Carpe Diem combines superb service, exceptional diving and on board comfort at affordable prices. If it's mantas, whalesharks and speedy drift dives you are looking for, then jump aboard Carpe Diem for a voyage through the beautiful Maldives. World famous dive sites await, all from the comfort and convenience of this superb Maldivian liveaboard. Carpe Diem sleeps 20 divers across 10 cabins. Cabin upgrades are available on board so please discuss the options with your travel consultant at the time of booking. No matter which cabin you chose, all have individual air con, safe and en suite bathrooms. The standard cabins are located below decks, of which 4 have a queen double with a separate bunk bed. There are a further 2 twin/bunk bed only cabins. On the main deck there are 2 cabins with a queen double bed, glorious views and are ideal for single occupancy as well as couples. These cabins also come with a TV and DVD player. Moving upstairs, you find the deluxe STAR cabin. This is one of the larger cabins on board with a queen double and large windows. For an extra special treat, why not upgrade to the upper deck SUN suite. This cabin is over 20 meters squared and comes with a flat screen TV, DVD/MP3 player and ample storage space. The 5 windows make for some amazing sea views! On the main deck you will find a large saloon area with tea, coffee and drinking water. This is the hub of the boat, where briefings are given. There is a large flat screen and audio system. Outside of the lounge is an outdoor seating area. All meals are also served al fresco in the dedicated dining area on the upper deck. Head right upstairs to the sun deck to soak up the views, work on your tan or just relax in the shade with a good book from the boat's library. Please be aware, Open Water certification (or equivalent) divers are welcome on board. However, due to the nature of the diving in the Maldives, you will be required to complete the Advanced Open Water certification on board (local charges apply). Recreational nitrox mixes will be free of charge for all certified divers.
The very spacious suite with individually controlled AC unit, our SUN cabin is located at the upper deck. The suite has a king size bed, a wide flat screen TV plus DVD/MP3 player, ample closet plus storage space, en suite bathroom with shower. The 5 windows give a beautiful view to the sea.
Opposite the suite on the upper deck is another big cabin, the STAR cabin, with a queen size double bed, flat screen TV plus DVD/MP3 player, ensuite bathroom with shower and 3 windows overlooking Maldives blue waters. The cabin has an individually controlled AC unit in the room.
The Carpe Diem has two double cabins, SEA and SAND located on the main deck, which are a little smaller than the deluxe cabin on the upper deck and standard cabins on the lower deck. They have queen size double beds, window view and ensuite bathrooms with shower. Further amenities TV plus DVD/MP3 players. The cabins have individually controlled AC units.
6 standard cabins, SOUL, SCUBA, SURF, SMILE, SNORKEL and SALT are located on the cabin deck below the main deck. 4 of these standard cabins (SOUL, SCUBA, SURF and SALT) are very spacious having two single beds which can be converted into one king size double beds. The 2 other standard cabins each have two single beds of which one is higher than the other but not overlapping and can only take twin sharing occupancy.
All cabins have individually controlled AC, safety deposit boxes and their own private bathroom with toilet and hot water shower. The electricity voltage on board is of 220V and the plugs are of 3 pins UK type.
Please note these prices may not include flights. Click select for the full holiday details
The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean, a 10-14hr flight from the UK, around 370 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 1200 islands, stretching over 500 miles from north to south. The main arrival airport for all flights to the Maldives is Male's airport island (MLE).
The Maldives is famous for its great snorkelling, manta cleaning stations, whalesharks, shark dives and fast drift dives through channels. The water remains a constant 27-28 C year round.
View entry requirements here All travellers must submit a self-declarative health declaration within 96 hours prior to travel online portal of Maldives Immigration, "Imuga", imuga.immigration.gov.mv. Updated DEC 2024
Whilst there are 2 monsoon seasons (Nov-Apr & May-Oct), the diving remains excellent year round. Diving operators will changes their dive sites in each season to find the best hot spots for the big fish! Traditionally, our summer months tend to be windier with a higher chance of rain, whilst the winter months are flatter. However, the seasons are much less predictable in reality and its a fabulous place to dive whatever time of year!
