Ocean Divine is without a doubt one of the most luxurious vessel in the Maldives. Built in 2006, 110' of pure luxury, Ocean Divine is a labour of love for French owner/operator, David Mesnard who has lived in the Maldives since 1990 and predominantly worked in the dive business. David is a highly regarded Free-diving and Scuba Dive Instructor and also a keen surfer.

David and Gaelle Mesnard have over 21 years' experience organizing exclusive Maldives diving safaris and over 6 years offering the ultimate surfing trips throughout the Maldives. Ocean Divine is not only one of the finest luxury boat in the country, but David and Gaelle have one of the best teams on board offering the best local knowledge and professionalism to deliver a luxury live-aboard experience.

Alongside the highly trained Chef's (Razu and Mahesh) offering an exceptional range of locally prepared produce and fresh fish for your dining pleasure. The team from Ocean Divine are totally committed to providing you with the best possible Maldives diving holiday experience, and to that end our dedicated staff work year round to ensure everything is just right. David and Gaelle Mesnard personally live on board and share with you their love for the ocean. David and Gaelle are both keen free-divers and provide an on board complimentary free diving course to help you to understand how to hold your breath longer under water and reach your goal with mental training, breathing techniques and relaxation. You can expect more than just an exceptional Maldives surf and dive experience, we're sure the free-diving will change your life forever.

Some of the most frequently asked questions about the Maldives.
When is the best time to dive the Maldives - How to get to the Maldives - The top 10 reasons to join a Liveaboard in the Maldives - Maldives Diving and the Dive sites - What are the advantage of a Liveaboard over Shore diving - Information about the Maldives - Are these trips suitable for non-divers / snorkellers - The Latest Maldives Travel Information - Other general FAQs

Ocean Divine - schedule

Ocean Divine - Video

Ocean Divine - 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 price includes

7 night charter on board Luxury 110’ vessel “Ocean Divine”
Return airport transfers, tourism taxes
Air-Conditioned twin share cabin accommodation with ensuite bathroom
All meals and non-alcoholic beverages including hot drinks
Use of all on board equipment (for snorkelling)
Services of highly experience dive guides
Fishing from the Dhoni
Visit to local island
From Nov 2015 Green Tax of USD 6 per person per night which is already added to the above prices

The price does not include

Alcoholic beverages
Massage
Nitrox

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.
Payment can be made via bank transfer, Wise, Credit or Debit card (Visa, AMEX, Mastercard) or Apple pay at no extra charge.

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

Extra activities on board for people who wish :

Fishing, snorkeling, paddle board, free diving (free diver instructor is on board on most trips but please let us know if this interests you so we can confirm with the boat).

After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by a representative of Ocean Divine and transferred from the airport to the boat.

Early arrivals :

Tour commences at 5pm outside the arrivals hall at Male Airport. Please ensure you are there to meet the boat representative at this time.

It will take 15mn to reach the boat on the port.We recommend taking the courtesy bus (located outside the arrivals hall) to the Hulule Airport hotel to relax and have dinner before going back to the airport to meet other passengers. The hotel will charge approx 65 USD per person for use of the pool, luggage storage and use of showers.

Bali Traditional Massage

Balinese massage is using traditional techniques such as long stroke with medium to palm pressure. Very relaxing massage.

60 minutes…80 USD*
90 minutes…115 USD*
Reflexology
A natural healing art, based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands which correspond to every part of the body.
60 minutes…80 USD*
90 minutes…115 USD*
Face Massage
60 minutes…60 USD*

Shiatsu

Is an oriental therapy of physical and energy rebalance. Usually it is defined as an oriental “massage” but it is much more than that. It acts through pressure with thumbs, fingers and palms appl ied to determined areas and points of the human body.

60 minutes…75 USD*

Back, Neck Shoulder Rub

A traditional Ayurvedic oil massage for the head, neck and shoulders. Promotes restful sleep, relieves stress and clears the mind. Some of the many benefits include strengthening the hair roots to encourage healthy growth, nourishing the scalp and releasing the flow of energy throughout the entire body
30 minutes…33 USD*
60 minutes…65 USD*
90 minutes…90 USD*
All massages are subject to a 8% GST charge

Ocean Divine - cabins

Ocean Divine caters to 14 divers in 2 Master Staterooms (2 front cabins on the lower deck) with a double lower bed /single upper bed, private facilities, porthole view, mirrored wardrobe, bathrobes, toiletries, fresh bath towels daily, independent AC units and 5 Deluxe Staterooms (the 5 other cabins on the lower deck) with one single bed, one double bed side by side, private facilities, porthole view, mirrored wardrobe, bathrobes, toiletries, fresh bath towels daily and independent AC units.

