Up to 15% off upcoming trips and Free Nitrox to qualified divers on all trips.
Why you should chooose Carpe Novo:
Free Nitrox to Qualified divers, Long term experienced staff, very popular with guests with great reviews, 10% discount on trips departing in the next 30 days, Small group offer (pay for 5 and being 6 persons), interesting Southern routes.
The top 10 reasons to join a Liveaboard in the Maldives
Carpe Novo is the upgraded sister ship of the Carpe Diem and was built in the Maldives by the same person, Amir Mansoor who built the Carpe Diem and the Carpe Vita.
Carpe Novo is bigger than the Carpe Diem and even slightly bigger than Carpe Vita, catering for a maximum of 21 people in 11 cabins divided over 3 decks thus providing more space.
Carpe Novo like her two “sisters” caters for dedicated scuba diving, wave surfing and fishing trips for both individuals as well as groups.
The Carpe Novo like the Carpe Diem and Carpe Vita will provide 3 dives a day on her dedicated scuba diving trips and offers free Nitrox to qualified divers.
Carpe Novo will be doing special routings to the South and back to be able to get away from the crowd and offer clients, particularly repeat clients, something different from the standard Ari Atoll routing at certain times of the year.
These routings will take place during peak high season (February / March) when the currents are at its strongest and visibility at its best to see the abundance of shark life the Maldives has to offer.
When is the best time to Dive the Maldives
Read the guest reviews


Carpe Novo - schedule
Carpe Novo - prices and what's included
Prices are per person per trip and based on 2 persons sharing a cabin.
Exact pricing is available on the schedule here as prices vary dependant on the time of year, destination 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.
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.
Wifi 20 USD+12% GST+10% Service Charge for 3 GB or 25 USD+12% GST+10% Service Charge for 5 GB
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer (You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
Alcoholic, soft drinks and extra bottles of water.
Dive equipment
All not specified in "The trip price includes:".
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 cabin, non sharing cabin is +60% on top of the regular retail rate for one person.
Non divers receive a 10% discount from the above prices
If you book 5 full paying guests you will receive the 6th free of charge!
Booking and Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
Booking deposit: 30% of your invoice total is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your booking.
Final payment of 70% is due to 90 days prior to the departure date to complete your invoice payment.
Individual bookings made less than 90 days before the departure date will be payable in full upon booking to confirm your booking.
Cancellation at any stage involves forfeit of monies already payed.
Equipment prices
Description - Per Week / Per 10 days
Complete set - Bcd, Regulator, Computer, Wetsuit and Snorkel set $ 225 / $ 325
Regulator - $ 65 / $ 95
Bcd - $ 65 / $ 95
Dive lamp - $ 30 / $ 40
Dive computer - $ 65 / $ 95
Wetsuit - $ 25 / $ 35
Mask, snorkel, fins - $ 30 / $ 40
15 Litre Air tank (large tank) - $ 100 / $150
Course prices
Discovery Scuba Diving - 1 dive in a house reef for non-certified divers $ 100
Refresher Course - 1 dive for certified divers that have not dived in a while $ 60
Scuba Diver Course - $ 400 Certificate including Equipment, Manual, Logbook and Equipment
Open Water Course - $550 including Manual, Logbook, Equipment and Certificate
Scuba Diver upgrade to Open Water Diver - $ 250 including Manual, Logbook, Equipment and Certificate
Advanced Open Water Course - $ 350 including Manual, Equipment and Certificate
Speciality Courses - $ 200 including Certificate
Nitrox / Ean Course - $ 160 including Manual and Certificate
Diving equipment is free of charge for Dsd, scuba diver, Scuba diver upgrade and OW course during the course period.
All Equipment and Course prices above are quoted in USD and subject to a 12% GST and 10% Service charge.
Carpe Novo - gallery
Carpe Novo - Video
Carpe Novo - cabins
The Carpe Novo has 12 comfortable cabins of different standards divided over 3 decks. The different cabin types are junior suite (4), single suites (2) and standard (6).
All cabins have individually controlled AC, safety deposit boxes and TV screens connected to a central movie system and their own private bathrooms.
The electricity voltage on board is of 220V and the plugs are of multinational type.
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Upper Deck Junior Suite
The 4 junior suite cabins have king size (California) beds which can be separated in two single beds, whilst two are suitable for a couple with one double bed.
