Best Dives’ SEMI-SUBMARINE a big hit

Best Dives Pvt. Ltd., the company that unveiled one of the country’s first semi-submarines at Jumeirah Vittaveli last year, reports their semi-sub excursion is a roaring success. The semi-sub, which accommodates fourteen people, makes four daily trips at Jumeirah Vittaveli due to immense popularity.

“It’s an absolute hit with guests, especially children,” says Trevor Bowden, operational manager at Best Dives Vittaveli. “The kids love it; it’s like being in their very own private aquarium. You never know what’s coming; the fish life is so rich. Even when the semi-sub sits still, fish will swim to it, the jacks will chase the smaller ones, the lionfish will glide past slowly. It’s a fascinating world down there.”

Since launching the first semi-sub, the company has acquired four additional vessels. “Business is expanding, we’re moving forward,” says Trevor. “We have placed one semi-sub with Outrigger Konotta down in Huvadhu Atoll, one at Centara Ras Fushi in Malé Atoll, another’s soon to be with Centara Grand in South Ari Atoll. The rest are being leased to other resorts in the Maldives.”

Other operations

In addition to semi-sub operations, Best Dives owns and operates five luxury yachts that the company uses for excursions and leases out for transportation. The Aicon is their most elegant vessel. “It’s just an exceptional yacht,” says Trevor. “It has an air-conditioned saloon, a spacious bedroom and a great deck where guests can just kick back and enjoy the ride.” Windy, their second luxury yacht, takes luxury cruising to even greater heights. Both vessels are used for personalised luxury cruises down to South Ari atoll where guests can spot the splendid whale shark and manta ray.

“The idea is to have a romantic cruise all the way down there and be thrilled at the sight of these fascinating creatures,” says Trevor. “The Maldives is really lucky to be home to such incredible fish.” Guests can also visit the local islands for lunch or at one of the resorts in South Ari atoll.

Best Dives also makes good use of the manta season between April and November, when they take divers to the dive site off Gili Lankanfushi to see these elegant creatures. They do a slew of other activities as well, including luxury big game fishing on their dedicated, luxurious big game yacht, the Bimbaloca, dolphin tours and romantic sandbank experiences, on vessels of the guests’ choosing.

“The sandbank experience is a quintessentially Maldivian affair,” says Trevor. “We go the extra mile for guests who join us on the excursion, ensuring that everything is set up by the time they arrive. The tents are pitched, the food and drink are ready to be served. We sometimes integrate the sandbank trip with the dolphin tour, it makes for a very unforgettable experience.”

The romantic lobster dinner aboard their luxury yachts is another popular event. The yacht is lit up with fairy-lights and the table is beautifully set. “If guests want to cruise out into the ocean, they can,” explains Trevor. “Or they can stay anchored at the harbour and enjoy their meal. We have the capability and flexibility to tailor the experience to the needs of the guest.”

Since its establishment in 2003, Best Dives continues to be a leading brand in the dive & water sports and excursions market. Today, the company’s reach extends to six luxury resorts in the Maldives.