Prices are per person in Us$ based on double or twin sharing occupancy.

Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time of year and the length of the trip and sometimes special offers are available.

The trip price includes:

Maldivian GST 12%
Accommodation in air conditioned cabins with 70x60cm windows (in Suite, Deluxe and main deck double) or 20x15cm portholes (in Standard), ensuite shower (with hot water) toilet, toiletries, towels and beach towels.
Nitrox
Air-conditioning in all enclosed areas.
Full board meals, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Fresh snacks.
Drinking water
Tea and coffee available 24h.
DVD library and Books Library.
Audio and video entertainment centre.
3 guided dives per day (depending on your arrival time in Male, weather conditions and 24-hours no diving before fly safety rule) including one night dive.
Tanks: 11.5 and 13.5 lt Aluminium DIN/INT, weights and weight belts
PADI Instructor (English speaking) and Dive Master guide (English speaking) services - Guides to Divers max Ratio 1:8
Snorkelling equipment for non-divers.
BBQ on a deserted island
Island hopping
Karaoke singing
Airport Transfer, Meet and Assist.
Salsa basic workshop upon request.

The trip price does not include:

Green Tax of USD 6 per person per night
Scuba Equipment rental (with the exception of Discover Scuba Diving Experience and Open Water Course, in which equipment rental is included in the fee, but limited to its duration).
Extra Dives are charged at 25 US$ each, not including equipment rental.
Dive Insurance coverage.
Alcoholic, soft drinks and extra bottles of water.
Dive equipment
All not specified in “what is included”.
For trips to Baa and Raa atoll there is a $100 per person fuel surcharge for the week long trip and $150 for the 10 night trip - this is only to Baa atoll and not on the normal route.
Single suppliment (Oct-Apr +80%) and (May-Sep 50%)(only applicable for a guaranteed single occupancy cabin, if you are happy to share the charge does not apply)

If you book 5 full paying guests you will receive the 6th free of charge !

Terms and conditions:

Individual bookings:
Booking deposit:
30% of booking is required within 7 days of booking - non refundable
70 % is due to 90 days prior to departure - non refundable.
Balance due 90 days before your trip departure date - non-refundable.
Individual booking made less than 90 days before the departured ate are payable in full at the time of booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.

Group charter:

Booking deposit:
10% - within 7 days of booking - non-refundable
Second deposit:
20% 180 days prior to departure - non-refundable
Balance due
90 days before departure - non-refundable

Course prices

Diving equipment is free of charge for Dsd, scuba diver, Scuba diver upgrade and OW course during the course period

Equipment prices

Activities

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  Suite - Upper deck (double or twin)

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  Suite - Upper deck

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  Deluxe cabin - Upper deck

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  Deluxe cabin - Upper deck

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  Standard cabins - Lower deck

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  Standard cabins - Lower deck

There is a fixed boarding time and it is not possible to take guests earlier to the boat nor take luggage earlier to the boat, the boarding time for Carpe Diem is 12.30 pm.

For your flight arrival times ideally you should aim to arrive around 10-1pm or before on the day of departure as due to a same day turn around of the boat the guests from the trip before will be departing in the morning. The rest of the morning the boat will be being cleaned and prepared for your arrival.

You will be met off your flight at the arrivals area by the boat representatives and taken to the boat, about 10 minutes from the airport. Any transfers outside of these times will be charged.

In case of early arrival guests will be met by the representatives at the airport and will have the option to wait at the airport or arrangements could be made to use the facilities of the nearby airport hotel for a small extra charge until check-in time for the boat.
Check out time will be latest by 8 am on the day of departure but an early departure is available if needed. This is included in the price.

Any transfer outside the above will be charged at 10 USD p/p and if the dhoni has to go out at night for additional pick up or departure for 2 persons or less it will be 25 USD p/p. For more than 2 people or more it will again be 10 USD p/p.
Later arrivals are possible. Clients will be picked up separately but will not be able to participate in the check dive.

