Operated by Meridis Dive, we have one of the physically largest dive centres in the Maldives, providing the latest technology and highest quality branded diving equipment (e.g. Scubapro Uwatec Nitrox regulators, Sony P9 and MX5 underwater cameras, Supercharged Seadoo Scooters, Bauer Compressors). Meridis Dive has full Nitrox diving facilities, underwater scooters, audio-visual classrooms and a dive specialist boutique. PADI-certified scuba instruction is given by multi-lingual dive experts to beginners, amateurs and experienced divers alike on the importance of safe and enjoyable diving intertwined with the protection of the marine environment.
Some of the courses and services offered by Meridis Dive are PADI Open Water (Beginner) up to Assistant Instructor and all other common specialities, Nitrox, Scooter, Photography, Deep, Drift, Night, Navigation, Naturalist and Peak Performance. Meridis also offers a safe and enjoyable diving experience for children over 10 years of age, and has special “kids diving equipment” for this. Children can carry out the PADI Open Water Junior course.
Some of Meridis Dive’s safety philosophies are as follows: Nitrox diving; depth limits; small groups of a maximum of 4 people; all dives will be guided dives; there will be buoys for all divers; current check; easy and shallow dives. Please note that all divers are required to present an international dive certificate, log book and a medical certificate of fitness for diving.
Meridis Dive has in fact surveyed and mapped all the key diving points in the Atolls surrounding The Island Hideaway, and they estimate that there are at least 20 glorious dive sites that are absolutely untouched and unspoilt. We have one particular dive site where divers can expect a minimum of 15 turtles each dive, several dive sites with manta cleaning and feeding stations, 2 ship wrecks at a depth of 16 metres with fantastic fish live around, and another dive site full of fantastic table corals. Wherever you look there are lots and lots of fish! Mantas, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, turtles, big schools of tuna, barracudas, dolphins, and, and, and….. In the season, you also have the chance of seeing whale sharks and other whales!
Go on, why not take the chance to go out to unspoilt diving grounds every day?
Another first is that the Meridis experts will also offer guided snorkelling trips. The snorkelling here is also so impressive that lots of our guests will be making their way to the diving school after seeing what the edge of the Dhonakulhi house reef has to offer. No sooner have you taken a few strokes, then you are snorkelling in some of the world’s most fertile waters. Just under the water’s surface you are confronted with swarms of small fish, giant turtles, metre-long mantas and slim sharks patrolling the reef.
And here’s the good news: almost none of the fish are really dangerous. This means, then, that this rich under-water world is a safe paradise for swimmers, snorkellers and diving enthusiasts.