Maldives Promotion House – The wonders of the submarine world are no longer an experience exclusive to adults; at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, children from the age of five can take their first underwater breaths alongside the reefs of the resort’s lagoon. Young divers have a choice of seven courses, all run by SubAqua Dive Center, beginning with the SAS (Supplied Air Snorkelling) course for five-year olds, which guide the children in a fun and safe way through the basics of diving.

“The Maldives is known for being one of the best diving spots in the world and Conrad Maldives is located in the part of the country noted for an abundance of excellent dive sites,” says Carsten Schieck, general manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “The best thing is that the courses are held in our lagoon where beginner divers can see corals and colourful fish the first time they put their head under water. It’s a lot more exciting than learning in a swimming pool!”

Beginner classes take place near the coral gardens of Ithaa undersea restaurant and once they feel confident, children graduate to diving the vibrant reef that runs the length of the luxury resort’s main island.

The courses:
SAS (Supplied Air Snorkelling) is available for children from the age of five and is priced at US$100 while the Bubblemaker course is open to children aged eight, also priced at US$100. The following courses are open to guests from the age of ten: Discover Scuba Diving, US$150; Junior Scuba Diver, US$400; Junior Open Water Diver, US$600; and the Junior Adventure Dive, US$95. Over 12s can take a Junior. Advanced Open Water Diver course, priced at US$600.