News
Diving with… Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo, Maldives
In this ongoing series, we speak with the people who run dive centres, resorts and liveaboards from around the world about their businesses and the diving they have to offer…
What is your name?
Antoine Jegat
What is the name of your business?
Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo
What is your role within the business?
Dive Center & Watersports Manager
How long have you dived for, and what qualification are you?
12 years, OWSI
What is your favorite type of diving?
Drift / wreck / macro / fluorescent night diving.
If you could tell people one thing about your business (or maybe more!) to make them want to visit you what would it be?
Vilamendhoo is simply splendid as white beaches, palm studded gardens, tropical lush vegetation and turquoise blue lagoons surround the island on all sides. The island is situated at the south of Ari Atoll between two channels and is about 900m in length. The transfer takes 25 minutes by seaplane.The 4 star Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa has been completely adapted to the needs of our guests and now features 184 single or double bungalows with perfect comfort and integration in the natural ambiance of the island.
What is your favorite dive in your location and why?
Broken Rock. This is a well known dive site in South Ari Atoll. A 2m wide canyon splits this small Thila (underwater reef) from the west towards the east. The canyon is the main attraction as its is covered with soft corals. On the north side at 25 to 30m, there are two big coral blocks with overhangs and beautiful fan corals. The top reef with intact hard corals is a perfect place to spot the huge variety of marine life present on this dive site.
What types of diving are available in your location?
Drift diving in channels, wreck dives, house reef diving, fluorescent night dives and diving with underwater scooters.
What is your favorite underwater creature?
Nudibranches
Is your center involved in any environmental work?
Beach and lagoon clean-ups.
What would you say to our visitors to promote the diving you have to offer?
Our diving center is centrally located on a private jetty, a few meters away from the reef on this famous diver’s island. Vilamendhoo is located directly between two channels, making the spectacular house reef very versatile and it therefore ranks amongst the best in the Maldives for diving and snorkeling.
The location on the eastern reef of South Ari Atoll guarantees a good supply of fresh water for excellent coral growth and plenty of fish. With over 50 dive sites and a fantastic house reef with ten entry points, Vilamendhoo is the perfect diver’s paradise for beginners and experienced divers.
Even the wreck ‘Kudhimaa’ is only a 30 minute boat ride away and is one of the regularly visited dive sites. South of the island you find a protected Marine Area, Khudarah Thila, an exceptional place for divers and of course the national park at the outside reef. Three times a week full day trips are offered to search for whale sharks in this area throughout the year.
Find out more about Euro-Divers at www.euro-divers.com. Follow Euro-Divers Vilamendhoo on their Facebook page or email the team at vilamendhoo@euro-divers.com.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)
In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.
Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.
Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit www.thebreakers-somabay.com.
Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.
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