Our holidays to the Maldives can be quoted with most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a regional UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. If you make your own flight arrangements to Male, please check the transfer arrangements before confirming your flights. Please do not finalise any flight arrangements yourself before your liveaboard space is confirmed as being held.
As most flights are not direct, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Sri Lanka is our most popular, up coming destination - with beautiful beaches, it's a great alternative to staying in the Maldives resorts. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, why not head into the jungle for look for elephants and leopards. Or if you are a culture vulture, we highly recommend a Kandy city tour. The choice is yours! As we are able to book most major airlines to the Maldives, you can also add a stop to break up your flight. Popular locations include Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: Please review current FCO advice click here . If transiting via Sri Lanka you must have a visa prior to travel click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice for the required travel immunisations for your destination: click here to go to the NHS
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
On arrival in the Maldives, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please turn left from arrivals and go to the information desk at Male airport. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
If your holiday begins in Male you will be met and taken to your boat. The transfer takes around 20mins. Many of our Maldives holidays will include either a domestic flight or seaplane transfer. It takes approx 45mins -1 hour to clear immigration and collect your baggage at Male airport. We endeavour to keep the transit between flights as short as possible and your transfer will normally take place within 3 hours of your international arrival, but please be aware, you may have to wait at the airport between flights. The domestic terminal is right next door to arrivals. This has AC, bathrooms and a small cafe. You will usually be met by a rep, who will assist you in moving between the terminals. The baggage allowance on domestic flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg. The seaplane check in desk is to your right on exiting the arrivals hall. You will check your bag in here and then be transferred to the seaplane terminal by bus. This has AC, bathrooms, a small cafe and shop. The seaplanes run regularly throughout the day and due to the way the scheduling is organised, the exact time of your seaplane cannot be confirmed prior to arrival in Male. Seaplanes do not run in the dark - the fist seaplane is around 06:00 Male time and ends around 16:00 Male time. The baggage allowance on seaplane flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg.
You will be taken back to Male airport in time for your international flight. Domestic flights and seaplanes will arrive in time for you to make your connections. Typically you will arrive at the airport 1 1/2- 2 hours before your flight time. There is currently no departure tax when leaving the Maldives.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
The official currency of the Maldives is the rufiyya. However, we generally recommend you take USD as this is the preferred currency for most transactions. Do ensure you have smaller denominations handy as larger notes can be difficult to use. Notes should be in good condition. Credit and debit cards can be used, but do be aware of currency conversions and card surcharges. There is a 16 %GSTsales tax (17% from July 2025) applied to all local payments.
The Maldives has good mobile phone coverage throughout. You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport if you prefer. Carpe Diem offers free wifi (where there is phone coverage) but this can be slow. If you need internet, we recommend you make arrangements with your provider in the UK.
Electricity is 240V - UK 3 pin plugs are commonplace, although some plugs may have 2pin European connections. Please do not leave batteries charging unattended in your cabins at any time.
Kit hire must be prebooked but is paid for locally onboard. Reg: $50 per week, BCD: $50 per week, computer: $65 per week, wetsuit: $40 per week and complete dive kit $220 per week
Carpe Diem can teach a wide range of courses on board. These must be prebooked and are paid for on board. Please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options
There is an on board boutique selling a wide range of souvenirs including tshirts, jewellery and marine art. All stock items are subject to availability.
Free of charge for certified divers, subject to fill availability on board
This holiday is a boat and Male airport transfer package only. Where needed, domestic flights are also included as part of your transfers. A typical deposit for a Maldives liveaboard is 30% of your holiday cost. This will be due once your holiday has been confirmed. Your balance will then be due 90 days before travel. Depending on your flight option and ticketing deadline, you may need to pay in full for your flight. From time to time, promo trips with lower deposits on boat only spaces may be on sale as a special offer. Your travel consultant will outline the flight payment structure at the time of booking.
