Conrad Maldives Launches Snorkelling with Scientists Trips in May and June

Diving enthusiasts will have the opportunity to go snorkelling with scientists this summer as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island launches a new twice-weekly excursion called "Whale Sharks - Snorkelling with the Scientists".

The snorkelling trips can be enjoyed by tourists enjoying scuba diving holidays at the luxury resort in May and June, 2012.

Image by EcoColors, on Flickr

Marine biologists from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) will lead the three-hour trips and participants will have the chance to learn more about the magnificent creatures from the experts as well the opportunity to swim with them in the turquoise crystal clear ocean waters.

The snorkelling excursions cost $200 per person and profits will go towards the MWSRP, a UK-based whale shark research charity. The trips will be available again in November when the MWSRP researchers return to Conrad Maldives to continue their research for four more months.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and can be found in the Maldives all year round. The sharks are filter-feeders and are on the red list for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as being classified as "vulnerable to extinction".

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll, an area of the Maldives that is one of the best destinations for scuba diving adventures in the world. It combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands that are linked by a bridge and surrounded by a colourful coral reef and a sparkling turquoise lagoon. Guest accommodation at Conrad Maldives includes 50 luxurious Water Villas, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 Spa Water Villas.

Image by Greenpeace International, on Flickr

During scuba diving holidays in the Maldives, guests will be able to enjoy a wide choice of activities and facilities such as access to private white sand beaches, a yoga pavilion, fitness suite, an overwater spa, six gourmet restaurants, plus scuba diving, snorkelling, and submarine safaris.

The upscale resort offers scuba diving in the Maldives with a difference thanks to the three-seater submarine, Nemo N100. The submarine can accommodate two passengers at a time and they can explore the resort's stunning coral reef which runs along the length of Rangali Island in a 30-minute trip. During the trip the passengers will have the chance to get up close to some exquisite marine species including bright soft corals, colourful tropical fish, sting rays, reef sharks, turtles and even dolphins and whale sharks.