Maldives Liveaboards

We can usually cater for rebreather divers on board M/Y Blue Voyager and M/V Blue Spirit but, we must have advanced notice as the extra cylinders and Sofnolime have extremely limited availability.

The use of reef hooks is permitted in the Maldives. Guests on board M/Y blue Voyager can purchase reef hooks on board for US $25.

Yes there are currents (ranging from gentle to strong) in the Maldives and some atolls offer more ‘channel’ diving such as Felidhu/Vaavu, Meemu, Laamu.

The Maldivian government (MOT) states that dives requiring decompression stops are prohibited in the Maldives. All diving must be within recreational limits to a maximum depth of 30m for AOW certification, or 18m for OW certification.

The Maldivian government (MOT) states that the maximum depth for all recreational diving in the Maldives is 30 metres for AOW certification, or 18 metres or OW certification.

According to the Maldivian government (MOT), all divers should carry the following with them during all recreation diving activities:

a) Mask, snorkel & fins
b) Regulator with submersible pressure gauge and alternative air source or redundant air supply
c) Buoyancy Compensator Device (BCD) vest with oral and low pressure inflator
d) Time and depth measuring device
e) Emergency signalling device comprising inflatable surface balloon and whistle

During all night diving activities divers should be equipped with:

f) Underwater torch and night signalling device (per diver)
g) Surface marker buoy (SMB)

Normally the final day of diving consists of 1 or perhaps 2 dives in the morning, in order to allow the vessel to return to port and also allow at least 24 hours before flying. SCUBA DIVERS PLEASE NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT DIVE FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE TRAVELLING BY AIR. THIS MAY INVALIDATE YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS.

From January 2012, diving will no longer be permitted in Hanifaru Bay, only snorkelling will be allowed. This is a Marine Protected Area, snorkeling is regulated with regarding to number of people and length of time snorkeling and requires a fee which will be paid locally.

Technical diving is not offered on any of our liveaboards in the Maldives because the Maldivian government does not allow decompression diving.

We offer a wide range of exciting diving itineraries from the far north atolls, around the central atolls, and to the far south atolls of the stunning Maldives.

We also offer speciality itineraries including our ‘Project Shark’ and ‘Manta Trust’ safaris.

Diving in the Maldives, especially from liveaboards, is for more experienced divers that are certified to a depth of at least 30 meters and are comfortable with moderate to strong currents. For your comfort, we recommend that divers have a minimum of 30 logged dives for most itineraries. Negative entries and drift dives are to be expected. For southern itineraries the currents tend to be strong and the water is deeper so we recommend that divers have a minimum of 100 logged dives.

Night diving in the Maldives is more difficult due to the currents and it is not always possible. In the Central and Northern Maldives, there is often one or two night dives offered per week, at the discretion of the captain and dive guides. In the Southern Maldives, night dives are not possible due to the strong currents.

Nitrox is available on board M/Y Blue Voyager and M/V Blue Spirit.

There are five recompression chambers are available in Maldives. The largest and longest operating recompression chamber is on Bandos Island (15 minutes by speedboat from Malé). The others are located on Cinnamon Alidhoo Resort, Villingili Resort in Addu, Kuramathi Resort, and Kandholhudhoo Islands.

The Maldives is tropical all year round and water temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C.

The Maldivian government (MOT) states that solo diving in the Maldives is prohibited.

No, we do not currently have a tag and dive system.

Once you have disembarked the liveaboard vessel, you may have some time before your flight home in which you may want to explore the local area. There is the option to store your luggage at Male Airport in a luggage room at the cost of $5 per item or $10 per oversized/heavy item. This can be found by visiting the main information desk in the airport.

We recommend that guests bring along any overnight essentials in their hand luggage. This ensures that in case of any unexpected luggage delays, guests will at least have the essentials on hand making any delay far more bearable

Blue Spirit is fitted with water membrane filtration and mineralisation systems to make all water on board drinkable directly from the taps. As part of our mission to become completely plastic free, we do not have bottled water on-board nor provide refillable plastic bottles. We therefore suggest you bring your own reusable water bottles with you. Alternatively, branded, reusable drinking bottles are available to purchase on-board – please ensure that you stay well hydrated.

