Diving on the Maldives Master
Maldives Master offers four itineraries, three based on the central atolls leaving from Malé, and one focusing on the southern atolls, departing from Gaafu Alifu.
The northern atolls around Malé are famous for their vibrant coral reefs, rich marine life, dramatic drop-offs and deep wall sites. Divers can look forward to encounters with a diverse range of marine species, including colorful reef fish, whitetip sharks, whale sharks and majestic manta rays.
Some areas, such as Vaavu Atoll, are famed for stronger currents, so divers must be comfortable with drift dives along the walls and into the blue water. If you cross your fingers, you might see scalloped hammerheads pass you by.
The Far South route focuses predominantly around the Maldives’ largest atoll, Huvadhoo. This itinerary offers a unique chance to dive on either side of the Equator. Beautiful coral reefs, exhilarating walls and overhangs, and colorful fish life are waiting on almost every dive. If you are a shark seeker, then you’ll love Fuvahmulah Atoll, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. This single island is world-famous for tiger sharks, lemon sharks, silvertips, and even rare thresher shark encounters.
For all the liveaboard cruises, night diving is prohibited, as is diving beyond 100 feet (30 m). Nitrox is recommended because, as the Maldives is such a vast nation, transferring to one of its five hyperbaric chambers is extremely tricky and expensive. Liveaboard guests must also always follow a dive guide to ensure they remain as safe as possible.
Guests on board Maldives Master will be diving in comfort, as all diving takes place from the well-equipped Blue Shadow, a 64-foot (19 m) dhoni that accompanies the main yacht. The Blue Shadow is a spacious and speedy boat, where each diver has their own station to store their gear and kit up.
Highlights:
→ Regular encounters with pelagics
→ Water temperatures are a warm 79 to 81 F (26 to 27 C )
→ Colorful, rich coral and marine life
Onboard the Maldives Master
The brand-new Maldives Master is a 138-foot (42 m) classic white liveaboard with wooden accents and navy blue furnishings. The boat consists of three main decks, which include 14 rooms, two dining areas, several sun decks, a dive deck, and even an outdoor hot tub.
The accommodation is split into two large convertible twin/doubles and two single cabins on the upper deck; two fixed doubles on the main deck, and the remaining eight convertible twin/double rooms on the lower deck. All rooms have air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, storage space, and towels.
The mid-deck is where most of the action takes place. Here you can find the main dining area, with long tables in the center to comfortably eat and chat with your fellow divers. Both this seating area, and the one above on the upper deck, feature large sofas and coffee tables for reading a book in the cool air-con, showing off your snaps, or catching a nap. It is in this upper deck living room where the dive briefings take place.
Around the main rooms are shaded and open-air sun decks with full sofas or individual sun loungers. There is no dive deck on the Maldives Master, as all scuba equipment is kept onboard the dhoni.
In the evening, the underwater exterior lights shine to attract plankton and larger life like whale sharks and manta rays to the boat. After enjoying the show, take a dip in the outdoor hot tub at the front of the upper deck before calling it a night.
Highlights:
→ Plenty of chill-out areas, inside and out
→ All rooms are ensuite with air conditioning
→ Both shaded and open sun decks, plus a hot tub
Dining onboard the Maldives Master
Onboard Maldives Master, guests can expect three main meals a day, all served buffet-style. Main breakfast is served after the first morning dive, lunch after the late morning dive, and then dinner is after the afternoon dive. There is an optional light breakfast before the first dive if you are a little peckish first thing in the morning.
Main breakfast is generally continental style with yogurt, toast, jams, and delicious fresh fruits such as watermelon and mango. Guests can also preorder eggs the night before.
Lunch and dinner are also served buffet-style, made with fresh ingredients and local flavor. Expect dishes like roast chicken, grilled fish, steamed vegetables, and pasta or rice. If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, the culinary staff are happy to help but do let the agents know when you book your cruise.
After your final dive, there are snacks and refreshing drinks waiting for you on the outdoor terrace.
Coffee and tea are freely available throughout the trip. You can buy soft drinks, beer, and wine onboard, but alcoholic beverages are a bit pricey.
Highlights:
→ All dietary needs are catered to
→ Fresh fruit and local produce deliciously served up
→ Cold juice ready for you when you return from diving
