Dive experience: Deep South, Southern Atolls: Advanced Open Water and a minimum of 100 logged dives are required, as well as the ability to dive in strong currents.
Far North: Advanced Open Water certification and around 50 logged dives are required.
Central Atolls, Northern Atolls: Advanced Open Water certification and around 35 logged dives are required. Open water divers may request special permission to join a Carpe Diem liveaboard cruise.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, return transfers to the boat from Male Airport at scheduled times, dives (as detailed in the trips above), nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers, experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (7 divers per guide), reef hook, SMB, tanks (11.5 and 13.5 litre, DIN and yoke), weights and weight belt, 10% service charge (i.e. crew tips), sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment (incl. dive computer USD 295 for 7 nights), dive insurance (available onboard), Green tax (USD 12 per person per night), Hanifaru Bay park fee of USD 30 (if applicable)), fuel surcharge USD 15 per night. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash: USD or EUR, or credit card).
Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, torch (USD 40 per week), 15 litre steel tank. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: MV Carpe Diem liveaboard cruises in the Maldives typically start from Malé. Transfers from the airport are available from 12:30 pm onward on Day 1; guests should meet at the counter D17 in the Terminal 2 arrivals hall. While check-in begins on Day 1, the vessel remains docked in Malé Harbour and does not depart until the following morning. Arriving after the designated check-in window may result in missing the check dive. For airline recommendations and travel tips, refer to our How to Get to the Maldives guide.
The final dive of each trip occurs around 11 am on the penultimate day. The liveaboard returns to Malé Harbour for the last night. To allow for proper decompression, a minimum 18-hour interval is required before any post-cruise flights.
Domestic air connections are required only for cruises exploring the Southern or Northern Atolls. Guests may either book these flights independently or arrange them through us. If booked via our office, please note that tickets for same-day embarkation should be collected upon arrival, while tickets for the return journey will be available onboard. To secure domestic flights, we require full passport details and international flight information well in advance. A valid passport is the only document needed for check-in.
Non-diver rate: 10% off the published price.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a 60% supplement of the published price for their own cabin.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 5 guests and 1 guest can join in a Standard cabin free of charge (total 6+ guests). Cannot combine with other special offers.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 16 guests and 4 additional persons can join the cruise in Standard cabins free of charge.
The sleek Carpe Diem liveaboard offers a style of exploration of the Maldives' legendary underwater that prioritises relaxation as much as the diving itself. This 35-metre steel-hulled vessel is built not for rushing between sites, but for settling into the rhythm of the atolls. With a maximum of 20 guests, the atmosphere on deck is spacious and unhurried, a place where conversations flow as easily as the days.
Onboard the Carpe Diem, your accommodation is a genuine retreat. The 10 cabins are spread across 3 decks, from the practical and comfortable standard cabins on the lower deck to the suite and deluxe cabin on the upper deck, which are flooded with natural light from large windows. All cabins are en-suite and equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning and a TV connected to a central media system. Whether you are sharing a bunk-bed cabin with a dive buddy or enjoying the extra space of a double, the focus is on solid comfort after a day in the ocean.
The social heart of the liveaboard beats strongest in the open-air dining area on the upper deck. Meals here become an event, with the sea breeze and changing views as your backdrop, prepared by a professional chef accustomed to catering for international palates and dietary needs. When the sun dips low, the bar becomes the gathering point, and the expansive sundeck - shaded in part, open in others - often doubles as an impromptu lounge. For those who prefer to stay connected, wi-fi is available on the Carpe Diem, though most guests find the vista from the sun loungers far more compelling.
Diving from the Carpe Diem liveaboard is designed for ease. The dedicated dive dhoni, a separate vessel, does the heavy lifting. It allows for a cleaner setup on the main boat and features 3 entry and exit points, so groups can move smoothly without crowding. Your dive guides are local, English-speaking professionals with an intimate knowledge of the currents and sites, from the famous manta cleaning stations to the thilas and kandus alive with reef fish. For those qualified, enriched air nitrox is complimentary, adding a margin of safety and bottom time.
