Diving Holidays in the Indian Ocean

Introduction

The Indian Ocean offers divers a magical underwater world, with an amazing array of marine life (including tropical fish, various shark species, turtles, dolphins, and soft and hard coral) that live below the sparkling calm, warm Indian waters.

There are numerous accommodation options available when holidaying in the Indian Ocean, ranging from exclusive hotels offering barefoot luxury, to self catering apartments and villas.

The following illustration of diving holiday experiences are simply examples of the many exciting and diverse diving holidays we are able to arrange for you.  It is not intended to provide the details for a specific booking, since our aim is to create a holiday tailored to your particular wishes.

Please contact Medway Travel without hesitation with your wishes for your diving holiday, and we will be delighted to research your options and suggest the ideal holiday for you. 

Images courtesy of Denis Island, Seychelles Tourist Board, Anthony Dixon 

Overview

The Maldives

The Republic of the Maldives is an 868-kilometre chain of islands, strung across the Indian Ocean. Grouped into ring-shaped reefs, or atolls; swaying palms, pristine sandy beaches and crystal blue waters! Between the atolls, in channels, some of the best diving can be found. Where submerged reefs or thilas rise up from the atoll floor to within 10 metres of the surface, whilst fast moving water at the corners of the channels offer exciting drift dives and the chance to see large sea creatures. Reef life in the Maldives is prolific; with over 700 common fish species and many more still to be classified.

The Seychelles

The main inner islands are spectacular forested granite mountains rising from the Seychelles Bank plateau. The underwater seascape is primarily of huge granite boulders and schools of fish. At the edge of the plateau lie the coral islands such as Denis and Bird, and then scattered further away are the Amirates islands and atolls including Aldabra. As well as the numerous tropical fish, soft and hard corals there are Eagle Rays and Giant Sting Rays as well as Hawksbill and Green Turtles. There are schools of pelagics, sharks and the occasional dolphin. Then of course there are the seasonal gentle giants, the Whale Sharks.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island of remarkable variety - a bird-watchers paradise and a fascinating country, with many places accessible to visitors that are not only rich in wildlife but steeped in culture. The country as a whole supports nearly 90 species of mammal, 427 species of bird, and 242 species of butterfly. Sri Lanka is able to boast the world's first wildlife sanctuary, dating from 300 BC, and ancient monuments, fortresses, and tea plantations nestle amongst the grasslands, open plains, cloud forests and rainforests. Not only are the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka simply outstanding, the beaches of the south coast provide a stunning setting for a few days of relaxation, and some fantastic diving.

Madagascar

Madagascar, the world's fourth largest island, split away from Africa more than 160 million years ago meaning that and its fauna and flora has been in splendid isolation ever since and are now found nowhere else on earth. Its underwater treasures are only just being explored, yielding up previously unknown species of coral and fish. Madagascar, conjures up visions of discovery and adventure and offers diverse and spectacular scenery: mountains, deserts, rainforests, dazzling beaches fringing the Indian Ocean and island archipelagos linked by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. The lovely and charming Malagasy people have many unique and fascinating customs that influence their daily lives to a large extent.

Example Itinerary

Maldives & Sri Lanka for Families

16 days

You can...

• See the many statues and murals in the rock caves at the Dambulla Cave Temple
• Cycle through a Sri Lankan village and help cook your own lunch with the villagers
• Enjoy the spectacular view after an exhilarating climb to the Sigirya Rock Fortress
• Visit a dancing family in Kandy
• Dive the coral reefs in the Maldives. Keep a lookout for the gentle elusive Whale Shark or the magnificent Manta Rays on one of the 40 dive sites
• Snorkel or Kayak along the shore line watching the beautiful corals and tropical fish

 

Is it right for your family?

Accommodation and transport is comfortable. The people of Sri Lanka are extremely friendly and will generally make you feel very welcome, but be prepared for occasional 'culture shock'. If you have young children, we leave it for you to decide whether you think they will enjoy the cultural delights of this vibrant country. You know your kids best! 