All cabins have a wide flat screen TV connected to central media system, desk/chair/dresser, two hanging closets, windows throughout the side of the cabin and bathroom with a spacious shower. -
Main Deck Single Suite
The two single suites cabins located on the main deck have queen size beds and desk/chair, TV connected to central media system, hanging closet, large windows, private ensuite bathroom and shower, these are for one person normally. -
Lower Deck Standard Cabin
A total of 6 standard cabins are located on the lower deck below the main deck.
4 cabins have one queen size bed and a single bed and the two front cabins have two single beds.
All cabins have a smart TV connected to central media system, desk, private ensuite bathrooms with showers.
All standard cabins have portholes.
Lower Deck Standard Cabin
A total of 6 standard cabins are located on the lower deck below the main deck.
4 cabins have one queen size bed and a single bed and the two front cabins have two single beds.
All cabins have a smart TV connected to central media system, desk, private ensuite bathrooms with showers.
All standard cabins have portholes.
Upper Deck Junior Suite
The 4 junior suite cabins have king size (California) beds which can be separated in two single beds, whilst two are suitable for a couple with one double bed.
All cabins have a wide flat screen TV connected to central media system, desk/chair/dresser, two hanging closets, windows throughout the side of the cabin and bathroom with a spacious shower.
Main Deck Single Suite
The two single suites cabins located on the main deck have queen size beds and desk/chair, TV connected to central media system, hanging closet, large windows, private ensuite bathroom and shower, these are for one person normally.
Carpe Novo - itineraries
Due to the many and varied itineraries we have provided links to the PDF forms for each trip
7 nights: North Male – Rasdhoo – Ari – Vaavu – South Male
10 nights: North Male – Lhaviyani – Noonu – Raa – Baa – Rasdhoo – Ari – South Male
10 Nights: North Male – Rasdhoo – Ari – Meemu – Vaavu – South Male
Carpe Liveaboards runs 7, 10 and 14 night cruises.
On a typical trip 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 the day of arrival around 4 pm after finishing your paperwork (if you arrive later than this you would not be able to do this dive.)
In a typical 7 night trip there would be 5 days of 3 dives a day and a maximum of 2 dives on the day before departure and the check dive on the arrival day - the normal total for a week long trip would be 17/18 dives which includes one night dive, this is the same for most boats in the Maldives.
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 Novo is 2.30 pm and the pick time and place is the airport information desk at 2.15pm.
For your flight arrival times ideally you should aim to arrive before this if possible 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 the normal 2.30pm transfer will be charged and you may miss the check out dive on the arrival day.
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 or taxi ride to the next island of Male and being the capital and a small island it is very populated and noisy and probably not what you would like.
If you stay on Hulhulemale island (the airport 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 they will have to change it and the charge is 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 they know where you are staying before the trip and your exact flight details if you are arriving the same day.
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.
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.
Carpe Novo - specs
Carpe Novo is a 43 m long motor safari yacht with a wooden hull. It has 3 decks plus a sundeck.
Built :2016
Port of Registration :Male’ / Republic of Maldives
Length (m) :43 (140 feet)
Width (m) :11 (36 feet)
Maximum Guests :22
No. of Cabins :12 (4 Junior Suites, 2 Single suites, 6 Standard)
No. of Bathrooms :15
Air-Condition :In any enclosed area of the Boat and in each Cabin
No.of Crew :10 + 3 on the diving dhoni
Engine :Doosan Daewood Marine Diesel (Model No: V1 80219), HP 800
Fuel Tank Capacity :2 x Tanks of 6,000 liters per Tank (Total 12 tons)
Navigation :GPS, Sounder
Communication :VHF Radio, Internet, GSM
Generators :2 x Zenith Isuzu 65 KW Marine-Gen set
1 x Zenith Isuzu 25 KW Marine-Gen set
Electric Voltage :220 / 50 Hz, 3 Phase, 24 hrs / day
Fresh Water capacity :13,000 Liters (10 Tons)
Water Maker :
1 x WASCO Desalinator 700Liters / hr. 15 tons / day
1 x WASCO Desalinator 900 Liters / hr. 18 tons / day
Safety equipmentSmoke detectors, fire extinguishers, life jackets, emergency alarm
Laundry Service :NO
Diving Dhoni :YES (L: 61 feet/ W: 20 feet)
Nitrox on Board ?YES
HP Compressors :L&W
Nitrox Gen :Nitrox L&W Membrane System
FA Oxygen on board :YES, 10,500 Liters
Dive Gear Rental :YES – Scubapro brand
Diving School :YES – PADI
Carpe Novo - diving
Carpe does not require a min. amount of dives as that does not always tell enough.
