4 Stars

Jan - Dec

13 Hours

Advanced

From £2250

Bandos Island Resort & Spa

A well established and stunning island resort only 20 minutes from Male airport

Bandos Island is fully encircled by pearly white beaches, turquoise waters and a never ending blue sky blessed with abundant sunshine. The small nature of this island means that every guest is catered for individually and holding the title of ‘The Island of Hospitality’ you will not be disappointed. The island emanates a sense of calm and beauty, which is perfectly suited to those romantic getaways or just a couple of weeks away from the office. Based in the North Male Atoll, the Bandos Island Resort & Spa is only a 15 minute speedboat ride from Male international airport, ideal for those who don’t want to travel far for their perfect holiday. With approximately 45 dive sites in close proximity to the island you will never have to look far before you encounter the next amazing spectacle of underwater life. Be it a dozen manta rays or some schooling reef fish you will be enthralled for every minute you spend down there.

The Bandos Island Resort & Spa has a wide range of accommodation, from the exclusive and outstanding Jacuzzi Pool Villa and the Water Villas to the practical beach-hut inspired Garden Villas and Deluxe Rooms. Bandos can accommodate any diversity of guest in luxury and comfort. Being an island resort guests have full access to all the beach has to offer and when not diving, guests can spend endless hours on the beautiful and famous Bandos House Reef.

Being one of the well-established centres in the Maldives, Dive Bandos has excellent knowledge of the area around North Male. The professional and friendly staff will make every guest feel at ease whilst being guided around the vibrant underwater gardens. The dive centre has its own air conditioned audio visual classroom so each guest can complete a number of PADI dive courses. Also fitted with a library and hot water showers the centre provides everything a new diver would need. Visiting dive sites such as the famous Banana Reef, Victory Wreck as well as up to 45 other diving spots, you will be spoiled with the abundance of marine life seen throughout your stay. From manta rays and sharks to awe inspiring coral reefs there is never a dull moment in the underwater world around Bandos.

Within the Bandos Island Resort & Spa there are 3 bars, 2 restaurants and 1 café each providing something a little bit different and unique. The Koon Thai Restaurant is elegantly designed and overlooks the beauty of the lagoon. The Thai cuisine is prepared by passionate chefs and you can opt to sit either inside or outside to let the gentle breeze enhance your dining experience. The Gallery is the main restaurant at Bandos with 3 spacious pods where you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner with an elaborate buffet selection open to all guests on each board basis. The Sea Breeze café is situated right upon the water’s edge, here you can sit back and relax whilst dining on some carefully prepared home comforts such as spaghetti bolognese, curry or pizza. Open around the clock the chefs can prepare a meal for you whenever it suits you.

The 3 bars on the island are all very different. In the day time enjoy the Pool Bar where you can refresh yourself with a fruit smoothie or an ice cream. Watch the breathtakingly beautiful sunset with a cocktail from the Sundowners Bar located just by the dive centre. You can also enjoy a freshly made cocktail at the Sand Bar whilst you sing along with the karaoke nights and dance to the live bands.

Please note :The Maldivian Government has implemented 3.5% GST (Goods and Service Tax) from the 01st January 2011. This Tax will be charged to all clients for all services provided at the resort, which will also include additional diving services. Pre-booked hotel prices include this charge.

Board Basis

Bed & Breakfast Daily breakfast
All inclusive Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the Sand and Sundowners Bar and the Gallery restaurant
Standard Room

Standard room

Located on the north east side of the island, standard rooms offer spectacular beachfront locations with unique thatched ceilings and beautiful wooden furniture. Spacious and elegant this room can easily accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults a child.

  • Mini Bar
  • International Telephone
  • Hairdryer
  • En-suite Bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • T.V.
  • Double or Twin beds
Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Being able to accommodate families with up to 2 small children, deluxe rooms are very spacious and appealing. Whether you wish to relax as a couple or bring the whole family the elegant and understated beachfront rooms will accommodate you perfectly.

  • Mini Bar
  • Hairdryer
  • En-suite Bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Direct Dial Telephone
  • T.V.
  • King bed
Garden Villa bedroom

Garden Villa

Located at the centre of the island near to the swimming pool, these elegantly furnished villas accommodate those who wish to enjoy the lush vegetation and flower gardens of the island whilst sitting out on a private patio after a great day’s diving.

  • Mini Bar
  • Hairdryer
  • En-suite Bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Direct Dial Telephone
  • Patio
  • T.V.
  • King bed
Jacuzzi Villa

Jacuzzi Beach Villa

Situated on the breath taking white sandy beachfront these elegantly designed duplex villas enable you to appreciate the luxury of the beach from the balcony. Boasting separate but beautifully designed bedroom and living area it is a perfect place to relax. Alternatively unwind and indulge yourself in your private jacuzzi with its thatched roof nestled within the lush tropical vegetation.

