Maldives Dive Travel May Scuba Holidays

Now that international air travel is getting back to normal after the Icelandic volcano eruption, you might be thinking about taking a well-deserved holiday in May.  Perhaps you are going to take advantage of Spring Break or the May School Holidays, and you feel like taking a scuba diving cruise around the Maldives.  The following cruises are all departing Male in the Maldives during the month of May, and they all have available cabins.  Check out the great offers on these scuba diving holidays and if you would like to make a reservation:

Contact Maldives Dive Travel Today!

Stingray Liveaboard Scuba Diving Holiday: May 1 – 8

Stingray Liveaboard Holidays in the Maldives

The Stingray Liveaboard departs on May 1 for a 7-night adventure of the atolls, islands and prime dive sites of the Maldives.  Enjoy a discovery-style cruise aboard this 9-cabin vessel for just USD $1,176 per person!

Nautilus Two Scuba Diving Holiday:  May 15 – 22

Nautilus Two Scuba Diving Holiday

Nautilus Two, a 12-cabin scuba diving liveaboard constructed in a traditional Maldivian style, is departing Male for a  7-night cruise of the Maldives on May 15th.  Nautilus Two is equipped with everything you could need to make your scuba diving holiday both extremely comfortable and safe.  Enjoy this stunning May scuba diving holiday from only EUR 973 per person!

Carina Scuba Diving Holiday:  May 17 – 21

Carina Liveaboard Holiday

Carina, one of the Maldives most popular and well-equipped scuba diving liveaboards, will set sail for a short 4-night adventure of the Maldivian waters on May 17th.  This is the perfect opportunity if you’re looking to make a two-part Maldives holiday – 4 nights on Carina and 4 nights in a luxurious Maldivian resort could be the ideal vacation!  Enjoy this short scuba diving holiday on Carina for just USD $796 per person!

Dream Catcher II Scuba Diving Holiday:  May 24 – 31

Dream Catcher II May Scuba Diving Holiday

Experience the Maldives in luxury and style!  Dream Catcher II, one of the country’s finest liveaboards is currently offering a very special offer on the 7-night scuba diving holiday that departs on May 24th.  You pay for 6 nights and the 7th night on board is free, making this a great opportunity to book a scuba diving holiday on Dream Catcher II this May.  Total price for the holiday, departing from Malé, is USD $1,330 per person.

MV Orion Scuba Diving Holiday: May 24 – 30

MV Orion Scuba Diving Holiday

Last but not least on our list of top scuba diving holidays this May is a May 24th departure on MV Orion, one of the Maldives’ newest and most stylish liveaboards.  MV Orion has been described as “Business Class Scuba”, and the description is apt.  This stunning boat, reminiscent of the super-cruisers seen cruising the Mediterranean has every facility on board to ensure you experience the Maldives like a celebrity: Jacuzzi, library, bar and on-board massage to name just a few of the facilities.  The best part of all, this 6-night scuba diving holiday can be yours for just USD $1,194 per person!

Become an Affiliate Today and Start Earning Great Commissions!

Maldives Dive Travel is the first provider of Maldives liveaboard holidays to offer an affiliate program.  By signing up as an affiliate, you can earn great commissions simply by placing banners or text links on your website or social media profiles.

How Does the Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program Work?

Becoming an affiliate for Maldives Dive Travel is completely free and it takes only a few minutes to sign up.  Simply visit our affiliate program web page, where you will be invited to join the program.  Once you have confirmed your account, you will be able to take numerous online tutorials that will tell you everything you could need to know about becoming a successful affiliate.

Options for Maldives Dive Travel Affiliates

Once you are inside your affiliate program account, you will find a number of different options that you can use to promote our diving holidays.  Traditional options include putting text links or banners on your website.  Once you select a banner or text ad, you will see your specific affiliate code.  It’s this code that tells us the customer came to our site from yours, and that’s how we know when to pay you a commission.  There are other, less traditional options, such as the light boxes, that will add an eye-catching and stylish touch to your site.  There are also email templates, links for including on your social media profiles and so on.

Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate Program Commissions

Commissions in the Maldives Dive Travel affiliate program are paid on a per sale basis.  When a customer comes to our website from your site and proceeds to make a purchase, your commission will be recognized as soon as the customer completes payment.  Affiliates are paid 8% of the value of the sale.  You must accrue $250.00 of commissions before receiving your first payment, and from then on, commissions will be paid once a month.

Who Can Be a Maldives Dive Travel Affiliate?

The great thing about the Maldives Dive Travel affiliate program is that ANYONE can join!  It’s ideal for people with a website about scuba diving, the Maldives or international travel, but it’s also a viable option for people who don’t have a website.  Perhaps you’re an avid scuba diver, and you have a lot of scuba friends on Facebook – you can put your affiliate links on Facebook or Twitter or any other social media profile, and we will see when customers come from your site.  Maybe you have a massive email address book, filled with people who love travel and scuba – send them an email using one of our email templates and all they have to do is visit the site via the link you provide.  There are many ways you can make money with our affiliate program, starting today, and it’s totally free to join, so you have nothing to lose!

Theia Liveaboard Cruise Update

Theia set sail again on Monday, March 15 for another stunning cruise of the Maldives.  Weather forecasts for the week were good with an average temperature of 31C, but a few thunderstorms and light winds expected.

To book a space on a Theia dive cruise, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

Theia Liveaboard Cruising the Maldives

Theia Diving

Divers will enjoy two or three dives each day.  So far, they have enjoyed some awesome dives, including a dive at Boduhithi Thila in the North Male Atoll, where they saw a variety of sharks and some stingrays.

Grey Reef Shark seen at Rasdhoo Madivaru

The next dive was at Rasdhoo Madivaru in the Rasdhoo Atoll, where they saw three manta rays, white tip, black tip and grey reef sharks and enjoyed excellent visibility.  Several dives were held at the Rasdhoo Madivaru since it is such a spectacular dive site, and during a morning dive at the site, the group was lucky enough to see a group of mobular rays.

Theia Liveaboard Manta Ray

After the Rasdhoo Madivaru, Theia moved on to Bathala Maaga Kan Thila where divers were treated to an amazing grey reef shark show!

Theia Liveaboard

Theia is definitely one of the most spectacular boats in the Maldives today.  These photos show some of her characteristics and amenities.

Sunset from Theia's Deck

Theia, like all liveaboards in the Maldives, is accompanied by an additional dive boat, known as a dive dhoni, from where all the dives are carried out.  All equipment is stored on this boat, making the guest experience on board even more comfortable since there is no need to carry dive gear from the main ship on to a secondary boat.  The dive dhoni also carries first aid and emergency equipment in case something should go wrong during the dive.  The compressor is also kept on the dhoni, so there is never any noise from the compressor on the main boat.

Theia's Additional Dive Boat

Theia Cruise Special Offers

Theia is currently running a special introductory price of only $192 per person per night, which includes all dives and meals.  Flights to the Maldives are not included and neither is scuba gear, although this can be rented (just let the boat know in advance).  There are regular cruise departures on Theia and they usually last for 7 – 10 nights.  There are several cruises this year that are scheduled to visit renowned Hanifaru Bay, home to the manta ray “feeding frenzy”.  These cruises are scheduled for: July 19 – 26, August 2 – 9, August 9 -16, August 23 – 30 and September 6 – 13.

To book a space on a Theia dive cruise, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

Take advantage of the low price currently available in March for the Galileo Southern Atoll Explorer Tour!

Mark your calendars – March 11 – 22! But, BOOK NOW! Limited Availability.

This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the world’s largest atoll.  This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are numerous dive sites just waiting to be explored.  Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit an array of pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.

Galileo Southern Atoll Explorer Tour

Depending on weather conditions, the safari will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male.  This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.

Galileo Mar 11-22 Southern Atoll Explorer Tour
Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of
only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights

Galileo Liveaboard

Galileo is one of the most well-equipped safari ships in the Maldives, perfect for a true expedition-style adventure.

Learn more about the Galileo, including its amenities, facilities, service, food & photos, here: Galileo Liveaboard!

What’s Included in the Galileo Scuba Diving Cruise?

