Maldives on the MV Orion, January 2013

[AlabamaSusana]

We returned from a week on the MV Orion in the Maldives last week. It was a good trip. While I would not list the Maldives in my top scuba destinations, it was worth the time, money, and effort. I have posted a trip report with a link to pictures.

[browneyedgirl]

I enjoyed reading your trip report and looking at the pics you posted. Thank you. I am heading to the Maldives in early April for 2 back-to-back liveaboards; I hope I'm as fortunate to see mantas and whalesharks, too!

While I would not list the Maldives in my top scuba destinations, it was worth the time, money, and effort.

Can you comment on what was lacking from this trip, or destination, that would cause you to view it with less favour than previous trips elsewhere?

Again, thank you for posting your report and photos.

Elaine

[AlabamaSusana]

Elaine, we prefer more colorful coral, less current. Maldives is good (in the top ten). Prefer: Palau, Chuk, North Sulawesi, Moalboal (Philippines).

[NatashaS]

AlabamaSusana thanks for taking the time to share this very thoughtful and interesting report.

Maldives is on my list of contenders for summer 2013 so I particularly appreciated your reflections on how the diving compared to your experiences in Indonesia, the Philippines and Palau. Since reports on the Maldives are rarely posted here, I hope you might allow me to bother you for a few more details.

Sharks: besides the whaleshark fly by, how were the shark sightings? I'm particularly curious whether you saw any silver tips. I am guessing your other shark sightings were not remarkable, since they did not receive mention in your report.

Other divers: there are a lot of liveaboards plying the Maldives - did you often see divers from other liveaboards (or day boats) at the sites you dove?

The night dive: Did you hear what other divers saw on the night dive? Clearly the Maldives is not a huge night diving location.

The coral: A friend of mine recently opined that the Maldives had more dead coral than anywhere else he had ever dove. How would you rate the health of the coral in the sites you dove? I know the area is not known for its coral life - just curious.

Would be great to have a direct link to your report in your message board post.

Again, thanks for taking the time to share your report and photos.

NatashaS