LINARA TRAVEL - Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Safari Specialists

Petite Anse, Mahe, Seychelles

When you think of diving and snorkeling vacations the first of our destinations that springs to mind is probably the Maldives, and we don’t blame you, it’s a country made up of thousands of coral islands, home to manta rays, turtles and whale sharks as well as hundreds of brightly colored reef fish. But, what if we were to tell you there was another destination we love that is also home to all of this and much more?

The Seychelles, nearly 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa and just south of the equator, is an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands spanning for miles in the Indian Ocean. With its clear, turquoise waters the Seychelles is one of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving, boasting 652.5 square miles of coral reef, about 30% of it’s national waters are protected. Being in the tropics, the water is warm all year round (77ºF - 86ºF), perfect for the dive and snorkel enthusiasts among you.

Snorkeling in the Seychelles is relatively easy. Step 1: source snorkel, mask and fins. Step 2: swim out from shore. That’s it, it really is that easy. The best months of the year for snorkeling are between April and November. During this time the winds are lighter making the water visibility that much better. Of course, it is still possible (and encouraged) to snorkel outside of these months but be aware the underwater visibility may not be as good.

School of Silver Moonyfish (Monodactylus argenteus)

As we touched on earlier, the Seychelles is a hot spot for marine life. You can explore the shallow lagoons, seagrass beds, fringing reefs and areas featuring ginormous, immersed granite boulders. You’ll see everything from butterflyfish and parrotfish to turtles, rays and sharks. If you’re really lucky you may even be joined by a manta ray or dolphin.

Check out some photos from a snorkel off the beach at Petite Anse, Four Seasons Seychelles Resort.

Scissortail Sergeant - Abudefduf sexfasciatus

Blacksaddle Toby - Canthigaster valentini

Granite boulders at Petite Anse

Goldbar Wrasse - Thalassoma hebraicum

Racoon Butterflyfish - Chaetodon lunula

Orbicular batfish - Platax orbicularis

The Maldives, renowned for its tranquil beaches, inviting pools, and overwater villas, offers a plethora of activities designed to cater to the tastes and preferences of its visitors. From high-energy ventures to more serene endeavors, the Maldives ensures that there is no question of boredom. Engage in a host of water-based and land-based activities and craft your unique adventure.

Water-based activities, the crown jewels of the Maldives, offer a wide array of pursuits that include the illustrious big four: snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and surfing, supplemented by a variety of watersports offered by the resorts. Snorkeling, a guest favorite, enables guests to explore the rich marine life that adorns the reef's edge. Visitors are also treated to snorkeling excursions with marine biologists, nocturnal snorkeling to witness the magic of bioluminescence, and trips to the best snorkeling sites, including Hanifaru Bay, famous for its high concentration of manta rays.

Scuba diving, another well-loved activity, affords extraordinary experiences facilitated by resort dive centers catering to all skill levels. With daily diving excursions and a variety of certification classes, visitors can effortlessly hone their diving skills while seeing beautiful coral and aquatic life.

The Maldivian waters also provide ample opportunities for fishing, from deep-sea adventures yielding impressive catches to the traditional Maldivian handline fishing method, offering a taste of local tradition.

Surf enthusiasts can find their nirvana in the Maldivian waves. With surf breaks accommodating various skill levels, surfing promises a thrilling escapade. For more details, check out our recent surfing story.  

Other watersports include jet skis, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, banana rides, and windsurfing. Indulge in boat excursions, sunset cruises to observe dolphins, and the exquisite experience of a private picnic on a deserted island, offering the ultimate retreat.

On land, the Maldivian adventure continues. Explore Maldivian culture and customs through local village tours. Immerse yourself in resort activities by visiting fully equipped gyms with professional trainers, exploring walking and jogging paths, and bicycling around the island. Tennis and Pickleball are also common on many resort islands and can be a fun way to start out the day.

Culinary enthusiasts can partake in cooking demonstrations and classes, spanning cuisines from Italian and Thai to Maldivian and Japanese. Complement this with cocktail making classes or wine tastings guided by expert sommeliers and dinners with vintners from around the world.

Revitalize yourself at some of the world's finest spas. Experience an array of treatments and facilities, such as a variety of yoga and meditation classes.

Educate yourself about the underwater life of the Maldives at a resort marine biology lab, with marine biologists on staff ready to impart their knowledge.

Having been a guest of the Maldives over 30 times, I can affirm its rich tapestry of activities, making it not only a destination to unwind but also a haven to broaden your experiences. It remains an ideal spot for disconnecting from the chaos of daily life and recharging your batteries, promising a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.

Luxurious surf expeditions to the Maldives have experienced a surge in popularity as opulent resorts emerge in previously inaccessible locales near coveted surf breaks. Scattered across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boast phenomenal surf breaks within numerous atolls, offering optimal surfing conditions between April and October.

North Male Atoll

Renowned for its sought-after surf breaks, long rides, and convenient access, North Male Atoll enjoys significant recognition within the surfing community. A brief speedboat journey from the airport is all it takes to reach this prime location, which features notable breaks such as Jailbreaks, Honky's, Sultans, Cokes, and Chickens.

Nearby Resorts:

Maldives Gili Lankanfushi Water Sports Diving 08

Gili Lankanfushi - In close proximity to our preferred breaks in the atoll, Gili Lankanfushi houses a specialized surf center complete with knowledgeable guides. Boasting colossal overwater villas, exceptional cuisine and service, and a personalized ambiance, this is our top surf resort in the atoll.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa - Similarly situated within North Male Atoll, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa has its own surf center and experienced guides. The resort is larger and better suited for families compared to Gili Lankanfushi.

Kuda Villingili - This recent addition to the luxury surf resort scene is adjacent to Chicken's, one of the Maldives' longest breaks. Kuda Villingili presents enticing luxury options at a competitive price point, and surfing is a mere minute away.

South Male Atoll

While the breaks in South Male Atoll may not offer rides as lengthy as those in North Male Atoll, there are still delightful shorter rides to be found. Resorts are easily reachable from the airport by speedboat, with our favorite breaks including Guru, Native, and Riptides.

Nearby Resorts:

Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, and Naladhu Private Island
Located within the same lagoon, guests of these resorts can dine at any of the restaurants on Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli. This trio of resorts offers the largest array of dining and activity options in the Maldives, sharing a dedicated surf center. Anantara Veli is ideal for couples, Anantara Dhigu for families, and Naladhu provides privacy and seclusion. The surf center caters to both novice and seasoned surfers.

Maldives Naladhu Private Island Surf Center 03

Dhaalu Atoll

Accessible via a picturesque seaplane flight or a domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride, the remote Dhaalu Atoll promises uncrowded surfing experiences. Our preferred breaks in the area include Vodi, Kasabu, and Hocus Pocus.