- Accommodation in air-conditioned cabins with window, en-suite shower (hot water) and WC. Daily cleaning. Towels provided.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tea and coffee are available free of charge at all times plus one bottle of water per person per day.
- 27 dives
- Tanks with DIN/INT 12 lts, lead belts, extra diving boat
- Guidance by a PADI-qualified and highly experienced English-speaking dive instructor
- Use of fishing gear – local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits.
- Island-hopping, snorkelling service
- Picnic on an uninhabited island (depending on weather and route).
- On the last day a trip to the capital city Male will be offered
- Pick-up & drop-off at Male’ International Airport to connect with international flights on first and last day of the cruise, before noon.

Price does not include:

- International or Domestic air fares ( Male-Kaadhdhedhoo is 217 return flight)
- Airport taxes
- Dive/snorkel equipment rental
- Beverages, except those mentioned above
- Bed Tax: 8 per person per night is charged on board
- Dive and travel insurance
- Transfer supplements for arrivals/departures on days other than scheduled boat arrival/departure
- Fuel surcharge: in the event that crude oil reaches USD $100 per barrel on the international market, a EUR 6 fee will be charged per person per night
- Nitrox is available for EUR 5 per filling
- Additional dives will be charged at EUR 34 each

***All prices are subject to change without notice***

Current Special Offers on Maldives Diving Holidays

Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering a selection of great special deals, making your diving holiday more affordable than ever before.  Check out the following deals and book your 2010 scuba diving holiday in the Maldives now.

Carina – Special Marine Biology Scuba Cruise, 8-22 February, 2010

Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard

Explore the Maldivian reefs under the expert guidance of two marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, Marine Biologists and PADI Instructors on board Carina from 8 to 22 February, 2010.  This cruise has a very last-minute price of just  US$ 2.660 per person.  The cruise start is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking.

Carina Marine Biology Tour Itinerary

Depending on weather conditions, this scuba diving safari is planned to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22.  Furthermore, the route will follow the specific marine life upon which Mary Eichler-Bilek’s marine biology workshops will focus.

Marine Biologists Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek lead Maldives Diving Safari

Special Marine Biology Themed Cruise

This scuba diving cruise is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises.  In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light.

PADI-Recognised Specialty Course Available On Board

A very special feature of this cruise is the opportunity of taking the Night Naturalist Specialty Course, a programme developed by Mary herself and recognised by PADI.  This is available at an extra price and should be paid on board.

Don’t miss out on this great diving holiday, reserve your space today by contacting contact Maldives Dive Travel.

Galileo Explorer Tour March 11-22      Jan 18, 2010

This once-in-a-lifetime, 11-night safari begins with a 50-minute flight from Male to Kaadhdhedhoo in the Huvadhoo Atoll (also called Suvadiva Atoll), the largest atoll in the world.  This is a particularly untouched part of the Maldives with only a handful of exclusive resorts operating here and very few dive boats exploring the area, meaning that there are many dive sites just waiting to be explored.  Guests on this safari will have the opportunity to dive at many undiscovered dive sites and visit many pristine islands – some inhabited and others completely secluded.

Galileo Hosts Special Explorer Cruise

Galileo Explorer Tour Itinerary

Depending on weather conditions, Galileo will travel around several of the southernmost atolls of the Maldives, ending at Huvadhoo airport in Kaadhdhedhoo, from where a flight will return to Male.  This is the perfect scuba safari for divers looking to explore the unknown treasures of the Indian Ocean.

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity at the unbeatable price of only EUR 1,386 per person for 11 nights.  A few places are still available; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today.

Diving Holiday with Marine Biologist Mary Eichler-Bilek

A very special diving holiday opportunity is available in the Maldives.  On your next diving holiday, why not explore the amazing coral reefs of the Maldives with the expert company and guidance of marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek.

This 14-night diving holiday is being held aboard the Carina liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ favourite scuba diving safari ships, which is equipped with everything you will need to enjoy this amazing diving holiday.

Diving Holiday with Mary Eichler Bilek and Leo Bilek

Last-Minute Diving Holiday

The Carina marine biology diving holiday is being offered at a very special, last-minute price of US$ 2.660 per person for the 14-night trip.  The diving holiday includes all dives, meals, accommodation and the incredible amount of knowledge that you will inherit from these marine biology experts.  There is also the opportunity to take the PADI-Approved Night Naturalist Specialty Course, designed by Mary Eichler herself.

