Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Offering some of the top snorkeling spots in the country, Lily Beach is sure to quench your thirst for ocean adventure. The house reef offers a chance for beginners to snorkel around side by side with sea turtles and baby sharks, while schools of fish put on a show for you. Allow the Prodivers team to take you above and beyond, with over 50 dive sites in close proximity to explore for novices and experts alike, where whale sharks and manta rays frequent the excited divers.

W  Maldives

Step into the world underwater armed with your gear. W Retreat promises an experience of a lifetime in their house reef teeming with aquatic animals. Explore the nooks and crannies of the reef and the eccentrically coloured inhabitants within it. Here, you are bound to come face to face with angle, parrot and schools of other fish, while turtles and sharks circle the overhangs of the reef. Step beyond the reef with your dive guide, and close proximity, swim along with rare whales and giant rays – a thrill not to be missed.

Dusit Thani Resort

Venture into the depths of the sea in search of turtles with the in-house Marine Biodiversity Educator. Explore the house reef and see where the brightly coloured schools of fish lead you. To learn more, allow the instructor to educate you on ocean conservation with their marine life presentation. Try your hand at scuba diving, or any of the other adrenaline inducing watersports from jetski rides to wake boarding and water skiing. For a completely mesmerising experience, head to Hanifaru Bay and observe as hordes of mantas gracefully glide around you to feed. If you don’t wish to get wet, sunset fishing and sunset dolphin cruise makes for the perfect family outing.

Anantara Kihavah Villas

Dip in to the pool of possibilities here. Located within the UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah’s waters hold many unspoiled mysteries within it. Enroll in a PADI certification course and become a certified diver right here in paradise. For an afternoon of leisure, take a canoe, kayak or wind surf out into the sea and bask in the sun. Contribute to the regeneration of corals at the Coral Adoption Programme and protect the habitats of its peculiar residents, and even monitor the fruits of your labour as they grow to house brightly coloured fish, mollusks and crustaceans.

Angsana Ihuru 

The snorkeling safari at Angsana Ihuru promises to leave you in awe. Swim through the underwater gardens and its residents and learn more about ocean conservation. The Marine Conservation Lab allows you to plant your own coral and contribute to protecting the habitat of the thriving fish species within it. Less than 100 metres away, the Rannamaari shipwreck beckons thrill seekers to explore it ruins. Try your hand at scuba diving with the expert team or enjoy a range of watersports from wakeboarding, big game fishing, to windsurfing with the team.

The post The Luxury Maldives Resorts With Best House Reefs in 2022 appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Offering some of the top snorkeling spots in the country, Lily Beach is sure to quench your thirst for ocean adventure. The house reef offers a chance for beginners to snorkel around side by side with sea turtles and baby sharks, while schools of fish put on a show for you. Allow the Prodivers team to take you above and beyond, with over 50 dive sites in close proximity to explore for novices and experts alike, where whale sharks and manta rays frequent the excited divers.

W Retreat Resort & Spa

Step into the world underwater armed with your gear. W Retreat promises an experience of a lifetime in their house reef teeming with aquatic animals. Explore the nooks and crannies of the reef and the eccentrically coloured inhabitants within it. Here, you are bound to come face to face with angle, parrot and schools of other fish, while turtles and sharks circle the overhangs of the reef. Step beyond the reef with your dive guide, and close proximity, swim along with rare whales and giant rays – a thrill not to be missed.

Dusit Thani Resort

Venture into the depths of the sea in search of turtles with the in-house Marine Biodiversity Educator. Explore the house reef and see where the brightly coloured schools of fish lead you. To learn more, allow the instructor to educate you on ocean conservation with their marine life presentation. Try your hand at scuba diving, or any of the other adrenaline inducing watersports from jetski rides to wake boarding and water skiing. For a completely mesmerising experience, head to Hanifaru Bay and observe as hordes of mantas gracefully glide around you to feed. If you don’t wish to get wet, sunset fishing and sunset dolphin cruise makes for the perfect family outing.