  • Master cabin

  • Bathroom

  • Deluxe cabin

  • Saloon

  • Sunset lounge

  • Sunset Lounge

Ocean Divine - itineraries

A typical day on Ocean Divine

WAKE UP

Your crew can wake you on request anytime from 530am where you will be greeted on the back deck with tea, coffee, juice, fresh fruit and a range of cereal to prepare you for your day prior your first dive at around 7.15 AM

DIVE #1

The dive dhoni departs at 7.30 am after a dive briefing on board for the first dive of the day and get to the dive site between 5 and 15 minutes.

BREAKFAST

Your daily breakfast includes omelettes and eggs cooked to your liking, sausages and a range of traditional cooked Maldivian dishes including “Massouni”.

Plus we have cakes, juice, tea and coffee and fresh fruit available.

DIVE #2

After breakfast, rest comfortably on the different decks on board Ocean Divine and wait for the second dive of the day at 11.30 . Every dive is at a different location chosen from the best options and conditions of the day.

LUNCH

Lunches include local fresh fish, sashimi and a variety of other fresh Chef prepared meals and desserts.

A highlight of your time aboard.

AFTERNOON DIVE #3

Feel free to join the afternoon dive it s 14.45 pm the dive briefing on board finishes and you are ready to get on board the dive boat for the last dive of the day, (we do sometime 4 dives a days with a night dive ! ).

All guests are back on board by 5 pm.

Snacks and juices are waiting on the back deck when you return.

And after a long day in the surf you may like to take in a relaxing massage with our fully qualified masseuse.

CHILL

Each afternoon you can enjoy ice cold beers or a range of freshly prepared cocktails on the front deck while taking in the stunning sunsets set to your favourite tunes.

DINNER

Dinner is served at 7.30 each menu with your chef prepared set menu changing every evening for your enjoyment. Our Executice Chef’s Razu and Mahesh will offer you explanation of the meals they have prepared for you.

Bon Appetit.

EVENING

Enjoy the company of your fellow guests around the dinner table, take in a DVD in your cabin or in the living room, play some games or simply chill out on the front or upper deck under the stars. Or you can simply head off to your comfortable bed for a wonderful nights sleep. Its all up to you, the choice is yours. Diaporamas and explanation about the marine life is also on the program at certain nights.

North Atolls: 7/10 nights

  • Unspoiled reef, no crowd

  • Shark cleaning station

  • Manta cleaning station

  • Diving and snorkeling with dolphins

  • amazing “Thilas” underwater pinnacle

  • Soft corals and amazing amount of fish.

Ari Atoll: 7/10 nights

  • Most popular dive sites

  • Thilas" full of life

  • Manta cleaning station

  • whale sharks

  • soft coral (ouest side)

  • Hammerhead sharks (rasdho)

Ari/ Felidu atoll: 7/10 nights

  • Beautiful wrecks,

  • Big pelagics in chanel dive

  • Caves with soft corals

  • sharks thilas

  • Mantas cleaning station

  • Beautiful islands and sand banks.

  • Fantastic night dives

Felidu/Meemu atoll: 7/10 nights

  • Mostly chanel dives with big fishes*

  • Long drift dives with soft coral*

  • Virgin islands*

  • Not much crowd*

  • The real Maldives

Central atoll Laamu back to Male: 10 nights

  • Arrival direct with domestic plane on site and back with the boat to Male*

  • Best channel dives*

  • All range of pelagics oceanic sharks*

  • Hamerheads*

  • Night dive with sharks

Southern atolls : 10/14 night

  • Simply the best dive site of the Maldives ( one way up or back by domestic flight)*

  • The best corals of the Maldives*

  • Whale sharks*

  • Chanel, thilas, the best.*

  • Sharks sharks sharks !*

  • Virgin islands every day

For your flight arrival times ideally you should aim to arrive around midday 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 around lunchtime. You can arrive on the day of departure as late as 10pm as the boat will not leave the Male area on the first day. Whatever time you arrive on the day of departure you will be met off your flight at the arrivals area by our boat representatives and taken to the boat, about 10 minutes from the airport.