Alcohol is available for purchase on board M/V Blue Spirit, however it is not permitted to bring alcohol into the Maldives so, please do not buy any duty free alcohol in the airports.

Dive equipment available for hire on board the M/V Blue Spirit includes: BCD, Regulator, Computer, Torch (including batteries), Nitrox fills, 3ltr 100% O2, 130 Bar. 15ltr tank and 3ltr tank – Rebreather are also available for hire on board but must be booked in advance. Please note, wetsuits, mask/fins/snorkel are not available for hire, so please make sure you have your own.

We provide all guests with 250 MB internet data, free of charge, when they arrive on board. Additional 1GB, 2GB or 5GB data packages can be purchased on board should you need more internet access during your cruise.

Please note that, although wifi on board and internet access is available in many areas throughout the Maldives, we can not guarantee a continuous service for the entirety of your cruise, especially when visiting more remote, southern areas.

Payments on board can be made in US dollars cash or by credit/debit cards. We only accept VISA or MasterCard debit/credit card payments. There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

We are unable to take Switch/Solo/Maestro/Amex cards, and travellers cheques are not accepted. Should you have any questions about on board payment methods, please contact your Blue O Two representative.

On board prices are subject to change without notice and are subject to 12% GST.

IMPORTANT NOTE: effective 1st of January 2023, Maldivian GST will be increasing to 16%. Currently this is set at 12%.

Plug sockets on board the M/V Blue Spirit are standard UK three pin with 220V output. Should you require an adaptor, please inform the crew. However, we recommend that guests bring adaptors with them to ensure that they have one readily available.

Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel. This includes electronic cigarettes. We also ask that you do not smoke at meal tables or on the dhoni. Guests wishing to smoke should do so at the stern or upstairs on the sun deck.

Bed sheets and bath towels are provided and changed regularly. However, guests should bring their own beach towels.

Complimentary tea and instant coffee are free 24/7. Filter coffee is free and served at breakfast and snack time. Soft drinks are available to purchase on board.

Wine, beer and spirits are available for purchase on board. Please be aware that it is illegal to take alcohol into the country so please do not purchase any in duty free.

Most people like to indulge during holidays. There are times however, when alcohol is best avoided. We will not allow guests to dive after consuming alcohol. Therefore, if you are planning to enjoy an afternoon or night dive, we recommend that you avoid alcohol with lunch. Similarly, diving with a hangover can seriously impair your judgement and increase the risk of decompression sickness. If we feel that you are not fit to dive, you will be asked politely to sit out of the morning dive. It is important for you to acknowledge that we will only ever do this to protect your safety. We will not tolerate anti-social or aggressive behaviour on board and individuals who cause a disturbance to other guests may be removed from the vessel.

Every cabin boasts an en-suite bathroom, A/C with individual controls. Towels will be supplied as well as a beach/diving towel. Bath towels will be changed every 2 – 3 days during your week on safari and beach towels will be changed mid-week.

The suggested amount for crew and dive guide tips is approximately $15 per guest, per night. Please note that tips can only be accepted in cash and the preferred currency is US Dollars ($).

There will be two dive guides (including Cruise Director) on board to give dive briefings and assist you when required. Crew members will take care of your every need. There is a range of PADI courses available. All courses must be pre-booked, but can be paid for either prior to departure, or on board at the end of your trip.

Check out on the last day will take place after breakfast, where you will be transferred back to Male airport for your flight home. If you have a late afternoon/evening flight, please ask your sales consultant about day use options for day use facilities at a local hotel.

Blue Voyager is fitted with water membrane filtration and mineralisation systems to make all water on board drinkable directly from the taps. As part of our mission to become completely plastic free, we do not have bottled water on-board nor provide refillable plastic bottles. We therefore suggest you bring your own reusable water bottles with you. Alternatively, branded, reusable drinking bottles are available to purchase on-board – please ensure that you stay well hydrated.