Anantara Kihavah Villas

Dip in to the pool of possibilities here. Located within the UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah’s waters hold many unspoiled mysteries within it. Enroll in a PADI certification course and become a certified diver right here in paradise. For an afternoon of leisure, take a canoe, kayak or wind surf out into the sea and bask in the sun. Contribute to the regeneration of corals at the Coral Adoption Programme and protect the habitats of its peculiar residents, and even monitor the fruits of your labour as they grow to house brightly coloured fish, mollusks and crustaceans.

Angsana Ihuru 

The snorkeling safari at Angsana Ihuru promises to leave you in awe. Swim through the underwater gardens and its residents and learn more about ocean conservation. The Marine Conservation Lab allows you to plant your own coral and contribute to protecting the habitat of the thriving fish species within it. Less than 100 metres away, the Rannamaari shipwreck beckons thrill seekers to explore it ruins. Try your hand at scuba diving with the expert team or enjoy a range of watersports from wakeboarding, big game fishing, to windsurfing with the team.

The post The Luxury Maldives Resorts With Best House Reefs appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.

Manta Ray

There are two kinds of manta rays. There is the reef manta and the giant manta ray. Both are found in the waters of the Maldives. Both are hard to miss. The reef manta can grow to 5m in width while the giant manta ray has a massive central disc which can grow as wide as 9 metres, although 7m seems to be more normal. Interesting facts about manta is that they have the largest brain of the fish world; sometimes they may be seen jumping out of the water and they can travel 70km in a day. They are a protected species and can live up to 30 years.

Whale Shark

The largest fish in the world is the Whale Shark. They are fascinating in that they can grow up to 11 or 12 metres in length and amass a whopping 19000kg in adulthood. They live to about 70 years and are believed to be harmless to man. With a 1m wide mouth, whale sharks are filter feeders (mainly on plankton) and are said to be able to have more than 300 rows of teeth at one time.

It is no wonder that droves of tourists flock to the Maldives every year to watch these two fish of the deep. The Maldives has been voted by the Diviac travel magazine as one of the world’s top 10 best places to see manta rays.

The most prolific population is in the region of the Ari Atoll and the Baa Atoll.

Ari Atoll

The Sun Island reef is a good spot for whale sharks, while the reefs of Rangali provide ample sightings of both whale shark and manta ray. Ukulhas Thila and Panettone are also said to be great for manta ray viewing.

While you are able to see whale shark and manta throughout the year, experts have identified times they are most like to come out – these include the months of November, December and May. From January to April, visit the west side of the Ari Atoll for the best viewings of manta ray. The rest of the year visit the east side. The week building up to the full moon also seems to make them more active and your best opportunity of seeing them daily is about three to four hours before high tide.

Baa Atoll

This is a much smaller atoll and is located just north of Ari Atoll. Hanifaru Bay is significant to manta rays particularly,  because it contains a high density of plankton. As a result many rays flock to the area for a banquet

it’s known as cyclone feeding – when more than 100 fish feast together. It’s not uncommon for whale sharks to be seen here at the same time, although the numbers are not as great.

There are some conservation rules when it comes to enjoying these special creatures. Stay more than 3 or 4 metres away from them. Never touch them. Don’t get in their way and if you are going to take an underwater photo of them, don’t use the flash. You are a visitor in their environment so be sure to respect it.

They have been described as majestic and graceful – watching them will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

The post Manta and Whale Shark Watching in the Maldives appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.

Many visitors to the Maldives hire these watercraft, known as “Liveaboards” in order to take advantage of the best diving spots, but there are far more activities available on them than just diving. While seeing the exotic undersea life would be a highlight of your vacation aboard, you could also choose other water activities such as water or jet skiing, as well as scuba diving, fishing, open sea swimming, surfing or simply sunbathing.

