Diving in the Maldives
 

A garland-shaped chain of 26 atolls, stretching 750 kilometers across the Indian Ocean southwest of India, forms a strikingly diverse eco-system. This unique habitat acts as a magnet for exuberant marine life. The emerald islands, ringed with coral, house species that run the gamut from blooming corals to big pelagics. It’s not simply the variety and drama of the species but also their sheer numbers that will astonish you. Friendly encounters with fish in the thousands, from the tiniest to the tremendous, are common experiences on the varied dive sites. 

Water temperature in the Maldives is an almost uniform 83º F to 85º F (28ºC to 29ºC), making dives at any time a delight. Sea breezes command two distinct seasons in the Maldives, which enjoys the luxury of being a year-round dive destination. Southwest winds in May through October bring days of sunny weather, punctuated by brief spells of refreshing rainfall and occasional gusts. From December to April northeast winds herald drier months, when initial gusting winds calm, to bring clear and bright blue skies. Visibility in either season is equally spectacular and, depending on current and sea conditions, can exceed 100 feet. 

About the Manthiri

The Manthiri is a beautiful 85-foot liveaboard that is powerfully built of fine tropical timber and custom-designed for dive cruises. The vessel's wide beam of 25 feet contributes toward a stable hull, and allows room for spacious cabins. No more than twelve guests are invited on each cruise and the attentive eleven-person crew ensures that every need is met.

The separate, specially outfitted dive tender, called a dhoni, provides a home for compressors, Nitrox systems and dive gear, creating the equivalent of a 106-foot liveaboard on the main vessel — one with just six cabins and its own gracious dive deck. With the dhoni, that’s how spacious the Manthiri feels.

Fastidiously maintained and in operation for twenty years with a superb crew, Manthiri is widely acknowledged as one of the finest liveaboards in the world. 

Accomodations & Amenities

The boat is custom-designed for the optimal dive experience but also for comfort. The vessel's exceptionally wide beam minimizes rocking motion and our limit of twelve guests allows for commodious cabins. Cabin configurations provide numerous options, with four spacious twins and two doubles that feature roomy queen-size beds.

All cabins are en suite, with hot-water showers, convenient hair dryers, individually controlled air-conditioning and minibars. The dive tender allows us to transfer your dive gear off the main boat, so there’s plenty of storage in every cabin; a locker and drawers await clothes and luggage stowage is handily accessible.

Manthiri’s teak-paneled salon is one of the largest found on any vessel of this size. Relaxingly furnished with expansive, upholstered sofas, musci system, TV and DVD player. The camera salon is equipped with a well-lit work station, a computer for instant download of digital photos and a slide projector. Manthiri has been outfitted by professionals with underwater photographers top of mind.

When sea breezes beckon, Manthiri’s top deck is artfully arranged to accommodate both sun-worshippers and shade-seekers. Deck chairs are ideally placed for soaking in the rays, icy drink in hand, or star-gazing in the evening.

MANTHIRI AMENITIES & SPECIFICATIONS

• Private cabins with en suite bathrooms
• Daily cabin service
• Individually controlled air-conditioning in all cabins
• Daily fresh towels in cabins
• Hot freshwater showers
• Hairdryers and toiletries in all cabins
• Electricity: British Standard 230VAC outlets requiring rectangular blade plug type G and
  American Standard 110VAC outlets requiring flat blade plug type A & B
• Laptop computer for digital photographers
• Camera tables
• Freshwater camera rinse tanks
• Air-conditioning in all indoor areas
• Audio and video entertainment centre
• Delicious dining and snacks
• Icemaker and coffee maker
• Warm towels after each dive
• Dive-deck and camera assistance
• Open air sundeck with shaded area
• Twelve passengers/eleven crew
• Up to four dives per day
• Nitrox system for increased dive safety
• Two support vessels: 54-foot dive dhoni and 17-foot fiberglass tender
• Dedicated and knowledgeable dive crew

Dining

Dining on board achieves the same tempting quality and sophistication as the diving experiences. Trained at a top Maldivian resort, professional chefs Bodey and Hema ensure a sophisticated twist on the contemporary flavors of the Maldives, a tasteful blend of East and West. Seasoned by ten years of serving on board the Manthiri, the chefs know precisely how to pamper divers with the finest seafood, aromatic local specialities, and global cuisine, guaranteed to suit the palates of guests from around the world. Diners are further enticed by a refreshing array of fresh fruits and vegetables, delectably prepared.  The chefs begin each day by offering a pre-dive mini breakfast. A full breakfast is served after divers resurface and snacks are always available between dives. They even baked a cake for someone's birthday! One thing is for sure, you will never go hungry!

Package Includes

• 9 Nights aboard the Manthiri Liveaboard
• 3-4 dives per day (First and last day 2 dives per day)
• Meals, bottled water, juices, coffee, and tea (Alcoholic and soft drinks are for sale.)  
• Tanks & Weights
• 16% food/service tax
• $6 per night government green tax
• Undersea Divers Tour Guide
• Airport Transfers in Male

Package Excludes

• Airfare
• Nitrox
• Dive Crew Gratuity (Typically 10% of trip cost)
• Soda, Beer, wine, Hard Liquor
• Fuel Surcharge $175  paid directly on boat at the end of the trip.
• Trip & Dive Insurance (Highly Recommended!)
• Completed Medical Statement saying you are fit to dive (no cost but must complete)

Getting There

You will be flying from Boston to Male. We recommend using Qatar or Emirates. Once the trip gets closer, we will be able to give you exact flights which we recommend. 
*Make sure you have a minimum of 6 months left on your passport before the expiration date. 

Cost

• Credit Card $5,430/pp
• Cash $5,255/pp
• If you would like a single room then the price is double. 

Payment Schedule

• Deposit $750
• 2nd Payment: $1500 Due August 1st, 2024
• 3rd Payment: $1500 Due November 1st, 2024
• Final Balance Due January 1st, 2025

How to Register

• Complete the online TRAVEL AGREEMENT
• Call us at 978-927-9551 to reserve your spot and pay the deposit

Refund/Cancelation Policy: Please know all travel payments are non refundable unless your spot is sold. If spot is filled, a 7% fee will be deducted from your refund.