  • Mini Bar
  • International Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Satellite Channels
  • King bed
  • Jacuzzi
  • Electronic Safe
  • Open air en-suite bathroom
Water Villa Aerial

Water Villa

With breath taking views of the beach and ocean you can delight in these prestigious water villas. Sitting out on the private sun deck or enjoying a dip in the private jacuzzi these wonderfully designed and fully furnished villas comprise a magical four poster bed. Situated over the water they will ensure a unique and unforgettable stay.

  • Mini Bar
  • En-suite Bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Internal Telephone
  • Satellite Channels
  • Private Sundeck
  • Open Air Shower
  • Jacuzzi
  • Electronic Safe
  • Four poster king bed
Jacuzzi Pool Villa

Jacuzzi Pool Villa

With a private infinity pool and sun deck with loungers overlooking the spectacular azure blue sea water absolute peace and luxury is guaranteed. This modern villa is located on the edge of the island so your view is of pure beauty.

  • Mini Bar
  • En-suite Bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
  • Internal Telephone
  • Satellite Channels
  • Private Sundeck
  • King bed
  • Jacuzzi
  • Electronic Safe
  • Private infinity pool

Map

Marcelina

Friday, 06 December 2013

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

Lured by the promise of world-class reefs and adrenaline-fueled shark encounters Marcelina Jesus ventures to the wild islands of Fiji.

Fabulous Fiji by Marcelina Jesus on Sport Diver Magazine

Available Experiences

Itineraries available in this destination

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What Our Customers Have To Say

Reviews from our Clients, Journalists, Photo Pro's and our own Experts

Our reviews and blogs are an additional guide to evaluate if the holiday is exactly what you are looking for or not. Some love an Eco-Resort, some love air-con and a flat screen TV, we aim to ensure you get what you are looking for, at great value for money.

Click the enquire button to make an enquiry for this resort or if you are interested in a bespoke itinerary. One of our experts will discuss the products available and create your personal itinerary.

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Dive Bandos

Bandos Island Resort & Spa

Dive Bandos was one of the first dive centres in the Maldives. It is a highly established, well-known company in the area and is a member of the internationally acclaimed PADI International Resort Association offering a wide range of courses and diving trips. They have multi-lingual instructors enabling them to conduct courses in English, German, Swiss, Italian, French, Japanese and Chinese and will provide you with all the necessary teaching materials in these languages. The professional staff will ensure that you experience the underwater delights in total safety.

The dive centre is spacious and consists of air-conditioned audio-visual classrooms, a library, hot water showers and large storage rooms. Located near to the Sundowners Bar you can go kick back and relax with a cold beer or exotic cocktail after an invigorating dive. They use state of the art equipment which includes international brands such as Mares, Scubapro, Aqua Lung, Dive Rite and Suunto and there is also an in-house service shop to ensure that all the equipment is regularly serviced.

Dive Bandos has a fleet of 4 modern, spacious fibre glass dhonis, all equipped with life vests, first aid equipment, DAN Oxygen Kits and radio to enable communication with the dive centre and the island. The experienced and well-trained boat crew are always ready to help you in any way they can. All staff are regularly trained in emergency first aid techniques.

Please note:


The dive prices below do not include the boat fees, and these will be paid directly by you at the dive centre counter.

Single boat dive - USD18

Two boat trips per day - USD34

Full day trip - USD40


Diving Courses:


Equipment is included in the courses listed. Manuals, certification fees and boat transportation are not included and will be charged at the dive centre. Manuals and certification fee costs around USD155 locally

Guided Night Dives have surcharge of USD12.00 per diver

Underwater lights are essential at USD8.00 per dive

All divers must do an orientation or check dive

Guided night dives must be booked one day in advance

Divers who have not dived for the last two years, it is mandatory to take a refresher course

The maximum depth limit for all divers is 30 meters

All divers must have knowledge of and dive with a dive computer

All divers must respect and preserve the diving environment and marine life


Important Notices:

The Maldivian Government has implemented a 12% GST (Goods and Service Tax) and will be charged to all clients for all services provided at the resort, which will also include additional diving services. Pre-booked diving rates include this charge.


PADI Discover Scuba Diving

This course is a subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course. If you're short on time but really want to become a diver, the PADI Scuba Diver rating might be right for you.

The PADI Scuba Diver course consists of three main phases:

PADI Open Water Diver (Inc Equipment)

This is the most popular dive program in the world! And can be your chance to have a lifetime of intense adventures.

