Maldives

Sun, sea and fish! A tropical dream

Maldives

Sun, sea and fish! A tropical dream

Tip

This island group is known for the most ultimate pictures of beautiful white beaches and blue seas. The Maldives offer the ultimate summer beach vacation. And for us fishermen, big GTs, tuna, wahoo, barracuda, sailfish, marlin or grouper fit in perfectly. Here we have the ideal and ultimate fishing trip.

Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, consists of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean southwest of India. In total, there are no less than 1190 coral islands spread over an area of about 90,000 km². But the total land area is only just under 300 km². The largest island is 5 km² and there are only 9 islands larger than 2 km². Two hundred islands are inhabited and of these, 88 are set up as tourist resorts.

ALSO AVAILABLE AS GUIDED GROUPTRIP FROM 8 TILL 17 DECEMBER 2022

This location is located on the island of Keyodhoo and is 80 kilometers from the capital Male. The island is a typical fishing island of the Vaavu Atoll. This atoll is barely inhabited and barely used for tourism. You are staying on the island together with the local population but then without the large and expensive resorts. Here you have overwhelming sandbanks, deserted islands and untouched reefs where you can snorkel endlessly.

On Keyodhoo there are several small stores for daily needs as well as a school, mini clinic, mosque, restaurant and souvenir shop. Part of the beach is reserved for tourists but there are also tours offered to deserted islands with beautiful islands. In the two small local cafes you can enjoy the local delicacies in combination with coffee or tea. The local harbor is lively in the afternoon when the boats return from sea. There is a volleyball court and the locals play cards. No resort with cultivated beaches and excessive luxury but together with the locals, making memories and enjoying the friendly people and the impressive island.

Keyodhoo is one of the easternmost islands of the Maldives and because of that you have direct access to the endless Indian Ocean. In addition you have the opportunity to do every type of fishing imaginable. Popping, jigging, trolling, live bait, fly fishing, bottom fishing and whatever else you can think of. Here it's all possible. And the list of species to catch is almost endless. Giant travelly, bluefin trevally, jacks, sailfish, marlin, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, bonito, mah mahi, barracuda, wahoo, sharks, groupers, snappers and so on. And there are regularly very large specimens among them!

Most fishing is done on the outer reefs of the atolls. Here the seabottom reaches down to depths of 1000 and 2000 meters, also called drop offs. This is the place where the waves break on the reefs and that is also the favorite place for many species including the GT.

Various currents and "Ripps" run along the atolls. The large tidal difference and the shallow areas of the atoll create an interesting current for fishing. Here you can go perfectly trolling with artificial lures or natural bait. Particularly successful is the southernmost tip of the Vavuu Atoll. Here the drop off runs to more than 2000 meters depth and different currents come together. Fishing is also done on the inside of the atolls, but the chances of losing a fish due to line damage are considerably higher.

Unlike the luxury resorts, fishing from the shore/beach or sandbars is allowed on the island of Keyodhoo. This is often an ideal place for fly fishermen to wade in search of our fishy friends. If you want to flyfish with the boat there is always a guide / spotter on board to assist.

This location is situated on a typical fishing island and not a tourist resort island. This means that fish that are too damaged or lack strength to be released are used as food for the entire local population. So where possible there is catch & release but fish are also used as regular food. Sharks are protected and should be released at all times and as soon as possible.

It is also possible to spend a day fishing the traditional Maldivian way. First, many small baitfish are caught and then the tuna schools are sought. Then, with a traditional stick and line, you catch the fish and pull them in at once. Hard work and lots of fish but you have to like it because this is not really sportfishing.

The accommodation is set up according to western standards with the necessary luxury for an unforgettable vacation in the Maldives, combined with local life on a typical local island. In addition to fishing, excursions are possible to sandbanks, uninhabited islands and pristine reefs. And of course, while fishing, you can also take a break on a local sandbank and take a refreshing dip.

There are three different locations on the island where three different levels of accommodation are also offered.

