Kuredu Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Flights into Male International Airport are standard as passenger boat services are not operated.

Transfer to the Lhaviyani Atoll, being the northernmost tourist resort in the Maldives, is usually by air taxi (approximately a 40-minute flight). Boat transfers are sometimes available (depending on demand) but this is not recommended as it can take around 4-6 hours and can be very uncomfortable. The sea between atolls can get very rough.

Kuredu is one of the larger tourist islands in the Maldives, but you can still walk around its circumference (along the beach) in 40 minutes to 1 hour.

There are vehicles on the island but these are generally only used by the staff to transport heavy equipment.Shoes are rarely necessary, even in the restaurant areas. There is a single taxi that runs from morning to 11pm and this can be summoned from any one of the three reception areas to take you to another reception or spa.

Scuba diving is the main attraction of the Island and is nothing short of world class. The snorkelling is also very good, but not for the fainthearted. There is a large variety of fish, as well as several species of shark and ray.

Diving in Kuredu is most definitely intermediate to advanced, as the currents can get quite strong in places. The dive staff are extremely competent, however, and will never take you anywhere that they do not think you can handle. Advanced divers should try the 'Kuredu Express' dive site, as there is a very strong probability of Sharks and Manta Rays. The current can get very strong, and visibility poorer than normal, so a negatively buoyant entry is usually required.

The 'lagoon' area of the island (between the beach and where the reef starts) is home to many infant reef sharks and stingrays. Neither of these are dangerous unless you more-or-less stand on them, but they are very beautiful to behold. The Reef Sharks in particular may come towards you, even whilst paddling at the shore edge.

There is a spa located on the island offering various treatments.

Kuredu is one of the only islands in the Maldives to contain a full 9 hole golf course.

There is a shop selling a few basics (towels, sun cream, hats, souvenirs), but it is very expensive, so it would be best to bring everything you need with you. There is also a dive shop that has a good selection of t-shirts, and some good ex-rental equipment for sale.

Food in the standard restaurant is varied and good. However, unless you have an all-inclusive package, it is extremely expensive, though lunch is ca. $17 US and dinner ca. $27 US.

There are a la carte restaurants available that you can't use with an all-inclusive option.

You are not allowed to bring any form of alcohol into the country, but alcohol is served in all the tourist resorts including Kuredu. There are several bars which can get busy at night.

Several types of accommodation are available, and most come with a private bit of beach.

• Kuredu Resort & Spa, Lhaviyani Atoll, ☏ +960 662-0337, [email protected]. (updated Oct 2012)