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
With over 17 years of experience in the Maldives and fleet of three liveaboards, Carpe Diem ensures enhanced safety and security throughout your dive trip. The following information is provided for all Carpe Vessels Carpe Diem Maldives Diving Safety Procedures & Standards 1) Onboard Fire Prevention Procedures & Suppression Equipment Fire Prevention Measures: Routine inspections and maintenance of all electrical wiring, fuel lines, and mechanical systems to prevent malfunctions that could lead to fire hazards. Clearly marked no-smoking zones, with smoking restricted to designated outdoor areas to minimize fire risks. Use of fire-resistant materials in high-risk areas such as the galley, engine room, and crew quarters. Mandatory fire safety training for all crew members, including fire prevention, emergency response, and extinguisher use. Proper storage of flammable materials, including dive gear batteries, fuels, lubricants, and cooking gases, in fireproof compartments. Fire Suppression Equipment: ABC-type fire extinguishers are strategically placed throughout the vessel and Dive Dhoni, ensuring quick access in case of an emergency. Fire blankets are stored in the kitchen and engine room for rapid response to localized fires. Smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed in all cabins, common areas, and operational sections of the vessel for early fire detection. Emergency shut-off valves for fuel and electrical circuits allow for immediate response to potential hazards. Dedicated fire suppression systems installed in the engine room, ensuring automated response in case of fire outbreaks. Fire pump, hose and nozzle provide ready for immediate use in firefighting situations. 2) Emergency Procedures, Briefings & Muster Drill Guest Safety Briefings (Conducted at the Start of Each Trip): Life Jackets are provided in each cabin clearly marked with instructions on location and proper use in the event of an emergency. Additionally the dive dhoni is equipped with life jackets and clearly marked. Fire & Emergency Exit Locations & Singage: Clear guidance on escape routes and muster points. Diver Recall System & Lost Diver Protocol: Explanation of recall signals, emergency ascent procedures, and buddy system guidelines. Medical Equipment & First Aid Locations: Identification of where first aid kits and oxygen kits are stored. Evacuation Communication Procedures: Explanation of how guests and crew will be notified in the event of an evacuation. Emergency Evacuation Protocol: Chain of Command: A structured system in place where the captain or designated officer takes charge to ensure a controlled response. Communication with Authorities: Direct channels to the Maldives Coast Guard and emergency response teams for assistance if needed. 3) Onboard Medical Equipment Medical Equipment Includes: Multiple emergency first aid kits positioned throughout the vessel. Emergency Oxygen kits (equipped with demand valves and non-rebreather masks) available both on the main vessel and Dhoni for immediate treatment of dive-related injuries. Basic medications, including pain relievers, anti-seasickness tablets, antibiotics, and antihistamines. Trauma care supplies, including sterile bandages, sutures, and burn treatment materials. Emergency contact lists for hyperbaric chambers and the nearest medical facilities. Emergency Medical Response: Crew trained in EFR, CPR, oxygen administration, and basic first aid to provide immediate assistance in case of medical incidents. Rapid emergency transport arrangements in place for evacuations when necessary. 4) Crew Training & Certifications Mandatory Certifications for Crew Members: STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watch keeping) for all maritime crew, ensuring competence in safety and emergency response. EFR (Emergency First Response) & CPR Training for all dive guides and crew members. Oxygen Provider Training to address dive-related emergencies. Fire Safety & Suppression Training covering all onboard fire prevention and firefighting procedures. Abandon-Ship Drills regularly practiced to ensure all crew members are well-prepared. Navigation & Communication Systems Training for the captain and deck officers to ensure operational safety. Diving Crew & Guides Certifications: All dive guides hold at least valid PADI Divemaster or Instructor certifications and renewed Annually. Specialized training in liveaboard dive safety, including deep water rescues and strong current diving. Lost Diver Protocol Training, ensuring quick and efficient search and recovery procedures. 