DELUXE (4 rooms)
SUPERIOR (5 rooms)
STANDARD (5 rooms)

You are staying in double rooms where the beds can be seperated. All rooms have full air conditioning, private showers, sinks and toilets. Clean and fresh bedlinen, towels and bath towels are included and rooms are cleaned daily. There is also free wifi, open kitchen, a cozy living room and the in-house restaurant. Smoking is only allowed in the garden and outside.

The difference in the type of room is in the space and comfort. In general, the "standard room" is good, the "superior room" better and the "deluxe room" the most comfortable.

In the separate restaurant all meals are served for the guests. Delicious local food with lots of fish, fruits, rice and delicious local dishes. You are not going to be short of anything here. This location is going to pamper you completely with the incomparable "ALL-INCLUSE-PACKAGE" where three meals, snacks and soft drinks (water, cola, juices, coffee and tea) are included. Depending on the day's schedule, lunch can be held as a picnic or BBQ on one of your stay days. It is also possible to snorkel at no extra cost, or visit a deserted island or sandbar on NOT fishing days.

On the island the owner also has a fairly extensive and complete angling store where you can buy any necessary materials such as extra poppers, stickbaits, lures, leaders etc. Not very cheap but most of it is available in case you are short of something.

Note: Alcohol is not served on the island because of religion and it is not allowed to bring your own. It is expected that this may change in the future.

The dhoni is the traditional mode of transportation in the Maldives. Originally they were fishing boats or boats to transport goods, and they now serve multiple purposes. Equipped with a diesel engine, the dhonis take tourists from Male to the various islands of the atolls or are used for excursions to the nearby islands.

The construction of a dhoni has remained unchanged for centuries and is pure handicraft that takes place only in the Maldives. Over the years, dhonis have been perfectly adapted to the prevailing conditions of Maldivian waters and weather conditions. The hull is made of the very hard wood of the coconut palm tree. The wood has the property of being so strong and resilient that a collision of the boat will hardly cause any damage.

Today's modern dhoni has gained speed due to larger diesel engines, making the hulls narrower than in earlier years. Additional structures have also been realized to protect the engines and passengers.

There are several options at this location:

Fishing Dhoni ‘Jupiter 3’ and ‘Jupiter 7’
Our two fishing dhoni combine the traditional Maldivian hull shape with the demands of modern anglers: plenty of deck space for popping and jigging, a large live bait tank, a fighting chair for big game fishing (only available on one boat) and 130lbs/80lbs/50lbs/30lbs equipment for trolling.

21-foot flatboat ‘Jupiter 6
To take you fly-fishing on the plains, we use the 21ft flatboat built for this purpose. The 60hp engine will reliably take you and up to 3 other anglers to your fishing target.

23ft centre console ‘Jupiter 5’
Jupiter 5 is a 23ft centre console boat that allows you to fish popping and jigging with up to two anglers. With two 60hp engines, you can dynamically fish different spots and reefs in the atoll.

Speedboat ‘Jupiter 8
Specially designed for popping and jigging, the modern 38ft boat can accommodate up to 5 anglers. Jupiter 8 can withstand rough water and with its two 250hp engines, you can even take multi-day trips to remote atolls.

The boats are for different types of fishing such as jigging, popping, bottom fishing, trolling, live bait fishing. On the bow, stern and upper decks suitable rod holders are mounted as well as Hummingbird fish finder, Canon downrigger, outrigger, nets, gave and AFTCO Tailer (tail loop). Since "stand up" fishing is preferred, a Blackmagic Gimbal & Harness (Standard tm XL) is also on board. This does make the drill of a serious fish more comfortable.

In case you do not have the material yourself it is possible to use it from the location. Perfect material from Penn, Daiwa, Accurate snd Shimano which can be used for jigging, trolling and popping. The material can be used free of charge but anything that will be broken has to be replaced and paid for. It is neccessary to bring your own terminal tackle as poppers, lures, jigs, hooks and leader material.

Seasons

There are two seasons in the Maldives, and each season offers a variety of fishing due to changes in currents, small but significant differences in water temperature and plankton movements.