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Sri Lanka

Day 2
Arrive Colombo

Day 3
Visit Kurunegala and Dambulla

Day 4
Afternoon visit to the UNESCO ancient city of Polonnauwa

Day 5
Morning cycle ride through Minneriya and the chance to cook your own lunch with the villagers

Day 6
Climb to the Sigirya Rock Fortress

Day 7
Explore Kandy, its temples and dancing traditions

Day 8
Fly to the Maldives and seven nights at Kuredu Resort

Days 9 to 14
Relax or explore and dive the underwater world

Days 15 & 16
Return home

About Kuredu Resort

Kuredu Island Resort lies on the northern reef of Lhaviyani atoll. An area famous for its beauty and abundant fish life, it is situated 80 miles north of the International Airport and is a 35 minut transfer by seaplane. Guests can choose from three resorts and nine categories of accommodation.

Exotic Bungalows and wonderful Villas line the white sand beach in Kuredu Island Resort. Tastefully decorated O-villas in the modern O-resort , over the lagoon the fabulous Water Villas in Sangu Resort and in the centre of the island the magnificient Sulthan Pool Villas. Kuredu is a large island with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and activities among them the first golf course in Maldives. Kuredu is sold on an All-Inclusive basis.

 

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to create bespoke holiday experiences.

If you are a traveller who is looking for something completely different to the suggested itinerary on the previous tab, picking and mixing the resorts, activities and trips that you specifically wish to enjoy might be a fantastic solution for you!

Contact Us with information of when you are looking to travel and what adventures you would like your holiday to include, and our expererienced travel consultants will put together a personalised itinerary especially for you!

For ideas and inspiration of where to stay and what to do for an unforgettable diving holiday to the Indian Ocean, please take a look at the below details... 

Medhufushi Island Resort - Maldives

Medhufushi Island Resort offers first class comfort in complete harmony with its exclusive tropical surroundings. This new property accommodates guests in six different types of villas, to suit all preferences. Beach Villas, Beach Villa Suites, Family Villas, Water Villas, Water Villa Suites and the two Honeymoon Water Villas are all finished to a high standard and in traditional Maldivian design. Featuring thatched roofs, a traditional swing and open-air bathroom with a large private wooden deck or porch. All are air-conditioned, with IDD telephone, CD player, satellite TV and minibar.

The resort offers international cuisine and typical Maldivian specialities, with a lagoon bar - the ideal place to relax at the end of the day. Friendly staff provide an unobtrusive service, modern amenities include, a wellequipped gymnasium, fresh water pool, laundry service and a shop. Internet access is also available.

As the only resort on the untouched atoll of Meemu, a world of undiscovered underwater beauty awaits divers and snorkellers alike. An abundant and varied marine life, exhibiting a profusion of psychedelic colours, has made the Maldives a fascinating dive destination. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world, a high level of visibility, sometimes exceeding 50 metres, and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving here an inviting and delightful experience.

Medhufushi offers a host of other activities for the nondivers, with a range of water based activities to choose from or take an island hopping or night fishing trip.

Reethi Beach Resort - Maldives

Surrounded by uninhabited islands, Reethi Beach offers its guests the opportunity to explore and relax on isolated beaches creating your perfect Maldivian retreat. The unique local architecture blends with the natural beauty of the island creating an eco-friendly environment. Transfer is a 35 minute seaplane journey from Male.

Due to the diversity and wealth of fish life, the house reef is one of the best in the Maldives. Divers and snorkellers are regularly spotting passing Spinner Dolphins, Eagle Rays, and shoals of barracuda, batfish and thousands of fusiliers. And these are just some of the highlights - during the north-east monsoon (May - September) the house reef is visited by Manta Rays and Whale Sharks and every evening Sting Rays and Guitar Sharks come right up to the shore cruising for food.

Sea Explorers is a PADI 5* dive centre with an exceptional house reef, suitable for snorkellers and divers of all levels. The lagoon on the east is covered by hard corals occupied by lobsters, crabs and octopus by day with Sting Rays and Guitar Sharks often seen in the evening. The west reef lies on a channel with regular sightings of dolphins, rays and barracuda. Nitrox is complimentary to certified divers.