Carina Diving Holiday Route

Proposed Tour Route: This diving holiday is confirmed to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22.

Diving Holiday on the Carina Liveaboard

Special Marine Biology Themed Diving Holiday

This scuba diving holiday is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises.  In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light.

Diving Holiday Special Deal

VERY LAST MINUTE price: US$ 2.660 per person.  The diving holiday is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking. Marine biology course can be booked on board (€ 320 per person).

We look forward to diving with you!  To book your space on this very special diving holiday, contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

	CARINA – Special Marine Biology Scuba Cruise Dec 21, 2009
	Special Marine Biology Maldives Cruise on Carina Liveaboard Explore the Maldivian reefs under the expert guidance of two marine biologists and PADI-Certified Dive Instructors: Mary Eichler-Bilek & Leo Bilek, Marine Biologists and PADI Instructors on board Carina from 8 to 22 February, 2010. VERY LAST MINUTE price: US$ 2.660 per person.  The cruise start is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking. Marine Biology Course can be booked on board. Proposed Tour Route: This scuba diving safari is planned to leave Male on February 8, travel around the South Male, Felidhu, Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls (weather permitting) before returning to Male on February 22.Furthermore, the route will follow the specific marine life upon which Mary Eichler-Bilek’s marine biology workshops will focus. Special Marine Biology Themed Cruise This scuba diving cruise is ideal for those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. After ten years of diving experience in the Maldives, Mary is an expert in marine biology and she enjoys passing this knowledge on to others during her popular marine biology cruises. In-depth dive briefings and workshops will be given in English and German throughout the cruise to help participants to see the reefs and their inhabitants in a new light. PADI-Recognised Specialty Course Available On Board A very special feature of this cruise is the opportunity of taking the Night Naturalist Specialty Course, a programme developed by Mary herself and recognised by PADI. There is also the option of obtaining the PADI – Underwater Naturalist Certification on Carina during the cruise. This certification carries a fee of EUR 90, which is payable on board . VERY LAST MINUTE price: US$ 2.660 per person.  The cruise start is confirmed, a few places are still open for booking. Marine biology course can be booked on board (€ 320 per person). We look forward to diving with you! Note: You must be able to check in for the cruise no later than 14:00 in Male on the cruise start date and you will have checked out by 10:00 latest on the last day of the cruise.  Take these times into account when booking flights to and from the Maldives.

Whale Sharks in the Maldives

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, can reach up to a massive 12 metres in length, and are common in the Maldives.  Historically, they were only to be found in the Maldives during the southwest monsoon season, but now, due to several changes in the environment including higher water temperatures and increased levels of plankton, whale sharks can be found swimming around the Maldives and in particular, the Ari and Baa Atolls throughout the year.

Maldives Whale Shark Encounters

Generally speaking, whale sharks are not spotted while scuba diving.  Instead, the dive boat, or liveaboard, will travel around an area known for whale sharks looking for signs of the sharks lurking underwater.  Meanwhile, the divers are ready in their snorkel – not scuba – equipment and once the whale shark is located, they jump into the water with their snorkel gear on, and swim with the whale shark.  Despite their massive size, whale sharks are very peaceful, curious creatures that present no real threat to humans.

Best Place to Find a Whale Shark in the Maldives

Whale sharks move around the islands of the Maldives depending on the season. In the drier, northwest monsoon season, which lasts from May to December, Whale Sharks are generally seen around the islands on the western side of the Maldives, whereas in the southeast monsoon season – the rainier of the two seasons – which lasts from December to April, the best whale shark spotting opportunities are found around the eastern side of the Maldives.

You don’t have to be a Scuba Diver to Swim with a Whale Shark!

The great thing about whale sharks is you don’t have to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy a whale shark encounter.  Anyone of any age can jump in and snorkel around with these amazing creatures.  The only requirement, of course, is that you can swim.  This is great news for non-divers enjoying a liveaboard holiday in the Maldives.

Scuba Diving Special Offers – January 2010

Maldives Dive Travel is currently offering some great last minute special offers on scuba diving holidays in the Maldives.  Take a break from the icy winter and spend a week cruising around the gorgeous atolls of the Maldives in complete style.  Enjoy two or three dives every day amid some of the finest underwater scenery in the world.