NORTH EAST MONSOON (November-April)

It takes the water from east to west through the atolls from December onwards. Water clarity improves to over 30 or more metres on the eastern sides of the atolls. This current feeds all life forms at the channel edges and reefs. A variety of fish species gather here. The current is generally stronger in February, but the surface water is somewhat calmer then. Water temperatures rise to 30 degrees and billfish often hunt in somewhat deeper water. These conditions remain calm until early April when rain clouds slowly build from the southwest. From then on, the current runs through the atolls to the west.

SOUTH WEST MONSOON (May - October)

In the southwest monsoon season, you have a good chance of catching yellowfin tuna on the west side of the atolls at 10 to 20 kilometers distance from the atoll. The current is usually weaker and water clarity reaches 30 meters plus. The water temperature is slightly lower on average, which means the fish are closer to the atolls. Since weather conditions are less predictable during this period (possible wind and rain for a period of 3-4 days), it is important to consider fishing during this period. This is the period with the most rain per month. However, this period can offer you the greatest variety of fish if you can get to the right fishing grounds. In the Maldives there are hardly any days that are completely gray. The sun often shows itself in between showers.

For popping for GT and fly fishing, the conditions and fishing opportunities are good all year round. And also fishing around the reefs for grouper, snapper, barracuda, several trevally species, Giant Trevally, pompano, etc. can be caught here all year round.

Transfers

1. Local ferry:

Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet one of the staff at the exit to welcome you and escort you to Vilingili Ferry Terminal. There you will first take the ferry that leaves every 10 minutes from the airport to Male. The trip takes only a few minutes and costs per person per one USD. Further ferry transportation to Keyodhoo is possible, depending on the arrival option, up to three times a week:

MALE - KEYODHOO | Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays: The ferry departs at 10 am from Vilingili Ferry Terminal from Male.

KEYODHOO - MALE | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: The ferry arrives at Vilingili Ferry Terminal in Male at 14:20.

This is the route: Male - Maafushi - Fulidhoo - Thinadhoo - Felidhoo - Keyodhoo

You may have to leave the ferry at Fulidhoo and transfer. The crew members will inform and assist you in that case. This route takes about 6 hours and the cost is $10 per person each way. There is a toilet on board! In case of bad weather, there may be shifts or the ferry may not depart!

2. Vaavu atoll speedboat ferry

This boat departs from the capital Male and is possible on these days:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: Departure at 11 am with route Male - Keyodhoo

The route back from Keyodhoo to Male / airport is possible on :

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: Arrival at 16:00

The boat then goes first to the capital and then to the airport. The trip takes 2 hours and the price is 70,- USD one way per person.

3. Private speedboat ferry

The transfer by private speedboat allows you to set a personal time upon arrival at the airport. This transfer can be booked upon request and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The current price is 600,- USD per one-way trip. For this option we try to find several guests to reduce the costs.

Due to religion, Friday is a day of rest and there is no fishing on the island. It is therefore recommended to arrive on Friday and travel to the location by private ferry. If you want to arrive on a different day, that is no problem, but you have to take into account that Friday is a day of rest and no fishing.

General

The inhabitants of the Maldives are Muslims. Therefor it is important to mention some important customs and traditions.

The consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited in the Maldives. Alcohol may only be served in tourist resorts. In this location, on an island inhabited by locals, alcohol will NOT be served and consumed. Not even by bringing it yourself! The importation and use of drugs is also strictly prohibited!

Female travelers should keep their shoulders and knees covered on the island. For all trips with our Dhoni, wearing European swimwear is of course allowed. There is also a separate area on the beach on Keyodhoo where you can stay in swimwear!

Muslims pray 5 times a day. In doing so, the first prayer is at 5 o'clock in the morning and this may be heard.

This location supports the initiative "Protect the Maldives." In order to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives we follow the rules of the project and ask our guests to respect them as well. Upon arrival, you will receive the brochure of "Protect the Maldives" and be asked to follow these simple rules. The information material should remain in the house for use by subsequent guests.