If you would like to arrive the day before it is possible to stay in the airport hotel or stay in another guesthouse on Hulhulemale Island for the night, we don’t recommend booking somewhere in Male as this involves a ferry ride to the next island. If you stay on Hulhulemale island your hotel will then deliver you back to the airport the following day (the day of departure) where you will be met by the boats representatives and taken directly to the ship.
Please check with your hotel / guest house if this is a free transfer as some of them charge for this service.
Planes do not fly late into the night so you will be able to sleep.

If your trip involves a domestic flights in the Maldives..

Your name in the application form MUST be as EXACTLY as in your passport.
Otherwise we have to change it and will charge 50 USD per change at the airport

Your baggage allowance is 25 KG per person (2 USD per kilo extra charge).
Hand luggage MUST be very small otherwise the airlines company will ask for it to be checked in.
A lot of clients want to carry their cameras in big boxes as hand luggage but these will not fit in the small holds inside the aircraft neither underneath the seats in front of the person so it is not possible and they will need to be checked.
As domestic flights may be delayed, Carpe will keep the guests updated about the final timing when they receive them at the airport or by calling the hotel in which you are stay the previous evening, therefore it is important to inform us so we know where you are staying before the trip and your exact flight details if you are arriving the same day.

Carpe boats do not require a min. amount of dives as that does not always tell enough.
They do require min. of AOWD certification to be able to join for all the dives offered during a trip.
Nitrox certification with the multiple dives per day we offer is highly recommended as well, but can be done on board as well in case you do not have it yet.
OW Divers are welcome, but will be asked to do their AOWD during the trip as otherwise the person will be limited to 18 M depth and hence just a few dives.
The dive instructor on board is responsible for everyone’s safety and can ask people to sit a certain dive out if he thinks they are not experienced enough for it.
On the special South routings with lots of current, they do require a minimum of 100 dives experience and experience with currents.

Carpe Liveaboards runs 7, 10 and 14 night cruises.

There are 3 guided dives per day (depending on your arrival time in Male, weather conditions and 24-hours no diving before fly safety rule, 1 check dive on day of arrival around 4 pm after finishing paperwork (if you arrive later you loose this dive, followed by 5 days of 3 dives a day and a maximum of 2 dives on the day before departure - normal total 17/18) including one night dive.

Carpe 8 day/7 nights Southern Cruise

This cruise will take you to the most popular dive sites in South Male Atoll and Ari Atoll, weather conditions permitting of course. This route is renowned for spotting big pelagics like Mantas, Sharks and Whale sharks. Famous dive sites included in our itinerary are Kudarah Thila, Manta Point, Maaya Thila and Fish head which are well known for this.

Carpe 15 day/14 nights Cruise

This cruise will take you to the beautiful dives sites of North and South Male Atoll, North and South Ari Atoll apart from Rasdhoo and Felidhu Atoll. Not only are you likely to see Mantas, Sharks and Whale sharks but there is a good possibility for spotting Hammerhead sharks as well.

Different routings upon request

Although the above mentioned itineraries are our so called classical dive routes followed by most of the safari boats in the Maldives, the cruise director is flexible and will adjust the route depending on the main activity and interest of the group like in case of fishing groups or surf groups.
Apart from that the Carpe Liveaboards can take special requests for different itineraries like North Male, Baa and Raa Atoll or South Male and Felidhu Atoll.
Even trips to Gaafu Thaalu or Alifu or the equator down south are possible with guests taking a domestic flight to join the boat or leave the boat.
Depending on the length of the routings there might be an extra surcharge for the fuel cost.

No matter which trip route you choose all the cruises are spectacular fun and during which, if not a certified diver yet, you could learn how to dive or improve your diving skills by adding more advanced/expert courses at our diving centre on board. When fishing we guarantee you experienced staff, the best fishing spots and opportunities and when simply cruising a unique combination of activities.

Lower deck

6 standard cabins - 2 separate staff cabins - The engine room - Crew compartment

Main deck

Inside is the main bar and lounge area, with a coffee / tea table offering you coffee / tea and drinking water from our osmotic plant 24 hours a day. It also has a wide flat screen TV, DVD/MP3 player, in house sound system, sitting / dance area and a fully equipped bar offering you a wide variety of spirits, wines, liquors, cocktails and beers.

