CARPE VITA EXPLORER, MALDIVES: Facts
THE VESSEL
The M/V Carpe Vita Explorer comfortably accommodates 20 passengers in 10 very large double staterooms, all of which have private bathroom facilities and can be configured to accommodate a couple or two singles. The staterooms are located on three of the vessel’s four decks. The topmost deck is the sun deck which offers both shaded and full-sun areas for relaxation as well as a hot tub. The upper deck includes the al-fresco dining area, the bar, staterooms 1 & 2, a small lounge area and the bridge.
The large main deck contains the air-conditioned dining and lounge area, TV viewing area with DVD/CD music system, forward outdoor seating area, common restroom, staterooms 3 & 4, galley, camera charging station and a large camera table. There are two sets of stairs accessing the swim platform where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to and from the water for a refreshing swim when the vessel is at anchor. Staterooms 5-10 are located on the lower deck, accessed via stairs from the main deck.
The Carpe Vita Explorer is also equipped with a telephone for incoming and outgoing calls worldwide (additional charges apply). Cellular phone and internet access is available when in proximity to some of the islands if your phone is so equipped. Internet cards and cellular phone cards are available for purchase on board. The Carpe Vita Explorer has two computers for guest use as well as USB connections for a personal computers. Internet access is available at an hourly charge. The vessel’s location does determine reliability of access to the internet.
HD media players along with a small selection of movies and music are available for guest use in each stateroom.
DIVING CONDITIONS
The weather in the Maldives is tropically pleasant with a year-round sea breeze. Air temperatures range from lows around 78°F (26°C) to highs in the high 80s and low 90s. There are two distinct but mild monsoon seasons in this equatorial country and each is named after the prevailing wind direction during that time of year. The northeast monsoon runs from December to April and brings relatively consistent, fair weather, but also often brings significant currents. The southeast monsoon from May through October brings a bit more wind and occasional rain (usually short-lived), but generally not as much current.
The vessel’s itineraries are designed to take advantage of the changing conditions and to take divers to the best diving areas for the different seasons. The visibility is usually at its peak in December and January — sometimes well over 100 feet (30 meters)! Mantas can be seen throughout the year with the best feeding-station encounters typically during the May to November timeframe. Whale sharks are also seen most every month of the year, with the highest concentration seen in the monsoon transition months of April, May, October and November. The water temperatures remain a toasty 80-85º F (27-29°C) throughout the year. Most divers are comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit.
DIVING LOGISTICS
All of the dives aboard the Carpe Vita Explorer are offered at scheduled times, up to 4 times daily including 1-2 night dives per charter (weather and itinerary permitting). This is to allow adequate surface intervals, provide the option for guided dives on as many sites as possible, and to allow the vessel to travel on a schedule to different locations. Please note that Maldivian regulations limit the maximum depth for all dives to 100 feet (30 meters). Given the prevalence of drift diving in the area (reef hooks are very useful at certain dive sites), your dives will be done from a large custom-built diving dhoni (tender). This is no ordinary tender! The dhoni is 61 feet long and has ample space for all divers, cameras and gear. There are individual gear bins for each diver, separate camera and wetsuit rinse tanks and a bathroom with toilet and hot water shower plus two fresh water showers on the dive platform. Both the air and nitrox compressors are on the dhoni as well. On one of the evenings of the trip, a barbeque on a deserted beach is offered (weather permitting). The crew prepares a remarkable feast for this very special evening, and if you’re lucky, may entertain you with some traditional song and drum playing.
MINIMUM AGE RESTRICTIONS
The minimum certifiable age for divers is 10 for most scuba certification agencies; normally, the agencies restrict 10- and 11-year-olds to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Explorer Ventures therefore allows children as young as 10 years to participate in our trips, with the following restrictions:
SAFETY STANDARDS
To ensure your safety, we require the following of all divers:
WHAT TO BRING
If your trip requires a commuter flight in the Maldives, please note that the baggage allowance is 25 kg (55 pounds) per passenger. The excess charge is MVR 12.00/per kg + tax (approx. $0.36/pound) and is subject to change.
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. Dress aboard the vessel is very casual. The climate doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts and swimsuits. Please bring at least one set of more modest clothing for visiting the town of Male. In town, local custom dictates that the body be covered from at least the shoulders to the knees, with short sleeves being preferable to sleeveless tops.
Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a visor or hat is strongly recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency toward seasickness, come prepared with motion-sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs and DVDs.