To visit the Maldives you need to have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure. On the plane or at the airport you will be given a tourist visa form to fill out. Bring the booking documents we sent you by e-mail as well. You will need these documents for passport control upon entry. Without these documents you may be denied entry! Your luggage will be screened upon entry. You are not allowed to bring alcohol, drugs, pornography or pork into the Maldives. The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country.

Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our team members at the exit of the airport. You will recognize him by his T-shirt and sign with the Jupiter logo. If you miss him, please go to the "Help Desk" counter left of the exit. Our staff will also assist you at the speedboat terminal (at the airport) and/or at the ferry terminal (in Male).

If you have any questions or concerns during your trip, please contact the following people:

Nafiu Ahmed (speaks English) 00960-7938883

Kubbe (guest manager, speaks Italian and English) 00960-7875519

Hafiz Hussain (speaks English and Italian) 00960-7973856

All payments on arrival (ferries, speedboat) should be made in cash and US Dollar only. So make sure you have small denominations in your pocket. Exchanging dollars on the spot will not be easy. Other forms of payment or currency are not accepted for the ferries.

In the residence itself, you can pay in cash in US dollars or by credit card.

For payments by credit card and bank transfer, we are required to apply a transaction fee:

• Visa & Mastercard: 3.5% of the bill

• Amex & American Express: 4.5 % of the bill

• Bank transfer: 2.5 % of the account

Please note: Maldives only accepts new dollar bills (2006-2016)! Additional services or usage outside of the inclusive services are registered on a separate account and settled at the end of the stay.

Because of its location around the equator, the intensity of the sun is strong. Unprotected sunbathing or swimming will by definition lead to sunburn. So regularly apply a good sunscreen with the highest protection factor, even in cloudy weather. For those of you who go snorkeling, it is recommended that you wear a long-sleeved T-shirt as protection from the sun. For your entire stay, the motto is to avoid the sun as much as possible. For fishing, a long-sleeved sunscreen shirt and buff with UV protection are recommended in combination with a fishing cap.

For protecting your feet in the water, we recommend bringing neoprene shoes as well as a mosquito repellent for the evenings.

Tipping allows you to express how satisfied you are with the team's service. You can give it to employees individually or put it in the tip jar in the restaurant. Tips from the tip jar are divided equally among the entire team.

Prices

Season 1: January to April and October to December

Season 2: May to September

season 1 season 2
DELUXE single 150 130
DELUXE double 110 100
SUPERIOR single 145 125
SUPERIOR double 110 95
STANDARD single 140 120
STANDARD double 100 90

Price per person in euros including:

- national taxes

- three meals

- water, coffee, tea and soft drinks

- daily (not friday) swimming and snorkeling on sandbank (9-15.00)

- 1 x night fishing (17.30 - 20.00) per group

- from 7 nights stay 20 min back massage per adult (October tm April)

Exclusive:

- tips

- Green tax 3,- pppd

- Island tax 2,- pppd

Dhoni „Fishingdhoni“ 500
Centre Console „Jupiter 5“ Vaavu Atoll 520
Centre Console „Jupiter 5“ Meemu Atoll 620
Flat Boat, Popping or flyfishing (inkl. Spotter) 400
Speedboat „Jupiter 8“ Vaavu Atoll 1000
Speedboat „Jupiter 8“ Meemu Atoll 1200
Speedboat „Jupiter 8“ Faafu Atoll 1300
Live-Bait fishing: Maldive Style 800

Whole day is from 06.00 tm 16.00

Half day is from 06.00 tm 11.00 hours

Fishing Dhoni live bait Maldivian style from 08.00 - 17.30 hours

Price is per boat per day including gasoline and angling equipment excluding terminal tackle. Equipment lost or damaged must be reimbursed.

Night fishing short 5:30 - 8:00 pm 100,-

Night fishing long 5:30 - 11 pm 300 ,-

Price is per boat and not including a full day of fishing

These prices do not include flights and transfers. If flights do not connect with the ferry times, it is possible to arrange an extra hotel stay locally in Male.

Maldives

Maldives

View the location on the map

Andaman

Mauritius

Djibouti