The sleek and contemporary M/V Carpe Novo is a large 43m wooden monohull Maldives liveaboard. You can choose among a variety of 7 and 10 night itineraries in the northern, central and southern Maldivian atolls.
22 guests can socialise with their fellow divers or find a quiet spot at one of the seating options across the 3 upper decks. The air-conditioned saloon/ dining area is located on the main deck. Here you can take in a movie on the large flat screen TV, play your favourite playlist through the sound system, or take some time out and enjoy the idyllic island scenery from the curved seating area with panoramic views across the bow. There is an open-air sitting area just off the saloon, where you can sip a refreshing drink, with a gentle cruising breeze maintaining the perfect outdoor temperature. When the Carpe Novo liveaboard is at anchor, head to the stern of the liveaboard for a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean off the swim platform. The swim platform features 2 freshwater showers and a bathroom for your comfort. The dedicated camera room, camera table and charging area are also on the main deck.
The upper deck offers spectacular views from the spacious Junior suite's picture windows. Waking up in a suite onboard the Carpe Novo, one would think that you were in a hotel, and not on a diving cruise liveaboard. Unusual for liveaboards, the Carpe Novo has 2 main deck suites allocated specifically for single occupancy. 6 Standard cabins offer two different bed options. All accommodations have private bathrooms, flat screen TVs and entertainment systems, safety deposit boxes and wireless internet.
Dining is a significant aspect of your liveaboard diving safari. Your buffet style meals are served in the open-air dining area that is aft on the upper deck of the Carpe Novo. The bar is conveniently located here to ensure that you are well hydrated during the day, and can share the delights of your day's sightings with fellow divers in the evenings over cocktails, beer or wine. When it’s time to ensure you return home with a golden hue, the sun deck provides the perfect combination of sun loungers and ample shaded seating.
The most important component of your cruise is the diving. Your Maldivian diving dreams come true from the Carpe Novo liveaboard’s 18m dhoni. Here your tanks are filled with air or complimentary nitrox for certified divers, all your equipment is stored, prepped and ready for your next dive. The dhoni also features 2 hot water showers and a bathroom. What more could you wish for, besides a second or third Maldivian diving safari vacation?
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (Express)
Trip highlights: whale 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: Baa, Raa, Ari, Rasdhoo, Felidhoo, North Male and South Male atolls
Day 1
Your Maldivian dive safari begins with your arrival and boarding of the 43-meter MV Carpe Novo near Male International Airport. After a crew-led safety briefing and initial administration, you will conduct a mandatory check dive, allowing you to settle your gear. A relaxed dinner is served as the sun dips low, offering a perfect, low-key setting to meet your fellow guests. The Carpe Novo liveaboard will depart the harbour before dawn to maximise the following day’s diving.
Core Days
This unique diving tour on the Carpe Novo is an immersive expedition spanning the most productive reefs from the Central to the less-dived Northern Atolls, including the spectacular UNESCO World Biosphere of Baa Atoll. Here, the focus is on large filter feeders. During the peak season (May-November), the surrounding dive sites offer astonishing encounters with huge feeding aggregations of manta rays and seasonal sightings of the gentle whale shark, a profound experience of ocean abundance. While diving is prohibited at the famous Hanifaru Bay, the crew will arrange world-class snorkeling nearby to witness the spectacle.
The Carpe Novo liveaboard then targets the adrenaline-fueled channels of the Central Atolls, where currents create a pelagic highway. In Ari Atoll, the dive plan focuses on marine protected areas and deep pinnacles (thilas), giving you a strong chance to see the elusive whale shark, alongside sightings of grey reef sharks and squadrons of eagle rays. Early morning dives at Rasdhoo Atoll’s deeper drop-offs offer the exhilarating potential of watching schooling hammerhead sharks, a truly memorable blue water encounter.
