fish. The wreck of the WW1 SMS Emden provides a focal point for diving opportunities. Both islands are lined with coconut palms – the major export industry.

Cooled by the Trade Winds for about nine months of the year, the climate is pleasant, except for the Monsoon Season early in the year. This idyllic little paradise is perfect for the tourist who seeks natural relaxation or adventures of discovery above and below the ocean.

Seychelles Achipelago

By admin

Aug

26

Seychelles Achipelago has become a tourist’s legend before and ever since the famous South African artist Wren Sergeant (and others) displayed his stunning Impressionist art in the early 1960’s. The islands landscapes, seascapes and its indigenous peoples featured strongly in his brilliant works. Capturing the brilliant colors in dawn and sunsets has lured many an artist and photographer since. Naturally development followed close on the heels of the first ‘adventure tourists’ and today three of the major islands have a fine infrastructure to please the most discerning of tourists.

The two groupings of islands consist of the Inner and the Outer islands.

Of the 43 Inner islands, 3 of the major destinations or stepping stones to visit the surrounds are Mahe’, Praslin and La Digue.

Mahe’ hosts an International Airport at the Capital of Victoria and a Port and the majority of the population of about 72,000 persons. The 28 x 8km island is also the transportation hub to visits elsewhere in this vast area of many smaller islands. I0 large Resort Hotels and over 65 smaller Hotels, B&B’s and Self-catering businesses provide accommodation for many thousands of monthly visitors. Other services available in the three major islands are; Boat tours & hiring’s, Dive sites, fishing for ‘Big Game’, Scenic Drives, Walks and guided tours and Horse Riding or cycling.

Praslin is about 40km2 and is renown for its UNESCO – World Heritage Site, the ‘Valle’e de Mer’ where the unique and extra large, feminine,  ‘Coco de Mer’ fruit originates, and two of the ‘Top Ten Beaches of the World’! The history of harboring 18th Century Pirates and the founder by the French, ‘Duc de Praslin’ add spice to an already exotic location. A small port and airport offer access to the surrounding archipelago. Accommodation is catered for by over 50, large and small Hotels, Guest houses and self-catering enterprises. Other attractions are Art Galleries, Specialty Shops and Museum.

La Digue has a small population of only about 2,000 on the 10km2 island. It is home to some of the rarest and indigenous birds in the world, forests and exotic flora – almonds, vanilla, takamaka and coconuts and stunning beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities. The small harbor offers a shuttle to surrounding islets and great fishing opportunities.

Outer Islands – the 72 are widespread – as far as 1,000km from Mahe’ and consist mainly of cays and outcrops. Alphonse and Desroches are the only two offering accommodation, sailing, fishing and diving – A sailing explorers dream.

Events – The monthly calendar is full of events and competitions during the cooler months from April to November. August 2009 has the Catholic Celebrations, Boat, Sail and Wind Surfing races, and Fishing Competitions. September has the Indian Religious Celebrations and Tourism Day. October has a Diving Competition and cultural – Festival Kreal. November hosts the great Marlin Tournament. December seems slumber time. January 2010 opens with a Marathon and February with a French cultural ‘Fete’, and a Rotary Fishing Competition. April introduces the Arts Festival of local visual delights. New, May, June and July activities are still to be announced. I can’t wait to hear – as these are some of the best (cooler) months to visit.

Save up to 25% Gap Adventures

Bazaruto

By admin

Aug

26

Bazaruto Archipelago is a National Park belonging to Mozambique, consisting of six main islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magruque, Banque, Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island) and Shell Island. Situated in the southern Mozambique Channel between Madagascar, it is one of the most accessible and popular to South African tourists.

Bazaruto and Benguerra are particularly known for their beaches, diving, fishing and horse riding facilities, forests, fresh water lakes, wetlands, savannah and crocodiles. Benguerra Lodge is a renowned divers habitat.

The island of Magruque is privately owned and the other three are apparently unoccupied with little infrastructure, but certainly worth a visit for their natural unspoilt beauty. Bazaruto Island has the major infrastructure with five Resort type Lodges – all very expensive. Across on the mainland are a number of resorts and more affordable lodges.

To the north lie the Quirimbas Archipelago of 32 undeveloped coral islands and the renowned Seychelles group, 480-1,600km off the East Coast of African/Indian Ocean.

Save up to 50% on Luxury Travel

Beautiful Bahamas

By admin

Mar

25

Once shipping pirates paradise, the Bahamas have become more sophisticated, diversifying into hotels, casinos for the tourist trade and a financial refuge from (over) taxation. The tourists flock willingly to be ‘fleeced’ in the casinos and to enjoy the magnificent Island lifestyle.

Consisting of over 2000 cays and 700 islands, this tiny (British Commonwealth) nation has produced some of the world’s best men and women track and field athletes at the most recent (1996-2008) Olympic Games.  The geography of the Bahamas diverse and scattered islands lends itself to sailing as a major sport and economic necessity for fishermen.