Thulhagiri Island Resort - Maldives

Thulhagiri is just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male and the airport. It offers the perfect balance of the unspoiled beauty of a tropical island and all the comforts of civilization. The thatched roofed individual bungalows are fully air-conditioned with spacious bathrooms and mini-bar. The newly opened water bungalows are fantastic with a glass bottom table and a back door to a spacious deck. Thulhaagiri prides itself on its cuisine, offering sumptuous buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thulhagiri's location allows for its dive boats to access some of the best dive sites on both the south west and south east sides of North Male atoll making it an excellent diving option year round. There are at least 30 dive sites that are regularly visited by the islands' dive boats. A half day trip will usually include exciting dive-sites such as the popular Manta Point where from May to December you can see both Mantas and Whale Sharks.

As the access to the house reef is limited to one entry point the local diving is extended by offering individual dive-trips at a flexible time- schedule (minimum two people required) on a small boat. There are five superb dive sites like Thulhagiri Bodu Tila and Thulhagiri Kuda Tila only five minutes away. There is also a shuttle-service to the outer house reef, which makes a nice 'One-Way-Dive' back to the house reef entrance possible.

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa - Maldives

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, palm trees, a 1.5 km long white sand beach and a turquoise lagoon, the resort is popular amongst the diving community. Located in the southeast corner of the atoll, transfer is a 25 minute seaplane journey from Malé. Renovated and reopened in late 2010, the resort features new over water facilities including rooms, restaurant and a spa. WiFi is available in hotspot areas. The swimming pool overlooks the beach and there is a wide range of activities and facilities available.

Euro Divers run the well equipped dive centre which is SSI and PADI affiliated. The spectacular house reef has ten entry/exit points around the island, suitable for snorkellers and divers on the unlimited shore diving package. There are over 40 dive sites to explore, including reefs, wrecks and channel diving. Nitrox is complimentary for certified divers.

Liveaboards

There are many advantages of liveaboard diving holidays. Many liveaboards provide the opportunity to dive remote and often inaccessible areas of the world. They are ideal for maximizing the number of dives you experience and are a preferred option for lone travelers. In contrast to resort diving, most liveaboards offer four to five dives a day with minimal waits between dives. With all the facilities close to hand, liveaboards save packing and unpacking heavy gear bags too.

Liveaboard holidays can be easily combined with a resort stay in the Indian Ocean. Below you will find a list of some of the liveaboards we feature in the Maldives and the Seychelles.

• Black Pearl
• Carina
• MV Carpe Vita Explorer
• Maldives Aggressor
• Nautilus Two
• Ocean Dancer
• S/Y Maldives Siren
• Sheena
• Stingray
• Theia
• MV Maya Dugong - Seychelles
• S/Y Sea Bird - Seychelles
• S/Y Sea Star - Seychelles

Coco D'Or - Seychelles

Coco d' Or Hotel Seychelles is a popular hotel offering good value. Completely renovated and refurbished in 2002, Coco d'Or sits within 0.3 hectares, just four minutes walk from one of the picturesque beaches at Beau Vallon Bay.

This small hotel offers 27 rooms and suites each with private bathroom; standard rooms have verandahs, some with garden, whilst deluxe rooms have a private patio and terrace with mountain/garden view, kitchenette, two bathrooms and a separate living room. There are two restaurants offering international and Creole cuisine and a bar.

Included amongst the facilities are: swimming pool, children's pool, Jacuzzi, games room and a health and beauty centre.
Watersports are available from nearby Beau Vallon Beach and include windsurfing, hobie cat, canoeing and fishing. Land activities include mountain and trail walks and fitness walks. Car rental is also available from the hotel.