If you would like to arrive the day before it is possible to stay in the airport hotel which is on the adjacent island (HulhulMale) as the airport (Hulhule island) 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.

Final day

On the final evening Ocean Divine will return to port to provision and refuel for the following charter.

Check out and departure

Checkout / Dis-embarkation time is 8a.m. on the final day. The crew will transport you to the Airport to check bags into storage. If you are travelling later in the day you may consider a day room pass at a local hotel such as the Hulhule Island Hotel which is the closest to the airport. Normal day passes are for 12 hours and include use of the swimming pool, shower, towels, luggage storage etc., depending on which hotel you choose.

Ocean Divine - specs

A culinary experience awaits aboard Ocean Divine

Your Ocean Divine “trip of a life time” is topped off when you experience our chef prepared fine cuisine.

Every meal is freshly prepared by our first class Chefs, with local delicacies and international dishes that will excite your tastebuds.

Meet the chefs

Mahesh has arrived 2 years ago, as an Assistant of our “legendary” Chef “Razu” (who has stayed more than 6 years on board).

Where’s the magic?

Using fresh produce is key on Ocean Divine as we want to ensure our guests enjoy delicious and nutritious meals for the entire stay.

We use local produce where we can including fish we purchase fresh from the markets or fish we catch during our trip, as well as fresh local coconuts and bananas.

We also import fresh produce and ingredients from around the world every week from locations such as:

  • Australia,

  • France,

  • Brazil,

  • South Africa

  • and Sri Lanka.

Unlike other local surf and dive charter boats we provide you with varied dishes for every meal, ensuring a food experience you will never forget.

Just another reason why almost half of our guests return again and again for one of life’s incredible experiences.

Visas, passports and immigration

Visas are not required in advance but are issued on arrival. Most travellers are issued with 30 day visas.

If you wish to extend your stay, we can apply for a visa extension on your behalf. All tourists are required to have a passport with a minimum of thirty days validity from the date of departure, onward or return airline tickets or funds to purchase tickets and sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay.

How to get there

Most passengers arrive into the Maldives by air and Male International Airport on Hulhule Island is served by a small number of International scheduled and charter airlines.

From North America, there are no direct services and passengers would need to fly to Singapore for daily flights to the Maldives or to the UK to connect from there - please contact us for information.

As an indication, the flight time is four hours from Singapore, three hours from Dubai, thirteen hours from London and forty five minutes from Columbo. The airport island, called Hulhule, is just ten minutes boat ride from the capital, Male.

On Arrival in Male

Customs formalities are usually quick and trouble free in the Maldives. There are strict laws forbidding the import of pornography of any kind, alcohol, pork and all products containing pork, narcotic drugs, poisons and hazardous chemicals, firearms and explosives.

Once you have collected your luggage, you will be met at the airport by a representative of the crew who will help you to find the transfer to your" live-aboard Ocean Divine".

Our team will transfer you by Dhoni directly to the boat ( 15 to 20 minute) .

Money

The Maldivian currency is called Rufiyaa and it is divided into 100 laari but it is rarely used on tourist resorts. Most transactions for tourists on the resorts, fishing islands and in Male take place in US dollars. Ocean Divine will cash travellers cheques and will accept only master and visa cards.

There are a number of banks in Male where you can cash your travellers cheques into US Dollars and also purchase Rufiyaa using US Dollars.

Electricity

The Ocean Divine use 220/240volt AC at 50 cycles but there is no standard socket type and it is worth carrying an international adapter . Plugs are usually the two pin European style. If you are used to a 110 volt supply you will need a small transformer to convert from 240V to 110V.

Telecommunications and Mail

The telephone system in the Maldives is very efficient with international telephone communications available from the boat. Mail can be sent also from the boat .

On departure from the Maldives

Departure tax is paid when you purchase your airline ticket and is no longer payable on your departure.

Basic required diving equipment for each diver :

  • Regulator with alternate air source

  • Depth and pressure gauge

  • Watch or bottom timer

  • Buoyancy Compensation Device (BCD)

  • Mask/Fins/Snorkel

  • Wetsuit / Light skin

  • Night dives : we require at least 2 light sources on a night dive

  • Chemical (cyalume) light sticks

  • Dive computer

  • Dive light with extra batteries or charging source

What safety equipment do I need to have?

