Carpe Vita

The Carpe Vita liveaboard is a 38m (125 ft.) wooden-hull safari yacht, which along with her custom matching dhoni, provides dive guests an exceptional and luxurious scuba diving experience in the Maldives.

Carpe Vita liveaboard offers 7 and 10-night itineraries, which change depending on the season, each offering a unique dive itinerary based on the seasons, currents and pelagic migration patterns.

Features

The indoor salon/restaurant with lounge and TV area features a large flat screen TV, DVD/MP3 player with sound system and comfortable seating. Just forward of the salon on the main deck is a shaded outdoor are with comfortable cushioned benches, a peaceful place where you can relax and enjoy the Indian Ocean views.

To the rear of the main deck is the swim platform with two freshwater showers, and at the entrance to the salon, a camera table with a power charging station.

The upper deck includes an aft al-fresco dining area with a fully equipped main bar. The restaurant serves semi-buffet meals prepared by the fine dining chef. The Sundeck above has ample loungers in the sun or in shade area and even a Jacuzzi.

Transfers

All guests are met on arrival in Male Airport at 2.30pm and transferred to the vessel and transferred back to the airport early in the morning of disembarkation.

Staying Connected

The Carpe Vita liveaboard provides a medium speed WiFi that works from the local 3G base stations, with connection speed depending on the location of the boat. There’s a fee of US$15/20(+GST)pp for the 7/10 night trips respectively.

You should know…

Diving in the Maldives often involves drift dives from the open sea into the shelter of the lagoon of the atoll. Depending on the state of the tide, this can be anything from a gentle drift to something akin to an express train ride. Therefore, the Carpe Vita requires a minimum of Advanced Open Water Diving (AOWD) certification to be able to join all the dives offered during a trip. OW Divers are welcome but will be asked to do their AOWD certification during the trip as otherwise they would be limited to 18m and hence just a few dives. The dive instructor may ask divers to sit out certain dives if he thinks divers are not experienced enough for a particular dive. On special South routings with lots of currents, divers do require a minimum of 100 logged dives and experience with currents.

We think…

The Carpe Vita offers a great service for those wanting to explore the best diving in the Maldives with a premium level of comfort.

The Carpe Vita liveaboard has a variety of 7 and 10-night itineraries. In the event it is not leaving from Malé, the boat will connect with an internal flight from Dharavandhoo (northern itinerary), or Thaa (southern itinerary).

Carpe Vita has 10 comfortable cabins of different standards spread over three decks, all with individually controlled air conditioning, TV screens with HD media players, safety deposit boxes and private bathrooms. The electricity voltage onboard is of 220V and the plugs are of 3 pins UK type. There are 6 Standard Cabins on the Lower Deck, 2 Superior Cabins on the Main Deck, and 2 Suites on the Upper Deck.

The two spacious Suites on the upper deck have king-size beds, desk, chair, dresser, two hanging closets and windows down the side of the cabin. The bathroom has dual sink, bathtub and separate shower cubicle, and the king bed can be separated in two super singles.

The two Superior cabins on the main deck have king-size beds, desk, chair, dresser, hanging closet, and large windows. The bathroom has a shower cubicle, and the king bed can be separated in two singles.

The Standard cabins, on the cabin deck have one queen-size bed and a single bed, desk, chair, dresser, bathrooms with showers and portholes.

Dive operation

The diving takes place on the spacious 20m dive Dhoni, which is equipped with a toilet, two warm deck showers, first aid equipment and oxygen.

The English speaking PADI Instructor and Dive Master guide offer three guided dives each day including one or two night dives per week. The maximum guide to diver ratio is 1:8.

Nitrox is available and Scubapro rental gear is available for hire – additional charges apply.

Various PADI dive courses are also available including Nitrox.

So that guests are not disturbed by the compressors when the tanks are being filled, the dive Dhoni moves away and downwind from the mother ship.

Dive area

On the 7 night trips, the Carpe Vita usually visit dive sites in the South & North Male Atolls and Ari Atoll. The 10-night trips visit those and additional dive sites in Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu and Huvadhoo Atolls. Some 10-night cruises may also dive Lhaviyani, Raa, Baa and Rashdoo Atolls.

Best time to dive

Diving in the Maldives is suitable all year round. Occurring from December to May is the Northeast Monsoon which provides calm seas and clear water in the east. These conditions are not the same in the west at this time. During this period the air temperature is generally around 29° and the water temperature is 26-29°. From June to November is the Southwest Monsoon where the water is clear towards the western atolls but the seas are rougher at this time and it as also generally a wetter time. The expected air temperature is 26° and water temperature is from 26-29° at this time.

Trip dates & Availability

Carpe Vita Male Extras Payable Locally