Adventure Holidays

Atoll Cruiser is modern, spacious and affordable luxury live-aboard located in the Maldives. Perfect for a  small group of 10 to 16 divers, surfers or simply if you wish to chill in comfort while you cruise somewhere across 1190 islands of  the Maldives.

Accommodation
7 cabins in accommodation deck (7 doubles)
2 cabins in upper-deck (1 double & 1 bunk bed)
All cabins with en-suits, running hot and cold water, fully air-conditioned.

Onboard facilities
TV, DVD player, Library and different board games. Features a bar, dinning hall buffet style and a – la – carte, also there is a jacuzzi in the sun-deck.

Check availability and get a quotation to charter this boat please contact us: info@elysianmaldives.com

If you are a group, how does it work?

Most difficult part is choosing a same date with your mates, sooner the better. Check out the availability with your travel agent or tour operator, decide a date which everyone agrees.

1 ) Make a list of potential guests and determine a budget.

2 ) Decide best dates and number of cruising days for instance 7, 10, 12 or 14 days depending on budget.

3 ) Check flight availability with an airline or tour operator and book a flight.

4 ) send an email to your travel agent in Male’ stating your travel dates and flight number.

5 ) Your agent will send you an official quote

6 ) Send a list of passenger with names, nationality, passport details

7 ) Your agent will normally send you an invoice with booking terms.

8 ) deposit a payment as stated in the contract.

9 ) Your local representative will meet you at Male’ International Airport.

What is a usual schedule on board during the surf trip?

Usually it goes like this:

1 ) cruise to a popular surf spot.

2 ) wake up, have a drink,

3 ) have a look at the surf report

4 ) Dhoni or Dinghy departs for session one

5 ) Have breakfast

6 ) Dhoni or dinghy departs for session two

7 ) Have lunch

8 ) Dhoni or dinghy departs for session three

9 ) Evening tea

10) Dinner

11) planning for next day

12) Enjoy some board games, watch movies or perhaps some fishing.

What to do if you are not surfing?

If the surf is not good enough alternative is to cruise, visit a village for some basic shopping or play football or volley ball with the locals, do some snorkeling or enjoy some fishing.

How many boards do I bring to Maldives?

2 or 3 boards suited for 3-8ft hollow but not super powerful waves, better bring a fish than a gun, especially in summer season (march-April). Plan to share boards with your friends. Beginner boards and bodyboards can be fine. Longboard is ok but not that convenient for hollow waves and longboard wave hogs can alter wave-sharing. Don’t forget your leashes (2 short 6ft and 1 midsize 8ft).

Is there an extra tax for board bags?

Not really. Emirates, Qatar, Sri Lankan and Singapore are surfer friendly airlines but don’t exceed 30 Kgs. for your check-in luggage. Domestic flights are small Dash-8 Turboprop which have room for board bags even 10ft longboard bags but if you hold a big board bag with 9ft+ longboards, please let your travel agent know before hand. No more than 30kg for your board bag.

What are the most essential accessories?

At least 1 tropical wax bar every 3 days ! Water is 27-30°c and base coat wax sticks even better ! De-wax your board before arriving if you have winter wax. Don’t forget your long sleeve lycra (+surf hat even better) and your reef booties (not essential but it’s better to have and not use them than vice versa).

Is there snorkeling equipment onboard?

No, please bring along with you the fins, mask and snorkel.

How strong is the sun?

 

During summer (March-April), it’s sunny almost every day so be prepared with heavy duty sunscreen (SPF 45), skin repair and water sun hat or cap. In winter (May-October), it’s often overcast but sun can still be strong and skin damage can ruin your trip. Bring a pair of caps and sunglasses.

Is the reef dangerous?

There is no beach break so you always surf on reef with indoor standards. Reef is rather smooth and flat with less wave power so it’s much safer. But waves can be really shallow so you really need to know how to handle the reef properly (don’t dive head first, always land flat on wipe-outs, avoid stepping on the reef). Most of the injuries are minor reef cuts. Bring Betadine and some dry wound dressing.

Will people I get seasick?

Most probably not because cruising inside the atolls is mostly calm sea. However, if you’re subject to seasickness, bring your own pills. Don’t forget to rinse your ears after each session as ear infection do occur on such humid premises. Bring ear plugs in case you need them, ear drops.

Are there mosquitoes and Malaria?

Mosquitoes are rare and getting them onboard almost never happens. Sometimes, there can be few (very few) in the villages but malaria is non-existent! Bring a mosquito repellent maybe handy incase going to a local village.

Is there fishing equipment on board?

