Maldives Reviews

Maldives Dive Travel proudly introduces the MV Aquarius, the latest addition to our fleet: A majestic high-tech vessel offering rebreather diving, double-tanks and a thrilling sense of adventure, the Aquarius offers unparalleled recreation and scuba diving features. Starting in August, this 101 foot liveaboard ship will be cruising the waters of the Maldivian islands, enabling scuba divers and dive safari enthusiasts to reach much greater distances than the current norm.

Maldives Liveaboard – MV Aquarius

Refurbished in 2011 with the most modern on-board technology and diving equipment, it is for this very reason the Aquarius can reach destinations not usually attainable with other ships, and state-of-the-art technology like underwater stabilisers and rebreather diving facilities allows divers to explore the stunning depths of the Maldives in greater detail.

The MV Aquarius will without a doubt become a frontrunner for liveaboard dive safaris in the Maldives, so be sure to reserve your spot for a unique dive experience of a lifetime.

MV Aquarius Details

The Aquarius measures an impressive 101 ft. in length and is 25.5 ft. wide, providing ample space for generous interior and exterior facilities. Constructed in the year 1998 it was fully refurbished in 2011; it holds up to 16 guests at a time, excluding the crew of 10. With two turbo-diesel engines, the cruising speed lies at 12 knots, and with Lloyd Standard certified security features like a 48 mile radar, autopilot, 3 independent steering systems, auto-inflating rescue rafts and strong search spotlights, this vessel is supremely equipped for high waters. Further features of the Aquarius MV at a glance:

The MV Aquarius on a Maldives Dive Safari

• Water Supply: 2 desalination plants on board
• Power: 220V / 50Hz supplied by 2 diesel generators
• Dhingy: Zodiac with outboard engine
• Extra Diving boat (Dhoni): 60 ft. dive dhoni, fully equipped for scuba diving
• DAN first aid box, oxygen, fire extinguishers, life vests
• 2 auto-inflatable rescue rafts
• Yacht-Control-System
• Bord Radio System
• Automated fire extinguishing system in engine room
• Fire hose connections on all decks
• Life vests and signal lights in every room
• First aid equipment in ship and Dhoni
• Rope cutter on propellers

But the Aquarius doesn’t just score high on safety, she also offers a great range of top recreational facilities; with sound systems on all decks, DVD player, wide-screen projector, satellite TV and internet access, the MV Aquarius guarantees you will find your time both on and off board a pleasant and enjoyable experience. And to make sure you keep those vivid memories for the future, all rooms are equipped with power sockets, and there are docking stations for cameras, video recorders and the like available on the main deck.

Diving Information

Imagine gliding along deep in the Maldivian waters when you see hundreds of sharks approaching close to you, yet you remain undetected due to the absence of water bubbles from your rebreather scuba tanks. The rebreather involves using oxygen and recycled exhaled air from the diver. As a closed circuit system this is more space efficient, as well as making the diver lighter and more compact. You can last for longer underwater, and sink to much deeper regions thanks to this sophisticated technology, and not worry about time while you admire the underwater marine life.

Check out the following video of a scuba diver swimming alongside a Maldives grey reef shark.

Liveaboard dive safaris aboard the MV Aquarius are sure to be popular along the south where there is an abundance of deep drop offs and ship wrecks. The diving equipment on this ship is remarkable; following are a few of the exclusive perks of travelling with the Aquarius:

• Twin Tanks with Isolated Manifolds on board
• Haskel Booster Pump for O2 and Helium, allowing easy and hassle free filling of mixed gases
• Evolution & Inspiration Rebreather bottles on board so clients don’t need to bring their own, thus saving weight
• Softner Lime for Rebreathers available for sale on board
• O2 cleaned Stage bottles and Stage rig kits

Dive Cruise Info

The MV Aquarius is active this season from 1st July 2011 – 30th April 2012. Starting July, the Aquarius will be sailing Monday through Monday at following cost:

p/p/n $ 185
Single occupancy $ 259
Full charter 16 guest max. $ 2.590

There is currently a special offer for travellers in large groups; with a group of 16 guests, number 15 and 16 are free of charge.

