An extension of our column « Drop Anchor, » present in the magazine since issue 1, the Destinations section of the website lets you discover stays, tours, safaris, and expeditions offered by diving and freediving professionals.Looking for escape, warmth, and paradise islands? Head to the Maldives, which, with their 1200 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, offer divers a wide variety of flora and fauna, especially lots of « big ones »: manta rays, whale sharks, white-tip sharks, tuna… In this enchanting setting, a new cruise ship has just been launched by tour operator Dune. Built in 2015, it offers top-of-the-line comfort and allows you to comfortably enjoy the moments between dives.The Soleil 2Built from wood and covered with fiber, the Soleil 2 is 44 meters long and 13 meters wide. It consists of 14 cabins: 6 suite cabins on the upper deck with private balconies, 2 master suites on the middle deck, and 6 standard double cabins on the lower deck, all equipped with a shower and private toilets. Onboard, everyone can enjoy vast gathering spaces, conviviality, and rest, as well as a spa/jacuzzi.
The circuits
– The Center : ideal for mantas (the best period is from December to May).
– The North : rich in colors for lovers of density and small fauna, but also notable for encounters with large pelagics (sharks, mantas…), the best period is from August to November.
– The South : an adventurous scent blows over this circuit, with magnificent encounters (sharks, mantas…) in the heart of unique hard coral reefs. The best period is from January to April.
– Family Cruise (only in August): practice snorkeling or scuba diving to observe abundant flora and fauna (tropical fish, manta rays, whale sharks, green turtles) around the coral reef.
– Thematic Cruises : biology cruises with the association Manta Trust, Southern cruise with whale shark encounters and flying over atolls…In Practice
Cruise aboard the Soleil 2 : possible all year round.Minimum required level : PADI Advanced or N2 and a minimum of 50 dives. Mirror, whistle, hook, and safety stop buoy mandatory.Organization of sea trips : a dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) for diving, 19 m long and 6 m wide, equipped with compressors, air/nitrox membrane.Time difference : +4h in winter, +3h in summer.Formalities : Passport valid for 6 months after the return date, no visa or mandatory vaccines.Rates : for 10 nights and 21 planned dives: in the mid-season from 26/03/2016 to 29/04/2016: 2115 € including tax per person; in the low season from 30/04/2016 to 03/06/2016: 1900 € including tax per person and from 30/07/2016 to 30/12/2016 1975 € including tax per person.Accommodation capacity : 28 passengers and 14 crew members. For more information on stays and rates, contact Dune-world: +33 (0)4 88 66 48 13
Morgane CONSTANTIN