Outside of the bar area there is another sitting area in the shade with comfortable cushions, where you could have your afternoon tea while cruising and taking in the beautiful colours of the Indian Ocean.

The galley and a spacious cold room

Laundry room - A platform at the back of the main deck with two fresh water showers and a jet ski

An activities deck where the dive briefings, part of the dive school courses and other water sports activities briefings will be conducted. Two double bed rooms.

On the Upper deck and bridge area is A C-shape sofa/reading area and our in house library. Two cabins, our beautiful and very spacious Suite room and Deluxe cabin. A studio with internet, a shop and all business centre facilities. Main dining area and bar where you will be served semi buffet meals prepared by our fine dining chef. The dining tables can be folded away after dinner to create a nice bar and dancing area.

From the dining area a staircase ultimately leads you to a 115 sqm sun deck, which is partially shaded and has a sitting area in the middle and some lounge chairs to catch that nice tan.

Carpe Diem does not require a min. amount of dives as that does not always tell enough. They do require minimum of Advanced open water certification OR an Open water certification (OW) with 100 looged dives to be able to join all the dives offered during a trip. Nitrox certification with the multiple dives per day they offer is also highly recommended as well, but can be done on board as well in case you do not have it yet. If you do not have an Advanced certificate and less than 100 logged dives you can take the Advanced open water course on board also.

The dive instructor on board is responsible for everyone’s safety and can ask people to sit a certain dive out if he thinks they are not experienced enough for it. On the special South routings with lots of current, they require a minimum of 100 dives experience and experience with currents.

For our experienced team working at the fully equipped PADI Dive Centre on board your safety comes first.
We use a 55 foot (18 meters) diving dhoni built by the same company as the Carpe Diem itself with the best facilities, including hot water shower/ toilet, 2 fresh water showers at the back and a fresh water tank for cameras. All the diving equipment will be installed on the dhoni, giving more space to the Carpe Diem itself plus enhanced safety. Additional benefits will be fast and safe transfers to the dive sites and extra comfort for putting on your gear. Nitrox (EANx) breathing mixtures are available and prepared with the best quality equipment available on the market (Nuvair (R) Membranes, Coltrisub and a Bauer Compressors);

Included also is a very experienced PADI Instructor (more than 5000 dives) and Dive Master (more than 2000 dives). Guide/Divers ratio 1:8; First Aid and Oxygen Tank on board;

The Maldives offer the best that diving and snorkelling has to offer, Manta rays are guaranteed on pretty much every trip and there are a myriad of sites where you can see these beautiful creatures of the sea.
All of our liveaboards will do the best to give you the best experience possible dependant on the current conditions on the date of your trip and our boats are liveaboards for people enthusiastic or serious about their diving but also welcome snorkellers and non-divers who will have their own separate itinerary.
One of the highlights of any Maldives safari is the possibility to see one of the gentle giants of the ocean. Whale sharks are unusually common in the Maldives and are seen nearly year round in some areas and all our liveaboards will do their utmost to give you this chance encounter of a lifetime.
Diving from a liveaboard in the Maldives is without doubt one of the cheapest and easier ways to experience the best that the Maldives has to offer and these are, in our opinion, the best liveaboards in the area in terms of value for money, comfort and quality of service.

Maldives dive sites

Ari Atoll - Some of the popular dive sites

Kudarah Thila

Type of dive: Reef dive
Description: One of the best dive sites for soft coral and fish life.
The marine life here is so abundant, that the divers have named it ‘fish soup’. The thila is in a circular shape and can be covered in a single dive at different depths, if the current is not very strong.

Maaysa Thila

Type of dive: Reef dive / Night dive
Description: The thila is about 80mters in diameter.

The whole thila can be done at different depths in a single dive. There are manycaves and overhangs around the thila. The large rocks on the north eastern side have large black coral trees growing on them. The site is famous for the sharks and a great barracuda which reside here. The site can be dived at any time of the day, each with different activity going on the reef. The best chance to get close to these creatures is at night time, when they are hunting. You will see sharks, barracudas, rays and eels trying to grab a morsel.