Your choice of liveaboards is broad, from intimate small group carriers with a maximum of 12 guests sharing 6 cabins, to a large 40 metre vessel capable of hosting 26 guests comfortably. Expect modern and spacious accommodation, a relaxing air conditioned saloon and deck space both covered and open to enjoy the view of the endless ocean.

The options for wining and dining aboard have also been designed to bring you memories that will last a lifetime. Expect full board with three meals a day, as well as afternoon snacks. If the weather plays along, you may just be able to have dinner on the beach at an uninhabited island, with the stars twinkling overhead, and the sea lapping at your feet. Most of these liveaboard vacations include equipment and diving options for both day and night. Some have restaurants, highly trained chefs, a concierge service, a bar, library, Jacuzzi and other facilities to make your stay even more enjoyable.

The itinerary varies in both destination and length, so before choosing, inquire about where the liveaboard will take you and how long your stay will be. You may want to choose your cruise from December to May when the water is calmer and warm –  between 26 & 29 degrees Celsius. Most cruises are between 7 & 10 days, but longer options can be negotiated. Popular cruising destinations include the Ari Atoll where, in a radius of 40km, there are 105 islets to explore. Marine life is abundant here and your liveaboard will give you access to some of the more remote and less visited waters. Ask if you can visit Maaya Thila or Donkalo Thila  where mantra are plentiful and whale sharks common. Another useful destination to know about is Baa Atoll, which includes the less congested atolls of Lhaviyani, Noonu and Raa.

Whatever you choose, the crew will be sure to go out of their way to make your visit a tropical vacation to remember.

The post Hire a Liveaboard in the Maldives appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.

1. Snorkelling

Even if you are a novice, when visiting the Maldives, snorkelling is a must. There’s an amazing underwater world that is completely missed when you stay on dry land. The reefs are alive with 70 species of unique vibrant coral and more than 700 varieties of fish and sea life ensure you are spoiled for choice. If you have never snorkelled before get started by booking your holiday on one of the islands that have a good house reef. This basically refers to an area of the island where it is possible for you to snorkel straight from the beach and of course one that has great coral and fish life. Options include Dusit Thani and Angsana Ihuru. Your next step as a novice is to book an instructor from the resort who can teach you how to safely snorkel.

2. Swimming with the Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are slow moving, filter feeders and are known as the largest fish in the sea. There are only a handful of places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants of the deep and the Maldives is one of them. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme ensures protection of the species, working with Conrad Rangali Island tour operators to monitor the sharks you get to swim with. You may want to visit during the annual Maldives Whale Shark Festival which happens every June at rotating island venues of the South Ari Atoll. If you encounter them on your own snorkelling expedition, keep a safe distance, don’t be tempted to touch them or take photos of them using flash photography.

3.Diving

If you are a fan of diving, the Maldives may be on your bucket list for that very reason. It’s a magnificent, expansive water playground for divers of all levels. Multitudes of underwater channels connect the warm Indian Ocean with the island lagoons, bringing in rich nutrients and plankton and attracting a wealth of marine life. Add to that colourful coral and crystal clear waters with superb visibility and you soon learn that diving these waters is an unforgettable experience. Regular divers who visit the Maldives often choose a Liveaboard accommodation option where you are a guest on a luxury yacht that provides full board and catering along with dive experts. If you are not a serious diver and want to keep your activity options open, then staying at a resort would be the way to go. You can still hire a dive expert to show you the best spots depending on your level of expertise. Either way, diving in the Maldives will leave a lasting impression.

4.Manta Feeding

The word ‘manta’ comes from the Spanish word for cloak or shawl. Manta are fish that are closely related to rays and whale sharks. About 5000 manta are believed to call the Maldives their home. Attracted by rich nutrients they swarm to where they find the most food. Excursions are arranged by the Manta Trust are available to view manta at various nutrient rich zones around the Maldives particularly the Baa Atoll, the Raa Atoll and the Lhaviyani Atoll. These excursions are at the perfect times of the year when masses of planktonic food is found in the water, washed in by the currents. Hundreds and hundreds of mantra swarm to the area and a feeding frenzy ensues.