The Carpe Diem liveaboard vessel is operated by a team with years of experience navigating Maldivian waters, running a fleet that includes the Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo. Their knowledge translates into well-planned diving cruises - typically 7-night trips, with occasional 10-night tours - that balance 3 dives a day with time to simply be. They understand that a trip to the Maldives is about more than just logging dives; it is about the whole experience, from the welcome drink upon arrival to the beach barbecue when conditions permit.
Choosing the Carpe Diem liveaboard is a decision for the scuba diver who values a measured, comfortable approach to the Maldives. It is a chance to see the country's best dive sites without the rush, to return from the dhoni not to a crowded deck but to a welcoming space, and to let the atolls' slow magic work on you.
The Carpe Diem offers you 4 different cabin types across 3 decks. The Suite cabin with its king sized bed is located on the upper deck, together with the Deluxe cabin. The main deck includes 2 Double cabins, which feature a queen bed, as does the Deluxe cabin. These 4 cabins have multiple windows offering splendid sea views as well as flat screen TVs and DVD / MP3 players. 6 Standard cabins are on the lower deck. 2 Standard cabins have a single bed and a single bunk bed, they are smaller than the 4 spacious Standard cabins with their queen bed and single bunk bed. The rooms on the lower deck of the liveaboard all have portholes. All cabins have en-suite (private) bathroom facilities.
The Suite, Deluxe and Double cabins have their own TV, DVD player and music systems. The Suite also has a fridge.
All the cabins have:
- Individual control air-conditioning
- Bathroom with toilet and built-in hot water shower cubicle
- Hand basin, toiletries and towels
- Windows or portholes
- TV, DVD player and music system (excludes Standard cabins)
- Safety box
- Reading lights
- Bedside cabinet, shelves and mirror
- Refrigerator (Suite only)
- Fire warning system
- UK-style 3 pin 220V electricity
- Bedding and luggage space
- Life jackets
No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water
Maldives Central, Southern & Deep South Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Addu atolls
Day 1
Board the Carpe Diem liveaboard near Male International Airport in the afternoon. You will be introduced to the vessel and its crew during a detailed welcome briefing. After completing formalities, you'll have an opportunity to make a settling check dive to feel comfortable in the water. Dinner is served as the sun sets, a great time to mingle before the ship weighs anchor for the Deep South at first light.
Core Days
The core of this extensive itinerary is a deep immersion into the most challenging and rewarding dive zones, taking you far beyond the Central Atolls to the remote waters of the Southern and Deep South, a realm often likened to the 'Galápagos of the Maldives'. This extraordinary route on the Carpe Diem is characterised by exhilarating channel crossings and a remarkable diversity of shark species, with the potential to log encounters with up to 10 different types during your time. You will navigate the dynamic channels of Huvadhoo Atoll, where strong currents create ideal conditions for viewing large aggregations of grey reef sharks and the sleek, powerful hammerheads.
In the far reaches, Fuvahmulah stands out as one of the Indian Ocean's most talked-about drift sites. Out in the open sea, this unique location provides genuinely rare opportunities to observe pelagic species such as oceanic manta rays, thresher sharks, mola mola (ocean sunfish), silky sharks, and the impressive tiger sharks. Sites across Thaa, Laamu, and Addu Atolls offer stunning, remote reefs with whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays gliding through currents, showcasing the archipelago at its most raw and untamed. Meanwhile, back in the Southern region, Meemu Atoll offers excellent seasonal chances to watch whale sharks feeding on plankton at the surface, a truly mesmerizing experience.
Exploring the Central Atolls, Felidhoo’s deep channels, like Fotteyo Kandu, challenge divers with potent currents, drawing in schools of trevallies and tuna that attract a variety of predatory sharks. Even North and South Male Atolls contribute, providing critical sites for cleaning stations and a transition before heading south. This extended dive cruise on the Carpe Diem liveaboard is designed to immerse experienced divers in these rich environments, guided by the seasoned crew to ensure you hit the peak of the action.
