Maldives Diving Itinerary

On a typical day we offer up to 3 day dives however, the third day dive may be substituted for a sunset or night dive.

The diving day aboard Blue Voyager is scheduled as follows:

Light breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1
Full breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2
Snack, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3
Dinner 

Dive sites vary, with something for everyone on most itineraries. Currents are the norm in many spots in the Maldives so it is recommended that divers have experience beyond beginner level (min. 50 logged dives and experience with diving in current) to ensure maximum enjoyment. For the same reason we also highly recommend divers are Nitrox certified. Submerged pinnacles, or thilas, in clear blue water offer the chance for larger pelagics, while there are relaxing drift dives along the outer walls of the atoll for those who love to see coral covered vistas.

The Maldives enjoy a warm, tropical climate all year round. The driest season, with lots of sunshine, lasts from January to March. Wet season is from approximately mid-May to November. Year round temperatures do not vary much; around 23C (73F) at night and 31C (88F) during the day. Not surprisingly, water temperatures in the Maldives are also fairly constant over the year; 26-29C (78-84F), except in the far south where it can drop to 24C (75F). Most guests are comfortable in a 3mm or 5mm full wetsuit.

Yacht Information

The 37-metre steel hulled Blue Voyager was completely refurbished in 2015 and can welcome up to 26 guests on board between three spacious double suites and ten twin cabins. All cabins are well appointed and have air-conditioning and en-suite facilities.

Blue Voyager was purpose-built for guests to spend their holidays aboard in complete relaxation and comfort. Benefiting from the largest diving dhoni in the area, there are 7 different lounges for guests to sit back and enjoy their diving cruise. Very suitable for photographers with a separate rinsing tank and 2 dedicated charging stations; one in the Sky Lounge and on the camera table on the main deck. Blue Voyager’s separate dhoni: Blue Shadow is spacious and also equipped with showers, toilet and a Nitrox membrane.

A generous outdoor dining area, bar and sky lounge, and even a Jacuzzi make for a generous stay on board. There are many options to put your feet up after diving; take your pick from three sundecks with comfortable seating and loungers or remain cool in the aircon in the mid-deck shaded lounge.

Schedule and Rates

Master Liveaboards offers a range of services to make your stay on board Blue Voyager even more enjoyable. Full rental equipment, Marine Park & Port Fees, gases and courses can now be pre-booked and pre-paid at the time of booking. On board sales in the Maldives are subject to 12% GST.

Land excursions are included in your cruise free of charge and services are available for an additional fee:
– Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks (prices vary)
– Blue O Two merchandise (prices vary)

Getting there and away… Most itineraries depart from Male and you will need to book your international flight to and from Male airport. For some itineraries, a short domestic flight to a local airport is required, which we are happy to book for you. If the liveaboard safari begins in the north or south of the Maldives, we recommend booking an early arrival into Male airport. If the trip ends in either the north or the south, we recommend booking a late departure from Male. Depending on your onward plans, you can either go directly to the airport or check into a hotel to enjoy the rest of your holiday.

On arrival… Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Maldives and citizens from most Western countries can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. Some nationalities may be required to purchase a visa prior to arrival; please consult the consulate of the Maldives in your country for more details. If you are traveling with medication, please ensure to bring your physician’s prescription with you.

Money Matters… The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa: (MVR). Most visitors may never see or use the local currency as US dollars and Euros are accepted everywhere and any extras are billed to your hotel room and you settle the bill at the end with your credit card.

Climate and weather… The Maldives enjoy a warm, tropical climate all year round. The dry season with lots of sunshine lasts from January to March. Wet season is from approximately mid-May to November. Year round temperatures do not vary much: around 23C (73F) at night and 31C (88F) during the day.

Time zone… The local time is 4 hours behind UTC (GMT).

Health… Medical facilities in the Maldives are limited; there are 2 hospitals in Male. There are health centres on most of the atolls. It is recommended to take the usual precautions with uncooked food and refrain from drinking tap water. Check with your doctor about which vaccinations are currently advised.

Travel Advisories… For more in-depth advisories on travel in the Maldives, please take the time to read the following travel advisories and heed their advice:
– US State Department : link to https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/maldives.html
– UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office : link to https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives

FAQs Whilst we have much information on our website you may find you have additional questions. Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. Should you have any other remaining questions or queries, please contact our reservations team who will be pleased to assist you.

Are Maldives itineraries suitable for all divers? No, Maldives diving is mostly channel diving with racing currents, so we recommend our guests have experience beyond beginner level – min. 50 logged dives – and are experienced with diving in currents.

Can I dive with Nitrox? Yes. All Nitrox qualified divers may opt to dive with Nitrox for an additional charge. We highly recommend diving with Nitrox in the Maldives due to the possibility of strong currents and sometimes strenuous diving.

I am not Nitrox certified. May I take a Nitrox course whilst on board? We offer Nitrox courses on board Blue Voyager, as well as other dive courses. For those wishing to take a course, please contact our reservations team.

What should I bring with me? Liveaboard lifestyle is relaxed and informal. Essential items include T-shirts, shorts, swim wear, long trousers / sarong/ long skirt, sturdy footwear for island visits and a warm jacket or pullover for cooler nights. Shower gel is provided on board, however guests should bring any hair care or personal beauty products they require, along with sunscreen. We have a fully stocked first aid kit on board, but guests should bring any personal prescription medications with them (with doctor’s note).

Does Blue Voyager have internet on board? We do provide limited internet free of charge on board the vessel, while the boat is in range.

Can I rent scuba equipment whilst aboard? Yes. We offer full scuba rental equipment on board. Please find our current on board prices here.

Must I pay National Park fees? Yes, you will be notified of these when you book with us and these will be added to your final invoice prior to departure.

I am travelling alone. Must I pay a single supplement or may I share a cabin? For solo travelers we offer 2 options. You may choose to have a cabin for yourself for which we charge a single supplement of 80% of the cabin cost (60% of your package price if your package includes international flights). However if you wish to share a cabin, we will place you in a twin cabin with a member of the same sex. We do not mix cabins without express permission of both guests.

Must I spend an additional night in Male either side of my liveaboard trip? We recommend guests spend an additional night 1 day before cruise departure so you are well rested before the start of the cruise. Disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be at 9 am. If you are not remaining in the Maldives for additional nights after your cruise, please allow plenty of time for the transfer to the airport and for check-in.

Do I need dive insurance? Yes. All divers travelling aboard Blue Voyager must ensure they are fully covered for all diving accident and emergency situations, including coverage for air evacuation. We also strongly advise our guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover against unforeseeable delays and potential missed flight connections. A combination dive and travel insurance, which includes the option for additional liveaboard cover, may be booked through Master Liveaboards or online through DiveAssure.

Dive Courses

Master Liveaboards encourages and facilitates all guests to continue their diving education. Dive courses are to be pre-booked and pre-paid to guarantee availability of instructor and equipment. Please check below which courses are available on board or contact our Reservations Department via bookings@masterliveaboards.com.