5.Spa Treatments

Beach and spa resorts are plentiful and found throughout the archipelago. They range from exclusive and private to family friendly. Many facilities are available at the spas, including steam rooms & sauna along with Jacuzzis & hydrotherapy pools. Choose from traditional massage to luxurious facial treatments. Professional staff use a number of techniques and products to ease strained muscles and nourish sun-kissed skin. Blending their skills with traditions from other parts of the world such as Sweden, Bali, Thailand and Japan a unique Maldives spa treatment ensues. You are sure to return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

6.Sunset Cruise

Sunset in the Maldives is dramatic and there’s no better place to enjoy it than from the deck of a luxury yacht. Enjoy the sky change from cornflower blue to dramatic red as the sun dips towards the horizon. Sip a cocktail, hold hands with your partner, soak up this minute in time – it will never come again – appreciate the pleasure. These kind of unforgettable moments are often found in the Maldives and come into sharp focus when you can enjoy them from the water. Don’t miss enjoying a sunset cruise.

7. Private Dining

The Maldives can be a busy place. Families frolic in warm ocean waters, honeymooning couples, divers and numbers of tourists flock to the islands to enjoy its beauty and varied amenities. But that doesn’t mean there is no privacy available. If you would like a private dining experience, ask the host at your resort and it can easily be arranged. The most popular option is for a table to be set up in a quiet corner of the beach and for you to enjoy an intimate candle-lit dinner with staff providing for your needs. So whether it is for a special occasion or just to celebrate your life together, don’t miss out of this opportunity to make a special memory with powdery sand beneath your feet and the moonlit sea lapping just metres away.

8.Dolphin Cruise

The best time of the day to spot dolphins is early in the morning and later in the afternoon. These creatures of habit feed in the ocean and night and come closer to shore each morning. Later in the day they leave again for their feeding grounds. The Maldives archipelago is one of the most spectacular areas in the world for viewing the thousands of dolphins that majestically leap through the waters of the many islands. Dolphin watching safaris are available for you to get a closer look at these wonderful creatures of the sea. It’s another exciting option for your holiday.

9.Scenic Seaplane Experience

If you truly would like to get a complete overview of the Maldives, there is no better place than to view it than from the air. Trans Maldivian Airways has the largest sea plane fleet in the world. Taking off and landing on the water is an experience in itself. Viewing the archipelago from the sky adds to a unique visual adventure. Enjoy the spectacle of seeing the coral reefs and the sea life as well as the island’s amazing shore line and vegetation.

10.Private Island Experience

Whichever island you visit in the world, there are special places that most visitors don’t know about. The Maldives is no different. The Rania Experience could quite easily become your most favourite holiday of all. An exotic intimate beach, luxurious private home with the exclusive use of the island yacht and personal staff all add up to an unforgettable holiday.

The post 10 things you must experience in the Maldives appeared first on Alpha Maldives Blog.

Lily Beach Resort

The Lily Beach resort and spa is located in Ari Atoll, Maldives. It consist of several luxury types of villas namely lagoon villa, beach villa, family beach villa, sunset water suite and deluxe water villa. If you are a snorkeling lover or want to discover this great activity, this is one of the best ways to make your choice and prepare for the right holidays. Apart of snorkeling, the resort include a well facilitated gym, two swimming pools and a lot of other watersports and recreations.

Angsana  Ihuru Resort

The main reason to choose Angsana Ihuru resort surrounded by turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling, is its reef. And the marine life in here is so rich and diverse, so there is a lot to see. Some call it as snorkeling heaven, and that you would be in water the whole day. The resort provides a lot of other facilities such as local tours, watersports and diving too.