Iranja Lodge - Madagascar

The tropical haven of Iranja Lodge lies 70 minutes, by speedboat, from Nosy Be and is set amidst thirteen hectares of lush gardens on the private, uninhabited islet of Iranja Kely. Also known as Turtles Islands - for the Hawksbill turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs - Iranja Kely and its sister island are linked by a sandbank and surrounded by the crystal waters of the Mozambique Channel.

The newly refurbished lodge offers 28 luxurious suites and a villa overlooking the ocean reef, all with private verandah. Guests can expect the utmost privacy and comfort, with a full range of actvities.

Vanila Hotel - Madagascar

The Vanila Hotel offers the comforts of a three-star hotel in the heart of the Tropics. Each bedroom is airconditioned with television, telephone, safe and mini-bar and each opens onto a terrace, either onto magnificent views of the sea, or onto the the tropical garden. A refreshing swimming pool overlooks the sea, as do the restaurant and the bar.

Right next door, a marine biologist and a doctor specialising in diving run 'Madaplouf', a small but efficient dive centre and no crowds will be encountered on these trips.

 

Essential Information

The Maldives

Weather

The Maldives is a year-round destination, although the best time to visit for dry weather is between October and April.

Passports and Visas

If you are a British tourist, you are eligible to obtain a tourist visa for up to 30 days on arrival in Maldives, provided you hold a valid ticket to continue your journey out of Maldives and have enough funds to cover your stay. Staying longer than 30 days without the proper authority is an offence.

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to the Maldives and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this - please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System

Other important information

Island resorts in Maldives are generally expensive and you should bring sufficient funds. There are no cash machines and travellers' cheques are used infrequently. Major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels. US dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks or hotels.

 

The Seychelles

Weather

As the Seychelles islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it's always a good time to visit, although different times of year may be better suited to your particular interests.
Conditions for swimming, snorkelling and especially diving are superb during April/May and October/November when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30 metres plus.

Passports and Visas

Visas are not required for British passport holders.
You will need a passport valid for the duration of your holiday, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to the Seychelles and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this -  please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System

Other important information

On 1 November 2008, the Government of Seychelles removed foreign currency restrictions that required non-residents to pay for accommodation and other services in hard currency, as part of its economic reform programme. Non-residents can now pay for goods and services in either Seychelles Rupees or hard currency (Sterling, US Dollars, Euros etc).

 

Sri Lanka

Weather

Best time to travel to Sri Lanka is between the main rainy seasons. The period from November to April is the driest season on the south west coast and up in the hills. Here, some of the best beaches and many other places of tourist interest are located. Therefore, period between November and April is the best time to visit this region and this period is also considered as tourist season in Srilanka. May to September is the best time to visit east coast, as it is dry during this period. Hence, Sri Lanka is round-the-year destination-there is always a good time to visit at least some part of the country.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required for trips to Sri Lanka. British Nationals receive a 30-day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival. All other visas, including for those undertaking voluntary activity and paid or unpaid work, should be obtained at a Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy before you travel. You should contact your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic representation for full details.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to Sri Lanka and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusion from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this - please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System

Other important information

Most major banks in Sri Lanka will change US dollar travellers' cheques as well as allow Visa and MasterCard cash withdrawals.  There are (ATMs) in major cities but some do not accept international cards.  (See also information above about credit card fraud.)

 

Madagascar

Weather

The best time of the year to visit Madagascar is probably September - November after the cool, dry winter but before the hot rainy season. Cyclone season is February to March when the climate is at its rainiest. Many animals are least active during the coldest months (June-August). 

Passports and Visas

Visas are required for entry to Madagascar.  30-day tourist visas may be obtained at the airport on arrival.  If obtaining a visa at the airport, you should ensure that an entry stamp is recorded in your passport.  The visa fee is currently suspended. The Embassy of Madagascar in London also offers a visa service.

Please ensure that your visa is valid for the period and purpose of your journey. Overstaying can lead to detention and eventual deportation.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of your departure from Madagascar. You should have at least two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Malagasy law requires that visitors have a return air ticket.  You will be asked for evidence of this at check-in in the UK and on arrival in Madagascar.

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to Sri Lanka and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusion from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this - please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System