Dive Maldives is a detailed guide to diving in all the tourist atolls of the Maldives Archipelago. It contains 114 computer-generated maps with descriptions of over 270 dive sites based on the author's personal research over 12 years The maps are divided into three types: atoll, region and site maps. The atoll maps show the resorts in blue type with traditional island names in brackets. Also shown are uninhabited islands, reefs, Protected Marine Areas, heliports, channel names, and some of the well-known dive site locations. The region maps show the same features but in more detail with all the dive site locations described in this book. The dive site maps are useful references for divers and show the topography and scale of the reef. Through the use of symbols for features such as caves, overhangs, saddles and canyons, as well as commonly seen fish and marine life, divers get a pre-dive glimpse of what they can expect to see during the dive. Scattered throughout the book are 191 photographs with informative captions. All fish mentioned are listed in a separate index at the back and are grouped by class and family, with both their common and scientific name reported for easy identification. For those divers who have never been to this remote nation of 1190 islands, there is a useful section with practical information for travelers and divers, and an up-to-date index of resorts and live aboard vessels. Besides the diving related material, Dive Maldives covers other important aspects of this wonderful archipelago, including island history, Indian Ocean maritime history and shipwrecks, coral reef ecosystem and environmental problems. Although non-divers would find it extremely pleasant and interesting to read, this is indeed a book dedicated to divers, particularly those seeking a deeper knowledge and understanding of this top- class dive destination. Recommended to all those who want to know more than a simple dive guide can tell... And it comes in three versions too: English, German and Italian.
Tim Godfrey is the author and researcher of Dive Maldives: A Guide to the Maldives Archipelago and Atlas of the Maldives: A Reference for Travellers, Divers and Sailors. In 1996, he established his publishing company, Atoll Editions, and has since released multiple editions and translations of his thoroughly-researched guides, atlases and maps.
Atoll Editions has quickly established a reputation for both quality and accuracy and our products have become the standard reference for both divers and instructors. The Ministry of Tourism in the Maldives have acknowledged the usefulness of Dive Maldives by using many of the stories, information and maps in its official Website and CD-Rom. Atoll Editions is going from strength to strength with more publications and translations due for release.
Research
We started out mapping divesites before GPS was available by using an underwater slate, compass and depth gauge. Our visual reference was the islands and our guides were fishermen and divebase leaders who shared our vision to make our divesites safer and more enjoyable for divers. Now we have invested in a purpose built research vessel, Shukuriya: a small but versatile vessel capable of making lighter work out of formerly difficult and time-consuming underwater mapping tasks. While there is no substitute for the powers of underwater observation, the shape and dimension of reefs can only be accurately displayed through the generation of geo-referenced 2D and 3D bathymetric data. With the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), our underwater mapping will continue to be a major focus of our marine research work. Through the increased accuracy of our maps, we hope to build on the creativity of others and work in partnership to improve the enjoyment, awareness and the protection of our marine environment for all to enjoy (check here for details of research and for boat details).
Products
Our first product was a hand-sketched divesite log-book, printed in 1987 by Novelty Printers and Publishers in Male'. They remain an integral part of our business through the distribution of our products in the Maldives. Through the proceeds of sales, our product range has been gradually extended to include other relevant items of interest, including atlases and photographic guides to marine life. However, our core focus remains with mapping divesites and unexplored reefs as well as researching marine life. With the aid of our new research vessel, we expect to increase the quality and range of our products in the future and continue to provide our valued customers with detailed, accurate guides to the Maldives Archipelago.
