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 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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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

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.

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 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.

Special Explorer Cruise on Galileo Liveaboard

Maldives Dive Travel is proud to announce a very special “Galileo Explorer Tour” from March 11-22, 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 Liveaboard Route

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

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

A few places are still available on this amazing cruise; to reserve yours, please contact Maldives Dive Travel today!

Long-Awaited Theia Sets Sail on Maiden Cruise

Luxury liveaboard safari ship, Theia, made her maiden voyage on January 11.  The long-awaited super cruiser is a beautiful ship reminiscent of private yachts often seen cruising the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

Theia Liveaboard Features

Theia has 8 cabins on board, of which 2 are luxurious ocean view suites located on the upper deck and 6 are cabins on the lower deck.  In total there is accommodation for 18 people.  All rooms have air-conditioning, hot water, en-suite bathrooms and exterior windows.  They are all stylishly decorated with dark woods and fresh green and white colours.  Internet access is available on board, as well as a TV and Hi-Fi system in the lounge area.

Theia Diving Holidays

The first diving holidays on Theia are scheduled to begin in February 2010.  You can reserve your space here.  All diving holidays on Theia are different, but they all promise to show guests the most pristine, untouched areas of the Maldives, finest scuba diving sites and most spectacular scenery.

Food and Activities on Theia

All diving trips on Theia include three meals a day, snacks and all dives (2 or 3 dives each day).  Meals are prepared by well-trained chefs and highlight many of the local, fresh ingredients you can find in the Maldives, including a lot of fresh fish and tropical fruits.  The kitchen creates many great meals, combining local flavours with western favourites.  There is a full bar on the ship, but alcoholic drinks are charged additionally at the end of the trip.

For more information about Theia, and to reserve your space on this amazing liveaboard, click here.

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.

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.

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!

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

Book your next Maldives liveaboard holiday online now!

Take advantage of Maldives Dive Travel‘s BEST PRICE GUARANTEE, last minute deals, high season special offers and everday low prices on our vast array of Maldives liveaboards!

Not only does Maldives Dive Travel offer a diverse selection of high quality liveaboards, unbeatable prices and unparalleled customer service (in both English and German), but we make booking your Maldives liveaboard holiday online a breeze!

Book your Maldives liveaboard holiday online now!

If you’re not convinced, check out the top 5 reasons why you should book your Maldives liveaboard holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel!

Maldives Liveaboards

Maldives Dive Travel prides itself on our diverse selection of high quality liveaboards, hand picked for their adherance to our strict service and safety standards.

Check out the following Maldives liveaboards offered by Maldives Dive Travel!

Black Pearl Maldives Liveaboards

The Black Pearl liveaboard, measuring 95 feet long and 26 feet wide, offers guests seven comfortable cabins, each with air conditioner, en-suite bathroom and one double bed plus one single bed. The Black Pearl liveaboard‘s main deck is gorgeous, made entirely out of Balau wood.

The Black Pearl liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 4, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!
• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$198/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Black Pearl now!

Carina Maldives Liveaboard

The Carina liveaboard, under the professional management of long-time diving instructors Shaahina and Gert, attracts many repeat bookings from all over the world – the ultimate reward for any high-quality safari operation. Currently, Carina is the only liveaboard in the Maldives that offers ENOS-diver-location security equipment.

The Carina liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, December 28, 2009 – Monday, January 4, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Wednesday, January 6, 2010 – Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Wednesday, January 20, 2010 – Wednesday, January 27, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!
• Saturday, January 30, 2010 – Saturday, February 6, 2010 – Only USD$172/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Carina now!

Dream Catcher II Maldives Liveaboard

The Dream Catcher II liveaboard, built in 2008, has everything: a great atmosphere, lots of space and outstanding scuba diving. Dream Catcher II liveaboard, available for single and group bookings, offers a great combination of luxurious accommodation and modern facilities that will make your scuba diving holiday in the Maldives a most memorable occasion.

The Dream Catcher II liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Saturday, January 30, 2010 – Saturday, February 6, 2010 – Only USD$244/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Dream Catcher II now!

Galileo Maldives Liveaboard

Certified according to the strict guidelines of German Lloyd, the Galileo liveaboard can venture further afield than the usual dive cruise routes. The owner of the Galileo liveaboard is a diving instructor, possessing 20 years diving experience in the Maldives. Choose from 423 dive spots in the on board GPS. Briefings are held in English and German.

The Galileo liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, Jan 04, 2010 – Monday, Jan 11, 2010 – Only EUR€126/person per night!
• Monday, Jan 11, 2010 – Monday, Jan 18, 2010 – Only EUR€126/person per night!
• Monday, Jan 18, 2010 – Monday, Jan 25, 2010 – Only EUR€108/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Galileo now!

