World Tour : Maldives 2013
We are planning a “World Class Diving” trip to the Maldives in April 2013 and have both Liveaboard and Island Resort options for you to choose from.
M/V Carpe Diem :
Built in 2008, M/V Carpe Diem is a 35m luxury liveaboard. Cabins and facilities are spread over four decks and so with a maximum capacity of 20 guests, there is ample space to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Indian Ocean. A range of cabin upgrade options are offered from a double room to a beautiful large king suite on the main deck with stunning views across the water.
Carpe Diem is accompanied by a separate fully equipped diving “Dhoni” (this is a great boat to dive from – a bit like an Egyptian Day-Boat, with plenty of space and a large stable dive deck, and is able to get into the best drop zones for each dive site to ensure best position for currents)
Liveaboard itinerary highlights...
This itinerary takes in one of the most spectacular diving areas in the Maldives and offers the chance of manta ray, whale shark and shark sightings all year round. Departing from Male Airport Dockside, the route cruises up through central North Male Atoll, across to Rasdhoo Atoll, then down the western edge of Ari Atoll, and finally across and up through South Male Atoll… simply stunning !
Banana Reef
"Banana Reef" is a very well known dive site in the Maldives and one of the first, best and more challenging due to strong currents. On the eastern side, some rocks have broken away and created a perfect habitat for a surprising variety of schooling reef fish and large pelagics.
Fish Head
Fish Head also known as Shark Point or Mushimasmingili Thila, fits the classic definition of a Thila - a large isolated flat top reef rising sharply from the inner atoll floor at 40 to 50m to around 10m from the surface. It is one of the best sites for seeing sharks. Featuring a series of caves and overhangs in between where you can see thousands of blueline snappers against a backdrop of black coral bushes and large gorgonians.
Guraidhoo Kandu South
Since the eastern side of the channel is Open Ocean, large predatory fish can regularly be spotted here. This site is famous for sightings of sharks, schools of eagle rays and the occasional Sail fish and Hammerheads. The best condition to do the dive is when the current is flowing into the Atoll. The dive begins on the outer reef following the current into the atoll. Most of the pelagic species can be observed on the eastern side, where the reef drops off into the deep ocean. At the end of the dive in the channel, along the reef you can find overhangs with plenty of soft coral growth and small fish.
Bandos Island Resort :
Bandos Island is a beautiful coral island located in the North Male Atoll approximately 7km from Male International Airport and the capital, Male. The island is covered with lush tropical vegetation, palm trees, white sandy beaches and the crystal waters of a crystal lagoon. Bandos Island boasts one of the best house reefs just 40-60 metres from the beach.
1 week liveaboard: 7th - 15th April 2013 - M/V Carpe Diem - Classic Route - £2100 pp
or
1 week liveaboard: 14th - 22nd April 2013 - M/V Carpe Diem - Classic Route - £2100 pp
2 week liveaboard: 7th - 22nd April 2013 - M/V Carpe Diem - Classic Route - £3650 pp
1 week liveaboard & 1 week Resort:
Week 1: 7th - 15th April 2013: M/V Carpe Diem - Classic Route.
Week 2: 15th - 22nd April 2013: Bandos Island Resort (standard room/half board) - £3000 pp
Prices include: Return flights LON-MLE, full board accommodation, visa, transfer, LiveAboard diving, single 12L air cylinder, lead weights, tea, coffee and water.
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For those divers that haven't yet invested in Scuba Gear : FULL KIT RENTAL is available at Blue Ocean Diving for all trips. Renting your gear out in resort, it can be a bit "used" and sizing can be random - and costs 30 euros/day for BCD/Regs/Suit - computers are 10 euros/day extra.
Full Scuba kit hire (including dive computer) is just £150/week from Blue Ocean Diving : and you know it fits properly and it is well maintained quality gear : remember to book in advance and arrange collection.
If you are interested in booking one of these Maldives trip options or would like more information, please call Ryby at Blue Ocean Diving on 01622 212 022 or email SCUBA@blueoceandiving.co.uk
