Well, it’s not exactly a bucket list destination, but it’s always been a destination that’s been on my radar. I didn’t think I would ever be able to afford the Maldives on my own (and let’s get real…I still can’t, but I felt it was an opportunity I could no pass up). However, it was worth every penny I spent and will continue to pay off. HAHAHA

When I initially agreed to go to the Maldives (w. DumDee Diving), I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. My friends were like…we’re going to the Maldives on this date…wanna go? I did first ask how much it would cost (which was A LOT). But, when I did my Baramee analysis…is there value in it…would it be worth it…the answer was a resounding yes…so I agreed, without knowing much other than it was an 8-day adventure of living on a boat in the Maldives.

As my friends and I continued to talk about the trip, I came to find out we were going to the Deep South, Maldives which is all about the sharks. Um, excuse me…what?!?!?! What did I just get myself into. On top of the sharks…the current was known for being fairly strong. OMG, am I ready for this? Nope, I definitely would need more practice. (And that’s why I went on so many trips between July and February – granted, only 2 more were really planned and not the 4 I actually went on).

To bolster my skills, Koh Losin and Koh Racha/Phi Phi were planned for September. I felt the gap between October and February was too great, so I needed a trip in Dec/Jan. I booked December (spending more money than I wanted, but gaining confidence in my skills)…and ended up also going on another trip in January by accident-ish. Both December and January trips were in the North Andaman Sea. I am now more than well prepared for the Maldives.

And the Maldives, turned out to be amazing…with each day, each dive being better than the next. In normal liveaboard life…3-4 days never seemed enough. In the Maldives, each dive was a workout and 6 days of diving was too much. However, 8 days with my friends was NOT enough. I’m glad we have a group chat to continue our shenanigans.

Maldives would also be the place where I would dive the deepest I’ve ever dived (49.9m, that’s .1m away from 50m). But without having gone that deep, I would not have seen the SHARKS in their super natural habitat. There were so many sharks…and manta rays…and sea turtles. It was such a cool experience. I’m now even more ready to explore the world under the sea.

On my list still: oceanic manta rays, thresher sharks, a clearer view of the hammerhead shark, guitarfish…

Maldives – Highlights
Diving | Diving with sharks | Time with friends | Night snorkeling with a whale shark

Maldives – Lowlights
the crazy current at times | the constant humidity | the times with no breeze | pregnant pineapple triggerfish | the room was not as shown in pictures