MV Orion Liveaboard Scuba Holidays

MV Orion is the newest, most luxurious liveaboard in the Maldives.  Built in 2009, this magnificent ship has all the amenities onboard to ensure a comfortable, stylish winter break in the Maldives.

Enjoy a 10-day scuba diving safari on MV Orion for USD $2,990 per person, including all scuba diving, meals and accommodation.  The cruise departs from Male on January 8.  Only a few spaces left.

MV Orion is also offering a 7-day January cruise, departing Male on January 18^th, returning on January 25^th.  This cruise costs just USD $2,093 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving.

Contact Maldives Dive Travel today to reserve your space on MV Orion this January.

Galileo Liveaboard Holiday Deals

Galileo is one of the most popular scuba diving liveaboard boats in the Maldives, offering an enticing combination of comfort and true adventure.  The boat is extremely well-equipped with navigational equipment that makes it perfect for long adventures at sea.  There are several scuba diving adventures scheduled for Galileo this January, all of which are already confirmed.  Book today, there are only a few places left on board each cruise:

14-night safari from January 4 – 18.  EUR 1,764 per person, including all meals, accommodation and scuba diving

7-night diving safari from January 18-25.  EUR 756 per person, including all meals, diving and accommodation

Galileo Reports Seeing 17 Dolphins in South Male Atoll

Galileo Liveaboard, one of the Maldives’ most well-equipped scuba diving liveaboard ships has been experiencing some amazing scuba diving in the last few days.  After seeing 72 grey reef sharks yesterday at Kandooma Thila in the South Male Atoll, the boat went on to also see 17 dolphins at Bodo Kandu dive site, also in South Male Atoll. So far, the Galileo cruise has been amazing, and the guests on board, who are from all over the world, have been extremely happy with their diving holiday in the Maldives.

Galileo Diving Holidays

The Galileo Diving Holiday guests still have a few more days of diving and hopes for seeing more amazing marine life are high. There are some great special offers on diving safaris on the Galileo Liveaboard, making your dream scuba diving holiday in the Maldives more accessible than you might have thought.  All prices include scuba diving, meals and accommodation, as well as a selection of other activities.

Galileo Liveaboard Special Offers

* January 4 – 18 2010 – 14-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 1,764 per person

* January 18 – 25  – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 756 per person

* February 25 – March 4 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

* March 4 – 11 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

Galileo Liveaboard Information

For more information about the Galileo Liveaboard ship and the dive safaris operated around the Maldives, visit the Galileo Liveaboard information page.

Unbelievable Scuba Diving in Maldives on Galileo

The Galileo Liveaboard reported more spectacular scuba diving in the Maldives today, Sunday, December 13th, 2009.  Cruising around South Male Atoll, guests on board were treated to some amazing sights.

72 Grey Reef Sharks Seen at Bodo Kandu Dive Site

Grey reef sharks are common in the Maldives, and are a major attraction, especially since you can get really close to the sharks here, and they are surprisingly friendly.  Today, at Kandooma Thila Dive Site in the South Male Atoll, guests of the Galileo Liveaboard were treated to a spectacle of 72 grey reef sharks.  This was an amazing experience for all guests on board.

Grey reef sharks at Bodo Kandu

Galileo Scuba Diving Safaris

There are some great special offers on diving safaris on the Galileo Liveaboard, making your dream scuba diving holiday in the Maldives more accessible than you might have thought.  All prices include scuba diving, meals and accommodation, as well as a selection of other activities.

• January 4 – 18 2010 – 14-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 1,764 per person

• January 18 – 25  – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 756 per person

• February 25 – March 4 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

• March 4 – 11 – 7-night Galileo Diving Safari – EUR 882 per person

Note: This safari starts and ends in the Laamu Atoll (south Maldives), so you need to purchase a return flight from Male International Airport to Kaddhoo.  This will cost approximately USD 250 and is not included in the price of the safari.

Galileo Liveaboard Information

For more information about the Galileo Liveaboard ship and the dive safaris operated around the Maldives, visit the Galileo Liveaboard information page.