Your final full day will feature 2 dives before the ship begins its long return.
Final Day
Enjoy your final breakfast on the last day of the trip before disembarking. Disembarkation can occur at either Kooddoo airport or Male International Airport, depending on the cruise direction.
Maldives Far North & Northern Atolls
Trip highlights: shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Baa, Raa, Haa Daalu, Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Lhaviyani, North Male atolls
Day 1
Guests arriving on embarkation day will be warmly welcomed aboard the spacious Carpe Diem liveaboard in Male. Once settled into your cabin, you'll attend a short orientation to familiarise yourself with the vessel and meet the crew. After completing the necessary paperwork, you'll have the opportunity to join an afternoon check dive to ease into the week of diving ahead. Dinner is served at sunset in the air-conditioned dining area where you will get to know your fellow guests. The liveaboard departs from the harbour early the next morning to begin your diving adventure.
Core Days
This remote and less-frequented route takes you through the Far North Atolls of the Maldives, an exceptional diving destination known for its deep channels and nutrient rich waters carried by open ocean currents. Divers have the chance to encounter manta rays, zebra sharks, silvertip and grey reef sharks, as well as explore vibrant thilas adorned with some of the Maldives' most impressive soft and hard coral formations. Marine life is abundant, with large fish schools frequently seen on dives. A standout site on this itinerary is Hirimaradhoo Thila, where sightings of elusive guitar sharks are possible, a rare highlight for even the most seasoned diver
Baa Atoll, in the northern Maldives, is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its healthy reefs and diverse marine life. You may encounter small reef fish, turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks. The area features various underwater formations, including coral-covered walls, thilas, plateaus, overhangs, pinnacles, and swim throughs. One key location is Hanifaru Bay, a protected site where manta rays gather between May and November to feed on plankton. Snorkelling is permitted here under strict regulations, while several nearby dive sites offer further opportunities to explore the region.
Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls offer diverse diving experiences, with channels that draw in species such as grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, guitar sharks, and eagle rays. Soft corals add colour to the underwater landscape, while pinnacles provide sheltered habitats for reef fish. A key dive site in Lhaviyani is "The Shipyard", where 2 wrecks rest at different depths, creating a unique setting teeming with marine life.
In North Male Atoll, divers can explore nutrient rich thilas, reefs, and drop-offs that attract pelagic visitors. You might spot species like Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, giant trevally, and barracudas, alongside large schools of reef fish.
Please note that on the last full day of the trip there will be only 2 dives before the liveaboard travels to port in Baa Atoll.
Day 11
An early light breakfast before your flight back to Male.
Please note that cruises use either the port of Male or Dharavandhoo. We recommend checking the ports listed for the specific trip you're interested in, to ensure all your travel plans align accordingly.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
On board the Carpe Diem liveaboard, days follow a comfortable flow, balancing immersion in the blue with genuine hospitality and good food. Your floating base for the week becomes a small, sociable world. Mornings begin early but gently. As the eastern sky lightens over the Indian Ocean, the upper deck open-air restaurant starts to stir. Breakfast, served from around 8 am, is a relaxed, hearty affair designed to set you up for the first dive. You might find a spread of fresh breads and pastries, cereals, and yoghurts alongside cold meats like salami. The hot section offers eggs any way you like them - boiled, fried, scrambled, or as an omelette - plus sausages or macon. Each day often brings a local touch, perhaps the soft Maldivian flatbread, roshi, with a tangy tuna mashuni, or comforting baked beans, hashbrowns, and even chicken nuggets for variety.
After breakfast, the Carpe Diem crew readies the dhoni, and the day’s diving begins. Lunch, served promptly at midday back on the main vessel, is when you truly appreciate the work of the onboard chef. After a morning in the current, you’re greeted by a spread that caters to all appetites. There are always fresh salads and vegetable dishes, alongside a choice of proteins - chicken, beef, lamb, and fresh fish. These are accompanied by rice, potatoes, or pasta, and often a few regional curries to add a hint of the Maldives to your plate. A light dessert, perhaps ice cream or a simple cake, rounds things off perfectly.