Baros Maldives

At Baros Maldives, you get the chance to enjoy a lot of facilities and services. There are 45 beachside and 30 water villas at the resort. Dine in splendor and get the best spa facilities available. When talking about the snorkeling at Baros Maldives, you have a huge opportunity to start and explore in calm and crystal clear waters. It has such a beautiful and endless natural Aquarium. No need to go deep to experience these amazing wonders and get dazzled. It is just at a step off your villa, closer to the shores. Get this amazing experience at Baros Maldives and get a lifetime memory.

W Retreat

This island is one of the most glamorous resorts in Maldives. W Retreat & Spa Maldives has a perfect place for both swimmers and snorkelers. The Island is surrounded by a close house reef on the west side up to the north side with beautiful coral walls easily reachable at a few meters away. If you like adventure, you should not miss the attractive night snorkel around the island reef. Snorkeling equipment is free of charge and many guided snorkeling tours are organized. The resort holds other exciting leisure and sport activities as well.

Dusit Thani Resort

Dusit Thani Resort welcomes you with warm Thai hospitality. It is encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360 degree living house reef and a turquoise lagoon. With delicious food, spa facilities, and luxury villas, it hold a watersport and marine Centre as well. The snorkeling here is rated very well. That a lot of marine life could be observed. The resort with all these facilities are known to be called the perfection at its best.

Snorkeling at these resorts would be a blissful paradise you won’t want to leave. Spend your fabulous honeymoon, exciting vacation, in one of these heavenly locations. Do not miss it!!

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Advantages of Snorkeling in the Maldives

The Maldives offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world. This is due to the abundance of coral reefs in the region, as well as extremely clear waters. There are, in fact, close to 70 distinct species of coral reefs and more than 700 species of marine life. This means when you snorkel here you are sure to see an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Just some of the species you are likely to see include reef sharks, various kinds of turtles, rays, napoleons and morays. Whether you are an expert on marine life or not, you can still appreciate the colourful array of creatures you will be able to observe.

Best Places to Snorkel

The Maldives contains a large number of islands, but not all are equal when it comes to snorkeling. Ideally, you want to be on an island with its own good quality house reef. Otherwise you may have to travel from your hotel or resort to another island to get the best snorkelling experience. Fortunately, quite a few islands in the Maldives do contain superb house reefs. A few of the islands that are known for this include Embudu, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Fihalhohi, Reethi Beach and Eriyadu. This is by no means a complete list. When choosing where you are going to stay in the Maldives, you should do your research and make sure it provides quality snorkeling.

What is the Best Time of Year to Snorkel in the Maldives?

The Maldives are beautiful all year round, but certain times of year are better than others for snorkeling. The best months overall for snorkeling, as well as for diving and swimming are January through April. This is when you’re likely to experience the best weather and the clearest waters.

From May through September, the weather is less predictable and you are more likely to encounter storms. October and November are usually calmer but visibility is often reduced because this is the time of year when plankton are most abundant. Of course, you can enjoy snorkeling in the Maldives any time of year. If, however, you have a choice, you may want to plan your trip based on these factors.

General Snorkeling Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are a few general guidelines to remember when you go snorkeling in the Maldives.

• Be Aware of the Weather and Sea Conditions - Depending on the location and time of year, currents and weather conditions may vary quite a bit. Stay in an area that’s consistent with your experience and snorkeling skills.
• Apply Plenty of Sunscreen - Always apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 before snorkeling. It’s also best to snorkel with a rash guard shirt to protect yourself from UV sun rays.
• Rent or Bring Your Snorkeling Gear - If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may have your own gear. Otherwise, you’ll be able to rent it at the resort where you’re staying. If you plan to do lots of snorkeling, it can be cheaper to buy your own gear rather than rent it every day.

Looking to travel to the Maldives, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Alpha Maldives, the leading luxury tour operator in the Maldives who are experts on the Maldives and can help create your dream holiday!

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