There will be a handling or 2 but if you are keen fishing enthusiast, it is best to bring along with you the fishing rod (short, sturdy, big reel). Thick lines, lures and hooks for potential kingsize fishes 2kg / 40kg.

What else should I bring along with me?

Take sport shoes (if soccer with locals or reef walks), Films DVD, Books. I-Pod + small speakers, guitar, group games, massage oil. Boat plugs have adaptors (both 110 and 220 V). Bring additional food if you’re afraid to be hungry despite 5 meals a day : cereals, candy bars, chocolate, dairy products (sometimes available from the villages).

Do mobile phones work and can I get e-mail?

There is mobile coverage in the Central atolls and the rest of the Maldives. (Time +3h to France, +12h to California) so it’s easy to stay tuned with the world and it is possible to check e-mail onboard in most of the boats or in the villages. Bring condensation salts for electronic appliances (temperature difference outside / AC).

Is there anything prohibited?

Yes, do NOT bring : alcohol bottle, speargun, porn mag, pork products. Upon arrival, your luggage will be X-rayed, prohibited items will be confiscated and you’ll get them back on your way home. NO DRUG SMUGGLING !!! Immediate conviction and long time jail (no restitution on your way home).

Do I need local money?

There is ATM machine right at the airport (US$1.00 = 12.75 Rufiyaa), though US cash is accepted every where in the Maldives. You may need some local money incase if you wish to buy something in the village or eating out at a local cafe’.

Do I need to tip the boat crew?

Generally, tipping is accepted in the hospitality industry in the Maldives. There is no specific guide line how much though. A token of recognition is always appreciated in return of a good service.

When do I arrive in Male’ to join the trip?

Ideally a day before the boat trip starts. Most International flights that are coming from West via Dubai or Doha are arriving early morning while flights via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur arrive in the late evening. incase, if you are supposed to catch a domestic flight to join the boat in surf destination such as Laamu Atoll, then it is always better to arrive a day before the trip to avoid any possible delays of the international flight. If you have ample time before the following day trip to domestic destination to Laamu, you could also enjoy some surfing in Male’. Male’ is only 15 minutes from airport by drone and it cost US$1 each way. Accommodations in Male’ in not expensive, you can expect to pay ranging from US$45 – US$90.00 for a double room. Luggage can be kept at the airport paying a small charge like US$5 – 8US$ for a bag. Surf spot is not crowded before 3pm in Male’. its good to stop by a day or two in Male’ to rest and get ready for boat trips.

Where to stay in Male’?

Marble Hotel is simple cosy boutique hotel located in a quieter part of Male’, it comes with a nice local Cafe’ which caters international and local dishes. If you choose to stay in airport island then, checkout the Hotels in Hulhumale’ beach.

South Male’ atoll is geographically a separate atoll. However, considered as part of Male’ atoll. Being close to Male’ and Male’ International airport, this atoll provides great opportunities for divers and holiday makers alike. Velassaru, Naladhoo and Olhuveli Beach & Spa are among the few resorts privileged of being located in South Male’ Atoll. The following are the top dive sites in south Male’ atoll, many people of the Maldives believe that there will be more dive sites yet to be discovered in this atoll.

Emboodoo Express

Kandoomaa Thila

Kuda Giri

Miyaru Faru

Guraidhoo Kandu

Villivaru Giri

Guraidhoo Corner

Cocoa Corner

Dhigu Thila

Emboodhoo Canyon

Laguna Caves

Vadhoo Caves

Bolifushi House Reef

Vaagali Caves

via DISCOVER MALDIVES/photo: Musa Shan

Basically in the Maldives, most known surf spots are found in North and South of Malé Atoll. One can also find some very attractive world class reef breaks in the southern atolls of the Maldives.

The North and South Malé Atoll (surf season: April-October)

Lohis, Cokes, Chickens, Sultans, Jailbreaks, Honkys and Ninjas are found in the North Male’ Atoll. These breaks offer a mix of rights and lefts for both the recreational and the high performance surfer, averaging 3-8ft and featuring some long point breaks as well as some hollower reefs. The North Malé breaks can be accessed one of two means: surf charter boat, or from some of the resort islands. The best waves can be found from April to October, with the biggest swells likely to occur in June to September. During these months the conditions are predominantly off-shore all day due to the seasonal winds from the Indian Subcontinent and the swell generated from the south. The surf generally ranges in size from 3-8 feet; There is something for everyone.

Chickens
Villingilimathi Huraa (Kuda Villingili), Uninhabited island. Eastern reef of North Malé Atoll: Requires speed. Long, excellent left-hander that has two sections. A pleasant thin peeling racing lip. However conditions must be exact for the perfect ride. Best winds are NW-NNE (offshore). Named because of a poultry farm on the island. Access by safari boat.