The afternoon often holds a third dive, and upon your return to the liveaboard, a snack awaits at 4 pm. It’s a welcome sight after a few hours in the water: freshly made sandwiches, hot French fries, crispy spring rolls and samosas, or a slice of cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Dinner at 7 pm is the main social event. Meals are served in the same open-air dining area, the conversation invariably turning to the day’s diving highlights. The menu is varied and satisfying. You can expect mixed salads, a choice of meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes, with pasta, rice, potatoes, and more of those aromatic curries. Dinners are finished with homemade desserts. On select evenings, the chef might change the pace entirely with a sushi spread, a pizza night, or a themed dinner.
A genuine highlight of any Carpe Diem liveaboard trip is the included beach BBQ, held one evening when conditions and permits allow - a memorable evening of grilled food with your feet in the sand.
Throughout the day, drinking water, tea, and coffee are complimentary, and juice is served with breakfast. The bar on the upper deck, adjacent to the dining area, offers a range of drinks for purchase. You can choose from soft drinks and premium coffees, local and imported beers, a selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails, or opt for a fresh smoothie, juice, or milkshake.
"
Carpe Diem is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to relax after a day of diving. Our cabin was clean and had all the storage we needed. The food onboard was fantastic, with a great mix of local curries and international dishes. We perfectly loved the outdoor dining area, which was perfect for enjoying the sea breeze. From the moment we arrived at Male Airport, the whole experience was first-class. The crew met us right at the airport pier and took us directly to the liveaboard by dhoni. Shoes off, and the holiday began immediately." -
Erik H., Sweden, 24 March 2025...
"
We spent a wonderful week aboard the Carpe Diem. The overall organisation was excellent. The boat is spacious and well-maintained. The food is of a good standard, though we would have appreciated a bit more variety in the side dishes. The diving was spectacular. The Carpe Diem offers excellent value for money, and the spectacular diving and friendly crew far outweigh the small details to improve." -
Paolo S., Italy, 18 December 2024 ...
"
The boat was spacious and had great facilities. The dhoni was ideal to dive from. The rooms were large and well equipped. The food was varied and well prepared. The staff were friendly and helpful and the dive guides knowledgeable and safe. I had a very enjoyable trip and was more than satisfied.
Dive The World was easy to book with and the discount is appreciated. A seamless experience." -
Stewart Wilkinson, England, 16 June 2024...
"
This was a wonderful end to end experience in Maldives! They met us at the airport, we had local DMs, and the food was fantastic! Great diving and service!
Our Dive The World representative was very responsive and answered all of our questions. The charter we booked ended up not having enough reservations to go, but the operator was able to put us on another boat. If it was a smaller operator with only one boat we may have been out of luck, but we were comfortable knowing Dive the World was on our side and helped sort out our logistical changes." -
Lindsey Freson, United States, 1 January 2023...
"
Helpfull staff, great accomodation in the Suite , good food too. Our diveguide (yusein) was wonderfull... No negatives to report. Best part is their total organisation as such,,starting from the airport arrival in Male!" -
Hans Six, Belgium, 13 October 2015 ...
"
Staff and facilities were excellent. Good and safe diving, good food, lots of vegetables and fruits. Good desserts." -
Victoria Thwaite, UK, 12 January 2015 ...
"
I had the most wonderful dive trip on Carpe Diem in Maldives! I really wish I could have stayed another week and I'll be sure return sometime in the future. I think this sentiment was shared by all the guests on board. :) The operator was spot on! The staff was super friendly, exceeded all expectations and service was above and beyond anything anyone could demand. I would recommend this operator to anyone going to Maldives for a liveaboard trip." -
Tanja Blomqvist, Finland, 6 January 2014 ...
"
Excellent liveaboard boat. Nice rooms. Adequate food. Good equipment and dive guides. The service was very good. Staff on boat made all efforts to make our stay enjoyable and diving safe and nice." -
Parag Joshi, India, 6 February 2011 ...