You will be able to connect devices to your in-cabin TV through a USB cable (cameras, hard drives, etc.). Please ensure you pack your USB cables for your devices. Hard drives loaded with movies are also available on board to use during your stay. While in the common areas, you will be able to connect your devices to our Apple TV through an internal Wi-Fi connection (the signal does not reach the lower decks). View your photos, listen to your music, or watch your movies on a giant screen – everything is possible! If you want to stream from our selection of movies while in the common areas, please download the free application called “VLC” (available on Android and IOS) before your departure.

On arrival, always familiarise yourselves with the fire exits nearest to your room, including emergency escape routes and designated muster points – please consult the emergency action plan within your cabin. Please also note where the life jackets and fire extinguisher are located within your cabin. The crew will direct you in an emergency.

We provide all guests with 250 MB internet data, free of charge, when they arrive on board. Additional 1GB, 2GB or 5GB data packages can be purchased on board should you need more internet access during your cruise.

Please note that, although wifi on board and internet access is available in many areas throughout the Maldives, we can not guarantee a continuous signal for the entirety of your cruise, especially when visiting more remote, southern areas.

Please note that there may be little to no mobile phone reception in some areas on certain itineraries.

Nitrox is available on M/Y Blue Voyager. There is also a full range of equipment available to hire, however please be aware that the equipment available is limited. To guarantee your equipment requests, please pre-order with us by calling 01752 480808 or email divingholidays@blueotwo.com

Complimentary tea and instant coffee are free 24/7. Filter coffee is free and served at breakfast and snack time. Soft drinks are available to purchase on board.

Payments on board can be made in US dollars cash or by credit/debit cards. We only accept VISA or MasterCard debit/credit card payments. There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

We are unable to take Switch/Solo/Maestro/Amex cards, and travellers cheques are not accepted. Should you have any questions about on board payment methods, please contact your Blue O Two representative.

On board prices are subject to change without notice and are subject to 12% GST.

IMPORTANT NOTE: effective 1st of January 2023, Maldivian GST will be increasing to 16%. Currently this is set at 12%.

The sockets on board M/Y Blue Voyager are the same as in the UK, although some are also designed to take European 2-pin plugs and your cabin boasts a USB charger. There are a limited number of plug adaptors available for use on board if required.

We have 3mm shorty wetsuits available to rent. Please request yours in advance to ensure the correct size is available for you.

Smoking is not permitted inside the vessel. This includes electronic cigarettes. We also ask that you do not smoke at meal tables or on the dhoni. Guests wishing to smoke should do so at the stern or upstairs on the sun deck.

Water is a precious commodity so please conserve it as much as possible.

The Maldivian government have advised that all tourists and short-term visitors travelling to Maldives on or after 10th September 2020 must present a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 upon arrival. The health document stating the negative PCR test result for COVID-19 must be in English and conducted within a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure from your home country. Categories of passengers exempt from this requirement and further details on how to submit your negative test result are available from the Maldives Immigration website: https://immigration.gov.mv/faq-for-visiting-the-maldives/.

We are following all governmental advice & guidelines from each destination we operate in. As always, our crew will be respecting good hygiene and we are following recommendations from the WHO on prevention of transmission. The full link can be found here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Measures taken will also be included in your initial briefing onboard. We also encourage guests to frequently clean and disinfect regulator mouthpieces and masks and to avoid sharing of these unless there is an emergency.

Visa Information

Most nationalities can get a free tourist visa for up to 30 days on arrival in Maldives, provided you hold a valid onward or return ticket and enough funds to cover your stay. Staying for longer than 30 days without the proper authority is an offence. For more details please visit www.immigration.gov.mv/.

For further information and advice on entry requirements you should contact the High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in the UK or the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Maldives.

Yellow fever certificate requirements – check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s Travel Health Pro website at http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/139/maldives#Vaccine_recommendations.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.

Please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives/entry-requirements for the most up to date advice.