Mandatory Safety equipment for each diver:

  • Inflatable safety sausage

  • Dive Alert (Air horn)

  • Personal mini strobe

  • Whistle

  • Signaling mirror

We suggest that you bring your own, although the Ocean Divine does stock a limited supply available for rental by our guests.

I am a photographer - what can I expect?

Photo opportunities are abundant and not matter what system you have, you will probably experience excellent results. Be sure to pack your photo equipment carefully in a durable carrying case and bring any unique spare parts and back-up equipment with you.

Guests who are shooting digital photography may view their images on the plasma screen in the salon. Please be sure to bring the appropriate connection cables to fit your particular equipment. N° E-6 film processing is available aboard the Ocean Divine.

Camera tables : the diving Dhoni has a camera table built into the rear for your use. There is also a camera table on the upper deck of Ocean Divine for you to work on your equipment.

Charging stations : there is charging station in the salon for your to plug your strobes into. A few transformers are provided, however we recommend that you bring your own as well.

Rinse buckets : there is a “camera only” rinse bucket on the back of the diving Dhoni for the exclusive use of photographers on board.

Underwater privacy : all divers are required to have a buddy with them at all times. Because we are operating in a drift diving situation at times, photographers are expected to stay with their group. You may move away from the group within reason - providing that the divemaster leading the dive is kept in sight at all times. You will not be permitted to separate from the group or carry your own drift line to do your own thing.

Can I fish or spearfish?

Spear Fishing is not allowed from the Ocean Divine. Guests are prohibited from bringing spear fishing equipment on board the Ocean Divine. Only fishing line will be available.

Will there be any opportunities to go ashore during the cruise?

Midweek there will be an opportunity to go ashore to visit a local Island called “Dhigurah” (the longest island of Ari Atoll).

One evening the crew will organize a BBQ dinner on the beach (if weather permitted).

A trip to the Hilton to visit or for dinner can also usually be arranged. (Guests are personally responsible for any charges incurred while at the Conrad - Hilton).

What if there is an emergency on board?

The Ocean Divine crew is trained in first aid and diving accident management. The boat is equipped with a complete first aid kit and a high capacity oxygen system. There are two very modern and well maintained Hyperbaric Chambers staffed and managed 24/7 by professionals, located on Bandos Island. This chamber is affiliated with DAN Europe - not DAN USA. We highly recommend that all guests carry valid dive insurance (DAN, Dive Assure, Dive Safe, or other diver policies offered in your area) purchased prior to the trip.

Please note : As indicated in the diving section, there is a Maldivian law that prohibits scuba divers from diving deeper than 30m/98ft. An insurance coverage problem could be created should you require the services of the a hyperbaric chamber and report (or have documented via your dive computer) violation of this law.

Internet access

You will find Wifi Internet Access onboard Ocean Divine.

  • Price for 7 days trips: 25$

  • Price for 10 days trips: 30$

Things to know

For your information, you don’t need to bring any shoes on board as you will be bare foot during all your trip.

Our concept is “No news, no shoes”.

If you wish to stay on contact with your family, bring your phone. You will have 100 % roaming wherever we go.

Ocean Divine - diving

Maldives diving conditions

The climate is warm year round and determined by the monsoons. The monsoons are mild and not as defined as in neighbouring countries. The northeast monsoon starts in January and goes through the end of April. In January and February the currents can be very strong but the big animal activity can be fantastic. The beginning of January brings clear water to most of the region which can be over 60m (200ft) visibility. Underwater visibility in the Maldives is determined by the tidal movements with incoming and outgoing tides. The monsoon patterns have a significant impact on the diving. From May to October, the southeast monsoon brings more big animal action and is the ideal time to go North to places like Baa Atoll.

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).

Diving is carried out from our purpose built “diving dhoni” that will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface. This is the safestand 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. The system leaves the main boat free to handle accommodations, meals and social activities in a quiet atmosphere.

Most guests make up to 3 dives a day, so some sort of protection is needed. A 3mm wetsuit should be comfortable and adequate.