Bathala Maaga Kanthila

Type of dive: Drift dive
Description: The northern tip of Magaa reef extends into Bathalaa Kandu and is home to a number of grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks. They can be seen patrolling along the reef looking for food.

Maalhos Thila (Blue Curves)

Type of dive: Drift dive / Reef dive
Description: The thila is known for the abundance of soft coral growth on the thila, particularly the blue/violet colored variety that grows on the ceiling of the caves and overhangs, thus the name ‘blue caves’. In addition a large variety of fish life can be observed here.

Rasdhoo Madivaru

Type of dive: Drift dive / Channel dive
Description: The reef on the southern side of Rasdhoo drops vertically to the ocean depths. The site is home to a school of Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (sphyrna lewini). In the early hours of the morning they rise from the deep waters off the atoll into the shallower depths, accessible to divers.

South Male Atoll - some of the more popular dive sites

Guraidhoo Kandu South

Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive
Description: 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.

Kandooma Thila

Type of dive: Drift dive / reef dive
Description: Located in a channel, the reef is subject to strong currents at times. The ocean currents carry lot of nutrients to the reef, supporting an abundance of sea life. The site is well renowned for the soft coral growth, turtles, diverse fish life and invertebrates found on the reef. At the reef slope you may find sharks and eagle rays.

Embudu Kandu (Express)

Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive.
Description: Similar to Guraidhoo Kandu, but more sharks are likely to be spotted here. The currents can be very strong at times. The stronger the current however the better chance of seeing sharks. Under the guidance of an experienced dive guide, the dive can be managed done easily.

Important rules for your Scuba Diving experience

Compulsory safety equipment required, dive insurance coverage required, mandatory dive briefings, check dives FOC); Dive Insurance available on board; PADI Dive Centre able to cater for beginners (from PADI Discover Scuba Diving up to several PADI Specialty Courses), as well as for very experienced divers ; Dive gear rental services are available as well as SONY quality underwater video-cameras and cameras.

Nitrox or EANx - Main Info:

Why should I dive with it? What is it? Where does it come from?

Nitrox breathing mixtures have become a must in the current diving industry because they provide the diver extended bottom time, compared to the air ones. There are many others reasons why divers that have tried it do not want to dive with normal air anymore: one reason particularly is the increased muscular power experienced during and after the dive. As for the other reasons we suggest you try it out and experience it yourself.. or feel free to contact us for additional information.

The Nitrox (or EANx) breathing gasses have the very same components as the normal diving air tanks, however the Oxygen (O2) content is increased. Normal air contains 21% of O2 (in volume), while Nitrox gasses have an O2 percentage that varies from 32% up to 40%. Normally the most frequently applied mixture is 32% (or EAN32). The compulsory need for a specific course, available on the Carpe Diem, result from the fact that the higher the O2 percentage in the breathing mixture the more shallow you can dive. Only diving professionals can teach you how to enjoy and make Nitrox a special scuba diving experience.

what are arrival procedures and check in timing for the boats

When you fly in on the same day of commencement of your trip on either of our boats, you will be met upon arrival by a representative of Carpe Diem Maldives, who can be identified by a crew polo or t-shirt and sign board with the companies’ logo. The representative will then confirm the below check in timings or inform you in case of any changes. In case you can not find anyone please contact +9607950883. Should you stay in a hotel prior to your trip with us, we will meet you at the info/help desk arrivals hall at our check in timings as described below. We are not able to provide pick ups from hotels.
Carpe Diem:       around 12.30 pm
Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo:  around 2.30 pm 

what options do you have when you arrive early morning before check in or have late departure flight?

Possibilities are to store your luggage at the airport and visit Male city. There is a ferry going every 10 minutes from the airport to Male’city which costs 1 USD p/p one way Other possibility is to visit the nearby airport hotel, Hulhule Island hotel and make use of their facilities. The hotel offers different packages like a swimming pool package of 72 USD p/p which includes transfer, luggage storage, 1 drink, use of towels, Wi-fi, 10 minutes of reflexology, sun beds, swimming pool, showers and changing rooms. No reservations are needed for this and cost can be paid directly to the hotel reception. Or possible day room use in a guest house in Hulhumale depending on availability.

what time does the boat get back to port?

