As you can see by the picture below - it says on the back on the shirt Sting Ray Feeding - Sun Island. The guide informed us that the large ones coming into feed were Manta Rays. You feed them fish that were left over from food preperation

If what they were feeding were either of the pics below, they're Stingrays.





Have been 3 times now and still not seen any Mantas, so I'm gutted if you've been able to feed them !

Just a quick note to say we have now booked for Veligandu for 12th November - cant wait!!

Thanks to all for advice and information, dont know how we would have managed to decide without your input.

Christine

Well done Christine - hope you have a fantastic time. Did you manage to book it through Crown tours in the end?

Tracy

Hi tracy,

In the end I booked through Southtravels, who were cheaper than Crown Tours, I have my confirmation so fingers crossed all will be OK.

we are soooo excited as it will be our first long haul for many years, since the kids arrived its been Balearics- Canaries- balearics. we are only actually there for a week (cant leave the kids any longer, they would be fine I'm sure but i wouldnt), but still, a week in paradise is better than nothing.

Christine
I have done quite a few long hauls for one week only. Its well worth it!

Sorry Daza, but the guide was leading you up the garden path. Mantas do not come in to the shallows to feed. You'll never actually see one that close to the shore, unless it had died and been washed up (even that would be very unlikely).
Manta rays are filter feeders, preying on microscopic organisms such as copepods, mysids (small shrimp-like creatures), and the larvae of fish, lobster, and octopus. They could not cope with large chunks of fish. Their mouths are located at the front of the body so they can take in their dietary needs whilst swimming, other rays have their mouths underneath, as they are generally bottom feeders and dwellers.

As you can see here, they are totally different - in shape and size (they grow to well over 20ft across) - from a stingray.

Can anyone tell me the differences between a 4* and 5* resort on the Maldives. We usually stay in a 5* in Europe but the prices for 5* in Maldives is so much more. I know that the differences usually mean the little touches such as night service, waiter service on your sun beds etc. Which is what makes our holiday special. Is it the same for the Maldives or are there greater differences. We are worried that we may miss the little extras even though the Maldives are paradise islands. Is there anyone who has done both?

Many thanks

Trish

Hi, I have just returned from 2 weeks in Sun Island and it is a fantastic place. I would recommend this island to anyone as one minute you can choose to sit on a quiet beach front or down at the beach bar. The next minute you can lounge around a hugh pool surrounded by palm trees with waiters asking what you would like to drink.

I am putting some pictures on my website at http://tony-cook.co.uk/maldives/maldives1.htm Over the next couple of weeks I will put more pictures and hopefully have my review written up.

Check out SUN ISLAND --- It is a 5 star resort that is much cheaper than many 4 star resorts.
We usually pay around £1300 each for a 2 week AI break
Some 4 Star resorts we were quoted £1700 each

Don't forget that Maldives will be more expensive than European destinations as everything you eat & drink on the island has to be imported to these tiny islands from the main land by boat -- and also it is a lot futher on the plane than Europe

Wow - those pictures bring back some memories.......

Well only 6 week till we jet off to Sun Island again - so hopefully we will have great weather as it looks like you did... Look forward to the review.

Thanks Daza for the reply. We have looked at all the resorts and used different critera for choosing an Island, ie looking at what we want from the holiday before checking out what star it is. We have settled on Mirihi because it is so small and we want that Robinson Crusoe feel, also the reviews are really good. Its also a 4+* which was lucky.

Many thanks

Trish

We are going to the Taj Coral Reef in Feb and wondered what those of you who have been to the Maldives (in general, not just the T.C.R.) would definately take or definately not take (I don't want to take shirts&ties and shoes if I won't need them on an evening!). Also what is the duty free like at the airport?

Cheers
Rob.

Hi,

I've been to the maldives 3 times and you definitly won't need

Shoes (just take a pair of flip flops and you'll be fine)
Trousers - the temperature at night is around 27-28 degrees all year round so it is so warm everyone wears shorts (or cropped trousers or a skirt for ladies at night).

Definitely no ties but if you want to add a casual short sleeve shirt to a smart pair of shorts for a special meal then you could without feeling out of place, but apart from that t shirts are the order of the day. Just think casual the whole time - even the 5 star resorts no-one wears trousers or shoes if the floors at the bars and restaurants are sandy.

Take - insect repllent (mozzies can be troublesome at this time of year)
Take - pleanty of books

The duty free shopping area at male is very small - but what they have is keenly priced. I bought a Raymond Weil diamond watch and it was $600 cheaper at Male than at Dubai during our stop there. I think spirts were $16 a litre and ciggerettes $30 for 400. There is also a great jewellers - but haggle to get the bet prices.

http://www.swordfishradio.co.uk/PublicMaayafushi/index.htm

or have a nose at...

http://www.maayafushi.co.uk

Have a nose at Maayafushi?

Ive got some more info on my site at http://www.maayafushi.co.uk

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Cheers, Martin.

Hi there.

Another thing to point out - take small denominations of dollars to tip your waiter, your room boy and the boy who carries your bags. You won't need much money (if you are all inclusive) as they are signed to your room and you pay before you leave.

Take plenty of shorts and t-shirts (I found that I didn't take enough shorts as I was snorkelling in them as well as wearing them at night). You won't need underwear either (except for probably arrival and departure). It's just too warm.

Make sure you take plenty of high factored sun cream as this is expensive at the island. As I tend to burn very easily (I burned the first day we arrived and couldn't walk for 3 days) I use Avon's kid's factor 50 which is waterproof and water resistant. It's very thick but extremely brilliant. Apply at least 3 times per day if you are out in the sun.

Snorkel and mask from UK would be better than hiring and probably more hygenic too. Flippers may come in useful if there are strong currents.

The only other thing I would suggest is you take maybe some crisps (pringles etc) as it is a long time between lunch and dinner. Buying these local is expensive as everything is imported.

I have been once and am going again leaving Heathrow on 19 February, flying with Sri Lankan Airways. Going to Velidhu Island. When are you going?

Any further info, just ask.

Thanks (to both of you) for all the info. Not going for a while yet - flying out on the 14th of Feb!

I am off to Reethi beach on Sunday (yay!!!) and am a bit worried because the weather forecasts all say rain/thunderstorms/cloud! Has anyone just got back or previously been to the Maldives at this time year so they can tell me what the weather is really like...