News

Halaveli wreck

The wreck was sunk by the dive school operating on Halaveli, back in 1991. It lies a mile NW of Halaveli island. The ship was once used as a cargo vessel, transporting goods from island to island. Wreck divers will love this dive site, as [...]

Housereef maintenance

Our housereef requires attendance every now and then. The ropes need cleaning, the supporting canisters a refill of air, but even a full refurbishing is not uncommon. Here are Dani & Miro placing a new orientation number of entry/exit in the northwest, our #1, the [...]

Triger fish

Blog Bathala - 16.07.2021 40 species of triggerfish are scattered throughout the world’s seas. These bottom dwellers dig out prey, such as crabs and worms, by flapping away debris with their fins and sandblasting with water squirted from their mouths. They also use very tough [...]

Glass Fish

Blog Bathala - 09.07.2021 Glassfishes are found in shallow waters up to 10m deep, usually hidden among the reef. They feed on crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates. In turn, they fall prey to larger fish such as snappers, groupers, jackfish, lionfish. They are a schooling [...]

Lion fish

Blog Bathala - 02.07.2021 Although the lionfish is visibly gorgeous, there's much more to this mysterious creature than its striking maroon, brown and white stripes, elegant fan-like fins and delicate floating tentacles. Native to the Indo-pacific region, the fish can be found on reefs as [...]

Ocean day

Blog Bathala - 08.06.2021 Ghost nets are a problem for the marine environment, as they float free until they get stuck onto a reef, in which case they suffocate the corals and fish trapped underneath. This one was so heavy that three of us were [...]

Congratulation!

Blog Bathala - 03.06.2021 Diving keeps you young, ask Mrs. Ursula, 73 years old and her husband, Mr. Rolf, 86 years old from Switzerland 🙃 We are honored to have done Rolf's 2000th dive at Mayaa Thila. Congratulation, truly amazing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻  

Moray Eels

Blog Bathala - 27.05.2021 Did you know moray eels reproduce by fertilization that is oviparous, when eggs and sperm are fertilized in the water outside the womb, also known as spawning. On average, female moray eels can release 10,000 eggs at a time. These eggs [...]

Stonefish

Blog Bathala -20.05.2021 Stonefishes are found wide spread in the whole indo-pacific region, some rare encounters have been reported even in rivers. They have potent neurotoxins secreted from glands at the base of their dorsal fin spines which stick up when disturbed or threatened. Their [...]

Hawksbill Turtles

Blog Bathala - 11.05.2021 Hawksbill turtles use their beaks to help extract their favourite prey. Hawksbill turtles are typically found on coral reefs which are home to their preferred food—sponges. The shape and sharpness of their beak enable them to reach into small holes and [...]

Ribbontail Ray

Blog Bathala - 06.05.2021 Ribbontail ray - very common in the Indian ocean, all the way until Australia, with some sightings even in the Galapagos islands. Usually spending the time between 20 and 60m depth, the ray feeds on molluscs, crabs, shrimps and bony fish. [...]

All around Bathala

Have you been recently on Bathala? A lot of work has been done to improve the comfort in the bar and the restaurant, the volleyball court is now repositioned into the center of the island. The beach is clean and tidy, as the removal of [...]

Emergency oxygen training

Blog Bathala - 09.04.2021 Safety is of great concern at Werner Lau dive centers. We train all our staff at least every six months how to use the Wenoll O2 system. Did you know that the advantage of this oxygen system is that, in an [...]

Clownfishes

Blog Bathala - 25.0.2021 Out of the 29 different species of clownfish worldwide, this particular one (see photo) is endemic to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The anemone's tentacles have stinging cells called nematocysts that release a toxin when prey or predator touches it. Clownfish, [...]

So much fish!

Blog Bathala - 02.03.2021 So many fish, so many colours and shapes, who can recognize them all? Soldierfish or squirrelfish? Lizardfish or goby? Mullets or rudderfish? Emperor or snapper? Bannerfish or moorish idol? Scorpionfish or stonefish? Luckily our instructors have a good eye and will [...]

Light Show

Blog Bathala - 08.02.2021 Are you up for an underwater light show? Our blue light torches illuminate the colors of the corals and fish, making it an amazing shiny experience during night dives or snorkeling. Those scorpionfish appear pink, the lizardfish shine while hidden under [...]

Bathala is opening from the 21st of February!!!

I had a conversation with the owner of Bathala Island Resort today. It has been decided that Bathala will be bookable again from Feb 21st for our customers from Europe and Switzerland. This perfectly fits into the Manta season. If we can get flights, Lilly [...]

Always good for a surprise …

Bathala - 25.01.2021 Treat yourself to some surprises. The reefs of the North Ari atoll hide many jewels, for example these two members of the cartilaginous class of fish. Do you like more the zebra shark we saw at Maaya thila, or the guitar fish [...]

We are back!

Bathala  -14.01.2021 The Werner Lau dive team on Bathala is ready for 2021, enthusiastic and excited as ever. The reefs of the North Ari atoll are waiting for you, experienced divers and the less experienced ones, and the beginners as well. Everybody is welcome. Join [...]

Maldives Update 18.11.2020

The resorts and thus our dive centres will be reopened in December! Opening dates: Bathala: 01. December 2020 exclusively for Qatar Holidays and from 21. December 2020 for all guests Filitheyo and Medhufushi: December 01, 2020 The entry to the Maldives seems to be possible [...]

Miro & Dani

Bathala - 26.07.2020 Finaly! Time to go home for Dani and Miro. They leave until October and will be back once Bathala will be open again. See you soon in October on Bathala!

News from Werner Lau

Werner Lau - 03.06.2020 Short update on how things might be developing ... In the meantime, most of our destinations have already considered opening their borders and have published first, provisional plans. The Maldives want to open their borders again on 01 July 2020. Contrary [...]

Werner Lau News

Werner Lau - 19.05.2020 Every day we receive several inquiries as to when diving with Werner Lau will be possible again. To say it in advance: Of course nobody knows exactly yet. Among other things we are waiting for the flight schedules of the airlines [...]

recently on Bathala …

Bathala - 14.05.2020 A staff diving day in Bathala! The island is well visited. All the staff from Thudufushi and Athuruga are there too and are waiting for the things to happen. Let's be positive about the future! In a few weeks we will know [...]

Maldives News

Maldives - 28.04.2020 Our crew on Filitheyo is sending you best regards. Everyone is doing well on Fili, diving at the house reef is still great, even if the monsoon change is starting now. Also from Bathala and Medhufushi there is nothing new to report. [...]