The mere mention of the Maldives, the island-chain in the Indian Ocean that lies about a thousand kilometers from the Asian continent, already conjures daydreams of the exotic, unreachable and untouched. Now one travel company is offering travelers the chance to truly explore its most uncharted spots.
Original Diving has teamed up with the fastest and most luxurious liveaboard in the Maldives, the Four Seasons Explorer, for an itinerary that offers scuba-divers and snorkelers the chance to explore the Maldives’ pristine waters, most secluded spots and least-visited dive sites in the southern atolls.
"The key thing about this trip is that it is completely unique, [as] the Explorer is heading right to the southern Maldives through the remote Laamu, Thaa, Huvadhoo atolls and most exciting of all, Fuvahmulah atoll which is a tiny atoll, too small even to moor at,” says Louisa Fisher, Original Diving expert. “This atoll is most famous for the incredible pelagic life that can be seen including tiger and thresher sharks; it is on most divers bucket lists and to be able to do this in the luxury of the Explorer (which has never been done before), exclusive with Original Diving, is quite hard to beat!"
The trip begins with an overnight flight from London to Male followed by a stay at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, located on a private island. After soaking in a little island life and lunching by the lagoon, you’ll board the three-deck catamaran Four Seasons Explorer, settle into your cabin and receive a thorough orientation about safety and equipment. With only ten state rooms, one Explorer’s Suite and a maximum of 22 guests, the intimate vessel is the height in exceptional service and personalized attention. Each cabin is air-conditioned and has a refrigerated private bar, sitting area, flat-screen LCD TVs and en-suite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. Meals are all-inclusive except for alcohol and can be enjoyed in the air-conditioned dining room or on deck, while two bars - one inside and another outside - are the perfect place to sip a glass of wine or a cocktail while watching the sun set.
The next five days will be spent diving in the remote atolls, several times per day before returning to the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa for breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight back to London.
Original Diving was founded nine years ago by a group of seasoned travelers who tap into their personal travels to create experiential trips for divers and snorkelers. The company features itineraries all around the world including trending areas like Raja Ampat, the Philippines, Egypt, Gozo - and the Maldives. Their trips offer different diving adventures from muck to macro and from coral to luxury as well as ones suitable for families.
The Original Diving South Maldives trip runs 9-16 March, 2020, costs US$14,550 (€16,473)per person and includes seven day’s all-inclusive onboard accommodations, flights and transfers.
