Coral Strand Hotel
An exciting addition to the Maldives liveaboard options, the maiden voyage of the Maldives Aggressor II is scheduled for Sept 03, 2017. The Maldives Islands lie Southwest of India. Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the gem-like islands of the Maldives depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna, fascinates visitors as it has for thousands of years.
There are three distinctly different types of diving: inside the atolls, outside the atolls and inside the channels or passes, which is where the currents are strongest and you'll find the greatest congregation of fish life. Most intriguing are the cleaning stations, found around every corner and under every ledge. Groupers, Snappers, Surgeonfish, Eels, Parrotfish, even Giant Napoleon Wrasse park casually in corners, oblivious to all, (including cameras) while armies of wrasse, shrimp and other assorted cleaners pick at debris in their open gills and cavernous mouths.
The big attraction in the Maldives are the schools of fish that patrol the reefs in colourful packs: Humpback and Black and White Snappers, Trevally Jacks, Barracuda, Batfish, Unicornfish, Yellowback Fusiliers and Harlequin Sweetlips almost comical in design. The reef's larger inhabitants, including sharks, rays and occasionally even Whale Sharks, are often seen cruising in the blue.
There are two thrilling itineraries to choose from on the beautiful Maldives Aggressor II. The 'Best of the Maldives' offers 7-night itineraries that includes the areas of: North Male, South Male, North Ari, south Ari, Vaavu and Rasdhoo which includes spectacular channel-drift dives, wrecks, pinnacles and world famous night dives. Guests will embark and dismark from Male. This is a year round itinerary with each of the dive areas offering exciting diving. Guests will dive up to 18 dives during the week.
Starting in 2018, the 'Far South Atolls' itinerary will offer 10-night charters with up to 24 dives. The itinerary will include South Male, Vaavu, Meemu, Laamu, Thaa, Huvadhoo, Foammulah and Addu. This itinerary will include mostly channel dives and offers exciting marine life such as pelagics, reef sharks, whale sharks, oceanic mantas and occasionally tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks. Guests will either board the boat in Male and end in Huvadhoo or board in Huvadhoo and end in Male. On both outbound and inbound routes a one way domestic flight will be required.
The Maldives lie 370 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Male (MLE) International Airport is located on Hulhule Island.
Many major airlines fly into Male (MLE): Singapore, Emirates, Sri Lankan, Delta and Qatar Airways. There are many connecting flights from the US, the UK and Europe.
Arrival/Boarding/Departure:
Guests will be met by a crewmember in uniform at the Male (MLE) International Airport. The first transfer by water taxi is scheduled at 11 am. If your arrival is early in the morning you are encouraged to wait at the Coffee Club located just outside the arrival hall, where you will be greeted by our staff at 11 am. You can enjoy a complimentary drink and snack. The Maldives Aggressor II anchors in Hulumale Lagoon, which is 15 minutes from the airport. Further airport transfers will be scheduled depending on the arrivals with the last one being at 5 pm.
That evening the yacht departs for its night anchorage to prepare for diving the next morning. Depending on the itinerary chosen the checkout will be either on Sunday or during the week at 8 am. Transportation is provided back to the Male International Airport after breakfast.
