Maldives Snorkel Adventure March 10-18, 2018

The Maldives are made up of palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and extensive coral reefs teeming with a spectacular variety of marine life.

The independent country of the Maldives is  located in the Indian Ocean 650 miles southwest of Sri Lanka.
The unique geography is made up of natural atolls, over 1,000 sandy islands and reefs that stretch over 5oo miles. The picturesque islands have a low profile. Eighty percent of the Maldivian Islands are less than three feet above sea level!

The combination of 3000 coral reefs and free flowing tides create perfect conditions for one of the world’s richest coral reef areas. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters.

Highlights of our Snorkel Adventure:

• Dedicated Snorkel Trip to beautiful atolls and stunning reefs.
• Travel on the luxurious Carpe Vita. Named one of the top 10 live-aboards in the world by CNN.
• Unique one way itinerary from Male to Laamu to experience the best marine environments and avoid the crowds.
• Travel during the optimum time of year for calm seas and visibility up to 100 feet. Water temps are a delicious 80-85 degrees.

Snorkeling Etc inc. operated three groups on the Carpe Vita in April 2016. We were delighted with the variety and uniqueness of the marine life. The ocean was teaming with schools of Parrotfish, Midnight Snappers, Butterfly fish and Unicorn fish. We enjoyed watching  Black tip and White tip reef sharks swim gracefully by.  I’ve never encountered so many Octopus and many of them mating! There were tons of Turtles, Squid and Moorish Idols, Fusiliers and jewel-colored Anthias. The beautifully patterned Ornate Eagle Rays swooped by us regularly. Sting Rays, and Blue Spotted Rays are also frequently seen. If you haven’t seen psychedelic-colored Giant Clams, this is a good place to see them.

Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Dolphins inhabit these waters and are always a delight to encounter.  I’ve chartered a one way voyage is to allow us the best possibility to swim with Whale Sharks in an uncrowded area.  Nature is unpredictable, let’s see what happens! Every day will be an adventure with new and exciting marine encounters.

ITINERARY:

March 10 Arrive Male on March 10 and transfer to our host hotel in Male .

March 11 -18 We board the highly regarded Carpe Vita. This new 20-passenger, 125-foot wooden-hull safari yacht  was built by one of the Maldives most accomplished boat builders.  The large, hotel-style staterooms are very comfortable and have en-suite bathrooms.  The Sri Lankan chef can cater to any dietary request.  Delicious buffet meals are enjoyed al fresco, weather permitting.
There is a  hot tub and plenty of outdoor lounge area to enjoy your time out of the water and the sunsets. The ambiance is elegant but casual.

A unique itinerary has been designed for us to experience the best snorkeling opportunities in the region. Our seven days will be spent exploring the reefs between Male and Laamu Atolls.  Each day we will explore a different areas with 2 to 3 snorkel sessions.
Snorkeling is done from a 61-foot custom dhoni (snorkel tender). The dhoni is a mini-Carpe Vita, it’s very roomy with plenty of shade, showers, bathroom and snacks.
There will be a variety underwater environments including patch reefs, pinnacle reefs, walls and channels. Expect drift snorkels and some current. It can be fun to do a “drive by” snorkel when you cruise over the reefs faster than the fish.

March 18  Fly from Laamu  to Male late morning. If your flight is late at night you will have access to a nearby hotel where you can store your luggage and use their pool and shower facilities. You may choose to extend your stay in the Maldives or continue your travels elsewhere.

What to expect:

• This is a snorkel-intensive program. You should be a proficient swimmer/snorkeler able to snorkel unassisted.
• A typical day features 3-5 hours of snorkel time.
• Be prepared for steep stairs on the live-aboard and ladders on and off the boat.
• Snorkel sessions are guided by the helpful and experienced crew provided by the Carpe Vita.
• Evenings are free to enjoy the sunset, a leisurely dinner and the company of your fellow passengers.

Comments from past travelers:
I loved every minute of the trip. I felt as if I was experiencing my idea of heaven!
-Helen G. Maldives April 2016

Our week aboard the Carpe Vita was a fabulous experience. We so enjoyed the snorkeling, the boat, the people – our kind of trip. Thanks for making it happen! Hope we can connect with you on another trip in the future.
-Betsy and Vic F. Maldives April 2016

Thank you very much for taking care of us during this terrific trip. You were attentive to everything this trip was one of the best of our life. We enjoyed every moment !!! and we are already waiting for the next one.
-Pilar L, Maldives April 2016

Pricing:
6 standard cabins. All cabins have one queen size bed a super single bed, desk, chair, dresser, en-suite bathroom with shower. All standard cabins have portholes.

 

Price in a Standard Cabin is $3975.00 per person based on double occupancy.
There is one Single Standard cabin available for $6750.00
Sold out. Available to wait list.

 

 

2 superior cabins. Cabins have a king sized bed which can be separated into two singles. Cabins include a desk, chair, dresser, hanging closet, en-suite bathroom with shower and large windows.

 

 

Price in a Superior Cabin is $4275.00 per person based on double occupancy.
Sold out. Available to wait list.

 

 

2 Suites. Each suite has a king bed that can be separated into two single beds. Suites includes a desk, chair, dresser, two hanging closets, en-suite bathroom with shower and tub and windows throughout the side of the cabin.

 

 

Price in  Suite is $4575.00 per person based on double occupancy.
Sold out.  Available to wait list.

 

 

***$400.00 discount per person for back-to-back trips.*****

Eight night package price includes:

• One night in our group hotel in Male prior to the cruise.
• 7 nights aboard the Carpe Vita Explorer with 3 meals daily plus snacks, daily snorkel excursions (weather and itinerary permitting).
• One way flight between Laamu and Male on March 18.
• Airport transfers on group arrival and departure days.
• Non-alcoholic beverages and 2 glasses of beer or wine with dinner.
• Hotel day pass for last day in Male for those departing on late night flights.

Eight night package price excludes:

• Crew gratuities.
• Fuel surcharge if applicable.  As of October 2016, there is no fuel surcharge.
• Green Fee Tax of $6.00 per person per day payable on board.
• Trip cancellation/medical and evacuation insurance.
• Specialty coffees and alcohol (except wine/beer with dinner).
• International Airfare. There are many good options including Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Approx. economy airfare from the West Coast is $1500.00.

I can assist you with all arrangements, including insurance and airfare. There are excellent resorts in the Maldives and you may want to consider extending your stay.  I’d be happy to talk to you about options.
Contact Wendy@SnorkelingEtc.com  for more details or for an application.

In the spirit of adventure,

Wendy Simon
Founder and CEO/Snorkeling Etc inc.