Filitheyo Island

Filitheyo is located on the eastern side of North Nilandhe atoll, and currently benefits from being the only resort in the entire atoll. The island occupies an excellent position on the outer edge of the atoll between two channels that run down either side of the island. In just a few years, Filitheyo has established a reputation for its diving, food and ambiance that has few equals in the Maldives. The island is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to experience a high standard of accommodation, food and diving.

House Reef

Filitheyo is a large triangular island with its eastern edge facing towards the outer atoll. (This side is not dived and has no guest accommodation in front of it). The remaining two sides of the island face north and south and have an excellent reef running their entire length, eventually meeting at the western end of the island. There are 7 entry points on to the house reef, which is particularly dramatic on the northern edge of the island, where it drops over 90 metres into the blue. Owing to its location, gentle currents sweep down either side of the island attracting many pelagic species in towards the reef edge. The dive centre operates a tank service to the various entry points and allows access to experienced divers.

KM Agro Mina Wreck

A new wreck, the 30m long KM Agro Mina was sunk in March 2010 to promote coral growth, provide a haven for fish and add further interest for divers. The wreck lies in 30 metres of water and has been adapted to ease entry and exit in the vessel.

Boat Diving

There are over 40 boat dives accessible from the island, with new sites being established all the time. These include many excellent channel dives, some of which are near the island. The centre operates daily boat dives to a variety of sites, ranging from novice to advanced dives. This affords divers the opportunity to select a dive that suits their experience level. Just off the island, Filitheyo Thila often provides thrilling encounters with Eagle rays, Tuna and White tip sharks. Two to three times a week full day trips are organised to Manta points on the western side of the atoll.

Dive site map

For an excellent overview of Filitheyo, please see the video below, courtesy of our colleagues at Werner Lau.

Werner Lau Dive Centre

The Werner Lau dive base on Filitheyo is a PADI, SSI and CMAS centre offering a high level of service. The centre is both large and well maintained occupying a good location opposite its own jetty. There is a tank ‘drop off’ service to the 7 entry points around the island, (charged locally at $0.80 a tank). Nitrox is also available FREE up to 32% to qualified divers. The centre is equipped with 12 litre aluminium cylinders that take both DIN and INT fittings.

A new wreck, the 30m long KM Agro Mina was sunk in March 2010 to promote coral growth, provide a haven for fish and add further interest for divers. The wreck lies in 30 metres of water and has been adapted to ease entry and exit in the vessel.

A wide range of equipment is available for hire locally including 3 underwater scooters. Boats depart 2 times a day to a great range of local dive sites. Two to three times a week the centre runs full day trips on the boats to dive sites beyond the range of a single tank dive.

Dive site map

Dive Packs

Options available include 6 anad 10 dive packages, plus an nlimited diving option. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

All qualified divers are able to dive on the house reef in a buddy pair and there is no minimum experience level required.

Divers with fewer than 40 logged dives can also complete boat dives but will need to be guided (extra cost applies for the guide - see below). Experienced divers with 40+ logged dives are able to dive as a buddy pair on boat dives.

The dive centre can insist that a diver is guided (local charge applicable) either on the house reef or on the boat, if they determine that a diver is not competent enough to dive in a buddy pair.

Boats depart 2 times a day, with half and full day boat trips are available locally to dive sites beyond the range of a single tank dive if numbers permit.

Use of a dive computer is compulsory. Each diver must have their own computer. 

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Extras in Resort

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change.

• Certification fees for courses:  $190
• Boat trip - Single dive:  €12
• Boat trip - 2 Tank dive: €26
• Boat trip - Full day:  €30
• Tank service fee:  $0.80 per tank
• Guide: $7 per day dive
• Guide: $8 per night dive

Equipment rental per dive, payable in resort USD

• BCD: $7
• Regulator: $7
• Wetsuit: $7
• Computer: $7
• Dive torch: $7
• Mask, snorkel & fins (per day): $9
• SMB: $6 for duration of your dive pack

Local sales tax and resort charges to be paid locally:

• Sales tax: 12%
• Service charge: 10%

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 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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