They 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 ther special South routings with lots of current, we do require a minimum of 100 dives experience and experience with currents. For the experienced team working at the fully equipped PADI Dive Centre on board your safety comes first.
They use a diving dhoni built by the same company as the Carpe 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 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 ® Membranes, Coltrisub and a Bauer Compressors);
Included also is the Carpe snack bar.
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;
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.
IMPORTANT FOR ANY DIVER ON BOARD
Every guest wanting to dive has to declare his/her physical ability to support diving exercise and physical stress. Once on board, the student has to fill in the PADI Medical Statement Form without any areas being marked as a YES. If there are questions answered with YES, feel free to consult your physician or Carpe Staff or both for any clarification you may need. Just note that if there still is a question answered with YES you need to have the form compiled and signed by a Physician, who will declare “I find no medical conditions that I consider incompatible with diving”. Diving will not be possible without the form properly signed. A visit to a local physician (at the student expenses) cannot be guaranteed during the cruise trip.
Maldives diving conditions
The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - a dry season from November/December to April/May, and a wet season from sometime in May to October/November.
Please note the "wet" season is not solid rain 24 hours a day and is mostly showers in the morning and evening with many days being sunny and the diving remains good all year.
Underwater visibility in the Maldives is determined by the tidal movements with incoming and outgoing tides.
Here is how each season effects diving in the Maldives:
Dry Season (November/December to April/May):
This is the peak tourist season in the Maldives, with generally calm seas, warm temperatures, and low humidity.
The dry season is considered the best time to visit for diving, as the water is clear and the visibility is excellent.
The chance to see larger pelagic species such as whale sharks and manta rays is also higher during this season.
However, as this is the peak season, prices for liveaboards and resorts tend to be higher.
Wet Season (May to October/November):
The wet season in the Maldives is characterized by more rain, higher humidity, and slightly rougher seas.
However, the water temperature remains warm, and the diving can still be excellent, especially in the southern atolls.
During this season, there may be fewer tourists, and liveaboard and resort prices can be more affordable.
The wet season is also a great time for macro diving, with an abundance of smaller critters like nudibranchs and seahorses although the big pelagics are still around but due to the visibility being lower (15-30M) they are not as easy to see.
In terms of the best time to go to the Maldives, it ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities.
If you prioritize excellent visibility and the chance to see larger pelagic species, then the dry season from December to April may be the best time to go, despite the higher prices.
However, if you are more budget-conscious and don't mind less visiblity, although it is still 15-30M (50-100 feet), then the wet season from May to November may be a better option for you.
As for prices, liveaboard prices can vary widely depending on the time of year and the level of luxury you are looking for.
In general, liveaboards tend to be more affordable during the wet season and can be a great deal during the shoulder seasons (May to June and September to November).
The air temperature varies little with an annual average of 30C (90F) and minimum of 26C (80F), while the water temperature ranges from 26C (80F) to 30C (86F).
Please note: A lot of Liveaboard prices can be higher during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year's and Chinese New Year.
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 give you the best experience possible dependant on the current conditions on your trip and all 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 itineraries.
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 the liveaboard staff 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 easiest ways to experience the best that the Maldives has to offer and visit and discover more areas and better sites than diving from a land base.
Diving is carried out from a purpose built “diving dhoni” that will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface.
This is the safest and most comfortable way to dive in the Maldives due to the wind and currents.
Every diver will have their own Dive Station with their own basket where for storing their diving gear, which will always remain on the diving dhoni.
This system leaves the main boat free to handle accommodations, meals and social activities in a quiet atmosphere with more available space for you to relax in.
Most guests make up to 3 dives a day, so some sort of protection is needed.
A 3mm wetsuit is normally comfortable and adequate for most people.
There is a law in the Maldives that the depth limit is 98 feet/ 30 metres.
Your Divemaster will requires proof of certification before the first dive.
Dive insurance is mandatory as is your own personal dive computer.
(You can rent one for the trip if you do not have your own).
