Reethi Beach Island

Since Reethi Beach opened in 1998 it has developed a deserved reputation for it casual elegance, environmental awareness and for the quality of its diving. Located on the North Eastern edge of South Maalhosmadulu atoll, (South Baa atoll), Reethi Beach combines a fine house reef with a remarkable selection of boat dive sites.

Baa atoll, compared with other atolls in the Maldives, is relatively shallow. Strong currents have created a number of memorable Channel and Thila dives. The atoll is also recognised for its population of manta rays and whalesharks, which are typically encountered by divers at the start of the southwest monsoon, between May and July, in particular the dive site of Hanifaru Bay.  The Sea Explorers dive centre instigated a protected area of the Baa Atoll, in order to preserve this special bay.

House Reef 

The house reef of Reethi Beach lies on a channel that stretches out along the west side of the island and is accessed via four entry points.  On the east side, there is large sand lagoon that is marked by large coral blocks. The diversity of marine life that can be seen off Reethi Beach’s house reef makes it one of the most exciting in the Maldives. Spinner dolphins, eagle rays, barracuda, batfish and large schools of fusiliers are just some of the reefs highlights.

From May to September the island often enjoys visits from both manta rays and whale sharks, in particular the dive site of Hanifaru Bay. Once they arrive they often stay for days. Another particular feature of the islands reef are the resident rays and guitar sharks, which often come right up to the shore. The dive school also offers a "tank delivery service" to make your house reef dives more convenient.

Boat Dives

Dive boats from Reethi Beach access 35 excellent dive sites, many of which are located within 20 minutes boat ride off the resort. Current swept Thilas represent around one third of the sites visited by the islands dive centre. Many have canyons and overhangs carved into them, which have attracted in turn wonderful soft and hard coral growth. Grey sharks are a feature of many of the Baa atolls Thila’s. They can often be seen alongside barracuda, grouper and napoleon wrasse. During the southwest monsoon plankton feeding manta rays and whale sharks move into the atoll raising the possibility of a thrilling encounter.

The outer atoll reefs are easily accessed. Around the northeastern corner of Baa atoll they are formed into gently sloping reefs where divers can find rare pink-fire coral amongst the fantastic soft coral formations. Napoleon wrasse, turtles and eagle rays lend interest to the dive as do the occasional pelagic sighting out in the blue

Novice divers can enjoy an excellent range of diving off many of the resorts neighbouring islands, which are largely uninhabited. These islands often support reefs with dramatic overhangs, swim throughs and caves. Guitar sharks, stingrays, lionfish, moray-eels, sharks and huge schools of fish are a feature of many of these dives.

Sea Explorers

Sea Explorers, a well run PADI centre, run the dive base on Reethi Beach. Sea Explorers offer both shore and boat diving. Reethi Beach’s fantastic house reef can be accessed directly from the shore from any of the island’s 5 entry points.

For those wanting to dive further afield, Sea Explorers offer boat daily diving on three dive dhonis. The centre runs both full and half day trips to the 35 dive sites in the region, typically within an hours’ boat ride of the dive centre. Night dives are offered twice a week.

The Sea Explorers dive centre instigated a protected area of the Baa Atoll, in order to preserve the special bay of Haniafaru, a renowned area for manta rays and juvenile whale sharks.  Special rules apply for dives in this area.

They also offer a a snorkelling tour of the house reef free of charge, 6 days per week.

Dive Packs

For the unlimited dive packs, divers need to have PADI Open Water or equivalent qualification and logged a minimum of 40 dives prior to arrival. If divers do not meet this requirement, they will be required to pay a supplement for a guide in resort on top of their prepaid dive pack. All dive packs are based on air or Nitrox. Nitrox is available FREE of charge up to 32%. A check dive is obligatory (from boat or shore, experience level dependant).

Dive Courses

* Includes: Equipment.