All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels and dive towels) are provided on board. Soaps and shampoo are provided and hairdryers are available on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, certification and dive insurance cards, swimsuit, change of clothes and necessary medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these items will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
There is a long list of items which are prohibited in the Maldives. This includes but is not limited to firearms, narcotics, alcohol (including for personal consumption), pornography, pork products and religious idols (except for personal use). Bags are routinely searched by customs agents upon arrival.
EQUIPMENT LIST
The vessel provides tanks, hard weights and weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment you will require. Otherwise, the following items are the diver’s responsibility:
ARRIVAL
Airport transfers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation are included in your package. Pickup at the airport for transfer to the dhoni and then to the Carpe Vita Explorer is at 3:00 pm (15:00). Please meet at the airport information counter at 2:30 pm for the 3 o'clock transfer. All guests arriving on embarkation day will be met at the airport by a crew member. If you are arriving early, arrangements can be made for you to spend time at a local hotel for a small fee. You can also walk around Male or wait at the airport until pickup. The dhoni ride from the airport to the vessel is about 15 minutes.
IF YOU ARE DELAYED
MEALS
If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate them on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the Maldives and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, shellfish and other items common elsewhere. Pork and pork products are not served aboard. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.
All soft drinks, packaged juices, drip coffee, tea and water are included. Two glasses of beer or wine during the evening meal are included in your package price. Due to the difficulty of importing alcohol into the Maldives, additional beer or wine or freshly made juices or any hard liquor will be added to your onboard bill.
CURRENCY
DEPARTURE
The Carpe Vita Explorer arrives at its final destination port on the afternoon of the day prior to disembarkation. An optional visit to the city of Male is offered on the final afternoon for itineraries ending near Male. Passengers spend the final night and have disembarkation day breakfast on board. There will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on the day of disembarkation. The dhoni will take you and your luggage to the airport after breakfast (or earlier if you have an early flight). If you have a flight late in the afternoon or in the evening, the airport hotel offers luggage storage and pool/beach/shower use for the day for a fee. If you’ll be staying at one of the outlying resorts after the charter, the dhoni will take you back to the airport so you may meet your resort’s transfer boat. Please note that international airport check-in begins 2 hours prior to departure and ends 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time.
Note: A USD $12 departure tax is charged to every passenger leaving the Maldives. This tax may have been included in your airline ticket (this depends on the airline). If not, you must pay the tax at the airport. Only US Dollars are accepted for this tax.
ONBOARD CHARGES
Your bill may be paid at the end of the trip using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or cash (US dollars or euros). Personal or traveler’s checks are not accepted on board, and we are unable to provide cash for credit card charges more than invoice amounts.
COMMUNICATIONS
CREW GRATUITIES
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew works very hard, 7 days a week and many weeks at a stretch to provide the best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service which you have received) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
PACKAGES INCLUDE:
PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE:
The M/V Carpe Vita Explorer comfortably accommodates 20 passengers in 10 very large double staterooms, all of which have private bathroom facilities and can be configured to accommodate a couple or two singles. The staterooms are located on three of the vessel’s four decks. The topmost deck is the sun deck which offers both shaded and full-sun areas for relaxation as well as a hot tub. The upper deck includes the al-fresco dining area, the bar, staterooms 1 & 2, a small lounge area and the bridge.
The large main deck contains the air-conditioned dining and lounge area, TV viewing area with DVD/CD music system, forward outdoor seating area, common restroom, staterooms 3 & 4, galley, camera charging station and a large camera table. There are two sets of stairs accessing the swim platform where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to and from the water for a refreshing swim when the vessel is at anchor. Staterooms 5-10 are located on the lower deck, accessed via stairs from the main deck.
The Carpe Vita Explorer is also equipped with a telephone for incoming and outgoing calls worldwide (additional charges apply). Cellular phone and internet access is available when in proximity to some of the islands if your phone is so equipped. Internet cards and cellular phone cards are available for purchase on board. The Carpe Vita Explorer has two computers for guest use as well as USB connections for a personal computers. Internet access is available at an hourly charge. The vessel’s location does determine reliability of access to the internet.
HD media players along with a small selection of movies and music are available for guest use in each stateroom.
DIVING CONDITIONS
The weather in the Maldives is tropically pleasant with a year-round sea breeze. Air temperatures range from lows around 78°F (26°C) to highs in the high 80s and low 90s. There are two distinct but mild monsoon seasons in this equatorial country and each is named after the prevailing wind direction during that time of year. The northeast monsoon runs from December to April and brings relatively consistent, fair weather, but also often brings significant currents. The southeast monsoon from May through October brings a bit more wind and occasional rain (usually short-lived), but generally not as much current.