Traditional foods have their annual festivals; The Pineapple fest and the Crab fest are some that have rural cultural roots. Boxing Day and New Years day are some of the most celebrated in streets of the capital of Nassau with Junjanoo (John Canoe) parades of exotic costume, dance and (goombay) music. Music by drums, cowbells, horns, conches, bugle, and more recently introduced brass instruments has its own unique sound complementing the foot shuffling dance routine of distant African origin. Dozens of Bands and Dance groups now compete for the numerous prizes in different categories, adding new spice and flavour to every event.

Presently the Bahamas have a highly sophisticated tourism industry, consisting of major hotels, casinos, travel agencies with events management, flights, vacation tours, car hire and shipping arrangements in and around major and minor islands in this archipelago.  Long Island alone has three distinct zones. In the north are the magnificent cays with panoramic sea views. In the central areas are the rocky outcrops with the sea foaming through. In the south are miles of unspoilt beachfront surrounded by verdant dune forest.

Grand Bahamas Island has fine resorts, national parks, international bazaar, golf, theme parks and the ports of Lucaya and Freeport.

New Providence Island is home to the major city of Nassau, with a natural harbour for cruise ships to the region. Major attractions are Parliament buildings, Fort Fincastle, Lighthouse, Atlantis Hotel  (on paradise island), Ardastra gardens Zoo, Flying Fish fountain, underwater Aquarium, Cloisters and Public Library, to name only a few.
Save up to 70% on last second travel deals!
Seven of the Outer Islands have their own groupings of satellite islands, each with its own attractions of national parks and reserves, villages, museums, bays, cays, features and islands to delight the adventurous visitor.

Summing up the Bahamas Islands in a few words is difficult. Tropical Islands of unsurpassed beauty and variety. World class Tourist orientated infrastructure. Facilities from luxurious best to go-it-alone enthusiasts. Own unique culture. The subtropical summer climate of hurricanes is best avoided and the winter months provide the best weather for enjoying the perfect island holiday.

Marvelous Madagascar

By admin

Mar

16

The beautiful island of Madagascar can be found about 400km from the African coastline.  Madagascar is the fourth largest island stretching 1571 km by 571km.  Its natural diversity can be found in the mountains, deserts, rainforests and beaches.

As a result of the island’s isolation, most of the wildlife, half of the birdlife and most of the plants are absolutely unique to Madagascar – nowhere else in the world to be found. Lemurs, dwarf chameleons, tomato frogs and giant jumping rats are just a few of the island’s unique inhabitants.
Travel Solo But Never Alone
Antanarivo is the country’s capitol city and a must see for a first time visitor.  Here you will get a feel of the island’s unique culture and hospitality.  The Lemur Park in Antanarivo is a tourist attraction.
From Antanarivo is suggested that a visitor should go to Sainte Marie Island north east of the main island of Madagascar.  This island is a mere 60km by 7km and used to be a pirate’s haven.  Divers will experience the marine world at its most exquisite here, with whale watching possible from July to September.

Nosy Be Island is also known as the perfume island of Madagascar with the lovely smell of ylang-ylang permeating the air. Nosy Be is on the north west coast of Madagascar and has 11 extinct volcanoes.  Boasting with 12 months of sunshine this is a wonderful diver’s destination with Nosy Tanikely with its marine sanctuary a must see!  Nosy Komba is close by and is known as the Lemur Island.

Morondava is on the drier west coast of Madagascar.  This area is known as Baobab country. These beautiful trees have been many an artist’s inspiration over centuries and are everywhere to see.  Rather than diving, Morondava attracts tourists interested in fishing and river expeditions.

Diego Suarez is on the northern tip of Madagascar.  This scenic area is known for the amber mountain and the extinct volcanoes.  The area is covered by rainforests, craters and waterfalls.

The Perinet Rainforest gives a different experience to a tourist usually attracted to tropical islands.  Here, far from the beaches, nature can be experienced in all its glory and uniqueness that Madagascar can offer.  There are some wonderful tours and accommodation available in this forest that spans over 12000 hectare.

Unfortunately with all that this island has to offer, there are also some drawbacks.  Here you will not have the luxury accommodation that you might have come to expect from tropical holiday destinations. This poor community are also often in turmoil and fighting between the different political sectors within the country.  Beside the dangers associated with a semi-war zone, malaria, rift valley fever, bilharzia, TB and rabies are medical dangers not alien to Madagascar.

The Splendor of the Seychelles

By admin

Feb

26

Whether you are looking for a romantic break away, a family holiday or even an adventure holiday – you have picked the right spot!

Where is it? :  The Seychelles are made up out of 115 islands North East of Madagascar in the warm Indian Ocean.

What is the Capiital City?: Mahe, the main island, is host to the world’s smallest capital in the world – Victoria.

What Language do they speak? :  English, French and Creole are the languages used in the Seychelles.

When to Go? :  The best time to visit the Seychelles is from March to May and September to November.  This period tends to be calmer and wind free, providing excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving conditions.

What to Take? :  Pack light summer clothing, take a hat and do not forget your sunblock.  It is not necessary to take snorkeling or diving equipment, because most hotels and resorts will rent it to you.  If you prefer you can take your own.  If you are a avid hiker, pack comfortable shoes to explore the wonderful nature trails. Some visitors take their fishing gear, but even that can be rented once you are there.