As well as the Mandatory Dive Insurance we highly recommend Trip and Travel Insurance on the off chance of missed or cancelled flights / lost baggage, documents, money or passport / Covid issues or any other unforeseen problems that could possibly occur.
Dive Assure Insurance offers cover for all these eventualities as well as complete Dive Insurance all in one package.
Maldives 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.
Carpe Novo - faqs
What can I do in preparation for my trip?
Complete the following documentation required for check in in advance and hand the paperwork over to the airport representative upon arrival.
On line registration forms provided by agency or directly in full
Liability release (additional one in case of American/Canadian nationals)
DAN Medical declaration in case of joining a course
Copy of dive certification cards/insurance
Rental equipment /dive insurance form if required
In accordance to health requirements from the Maldives authorities, all travellers travelling to and from Maldives are required to submit a self-declarative health declaration within 24 hours prior to their departure.
Effective from 10th September 2020, all tourists travelling for short term are required to present COVID-19 Negative PRC test result issued not more than 96 hours prior to departure, counting from the first port of embarkation enroute to the Maldives.
If you have 14 days after your second vaccine shoot then this will not be necessary but please check with your airline as they may still require the PCR negative result.
What are the arrival procedures and check in timings for your boats?
When you fly in, you will be met upon arrival by a representative of Carpe Diem Maldives, who can be identified Carpe Diem Cruises crew shirt and sign board with the companies’ logo. (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 or report to the information desk.
Please ensure you are in the possession of face masks as per local requirement when in public spaces.
We will meet you at the info/help desk arrivals hall at below check in timing. Due to the necessity of disinfecting the boat after departure of previous guests more time will be need to ready the boat for new arrivals.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and hope for your understanding while complying by the guidelines set out by the local government.
Carpe Novo / Carpe Vita : 2 pm
Carpe Diem : 12:30 pm
Can I combine a liveaboard stay with a resort/guesthouse stay?
It is possible to combine our liveaboard trips with a resort stay prior and or after your liveaboard stay.
This will be subject to approval however from Ministry of Tourism for which a split stay form needs to be filled out by both parties together with copies of the passports.
If you are staying at a resort/guesthouse prior to boarding one of our cruises please ensure that your resort contacts us and initiates the process and submits the form to MOT 48 hours before the transfer.
If you are going to a resort/guesthouse after your cruise with us, we will initiate the process and would need to contact the resort.
Please provide us with booking ref numbers in such cases and contact details for the resort. These you can add to your on line registration forms sent by us.
Will there be a check dive on day of arrival?
Due to the late check in NO check dives will be offered on the day of embarkation itself. Check dive will take place the following morning and we will request our teams to provide an extra dive during the trip if circumstances permit.
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
When arriving early morning, you can either choose to wait at the airport and use their facilities or spend a few hours in a guesthouse day room use at the airport hotel.
Our representative meeting you upon arrival will be able to assist you on this and organise if required.
Prices range from 90 to 110 USD for a room plus transfers to and from the airport.
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 times for the boat?
Guests need to depart the vessel by 8 am latest. Due to the necessity of readying the vessel and completely disinfecting 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 other measures are in place that I need to be aware of?
Depending on the total number of guests you might be split into 2 groups for meal timings and dive briefings.
Meals will still be prepared in buffet style, but will be served by the chef and other crew members if required.
We further request each and every one on board to keep a safe distance of at least 1 meter whenever possible. Crew will be wearing masks when in contact with clients in enclosed spaces.
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. We recommend our American clientele to bring their own transformers if needed.
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 30m), current and night dives in order to be able to participate in all the dives offered during our regular itineraries and to have the best chance of being comfortable with all of the diving conditions you’ll encounter. For our seasonal Deep South itineraries however we require min of AOW certification and 100 dives.
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).
How many dives do you offer during your trips?
Depending on check in timings and flight departure timings we will offer 17 to 18 dives during a 7 night trip on all of our boats if weather permits.
Meaning a check dive on day of arrival if check in takes place before 2.30 pm followed by 5 x 3 dives a day and 1 or 2 dives on the day before disembarkation.
The amount of dives offered on the day the boat returns to port depends on your flight departure time and applying the 24 hour no diving before flying rule, but can also be limited depending on where the boat is located on the last day and the crossing that still has to be made before returning to port
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 supply Nitrox 32% free of charge on all of our boats.
Nitrox courses can be taken on board at a cost of 180 USD + 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 4G 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.
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.