5) Night Watch & Safety Procedures Weather & Anchor Monitoring to assess sea conditions and potential hazards. Routine checks of fire alarms, bilge pumps, and generators to detect mechanical or safety issues early. Guest Safety Supervision during night dives and night time activities. Immediate response to any unusual sounds, smells, or activity on board. 6) Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Fire & Evacuation: Immediate activation of fire suppression systems. Muster stations for all guests with life jackets on. Dive Tender and Boat Tender are kept on high alert for possible evacuation. Medical Emergencies: First aid provided immediately, followed by oxygen therapy if needed. Emergency evacuation arranged via speedboat or Maldives Coast Guard. Diver Emergencies: Lost Diver Protocol: Deployment of surface marker buoys (SMBs), search pattern initiated. Diver Down Protocol: Immediate safety diver response and emergency oxygen administration. Strong Currents/Safety Stop Issues: Use of SMBs, guided group dives, and strict buddy system enforcement. Extreme Weather: Continuous weather tracking through local alerts, marine forecasts and online local weather updates. Alternative routes secured for safe navigation in case of severe conditions. 7) Additional Safety Measures Additional Safety Features That Set Us Apart: Diver Recall System: Sound-based recall for emergency situations. All divers are provided with Free Marker Buoys (SMB)’s and Reef Hooks (and briefing provide on both) All Nitrox certified Divers are provided with Free Nitrox and team encourages PADI Nitrox certification and training. Nitrox compressors are on each Dive Dhoni. No-Fly Time Enforcement: Mandatory pre-departure safety buffer before flights. Surveillance Camera in engine room and back of the vessels and monitored in Captains bridge. Yearly Dry Dock program for all Vessels, Dive Tenders and Dingy’s Satellite Communication Systems for emergency coordination and lost diver scenarios. After each trip technical teams will board and inspect the Vessels Machinery and fix / repair any issues. Private Dive Guides Available for Inexperienced Divers encouraged which offers tailored support for safety (additional cost). Boat Locator Device installed to ensure real-time tracking, enhancing emergency response capability. Experienced Local Crew: Carpe Diem exclusively employs local captains and dive teams, each with 5 to 10 years of experience with the company. Their deep familiarity with the vessel, dive sites, and local conditions ensures expert navigation, swift emergency response, and a consistently high standard of safety for all guests. Viber Group System - Provides daily and real-time updates on dive plans, weather conditions, live tracking of dive sites and anchor locations, emergency protocols, Maldives weather, regulatory updates, and alerts. It also facilitates emergency response coordination and addresses boat maintenance issues. All in real time. ABC-type fire extinguishers are strategically throughout the vessel Fire blankets in the kitchen and engine room for rapid response to localised fires Smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed in all cabins, common areas, and operational sections of the vessel Emergency shut-off valves for fuel and electrical circuits Dedicated fire suppression systems installed in the engine room, ensuring automated response Fire pump, hose and nozzle provide ready for immediate use
GPS, Sounder, VHF Radio, Internet, GSM Satellite Communication Systems for emergency coordination and lost diver scenarios
ABC-type fire extinguishers are strategically throughout the vessel Fire blankets in the kitchen and engine room for rapid response to localised fires Smoke detectors and fire alarms are installed in all cabins, common areas, and operational sections of the vessel Emergency shut-off valves for fuel and electrical circuits Dedicated fire suppression systems installed in the engine room, ensuring automated response Fire pump, hose and nozzle provide ready for immediate use
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Night Watch Duties Include: Hourly patrols of all decks and equipment to ensure security and safety from 22:00pm to 06:00am10 Anchor Drag Alarm – Activated at night for safety monitoring
ABC-type fire extinguishers on board Dive Dhoni. Additionally the dive dhoni is equipped with life jackets and clearly marked. Emergency Oxygen kits (equipped with demand valves and non-rebreather masks) available both on the main vessel and Dhoni for immediate treatment of dive-related injuries.
35m 650HP 2 x 50Hz Wood
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from £1370Carpe Diem is a much loved Maldives liveaboard with a selection of itineraries at affordable prices and a range of cabins for all budgets.
Call us or email to bookWe would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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