The last voyage of discovery
In
1973 George Corbin, an Italian adventurer discovered the last paradise on earth.
Since then hundreds of thousands of tourists have been arriving in the
Maldives each year to discover the charms of the sunny islands.
Over the years, the Maldives
has earned fame for its rare
underwater beauty. The unparalleled colors colour and variety of life underwater
have kept divers and snorkellers fascinated again and again.
Crystal clear waters of the unspoilt archepelago push the limits of
visibilyt far beyond 50 metres. This
coupled with the warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the
Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again.
Despite the increasing nuimber of visstors each year now numbering about half a million, the Maldives is far from crowded. Each hotel is built on its own private island with an exclusive beach and lagoon.
All resorts in the Maldives have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced.
Many of the resorts have
excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkellers too can
experience the same pleasures from the surface.
Cruising in the warm waters of the Maldives is a heady experience. As you sail along the 1200 long chain of islands and islets you could imagine you are re-living Robinson Crusoe.
Frequent visitors to the Maldives believe that a cruise is the best way of really appreciating the unique beauty of the Maldives, after all, that was how the Maldivians and their visitors have been living in this water world for centuries. There are cruise operators for all your needs and fantasies. On a diving safari you get the best of both worlds, one under and one above the sea. On a relaxing cruise through the atolls in total harmony with nature you could fantasize you were Captain Cook sailing through the South Sea islands.
You can leave all your worries with the cruise operators. They take care of everuthing form form professional diving equipment to qualified diving instructors. There are cruises for all budgets, some vessels offering standard accommodation and facilities, while others offer luxury accommodation.USEFUL INFORMATION
Clothing
The Maldives is warm throughout
the year. Light, summer cotton and linen wear is ideal. Pack lots of tee shirts,
beachwear, light skirts, cotton shirts, slacks and shorts. Also pack a pair of
casual shoes or sandals to wear on your visits to inhabited islands.
Regulations and norms
In the resorts the dress code
is comfort. However, public nudity is banned by official regulations.
At the beach and while swimming bikinis or swimming trunks is the
minimum. Most resorts do not allow swimwear inside the restaurants, to avoid
offending fellow holidaymakers. When visiting the
in-house bars or restaurants casual cotton tropical wear is highly recommended.
Health and Medical Facilities
Health Facilities
All resorts have first aid
facilities and on some you can get the services of a resident doctor and
facilities for minor treatment. Some have clinics with separate observation
rooms and small pharmacies. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the
ADK Hospital are the two major hospitals in Male’. In addition there are a
number of smaller clinics where you may consult a doctor. In both the IGMH and
ADK doctors are on duty 24 hours of the day. Both conduct surgery and offer a
number of specialist services.
Personal Medical
Requirements
If you suffer from a permanent
disability or chronic illness it is advisable to inform your resort before
arrival and find out whether they can cater for your specific requirements. Most
resorts cater for special dietary requirements without additional charges. If
you are dependent on any medications please bring along an ample supply,
together with a valid prescription in case you are required to produce it at
Customs.
Health and Diving
If you are planning to take up
diving during your visit, it is a good idea to consult your physician and do a
medical check-up to see if you are fit enough. For safety, when diving it is
important to exercise caution; follow the right procedures, use proper equipment
and most important follow the directives of your instructor or guide. This is
important even if you are an experienced diver. As one would understand
instructors and guides working here are well versed in the subtleties of the
local conditions, be it currents or tides. A decompression chamber is
available, in case of a diving emergency.
Arriving in the Maldives
The airport
The first thing you’ll notice
as soon as you get off the plane at Male’ International Airport is that the
airport is on an island all by itself. From the air it looks like a giant
aircraft carrier, the runway occupying most of the island. Catch a glimpse if
you can. In fact to build the airport two islands have been connected through
reclamation. However it is a full fledged international airport that can cater
to the largest of aircraft and is well equipped with modern facilities. Located
just over a kilometre away from Male’ the capital, the airport is connected to
the rest of the country by boats and seaplanes.
Immigration
A number of international
airlines connect the Maldives with the major cities of Europe and Asia. A few
steps from your plane take you inside the arrival terminal. At Passport Control
entry formalities are simple and casual. A 30-day holiday visa is granted free
of charge on arrival. You may be asked where you are staying. Most arrive in the
Maldives with a prior booking at one of the resorts. At Port Health, immediately
after Passport Control, you may be required to produce a certificate of
inoculation if you have recently passed through a country in which contagious
diseases have been reported. If you need an extension of your visa you will have
to apply to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Male’.
Customs
At Customs as a rule all
baggage is screened electronically. It will be convenient to have the keys to
your luggage at hand, in case you are asked to open an item for inspection. It
is prohibited by law to import alcoholic beverages, pornographic materials and
idols of worship. Strict penalties apply to those attempting to import illegal
drugs into the country. If you are bringing in a lot of photographic or diving
equipment it is advisable to inform your resort of the details prior to your
arrival or bring a list with details such as serial numbers of the equipment, to
avoid delay at the airport upon arrival. You will be expected to take them
back with you. Import duty is payable for any items left behind.
Reception
As you leave the Customs and
out of the arrival terminal, you will be welcomed by a representative of the
resort at which you have made your booking. The representative will guide you to
the transport to your resort, which would have been