The vessel’s itineraries are designed to take advantage of the changing conditions and to take divers to the best diving areas for the different seasons. The visibility is usually at its peak in December and January — sometimes well over 100 feet (30 meters)! Mantas can be seen throughout the year with the best feeding-station encounters typically during the May to November timeframe. Whale sharks are also seen most every month of the year, with the highest concentration seen in the monsoon transition months of April, May, October and November. The water temperatures remain a toasty 80-85º F (27-29°C) throughout the year. Most divers are comfortable with a 3mm wetsuit.
DIVING LOGISTICS
All of the dives aboard the Carpe Vita Explorer are offered at scheduled times, up to 4 times daily including 1-2 night dives per charter (weather and itinerary permitting). This is to allow adequate surface intervals, provide the option for guided dives on as many sites as possible, and to allow the vessel to travel on a schedule to different locations. Please note that Maldivian regulations limit the maximum depth for all dives to 100 feet (30 meters). Given the prevalence of drift diving in the area (reef hooks are very useful at certain dive sites), your dives will be done from a large custom-built diving dhoni (tender). This is no ordinary tender! The dhoni is 61 feet long and has ample space for all divers, cameras and gear. There are individual gear bins for each diver, separate camera and wetsuit rinse tanks and a bathroom with toilet and hot water shower plus two fresh water showers on the dive platform. Both the air and nitrox compressors are on the dhoni as well. On one of the evenings of the trip, a barbeque on a deserted beach is offered (weather permitting). The crew prepares a remarkable feast for this very special evening, and if you’re lucky, may entertain you with some traditional song and drum playing.
MINIMUM AGE RESTRICTIONS
The minimum certifiable age for divers is 10 for most scuba certification agencies; normally, the agencies restrict 10- and 11-year-olds to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Explorer Ventures therefore allows children as young as 10 years to participate in our trips, with the following restrictions:
- All children under the age of 15 must travel and dive with their parent or guardian, unless undergoing active training with an instructor.
- Our itineraries offer very few diving opportunities at depths less than 40 feet (12 meters); diving opportunities for 10- and 11-year-olds will be significantly less than those for older divers. For this reason, a minimum age of 12 for divers is strongly suggested.
SAFETY STANDARDS
To ensure your safety, we require the following of all divers:
- All divers must be certified as openwater scuba divers by an internationally recognized certification organization.
- All divers should have logged at least 1 dive within the 12 months prior to boarding the vessel, or are encouraged to participate in a refresher course on board.
- All divers must adhere to the buddy system.
- All divers must log in and out of the water with a member of the diving staff.
- All divers must have a submersible console including SPG and depth gauge, timepiece or dive computer with these functions.
- On night dives, a cyalume lightstick or marker beacon must be worn by each diver.
- By local regulations, decompression and solo diving are not allowed under any conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 100 feet (30 meters).
- Diving activities must cease when the consumption of alcohol begins.
- Please note that due to a combination of staff and equipment logistics, insurance requirements and local diving regulations, neither rebreathers nor diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) may be used aboard Explorer Ventures’ vessels.
- DAN (Diver’s Alert Network) membership and dive accident insurance or equivalent is required. If you arrive without proof of a policy, you’ll be required to purchase a short-term policy valid for the duration of your stay in the Maldives for US$20 (subject to change).
WHAT TO BRING
If your trip requires a commuter flight in the Maldives, please note that the baggage allowance is 25 kg (55 pounds) per passenger. The excess charge is MVR 12.00/per kg + tax (approx. $0.36/pound) and is subject to change.
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. Dress aboard the vessel is very casual. The climate doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts and swimsuits. Please bring at least one set of more modest clothing for visiting the town of Male. In town, local custom dictates that the body be covered from at least the shoulders to the knees, with short sleeves being preferable to sleeveless tops.
Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a visor or hat is strongly recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency toward seasickness, come prepared with motion-sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs and DVDs.
All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels and dive towels) are provided on board. Soaps and shampoo are provided and hairdryers are available on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, certification and dive insurance cards, swimsuit, change of clothes and necessary medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these items will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
There is a long list of items which are prohibited in the Maldives. This includes but is not limited to firearms, narcotics, alcohol (including for personal consumption), pornography, pork products and religious idols (except for personal use). Bags are routinely searched by customs agents upon arrival.