There is a law in the Maldives that the depth limit is 98 feet/ 30 metres. The Divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive. Proof of your Dive Insurance will also be required, as well as the signing of our Waiver of Indemnity form. Every effort is made to ensure you have a safe trip. However, unforeseen circumstances can and do happen. Therefore, dive accident insurance and travel insurance are compulsory. A reasonably priced DAN Dive Insurance may be purchased onboard.

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.

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.

Best of the Maldives itinerary aims to mix up big fish manta and shark dives with scenic reefs dives, hunting out the smallest reef fish, morays and macro life that are so abundant. Cleaning stations allow you to get up close and personal with massive Maldivian manta, and dives at Manta Point, Dhonkalo Thila and Madivaru provide just such opportunities. Maaya Thila is one of the best known dive sites in the Maldives and for a good reason. This pinnacle is about 30m diameter that descends to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. Night diving here is hard to beat and should not be missed. Log yet more pelagic sightings as grey reef sharks patrol the Ari Atoll area. The boat will also take some time out along the route to look for whalesharks you can snorkel with - grab your fins as these gentle giants can move fast!

Ocean Divine - faqs

Planning Guide

What are the embarkation and disembarkation times?

Embarkation will begin at 5:00pm on the first day of charter and all guests will disembark at 8:00am on the final day of the charter.

If a guest will be arriving after 5:00pm on the day of embarkation, a special pick-up time, can be arranged so that you are greeted at the airport by the dive team. Ocean Divine does not leave Hulumale lagoon area until early the next morning. If your travel plans are delayed please contact us before your arrival for procedures.

How do I get from the airport to Ocean Divine?

At 5:00pm guests should be in the airport arrivals area. Look for an agent who will have an Ocean Divine sign. This agent will meet and greet all guests then escort them to the Dhoni for transport to the Ocean Divine. The vessel anchors in Hulumale lagoon and is about 25 minutes from the airport

Special pick-up arrangements can be made at 75$ extra charge (with advance notice) for guests who arrive after 5:00pm on the day of embarkation.

How do I get from the hotel to Ocean Divine if I arrive early?

Guests that arrive a day or more early or early on the day of embarkation can make arrangements at one of the local hotels for a room or a day pass. The Hulhule hotel is located nearby on the same island as the airport and is the most inconvenient.The Traders hotel is close by on the Island of Male (the capital) where the main city center is, but it is quite expensive to spend a night there. The Bandos resort is about 20 minutes away by speed boat and offers a more upscale private island resort experience. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Day passes at a hotel like Hulule includes the use of pool (if available), towels showers, a locker, luggage storage, and a meal. They do have different package between 50 USD to 80$ depending if you wish a lunch/dinner included or not.

To board Ocean Divine, guests will need to return to the airport and meet the agent at the arrivals area at 5:00pm. All of the resorts use the airport and airport docks as a “central” hub for moving guests between the different islands.

What do we do on the day we disembark?

The Ocean Divine will return to Hulhule Lagoon around 3 pm the afternoon prior to the ending cruise date. The plan for that day is to offer 2 morning dives. That night is reserved for the farewell dinner. Guests are free to snorkel, swim or arrange to go ashore upon arriving back at the lagoon.

Disembarkation will be at 8- 8:30am on your final morning. Guests will arrive at the airport around 9:00am.

Depending on your flight departure times, guests may want to obtain a hotel room or a day pass. We would recommend the Hulhule Island hotel as it is the closest to the airport. Day passes typically include use of the pool, locker, showers, luggage storage, and a meal. Depending on which resort you choose you could then take a Dhoni into the island of Male to walk around and explore, before returning in time to clean up before boarding your flight.

Do I need a trip insurance?

We strongly recommend that each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance when space is reserved. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness or family illness, or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or vessel from making its scheduled trip. In an event where it is necessary to cancel or interrupt a charter due to weather or any matter beyond our control, there is no refund or credit issued. We also recommend diving accident insurance. Please inquire with our reservation office for assistance.

How many dives will we do each day?

We will offer up to three dives per day (2 on the last day) and night dives one of two nights a week (weather and sea conditions permitting) from our Diving dhoni.

What paperwork will I need for diving?

Please remember that you alone are responsible for determining your medical and physical fitness to dive or to take part in any other activities during this trip. DIVING ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED AT YOUR OWN RISK. We take no responsibility with respect to your determination. If you have any questions concerning your medical or physical fitness to dive or take part in any such activities, please consult your personal physician.