Cokes
Thulusdhoo, Atoll Capital. Eastern reef of North Malé Atoll:
A short but intense ride. A big wave tube spot. A steep barreling takeoff, then a very shallow inside section that opens up even more than the takeoff. Best on mid to high tide, however, it can be surfed at low tide if the swell is big enough. Ideal on a straight south swell and winds NW however, it can be surfed in winds from any direction W – N. Named after the Coca-Cola factory on the island, beautiful view of palm fringed beach from the surf zone. Access by safari boat or by a small local boat from Thulusdhoo if accommodated in Colas Guest House.

Lohis
Lohifushi Island Resort. Eastern reef of North Malé Atoll
Good and hollow left-hander with two sections. Need big SE swells and high tides to work well. Best during NW-NE offshore winds. Named after the island resort Lohifushi. Access by boat from Lohifushi Resort.

Piddlies/Ninja
Kanifinolhu Resort. Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll
Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Best on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However swells larger than 4 feet spoil it. Named Ninjas because many Japanese surfers seem to like it. Access by safari boat.

Sultans
Dhonveli Beach formally Tari Village Resort (Kanu Huraa) . Eastern reef of North Malé Atoll
Perfect long left, which picks up more swell and is more consistent than any other break. ‘Macaroni Bowl’- a second tube section, which develops after the fast take off section, mellows out for a cutback. ‘Lockjaws’ – if you are game try out this very fast and shallow end section, which comes after the ‘Macaroni Bowl’. Rides are 75 to 100 yards long. Reserved for the exclusive use of the resort guests ( strictly enforced by Tari Village Resort management). Best winds; N, but can be surfed with NE-NW. Best months – February, March and April. Accessible from the shore.

Honky’s
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island), Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll
Excellent, long, world-class right-hander. One of the most consistent waves of Malé Atoll, which never closes out, even on the biggest swells. The take-off is a steep outside peak called ‘Phantoms’, which slingshots into a very long, walled, super fast section called the ‘Pinnacles’, over four feet. All three sections can be thrilling, almost insane tubes. Rides are 100 to 150 yards. Best on high tide with any wind from W to N. Access by safari boat.

Tomb Stones
Thamburudhoo (Uninhabited Island ), Adjacent to ‘Sultans’. Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll
Long, left-hander. Starts small and increases in size and intensity as it wraps 90 degrees around the island. A six feet wave on the take-off will end up at least eight feet on the end section, called ‘Fred’s Ledge’. Long rides and tubes through all sections. Best on low tides unless swell is huge. Best winds, ENE-N (this is the only wave that works on a ENE wind). Best swell, straight S. Best months for this wave, February, March and April. Is affected by strong currents in the Southwest monsoon from May to October. Access by safari boat.

Malé Island Point
Full Moon Beach Resort, Furana Fushi Island , Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll
Long, right-hander. Best on South to West offshore wind. Breaks rarely and only on large swells. At three feet it has a dry reef to surf on. In the big swells of 1987, when many of the islands were flooded, this was surfed at a perfect six to eight feet.

Gurus
Malé, the capital. Eastern reef of Malé, Southern tip of North Malé Atoll
A couple of shifting peaks, popular with locals, riding surfboards and boogie boards. The reef picks up plenty of swell. Best in W winds. Accessible from the shore. We recommend to stay in one of few hotels in Hulhumale’ beach front.

Twin Peaks
Miyaru Faru near the island of Gulhi , inhabited island, Eastern Reef of South Malé Atoll
Sectiony left, which picks up more swell than most of the breaks in South Malé Atoll. Can have a good end section in a big Southerly swell. Best in North winds, the higher the tide, the better. Access by safari boat.

Quarters
Gulhigaathuhuraa, uninhabited island attached to Palm Tree Island Resort.
Eastern Reef of South Malé Atoll: Really nice, fast little right-hander that picks up less swell than most other places. Best in winds W to NW. Named after the resort workers’ quarters on the island.

Kate’s
Boduhuraa, a Resort Island near the Palm Tree Island Resort. Eastern Reef of South Malé Atoll: Small short left. Best in winds NW to N.

Natives
Kandooma Resort, Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll
A short right, requiring a big swell. Best SW wind.

Riptides
Guraidhoo, Inhabited Island . Eastern Reef of South Malé Atoll
Small reef in the middle of the channel on the southern side of the island; fast right-hander, one of the best waves in the area. The area is subject to strong currents. Best on W to SW winds. Access by safari boat.

Some call it Football while others say it Soccer. Regardless what we call it, FIFA WORLD CUP is the biggest event watched and enjoyed in the Maldives when it comes to sports. Today the whole Maldives will be watching this colorful event live from TV. This year the opening match will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa at Soccer City. First FIFA WORLD CUP was held in 1930.