Additional Costs: 

Certification fee, manual & dive table fees payable locally:  $139

Extras in Resort 

• Boat trips - 2 tank trip:  $20
• Boat trips - Full day:  $44
• Boat trips - Single trip:  $14
• Guide:  $15 per dive

Equipment: 

The centre is equipped with 10.4 litre aluminium cylinders that take both DIN and INT fittings. Nitrox fills at 32% are offered FREE of charge to certified Nitrox divers in 10.4 litre tanks.  A supplement applies for 12 litre tanks.

• 10 & 12l aluminium cylinders with both DIN and INT fittings
• BCD's (Free shark)
• Regulators with octopus, depth gauge & inflator (Scubapro)
• Masks, fins and snorkels (Technisub)
• Wet suits (Shorties) (Scubapro and Free shark)
• Diving computers
• Underwater lamps (Technisub)
• 2 Underwater cameras (Motormarine with flashlight)
• Supplement of $5 for Nitrox fills in 12 litre cylinders.
• 15 litre tanks are not currently available

Equipment rental, payable in resort, per dive:

• Mask, Fins & Snorkel:  $13 per day/$65 week
• Shortie wetsuit:  $4
• BCD: $5Regulators:  $4
• Dive computer:  $4
• Digital camera:  $30
• Underwater torch:  $8
• Regulator, BCD, wetsuit & computer:  $20 per dive 

Local GST tax will be applied as follows:  

• From 01.01.13 - 8%

Getting Around and Basic Information

Male airport is located on its own island. The Airport island accommodates the main terminal, the seaplane port and the airport hotel (Hulhule Airport hotel). In the vast majority of cases, Male airport acts as the hub for all transfers between island resorts and atolls.

A narrow channel of water separates Male Airport Island from Male town and a regular inexpensive boat service operates between the two islands.

Once you are on your island resort, there is no ‘public’ transport to get around to other islands, you need to organise local excursions and join guided trips.

Twin centre stays, in most cases, hub through the central point of Male to reach your next island.

Internal Transfers to Your Island Resort from Male

Your resort/boat is reached either by sea plane or boat transfer from Male airport, distance dependant, with the exception of Haa Alifu atoll. Transfers are organised as part of your holiday package, unless requested otherwise.

Seaplane and Boat Transfers

Most islands close to Male offer speedboat transfers.

Island resorts located in Ari atolls, Raa atoll, Baa atoll, Lhaviyani atoll, Felidhe atoll, Meemu atoll, North and South Nilande atolls and Haa Dhaaul atoll are served by seaplane services.

Islands and liveaboards located on Haa Alifu atoll are reached by internal scheduled flight.

Some more distant islands offer a boat transfer as well, although as the transfer crosses between atolls they can often be long and uncomfortable and affected by the currents, so we opt to use the most comfortable option for each island.

If you are transferring by seaplane you should be aware of the following:

• Seaplanes do not operate a fixed departure schedule, but are planned daily according to the islands and guests that must be picked up and dropped off. The planning is carried out locally 24 hours in advance.
• Seaplanes often pick up and drop off guests from a number of islands on a single transfer run.
• Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, generally 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• You may have to wait for a short duration after arriving in Male. On departing, the islands will transfer you back to Male as late a local logistics on that day will allow.
• On departing your island resort your return seaplane transfer time will be confirmed the day before departure by your resort.
• If you have a late international flight departing home, it is highly advisable you ask Regaldive to reserve a day use package for you at the Hulhule hotel.
• Seaplanes are not pressurised flights.
• Seaplanes typically operate a strict weight policy of 20kg for hold luggage.
• Excess luggage is currently $2/kilo to the island and $4/kilo on the return.

Inter Atoll Flights - Haa Alifu

Transfers to Haa-Alifu in the North involve an internal pressurised flight from Male. This is arranged and costed as part of your travel package to the north of the Maldives, unless otherwise requested.

