Banana Reef Snorkelling Trip (Maldives)

The best Reef for snorkelling and diving in the North Male Atoll is considered to be the Banana Reef.
Today we took a tour with Dive Club Maldives for $35 to go and see a couple of Reefs with a Lunch Break on a local Island.




The rickety boat skilfully manoeuvred by our driver with his feet (yes feet) on the rudder took  us first to a reef (I didn't catch the name of this one) outside the Sheraton Resort Island .

Off we jumped into the wonderfully warm and sparkling blue yonder and swiftly got picket up by a gentle current that took us along the side of the reef. One of the instructors was close by and suddenly raised his head to shout 'shark'... So everyone flippered by, to gather and see him. Indeed there was a sizeable young man of a shark swimming along the reef, together with a multitude of colourful sealife. Afterwards I was told that sharky swam right next too me at some point, but I missed that... maybe a good thing...

I thought I could hear a familiar squeaking while I was under water and as it turns out there were some Dolphins nearby. We took the oppotunity to follow them along  their way for a little while. Such graceful yet playful creatures, jumping loops for the sheer fun of it. This was definitely one of the Highlights if this trip.

For Lunch we stopped at the Island where they manufacture tinned Tuna and filet the finest Yellowfin, to be exported to Japan. They are some of the best and most expensive Tuna in the world, we are told.
The fish bones are thrown back into the water just outside, where we were moored up. Which meant that there was also a huge array of fish coming to feast on the tuna leftovers.

I didn't go snorkelling here, in the Tuna graveyard... it was just a bit to spooky for me. But the Boat people used the time to catch some fish, I guess that will be their dinner. Jealous I am.

Our lovely boat ride continued on to the best Reef of the North Male Atoll, the Banana Reef.
Once again there would be a current picking us up and drift us along, while the Boat will drive on and pick us up at the other end.
It's quite an awesome feeling to gently float along while watching this incredible scenery underneath.

This little gem of underwater Paradise was for me, the most amazing I  have seen so far. Gazillions of beautiful fish are swimming here along  this amazing coral garden. Absolutely breathtakingly stunning.  My little pictures shows nothing of the beauty that is to be seen here. If you can dive, you can get  up close and personal with them all, but with the sun lighting up the top of the corals, it is glistening, bright and colourful right at the surface.

To see these incredible marine ecosystems before they get spoilt by  global warming or rise in population and tourism, book your snorkelling or diving trip with Dive Club Maldives.
Contact your Hotel Concierge or the Club directly.
Dive Club Maldives PVT LTD
10087 Dhiggaa Magu
Hulhumale'
Rep.of Maldives
Tel. +960 768 2970
Email: info@diveclubmaldives.com
http://www.diveclubmaldives.com

Kuda Bandos, Maldives

If you're looking for a 'marooned on an island' excursion on your Maldivian holiday, Kuda Bandos will be worth a visit.
No matter how many times I've been here it always has the wow effect, every time. The water couldn't get any bluer, the sand couldn't be any softer and the sound of the waves gently lapping against the beach couldn't be any more relaxing.
Top Tip: (from a german) As soon as you get there grab yourself a sunlounger,


It is the easiest place for snorkelling I have encountered so far. Just step into the water and you're there, surrounded by a multitude of tropical reef fish. The best place to snorkel is to the right of the little channel they use for jet ski's and small boats next to the pier. Be careful though at low tide. The coral is closer to the surface and can be razor sharp.

To get to Kuda Bandos arrange a picnic trip from your resort or hire a private transfer. It currently costs $11 entree fee to be payed on arrival at the island.
If you are not part of a picnic excursion, there is a small bar that serves cold drinks, beer and some snacks. Otherwise a Top Tip is to loiter around other peoples BBQ and take a look after the tour groups have finished eating. Many times I have been offered to help myself to anything that is left. Sometimes they even put a few fresh bits on the barbie just for us.

Must do:
Keep some bread for the fish at the pier.
You will get a huge array of colourful fish coming for a feeding frenzy. It's a small effort but such fun!