News
Jim & Cary Yanny’s Guide to Diving in the Maldives
Part 1: Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
Jim and Cary report on their trip to visit various resorts and liveaboards in the Maldives. In Part 1, they visit Komandoo Island Resort & Spa…
We flew from Male to Komandoo by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) seaplane. Komandoo staff met us at arrivals in Male Airport and transferred us the very short distance to Terminal A, the seaplane terminal, where they have an air-conditioned guest comfort lounge. There was WiFi and they got us a sandwich and French fries to snack on while we waited to board our seaplane.
Once our flight was called the boarding process was very fast – just a short walk to one of the several seaplanes. Our hold baggage was already on-board and we were asked to identify it and our carry-on baggage was stored at the back of the plane. The hold baggage allowance is 20kg/person and the carry-on allowance 5kg/person. Airlines in the Maldives enforce the allowances strictly and charge about US$6/kilo for any excess weight.
The plane was a ‘Twin Otter’ twin propeller-engine seaplane. They’re not big, taking just fifteen passengers plus three crew, but they’re perfectly suited to the job. This was our first ever seaplane flight and it was a great experience – taking off from water on floats to start with then the incredible view of the atolls, islands, reefs and boats as we flew over them at relatively low level. I’m not sure, but I believe we only reached an altitude of around four thousand feet, so everything was easily in full view except when we went into a cloud, of course. Flying to your resort brings home what it truly means to be an island nation, as you see a vast expanse of ocean and just these tiny white-sand islands to break up the endless blue.
The flight to Komandoo Island, on Lhaviyani Atoll, took about forty-five minutes. Again, landing by seaplane at an island resort is an experience not to be missed as the pilot aims the nose down as if about to nose-dive into the sea then eases it up and glides the aircraft onto the calm water below, touching it down so gently that you almost can’t believe it’s basically a boat with wings at that point. Once landed, the plane is quickly steered to the disembarkation pontoon just like a boat. The door is quickly opened, you walk down the steps to meet the resort staff waiting to greet you and you’ve arrived! And at this point you do also feel as if you’ve ‘arrived’ in the other sense of the word – stepping off a seaplane onto one tropical island resort you simply can’t help but feel a bit glamorous and celebrity-status-like. We highly recommend that everyone tries it at least once in your life!
Komandoo Island Resort & Spa is a top-end, adults-only resort (18 and over) with just sixty-five rooms so has been built on a tiny island that perfectly provides a sense of exclusivity. One of the great things the Maldives does (which they absolutely must keep doing) is the ‘one island, one resort’ concept. This means that each resort is able to acquire its own unique character, given to it by the shape and features of the particular island it’s built on. It also means that there’s absolutely no chance of two (or more) resorts fighting over available space.
Komandoo is exactly as you would hope a resort that touts itself as upscale and adults-only would be; a sanctuary of absolute peace and tranquillity without a child to be seen (or heard).* A perfect white-sand beach, magnificent lagoon, fresh water infinity pool and ‘Duniye Spa’ lend themselves to kicking back and rediscovering each other in a little bit of paradise.
*Don’t worry, we do also work with several other excellent resorts catering to families as well as couples. However, that’s for another day…
Although our site inspection at Komandoo was a short one we did manage to sample the fabulous buffet lunch at the main restaurant before jumping aboard the speedboat for the short crossing to the next island and Komandoo’s big-sister-resort, ‘Kuredu’.
Accommodation at Komandoo comprises 65 air-conditioned Villas, including 15 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 36 Jacuzzi Beach Villas and 14 Beach Villas.
Diving at Komandoo is with Pro Divers (PADI 5 Star), a highly professional but welcoming outfit. Although we didn’t dive whilst at Komandoo, we did dive with them during our two nights at Kuredu Resort next door and were extremely impressed by their service. (Please look out for more on Pro Divers’ operation in our next report, which will be all about our stay at Kuredu.)
Jim and Cary own and run UK-based tour operator Diverse Travel. To find out more about the Maldivian itineraries that Diverse Travel offer, visit www.diversetravel.co.uk/maldives.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities
With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.
Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators
This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.
Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure
Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.
Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages
This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.
It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!
Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.
For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
-
News1 month agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs3 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News2 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News2 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News2 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
News3 months agoComing Soon – 52 Assignments
-
News3 months agoSave £200 per person per week at Pole Pole Lodge with Dive Worldwide