What is the general skill/experience level of diving required for this destination?

The Maldives is not a beginner’s destination. There is drift diving with currents varying from clam, to moderate and even to strong. Divers should have the general fitness level that allows them to dive in currents and conduct surface swims (up to 50 yards) to move away from the tops of the reef to the dive Dhoni. Divers should be comfortable in the water and have near perfect buoyancy. Rapid descents are required to reach the reef when currents are present. Divers should be comfortable in open water and performing drift dives where the current may be moderate to strong. At the end of your dive you should be comfortable doing an open water safety stop and climbing the ladder on board the Dhoni with your tank on.

What is the water temperature - should I wear a wetsuit?

The water temperature remains warm and comfortable (27-30c / 80-84f deg.) throughout the year. A light wetsuit is necessary, though some people choose more thermal protection (a 3mm suit) to ensure continued core temperature warmth throughout their visit.

How will we dive from the Ocean Divine?

Tender diving is the rule rather than the exception. The “Diving Dhoni” is a 55 foot custom built vessel that was designed to hold the entire dive operation of the Ocean Divine. All dive equipment (SCUBA tanks, air and Nitrox compressors, dive equipment, wetsuits, etc) stay onboard the Dive Dhoni for the duration of the voyage and is attended to by our crew nightly. The trips aboard the Dhoni from Ocean Divine to the dive sites run between 10-15 minutes. The Dhoni will be boarded from Ocean Divine via the dive platform. During this process, the Ocean Divine is usually moored in calm waters. Our experienced crew will be available to assist with the boarding and disembarking process to and from the Dhoni.

Generally guests will keep all of their dive gear on board, making embarkation much easier. There are five exit points on the Dhoni where a giant stride entry can be performed. At the end of your dive, guests may need to swim on the surface to move away from the shallow reef tops into deeper water where they can meet the Dhoni. To re-board the Dhoni, guests hand up their fins and weight belts up to the crew and then use the ladder (placed over the side) to re-board. Our crew will be on stand by help you off set the weight of your tank as you climb the ladder and assist you back to your seat.

Please advised that due to frequently strong currents it is MANDATORY for each diver to carry an emergency SMB (safety sausage), Dive alert (personal air horn), and mini-strobe light on all dives. If you do not bring any one of these devices with you they are available for rent on board the Ocean Divine, however, quantities may be limited. If you do not possess these items, please notify our office prior to departure.

Are there any limitations or restrictions on the diving?

It is a law of Republic of the Maldives that scuba divers limit depths to no deeper than 30m : 98 feet. As such, all dive operations on Ocean Divine conform to the local regulations.

Can I earn advanced diving certifications or specialities on board?

Several diving specialty courses are offered on Ocean Divine, but it is necessary to give at least one month notice to us in advance of your charter date to ensure that an instructor will have the time available and that all required paperwork is complete.

Are nitrox fills available?

The Ocean Divine is equipped with Nitrox facilities. Nitrox fills of up to 32% are normally available to all CERTIFIED Nitrox divers for an additional charge. Nitrox Dive Profiles must be planned and executed with either Nitrox tables or a Nitrox compatible computer. It is recommended that the planned PO2 level be set within the limits of your certifying agency. All Nitrox fills must be analyzed by the divers using the mix and logged prior to each and every dive. Oxygen analyzers available for use by guests while onboard will be calibrated a minimum of one time per day by a crew member. PADI or TDI Nitrox certifications are usually available on board to all certified open water divers for an additional charge.

Our purpose in providing enriched air Nitrox for the use of our guests is to give those who are unfamiliar with this fairly new technology an opportunity to become certified Nitrox divers and give those already certified an enhanced safety factor in the face of extensive, repetitive dive profiles in remote regions of the world. Nitrox is not offered for extended range diving.

Are dive gear and photo/video gear available for rent?

M/V Ocean Divine has limited amount of diving equipment available for rent, so it is critical that you advise us in advance if you decide you want to rent gear. We offer ScubaPro BCDs with Dive Alerts and ScubaPro regulators. No photo equipment is currently available for rent.

What diving equipment will i need to bring?

Equipment provided aboard the Ocean Divine includes tanks (80cu.ft. aluminum with yoke style “K” valves), weights and weight belts. Divers will also need the following equipment :