Hulhule Airport Hotel - Day use & overnights

International and internal flight schedules occasionally make fairly long connection times in Male Airport inevitable. The Hulehule Airport hotel offers inexpensive day packages to non-residents for use of their beach, pool, showers, left luggage and other facilities. Pre-booked packages are available with Regaldive, for day use with and without a room, and overnight stays (refer to separate webpage on Hulehule Airport hotel).

Climate

This tropical climate has 2 monsoon seasons. November to May is the northwest monsoon season, which is dry and sunny. June to October is the southeast monsoon and brings the wet season. Having said this, the period crossover of the monsoon seasons fluctuates each year and even during the wet season, one may experience weeks of solid sunshine and just showers in short, sharp bursts.

Air temperature is stable around 28 - 30° C and the water temperature rarely drops below 25° C. Spectacular diving takes place all year round.

Currency

Local currency is the Maldives Rufiyaa (MVR).

Approximately £1 = 26 MVR

The tourist currency is US Dollar ($) or Euro (€). Island resorts charge in USD or Euros and bills can be settled with most internationally accepted credit cards at the end of your stay.

Time

The Maldives is +5 hours of GMT.

Flight Options

Emirates via Dubai from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Other regional departures may be available; supplement may apply.  Regaldive's prices are currently based on Emirates.  Supplements may or may not apply for other airlines dependant on seat availability.

Sri Lankan non-stop or via Colombo, date / flight dependant, from Heathrow.

Qatar Airways via Doha.

Charter Flights: Flights are direct, once a week for 7 night durations departing Sundays and Mondays. We can tailor-make a quote for you.

Stopovers in Dubai & Sri Lanka available on request.

Internal Transfers to Your Island Resort from Male

Your resort/boat is reached either by sea plane or boat transfer from Male airport, distance dependant, with the exception of Haa Alifu atoll.  Transfers are organised as part of your holiday package, unless requested otherwise.

Seaplane and Boat Transfers

Most islands close to Male offer speedboat transfers.

Island resorts located in Ari atolls, Raa atoll, Baa atoll, Lhaviyani atoll, Felidhe atoll, Meemu atoll, North and South Nilande atolls and Haa Dhaaul atoll are served by seaplane services.

Islands and liveaboards located on Haa Alifu atoll are reached by internal scheduled flight.

Some more distant islands offer a boat transfer as well, although as the transfer crosses between atolls they can often be long and uncomfortable and affected by the currents, so we opt to use the most comfortable option for each island.

If you are transferring by seaplane you should be aware of the following:

• Seaplanes do not operate a fixed departure schedule, but are planned daily according to the islands and guests that must be picked up and dropped off. The planning is carried out locally 24 hours in advance.
• Seaplanes often pick up and drop off guests from a number of islands on a single transfer run.
• Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, generally 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• You may have to wait for a short duration after arriving in Male. On departing, the islands will transfer you back to Male as late a local logistics on that day will allow.
• On departing your island resort your return seaplane transfer time will be confirmed the day before departure by your resort.
• If you have a late international flight departing home, it is highly advisable you ask Regaldive to reserve a day use package for you at the Hulhule hotel.
• Seaplanes are not pressurised flights.
• Seaplanes typically operate a strict weight policy of 20kg for hold luggage.
• Excess luggage is currently $2/kilo to the island and $4/kilo on the return.

Inter Atoll Flights - Haa Alifu

Transfers to Haa-Alifu in the North involve an internal pressurised flight from Male.  This is arranged and costed as part of your travel package to the north of the Maldives, unless otherwise requested.

Hulhule Airport Hotel - Day use & overnights

International and internal flight schedules occasionally make fairly long connection times in Male Airport inevitable.  The Hulehule Airport hotel offers inexpensive day packages to non-residents for use of their beach, pool, showers, left luggage and other facilities. Pre-booked packages are available with Regaldive, for day use with and without a room, and overnight stays (refer to separate webpage on Hulehule Airport hotel).

Passports

Passengers travelling to the Maldives must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

A free 30 day permit is given to British travellers on arrival in Male. Other nationalities should consult their consular website.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or local GP.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk.  There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

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