CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY SEVEN

After breakfast we left the South Male atoll having spent the past six days at numerous reefs and sand banks. Getting in a number of snorkels and basically just relaxing and enjoying the experience.  As we left the South Male atoll and headed north to the the North Male atoll we began to experience some of the Indian Ocean  swells.

It was amazing to me how well protected anchoring inside the atoll is. The fringing reefs, sand banks and inside reefs really knock down the wave action. Making for very calm anchorages even when the winds might be blowing 15 knots or so.

But, the downside of having all those reefs and sandbanks is that it makes sailing these waters pretty treacherous if you do not have local knowledge of these waters. Without good charts and GPS I think it could be a rather anxious and tedious voyage inside the atoll especially if the light is wrong. It makes it very difficult to spot many of the danger spots like reefs. For example without this tower the reef below it would be pretty hard to spot with the conditions this day:

That's why Capt. Mike is glad to let our local Maldivian Captain deal with the hazards of these waters while I just kick back and take it all in. Like checking out the local fishing boats as they headed out to catch tuna and other fish in the ocean:

As we entered into the North Male atoll. Some Dolphins came out to greet us. Always a good sign:

We had a morning snorkel off the Baros Resort house reef and then anchored for lunch and overnight near a small sand bank (04 12.527N, 073 26.039E):

Speaking of lunch. It was another pinch me moment as Ibrahim placed on the table some more of the Red Snapper caught last night. This time fried in a curry flavored batter. Looks like chicken but, tastes even better:

Later in the afternoon I jumped in the water with my mask for a swim. There was quite a strong current running. Strong enough to turn the idle props of the boat. So I just hung on to the ladder and let the current wash over me while watching the fish some thirty feet below.  Towards evening things started to get pretty active on near the reef. So Ibrahim and Issac were trying their luck again fishing:

But, the action was just beyond their reach. So they jumped in the dingy to try and get closer:

But, it was all in vain as they came back empty. But, meanwhile back on the anchored catamaran. My girlfriend and I were entertained by two Manta Rays that were feeding around the boat for about forty five minutes:

You'll have to take my word that this was one of the Manta Rays as the light was not quite right to video it clearly. Still it was a great way to end our first day in the North Male atoll.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY 6 POST

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE CAPT. MIKE IN THE MALDIVES: DAY 8 POST