The PADI Open Water Diver course consists of three main phases:

Knowledge Development ( online, independent study or in a classroom) to understand basic principles of scuba diving
Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills
Open Water Dives to use your skills and explore!

PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

The Advanced Open Water Diver program gives you the opportunity to take your diving skill to the next level through three new areas of diving.
You complete your Deep Dive, Underwater Navigation Dive, Night Dive and two other dives for a total of five to attain your Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

This certification includes five dives, including the Deep Diver, the Underwater Navigation Diver and three of the following: You’ll plan your learning path with your instructor by choosing from a long list of Adventure Dives. There are two required dives – Deep and Underwater Navigation – and you choose the other three, for a total of five dives. During the Deep Adventure Dive, you learn how to plan dives to deal with the physiological effects and challenges of deeper scuba diving. The Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive refines your compass navigation skills and helps you better navigate using kick-cycles, visual landmarks and time.

The other knowledge and skills you get vary with your interest and the adventures you have – photography, buoyancy control, fish identification, exploring wrecks and many more.

PADI Scuba Diver to Open Water Upgrade

This program will allow you to dive to depths of 18 metres and achieve the most popular dive program in the world!

From the beginning to end of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, including areas such as dive equipment and techniques that will give you the confidence and skill to become a responsible diver.

PADI Open Water Referral

This is the most popular dive program in the world! And can be your chance to have a lifetime of intense adventures.

From the beginning to end of the course, you will learn the fundamentals of scuba diving, including areas such as dive equipment and techniques that will give you the confidence and skill to become a responsible diver.

You attain this rating by completing five pool dives and a number of knowledge development sessions with a final exam (which is not rocket science its just diving) and by completing four open water dives.

PADI Adventure Diver

After your Open Water course, why not start a PADI Adventure Diver course and complete some 'Adventure Dives'? You can also take part in just 1 or 2 Adventure Dives if you prefer and these will also count towards the Advanced certification.

To become a certified PADI Adventure Diver you will need to have achieved 3 Adventure Dives with a PADI certified Instructor. These can be completed in as little as 1 day.

A choice of 3 dives of your choice out of a long list of possibilities with an Instructor

PADI Bubblemaker

Experience scuba diving under the direct supervision of a PADI Pro. Take your first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 metres/6ft. For children who are at least 8 years old.

Bubble makers get a chance to:

PADI Rescue Diver

Become a Rescue Diver. A great level to be. You will have the skills to aid your fellow divers in an emergency.

The PADI Rescue Diver course prepares you to deal with dive emergencies, minor and major, using a variety of techniques. Through knowledge development and rescue exercises, you learn what to look for and how to respond. During rescue scenarios, you put into practice your knowledge and skills. Topics include:

PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver

The most popular PADI specialty course. Scuba diving with enriched air nitrox gives you more no decompression time, especially on repetitive scuba dives.

You’ll learn why diving with air that has higher oxygen and lower nitrogen content gives you more bottom time, along with enriched air equipment considerations. During a practical session, and two optional (or required) scuba dives, you’ll:

PADI Deep Diver

Explore deeper dive sites with confidence at depths down to 40 metres/130ft. Learn to manage your gas supply, go over buddy contact procedures, and buoyancy control.

Your training starts by reviewing reasons for deep diving and how important it is to know your personal limits. During four deep dives with your instructor, you’ll go over:

PADI Night Diver

The underwater world changes as day creatures retire & nocturnal organisms emerge. If you've wondered what happens underwater after the sun goes down, enrol in the PADI Night Diver Specialty course.

Scuba diving at night teaches you to focus on what you can see in your light’s beam, on controlling your buoyancy by feel, on staying with your buddy and on paying attention to details you may overlook during the day. During three night dives, you’ll practice:

PADI Digital Underwater Photographer

The most popular diving specialties course. It’s easy and fun to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures.

Through hands-on training during two scuba dives and guidance from your PADI Professional, you’ll discover:

PADI Drift Diver

Drift diving can be relaxing and exhilarating. The course teaches you how to enjoy going with the flow as you scuba dive down rivers and use ocean currents to glide along.

Along with drift diving techniques and procedures, you’ll:

PADI Underwater Navigator

Fine-tune your underwater observation skills and learn to use your compass more accurately. This course may count towards college credit, ask your instructor.

You’ll learn the tools of the trade, including navigation using natural clues and by following compass headings. During three scuba dives, you’ll practice:

PADI Divemaster

Be a leader who mentors and motivates others. Gain dive knowledge, supervision abilities, and become a role model to divers around the world.

The PADI Dive master course teaches you to be a leader and take charge of dive activities. Through knowledge development sessions, water skills exercises and workshops, and hands-on practical assessment, you develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba diving activities. Topics and practical workshops include: