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           Maldives Special

The initial reaction to our idea of a trip to the Maldives has been  good. In fact very good! 

While making enquiries about various liveaboard packages we were given a special offer of a  TEN day charter in October but this offer will not stay open for long.  If you don't want to miss out on this amazing opportunity then please get in touch NOW!

Our cruise vessel

We will be cruising on a Maldivian style diving vessel. It is 25m long with an 8-10 knot cruising speed. The accommodation consists of 6 cabins, and can accommodate 12 guests comfortably. All rooms are air-conditioned and have attached toilets with showers. Facilities include a large lounge deck, a living room with bar, TV, video and DVD. There is a partly shaded sun deck for sunbathing.   

Weather

The rainy season is generally May to Sept. The shift from the moist southwest monsoon to the dry northeast monsoon over Maldives occurs during October and November so we should expect the possibility of more rain than if we visited between November and February, but it can still rain even during the ‘dry’ season.  There won’t be endless days of rain. It’s more likely to be 30 minutes one day, a couple of hours on another day and at worst on and off rain for a couple of days. Often, during the wetter season, the rain falls at night more than it does during the day. However it is always warm rarely dropping below 28 deg.

Meals & beverages

In addition to the regular 3 meals, a light snack is offered to divers after the completion of each dive. With each meal, coffee, tea and bottled water is offered. Additional soft drinks or strong drinks may be purchased. The menu includes European dishes as well as meals cooked in the local style.

Diving

The dive package includes up to 3 dives per day, 1-2 night dives per week and all dives include tank and weights. On the first day a check out dive is compulsory. Due to tidal and ocean currents, it will be mostly drift dives. The accompanying “dhoni” takes us to the dive spots and follows us to pick us up again once we have surfaced. Possible diving areas include: North-Male’, South-Male’, Rasdhu, Ari, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafudhaalu but the weather conditions and seasonal changes have to be taken into consideration. Every buddy pair will need an SMB. The usual practice is to deploy at 6m so the dhoni crew know you have started your safety stop.

It is best to bring all your own kit. There may be some items such as torches available for hire but arrangements do need to be made in advance.

“WOW!!!...What a dive - this place is like heaven on earth. Soft corals on overhangs the like of which I have never seen before. I can't decide where to look first. We are down at 30m in Fottheye Channel. I wanted to stay forever. There were so many different schools of fish circling and spiralling all around us. First one way, and then the other. Who knows how many species I saw, I can’t remember them all but I know I have never seen so many fish all at once ever before. An eagle ray swam overhead. I was totally mesmerised. Every time I stopped to take a photo the DM was pointing something else out to me. We had Vlaming’s unicornfish playing in our bubbles, which was totally entrancing. As we turned towards the shallow reef we spotted a huge Titan triggerfish defending its territory and then a massive giant Black Jack. Words can never adequately express how I feel. If I was happy yesterday then today I am totally overwhelmed. I feel truly alive, not just merely existing. All in all this is about as perfect as a morning can get. And it isn’t even 10am yet!!”

    Price

The price for this TEN day trip is £900 plus flights. This includes up to 3 dives a day, 1 or 2 night dives, all food, tea, coffee, water, cabin with air conditioning and en suite shower and toilet. This also includes travel insurance.

 Deposit

In order to reserve your space we need to collect a deposit of £250 per person by the end of March. This can be paid by credit card if you wish (with no surcharge)

We will not consider a space reserved without a deposit. Availability is strictly limited for this special deal price.

 Our booking is not guaranteed until the the boat company have received our deposit. 

Your card will NOT be charged until we are ready to pay the deposit to the boat company. However, please note that once the deposit has been sent to the boat company if you cancel at any time your deposit is non refundable.

The balance of £650 will be required by August 10^th 2010 preferably by cheque. If paying the balance by credit card there will be a 2% surcharge.

Flights

The shortest and cheapest flight that I have been able to find with landing times that are good to meet the boat is Qatar airlines – about £613. Legroom and service are excellent.