EQUIPMENT LIST
- Bring your application/liability release forms
- Certification card
- Rental equipment is available on board (please indicate need on application)
- DAN or other dive accident insurance card
The vessel provides tanks, hard weights and weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment you will require. Otherwise, the following items are the diver’s responsibility:
- Certification card & proof of DAN dive accident insurance
- Diving log book and dive computer manual (strongly encouraged)
- Mask *
- Snorkel *
- Fins *
- Booties (if you wear them)
- Buoyancy Control Device (required) *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges (required)*
- Underwater time piece (required)
- Dive light *
- Tank Marker Lights (required for night dives)
- Wetsuit – 3 mm to 5 mm *
- Repair kit w/ spare parts
- Safety sausage
- Reef hooks *
* Available for rent on board
ARRIVAL
- Passport required
- Valid return airline ticket
- 30-day free free tourist visa issued at airport
- Arrival the day before is encouraged
- Transfer costs are included
- Arrangements are made to pick you up
- On itineraries beginning in Male, please meet at the airport information counter at 2:30 pm for a 3:00 transfer by dhoni to the Carpe Vita Explorer
Airport transfers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation are included in your package. Pickup at the airport for transfer to the dhoni and then to the Carpe Vita Explorer is at 3:00 pm (15:00). Please meet at the airport information counter at 2:30 pm for the 3 o'clock transfer. All guests arriving on embarkation day will be met at the airport by a crew member. If you are arriving early, arrangements can be made for you to spend time at a local hotel for a small fee. You can also walk around Male or wait at the airport until pickup. The dhoni ride from the airport to the vessel is about 15 minutes.
IF YOU ARE DELAYED
- Call 1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) or 011.960.795.0883 (local cell)
MEALS
- Please list on the application form any dietary needs you have
- Two glasses of beer or wine with dinner included
If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate them on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the Maldives and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, shellfish and other items common elsewhere. Pork and pork products are not served aboard. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk.
All soft drinks, packaged juices, drip coffee, tea and water are included. Two glasses of beer or wine during the evening meal are included in your package price. Due to the difficulty of importing alcohol into the Maldives, additional beer or wine or freshly made juices or any hard liquor will be added to your onboard bill.
CURRENCY
- US dollars are widely accepted
- Most major credit cards are accepted
DEPARTURE
The Carpe Vita Explorer arrives at its final destination port on the afternoon of the day prior to disembarkation. An optional visit to the city of Male is offered on the final afternoon for itineraries ending near Male. Passengers spend the final night and have disembarkation day breakfast on board. There will be sufficient time to catch a flight out at any time on the day of disembarkation. The dhoni will take you and your luggage to the airport after breakfast (or earlier if you have an early flight). If you have a flight late in the afternoon or in the evening, the airport hotel offers luggage storage and pool/beach/shower use for the day for a fee. If you’ll be staying at one of the outlying resorts after the charter, the dhoni will take you back to the airport so you may meet your resort’s transfer boat. Please note that international airport check-in begins 2 hours prior to departure and ends 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time.
Note: A USD $12 departure tax is charged to every passenger leaving the Maldives. This tax may have been included in your airline ticket (this depends on the airline). If not, you must pay the tax at the airport. Only US Dollars are accepted for this tax.
ONBOARD CHARGES
- Major credit cards are accepted on board
- Traveler’s or personal checks are not
Your bill may be paid at the end of the trip using Visa, Mastercard, American Express or cash (US dollars or euros). Personal or traveler’s checks are not accepted on board, and we are unable to provide cash for credit card charges more than invoice amounts.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Vital messages may be passed to guest by calling the booking office at 1.800.322.3577
- Internet access is available aboard
CREW GRATUITIES
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew works very hard, 7 days a week and many weeks at a stretch to provide the best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service which you have received) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
PACKAGES INCLUDE:
- 7 nights/8 days or 10 nights/11 days aboard vessel
- 3 meals daily, plus snacks
- Up to 4 dives daily (weather and itinerary permitting)
- Use of tanks(11.5L/80CF or 13.5L/100CF) with DIN & YOKE compatibilities
- Air fills, weights and belts
- Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/disembarkation
- Non-alcoholic beverages and 2 glasses of beer or wine with dinner
- Maldivian GST (General Service Tax)
PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Rental, instruction and retail charges
- Crew gratuities
- Dive accident insurance (required)
- Trip cancellation & dive insurance (recommended)
- Bed/Port/Hotel taxes
- Airport departure tax
- Fuel surcharges
All Carpe Vita Explorer photos © Copyright Explorer Ventures (USA) Ltd.
Text provided courtesy of Explorer Ventures (USA) Ltd.
Text provided courtesy of Explorer Ventures (USA) Ltd.