Island Safari 2 Royal Maldives Liveaboard

Island Safari 2 Royal liveaboard was launched in 2007 and boasts 8 deluxe rooms and 2 suites, offering up to 20 guests plenty of space and comfort for an unforgettable diving holiday! All cruise dates on offer at Maldives Dive Travel are guaranteed to take place – in other words: there is no minimum booking requirement!

The Island Safari 2 Royal liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Saturday, Jan 09, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 16, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 16, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 23, 2010 – Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!
• Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 – Saturday, Feb 06, 2010 – Only USD$250/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Island Safari 2 Royal now!

MV Orion Maldives Liveaboard

The MV Orion is a brand new, luxurious super cruiser eager to chaperone guests to some of the Maldives most alluring dive sites. When on board the MV Orion, guests can enjoy a library, bar, jacuzzi and top of the line massage services.

The MV Orion offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Friday, January 8, 2010 – Monday, January 18, 2010 – Only USD$299/person per night!
• Monday, January 18, 2010 – Monday, January 25, 2010 – Only USD$299/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the MV Orion now!

Nautilus One Maldives Liveaboard

Measuring 30 metres in length, the Nautilus One liveaboard is much more than just a safari boat. Built entirely from timber in the traditional Maldives shipbuilding style, the Nautilus One liveaboard is a true piece of art!

The Nautilus One liveaboard offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Tuesday, January 5, 2010 – Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – Only USD$201/person per night!
• Tuesday, January 26, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$201/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Nautilus One now!

Nautilus Two Maldives Liveaboard

The Nautilus Two, measuring 43 metres in length, was built entirely out of wood, following the traditional Maldivian methods, which are not only visually appealing but have stood the test of time. The Nautilus Two features lots of room, beautiful construction, and the most modern equipment.

The Nautilus Two offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Tuesday, January 12, 2010 – Monday, January 18, 2010 – Only USD$220/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday, February 1, 2010 – Only USD$220/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Nautilus Two now!

Stingray Maldives Liveaboard

MS Stingray is constructed from wood, combining traditional Maldivian methods and modern enginerring. The 9 comfortable cabins aboard the MS Stingray (4 with double and 5 with twin beds) are equipped with air conditioning and en-suite hot-water showers. All cabins are equipped with outside portholes.

The MS Stingray offers the following diving holidays in Janaury:

• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 11, 2010 - Only USD$210/person per night!
• Monday, January 11, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$210/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Stingray now!

Theia Maldives Liveaboard

Theia is a stylish 104-foot cruising yacht built in 2009 that offers all the amenities you would expect from a high-class Maldivian liveaboard, as well as the comfort and luxury of a private yacht. There are 8 cabins on Theia, providing accommodation for up to 18 guests. The Theia liveaboard provides scuba diving holidays each month, for either seven or ten nights, during which time guests have the opportunity to travel around the atolls of the Maldives, visiting some of the finest dive sites in the world.

The Theia offers the following diving holidays in January:

• Monday, January 4, 2010 – Monday January 11, 2010 – Only USD$275/person per night!
• Monday, January 11, 2010 – Monday January 18, 2010 – Only USD$262/person per night!
• Monday, January 18, 2010 – Monday January 25, 2010 – Only USD$234/person per night!
• Monday, January 25, 2010 – Monday February 1, 2010 – Only USD$234/person per night!

Book your Maldives diving holiday in January on the Theia now!

The top 5 reasons to book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel!

Maldives Dive Travel, possessing over 20 years experience scuba diving in the Maldives, makes booking your Maldives diving holiday online a breeze!

There are tons of reasons to book online with Maldives Dive Travel, but here are the top 5!

1. Best Price Guarantee – Maldives Dive Travel offers a Best Price Guarantee! Find a better price for one of our holidays?  Send it to us and we’ll beat it! Learn more about our Best Price Guarantee here!

2. Immediate Availability – Maldives Dive Travel offers visitors “immediate availability,” meaning that you know exactly how many spots are available on a liveaboard trip when choosing your diving holiday! Instead of wasting time by writing to the operator to inquire about availability and then waiting for a response (which could take days!), with Maldives Dive Travel you know if there is space on a particular liveaboard for a specific time frame while booking your trip.

3. Liveaboards – All liveaboards featured on Maldives Dive Travel are checked regularly to ensure the highest level of service and safety.

4. Last Minute Deals – Maldives Dive Travel is constantly featuring last minute deals on the liveaboards, saving you money!

5. Convenience – At Maldives Dive Travel, we speak English and German, respond to all inquiries promptly and professionally, as well as provide information on the best dives sites, marine life, weather and much more!

Book your Maldives diving holiday online with Maldives Dive Travel now!

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.

* 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.