The price includes accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with windows, en-suite showers (hot water) and toilet. Bath towels provided along with full board, meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tea, coffee and water are available free of charge at all times. Soft drinks and liquor can be purchased at the well-stocked bar. There are 17 dives during a seven night safari (including check dive and a special night dive, tanks with DIN/INT, lead belts, and the use of the extra diving boat. Guidance is provided by a qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive guide, helping you to feel relaxed and secure in the care of a seasoned professional. You can also enjoy the use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits. Also on the agenda is a picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route), where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine and if you are lucky, even experience a spontaneous traditional drum and dance session.

Sunset Beach Picnic

Not included in the price is bed tax: US$ 8 per person, per night and only payable on board. The fuel surcharge, that is to say if the crude oil price on the international markets reaches USD 100/barrel, US$ 6 p/p/n will be charged on board. Any domestic flights, air fares and/or airport taxes are also not covered in the package price. You can bring your own dive/snorkel equipment, or you can choose to hire them on board. Bear in mind the use of US Dollars is widely accepted, along with the local currency the Rufiya. Dive & travel Insurance is also excluded.

Cruise Details

Currently there are three liveaboard cruise offers running on the Aquarius from August 2011 to April 2012. Each cruise is tailored to a different route around the Maldives, and benefits from seasonal perks with regards to the very popular and unique marine life.

Scuba Divers Catch Sight of a Manta Ray

1. August – October: “Manta Madness”

Male, Baa, Rasdhoo, N. Ari Atoll. There is an abundance of Manta Rays at this time of year along this exact route. For all scuba divers interested in this fascinating creature, don’t miss out on a chance to witness phenomena like the manta feeding frenzy. You can read more about manta rays on our page on Maldives marine life.

2. November & December: “Best of Maldives”

Male, Rasdhoo, Ari, South Male Atoll. This liveaboard cruise encapsulates all that is fascinating about the Maldives. With dives at various world-renowned dive spots populated with whale sharks, turtles and clownfish to name a few, this cruise is perfect for exploring the Maldives both above and under water.

3. January – April: “Southern Sharks”

Addu, Foammulah, Huvadhoo (Guests Fly to Addu (Gan), and fly out from Huvadhoo (Kaadedhdhoo). New guests fly into Huvadhoo, out from Addu, alternating each time. Addu is notorious for boasting an abundance of manta rays and ship wrecks. Foammulah is the home to numerous tiger sharks and silver sharks, and along the entire route you may even spot several whale sharks. Diving amongst these imposing creatures is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

For more info about cruise schedules and reservations contact us right here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Introducing the MV Aquarius – The New Frontrunner in Liveaboard Cruisers is a post from: Maldives Blog

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Amazing Last Minute Diving Holidays Deal on Black Pearl Maldives: 35% off upcoming ‘Dive with the Big Five Cruise’

From 31 January to 7 February 2011 guests enjoy a whopping 35-percent discount on standard rates on Black Pearl, a recently built ship known for its hand-crafted wooden design and friendly, experienced staff. Since one of the boat’s two charming owners is always on the ship and leads the dives, you can rely on excellent service above and below water.

Great Last Minute Diving Holiday Special January 31 – February 7 2011

Whale shark, manta ray, grey reef shark, stingray and turtle – those are the Maldivian Big Five, as we like to call them. On the ‘Dive with the Big Five Cruise’ you can make the most of the great visibility at this time of the year. ‘Big Five’ is a term normally associated with African game safaris, but it’s just as fitting for the giants of the Indian Ocean, which are frequently spotted in the Maldives.

The winter months are show time for these fascinating creatures, offering high chances of coming across all five of them during a week’s safari.

From just US$132 per day, you can now embark on a journey of a lifetime aboard the beautiful Black Pearl.

Safari Details

Ship: Black Pearl

Cruise dates: 31 January – 7 February 2011

Special rate: US$ 924 + 3,5% Government Service Tax per person, no further dues on board. Full board, 17 dives (1 night dive) and a whole host of other services are included in the price.

Accommodation: spacious air-conditioned rooms (double or twin), en-suite bathroom and shower.

Click to see all details for this last minute package.

Last Minute Diving Holidays Maldives on Blackpearl Liveaboard is a post from: Maldives Blog

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