The day before disembarkation the boat usually comes back to port between 3 and 4 pm after which guests will be offered a visit to Male’city, which will take around 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

what are the check out timings for your boats?

Guests need to depart the vessel by 8 am latest. Due to the necessity of readying the vessel for our next cruise, we must strictly enforce this early departure

what is the earliest time of departure on the day of disembarkation?

Early flight departures on the day of disembarkation are possible but will limit the amount of dives the day before due to 24 hours no diving before flying. We offer a maximum of 2 dives on the day before disembarkation. Sometimes this may vary however depending on the itinerary. If the boat still has to cross a long distance then only 1 dive will be offered.

what kind of plug type do you have on board?

We have 3 pin UK type power sockets on the boat and provide adapters for other plug types. The voltage is 220 V.

what is the minimum of dives required to join your trip?

Diving conditions in the Maldives can be challenging, especially on Deep South itineraries. We therefore strongly recommend an AOW certification or OW with a minimum of 100 dives with experience in deep dives (up to 30 m), current and night dives in order to be able to participate in all the dives offered during an itinerary and to have the best chance of being comfortable with all of the diving conditions you’ll encounter. Our dive instructor on board is responsible for everyone’s safety and can ask people to sit a certain dive out if he believes they are not experienced enough for a particular dive. PADI courses are available on board and can be done during our trips.

can I pay the extras by credit card on the boat?

Payments for extras taken on the boat can be settled in either cash (USD or EUROs) or by credit card. We accept all major credit cards (VISA, MASTER and AMERICAN EXPRESS).

do you have DIN/INT tanks?

We can provide for both connections, so no need to bring adapters

what size of tanks do you provide?

We provide 11.5 and 13.5 liter aluminium tanks FOC and have 15 liter steel tanks upon request and at an extra charge. As we only have a limited number of 15 liter steel tanks it is important to reserve them in advance.

Extra cost for 15 liter steel tanks:
Carpe Diem/Carpe Novo 100 USD for 7 nights trip and 150 USD for 10 night trips
Carpe Vita 150 USD for 7 nights and 200 USD for 10 nights
All rates are subject to 12% GST surcharge.

do you have Nitrox?

Yes we do at extra charge.
Carpe Diem/Carpe Novo (3 dives a day) : 100 USD for 7 night trip/150 USD for 10 night + 12 % GST
Carpe Vita (4 dives a day): 150 USD for 7 night trip/ 200 USD for 10 night + 12 % GST

what is the average water temperature?

Average water temperature all year round is 27/28 degrees Celsius (81/82 Fahrenheit)

do you provide hair dryers?

We do but are not standard available in each cabin. We have a few on board which you can ask from the room boy.

do I need a reef hook?

Reef hooks can be useful particularly on channel dives with strong current. Read our article here. In case you do not have one, they are available for rent or to buy (35 USD + GST) on our boats. This multifunctional hook is designed by our own Carpe Diem Maldives team and can be used as a reef hook, but also as a pointer stick and tank banger.

do you have Wifi on board?

We have wireless routers on board that work on 3G basis. The internet connection will be good enough to read emails but not fast enough for large downloads. Connection speed depends on location of the boat. Fee will be of 15 USD p/p + GST for 7 night trip and 20 USD p/p + GST for 10 night trips.

can you cater for PADI courses during the trips and do you rent out equipment?

On all of our boats we have a fully licensed PADI dive school on board and at least one dive instructor. Courses can be provided in English or German language. Please however inform us of any course wishes prior to your trip.

what is your maximum dive time per dive?

Maximum dive time will be 60 minutes or 50 bar (700 PSI) unless otherwise indicated by the dive team during the briefing.

do I need insurance

A dive insurance is mandatory. Short Term insurance can be arranged on board valid for 7 or 14 days at a cost of 20 USD + GST or 30 USD + GST respectively.