Guest in Soneva Fushi will be watching the opening celebration of FIFA World Cup 2010 at the CINEMA PARADISO on turtle beach - The first open-air cinema in Maldives! , lie down under the stars and enjoy popcorn, selected dry snacks, Soneva ice cream and a wide selection of beverages..

A holiday in the Maldives is not only about relaxation but also fun and adventure. There are many things to do to enhance your holiday experience in the Maldives. Here are some of the popular things to do in the Maldives.

1. Scuba-diving: Perhaps the best place to dive in the World is the Maldives. Scuba – diving is the number one activity in the maldives. Each resort island is fully equipped with a professional dive center, offering PADI certification courses from beginner open water dive to advance levels of diving. All the equipments can be rented from a dive center of a resort. Emboodhoo Express, Kuda Giri, Guraidhoo Corner, Laguna Caves, Vaagali Caves, Victory Reck are some of the best dive sites in Male’ Atoll.

2. Snorkeling: Grab a pair of flippers, a mask and a snorkel and swim away in the  most stunning reefs of the Maldives has to offer and watch the colorful fish pass by beneath you. Most resort islands offer the snorkeling equipments on free of charge. Just burrow it either from the dive center or the water sports center where you are staying.

3. Spa – Maldives is all about luxury accommodations and indulging yourself in spas and beauty treatments. Every year there is a new world renown spa brands launched in the Maldives. LIME spa, E’spa, Angsana Spa, Six Senses Spa, Shine Spa, Chi Spa are the most popular spa brands in the Maldives. Get yourself spoilt.

4. Water sports activities: All the resort islands are independently quipped with a water sports center and most of the resort islands offer non-motorized water sports activities on complimentary basis. Be thrilled with water sports such as windsurfing, canoeing, wake boarding, parasailing, catamaran sailing, water skiing or rush your adrenalin with a banana boat ride.

5. Big Game Fishing: Selective resort islands now offer fully equipped state of art big game fishing boats to charter with experienced skippers, if you are into some serious fishing.  Sail fish, Merlins, Vahoos, Giant trivially or a barracuda are commonly caught on Big Game Fishing trips.

6. Cruising: Best way to explore the islands is to cruise by a safari boat. Sail away, appreciate the beauty of the atolls has to offer, get close to natives, learn culture, enjoy couple of dives a day in the best dive sites or snorkel the most vibrant reefs and stop by to a cast away island. Enjoy your cruising adventure holiday.

7. Surfing: The Maldives is fast becoming a popular spot for surfing, having been a host of international competitions such as the O’Neill Deep Blue. Some good waves found on the edges of the South Male’ Atoll. The best surfing conditions can be found further down south, with the biggest swells occurring during low-season between June and August. The most convenient way to access the surf points is by boats.

8. Excursions: Island Hopping, with half or full-day trips being offered to uninhabited islands or fishing villages to experience the contest of living in the local islands. Sunset cruise to spot dolphins. Daily snorkeling trips are some of the excursions organized by most of the resorts. Trip to Male’ is another popular trip to explore the capital and to do some souvenir shopping.

9. Whale Submarine: is a great way to explore the underwater realm without getting your feet wet. The whale submarine is based near Male’ You may be wondering how you can take part in this activity in case if you are staying in another atoll. This is still possible if you have ample time before your flight departure on your departure day.

10. Sports: beach volley, billiard, football, tennis, fitness with personnel trainer to stay in shape, card games and board games are among some of the activities offered by resorts, sports enthusiasts can enjoy.

Vacation in the Maldives is never complete without participating in a fishing trip. Fishing Trips are organized in almost all the resorts and hotels of the Maldives. if you are keen fisherman the best way to experience fishing holiday is on a cruise vessel in the Maldives.

Traditional hand line fishing can be done using line, weight, hook and the bait. Put the bait in the hook, drop the line and let go until it reaches the bottom of the sea. Once it reaches the bottom pull up the line a little bit about a feet to avoid touching the corals. Now all you need to do is wait for the bite and wonder at the stars in the sky. This method of fishing is also known as bottom fishing or Night fishing. It is a common practice in all the resorts of the Maldives that the catch is cooked for the fishermen. In this type of fishing, snappers and groupers are more commonly caught.

Last minute deal on cruise charter for May June July 2010. All meal included + 3 dives per day either enjoy diving, surfing or cruising holidays in the magnificent Maldives in this luxury yacht. Up to 16 persons can comfortably live on board.

To find out the schedule and the terms & conditions applicable to this offer please contact us on info@elysianmaldives.com