Where to Stay? :  The islands offer a wide range of different types of accommodation.  It really depends on your preference seeing that you can choose between large hotels, small hotels, self-catering bungalows, resorts, spa hotels and even a marina hotel.  Rates and ratings differ, but over all accommodation in the Seychelles tend to be on the expensive side.  It is necessary to budget for expensive meals and activities in addition to the high price you pay for your bed.  Some hotels offer all inclusive packages.  If you take your children along make sure that you choose a hotel with a children’s club.  (These hotels seem to be more expensive and there is only a handful…)

What to Do? :  There is so much to do in the Seychelles!  I will only list a short list of highlights:

  • Relaxing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the warm water is often what most visitors enjoy most.
  • Snorkeling and diving will open up a wonderful world of underwater beauty.
  • Fishing, especially big game fishing is very popular.
  • Sailing and other water sports are offered by the hotels.
  • Shopping in Victoria’s craft market
  • Visiting the clock tower in Victoria
  • Island hop to get a feel of the different islands
  • Visit the beautiful botanical gardens.  Vallee De Mai  Nature Reserve is also known as the Garden of Eden.
  • St. Anne Marine National Park provides exquisite snorkeling opportunities.
  • Anse Lazio was voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and warrants a visit.
  • Bird Island
  • Go hunt for the burried treasure of Bel Ombre.
  • On the island La Digue you will see vanilla flowers and an array of other wild flowers.  You can see the extremely rare Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Black Paradise Flycatcher.
  • In Praslin you can see the Vallee Mai and Coco de Mer Palm with the largest seed and leaves. You can see the extremely rare black parrot, bulbul and fruit pigeon.

This is truly paradise! You will find yourself lying on a beach and ask yourself how did you get to be so lucky. If you can afford paradise I would recommend that you go and go again.  Seychelles do not only offer beaches, but also nature that cannot be compared to anything else you have ever seen in your life…


Save up to 50% on Luxury Travel

Visiting the Maldives

By admin

Feb

24

The Maldives is a group of island nestled together south west of Sri Lanka. It stretches 820 km north to south and 120kkm east to west. Out of the 1,190 coral islands only 202 are inhabited.  87 of these islands are resorts.

The Maldives is a tropical holiday destination attracting families, singles and honeymooners.  Some resorts cater specifically for the newly wed and offer wedding packages. The islands have an average temperature of between 29 -32° Celsius making sunbathing and water activities possible.

The main religion of the country is Islam.  Therefore pork and alcohol is only permitted in the resorts.  When outside of the resort it is import to respect the dominant culture and cover your shoulders and thighs.  Inside the resorts tanning and swimming is not only allowed, but even encouraged! Although the locals speak Dhivehi, most will be able to communicate comfortably in English.

The beautiful turquoise warm water and white powdery beaches is probably the main attraction in the Maldives, with most activities centered around water.  Many people visit the Maldives only to dive . 
Go to www.hotelopia.co.uk Some days the water is so clear that there is a visibility under water of 50meters plus!  Divers can expect to see Napoleon wrasse, parrotfish, snappers, barracudas, jacks and sweetlips in abundance.  There are a variety of colorful sponges and huge Gorgonian fans.  Just off the reef you will be able to see manta and eagle rays, hammerheads and maybe whale sharks. No wonder that the Maldives are recognized as one of the best diving destinations in the world.

For those people still a little hesitant to put on diving gear, it is possible to experience the underwater wonder of the sea by snorkeling at the shallower reefs. Most resorts will have snorkels, fins and masks available to guests.

In the Maldives visitors can go in a submarin e to see the wonders of the sea, without getting wet!  The Whale Submarine was imported from Germany and gives guest the unique opportunity to make a memory not easily replicated.

Surfing is relatively new to the Maldives, but more visitors are making use of the wonderful waves.  Some surfing lessons are given at certain resorts and recently a major international surfing competition was held on the island.

Over 20 different species of dolphins and whales have been spotted in the Maldives.  The big 3 of the sea  – the Sperm whale, Bryde’s whale and off course the biggest of all the Blue whale, have been seen here. Most resorts offer daily outings for their guests to see these magnificent animals. Melon-headed whales are commonest around the southern atolls, where they occur in enormous schools of 500 or more. Among the dolphins, by far the most abundant, and the most acrobatic, is the spinner dolphin. Several other varieties, including Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins and striped dolphins are also common.

The wide array of fish species attracts the fishermen.  Night-time fishing is very popular amongst the guests. At night emperors, snappers, squirrelfish, jacks and other reef fishes are usually caught. Big game fishing is done early morning and swordfish, sailfish, wahoo, marlin and yellow-fin tuna can be caught.

Different resorts offer different kinds of water sport activities. The most common activities are banana riding, wake boarding, wind surfing, water skiing, fun tubes, para sailing, knee boarding, jet skiing and kite surfing.

Whether you visit the Maldives just to relax, dive, surf or fish – you will truly have a wonderful experience.  The locals are friendly and the beauty of your surroundings truly magnificent. You will be pampered at the resorts and come home renewed and leave with a sense of loss.  The loss will only be alleviated when going back for another visit!