Pushing back toward the capital, the deep channels of Felidhoo Atoll present challenging but rewarding drift dives. Sites such as Miyaru Kandu are famed for attracting various shark species, while a specially scheduled night dive often features dozens of large nurse sharks and stingrays hunting on the house reef. North Male and South Male Atolls round out the trip with nutrient-rich thilas that draw in cruising Napoleon wrasse and large schools of giant trevally and barracuda, providing a rich diversity of environments and marine life from the northern tip to the heart of the Central Atolls.
The Carpe Novo's expert team adjusts the day-to-day plan based on real-time current and seasonal movements, ensuring a genuinely experience-led adventure. Note that 2 dives are scheduled for the final full day before the Carpe Novo liveaboard begins its final steam back toward port.
Final Day
Arise to a light breakfast onboard before disembarking the Carpe Novo for your onward transfer to Male International Airport.
Please note that these cruises sometimes use different ports - check your trip for details.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, 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, Ari, Rasdhoo, Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, South Male atolls
Day 1
Your Maldivian adventure begins with a transfer from Male International Airport to board the modern 43-metre Carpe Novo liveaboard. Following a detailed welcome briefing from the skilled crew, you will complete essential paperwork and enjoy a settling afternoon check dive. Dinner is served in the air-conditioned restaurant as the sun sets over the atoll chain, offering a relaxed environment to meet your fellow divers before the Carpe Novo departs early the next morning.
Core Days
This Central and Southern Atolls diving cruise aboard the Carpe Novo liveaboard is an expansive expedition into the archipelago's most productive waters. The initial dive plan focuses on the globally renowned Ari Atoll, which provides exceptional opportunities in its marine protected zones to encounter the magnificent whale shark and graceful manta rays. The deep-water channels of Felidhoo Atoll are also a key feature, known for strong currents that draw in various predatory reef sharks, massive schools of tuna and jacks, and offer one of the Maldives' most spectacular night dives: a memorable congregation of dozens of giant nurse sharks and stingrays hunting at Alimatha House Reef.
The voyage then extends south, dedicating significant time to the less-frequented dive sites of Meemu and Thaa Atolls. Meemu Atoll offers excellent seasonal sightings of manta rays feeding on plankton, while Thaa Atoll provides world-class drift diving with consistent sightings of cruising whitetip reef sharks and squadrons of eagle rays along the deep passes. The Central Atolls component is rounded out in South Male, where sites like Miyaru Faru (Shark Reef) offer exhilarating current dives for observing grey reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead shark along the drop-offs, complementing the wrecks and vibrant soft coral caves found in the area. The Carpe Novo crew's local expertise ensures you are always placed on the most dynamic sites according to prevailing conditions.
On your final full day, only 2 dives are conducted before the Carpe Novo liveaboard begins its return toward the Male area.
Final Day
An early light breakfast is served before you disembark the Carpe Novo. Your departure will be arranged for your final destination at Male International Airport.
Maldives Central Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, Ari, Rasdhoo, South Male, Felidhoo and South Male atolls
Day 1
Board the spacious 43-meter MV Carpe Novo liveaboard near Male International Airport in the afternoon. Following a comprehensive vessel and safety orientation from the professional crew, you will complete essential check-in administration and enjoy a settling introductory dive. A freshly prepared dinner is served in the boat's comfortable restaurant at dusk, offering a tranquil introduction to your fellow divers before the Carpe Novo sets sail before sunrise.
Core Days
This trip is the essence of high-action, Central Atolls diving, showcasing the regions most famed pelagic encounters. The voyage aboard the Carpe Novo is strategically timed to explore the premier sites of South Male, Felidhoo, and Ari Atolls. South Male Atoll presents varied reef topography, from overhangs and soft coral caves to an excellent historical wreck, which serves as a vibrant habitat for numerous schooling fish and larger oceanic species. The channel dive at Miyaru Faru is a particular highlight, where divers secure themselves in the current's lee to observe the compelling procession of patrolling grey reef sharks and the chance sighting of scalloped hammerheads.
The Central Atolls experience continues into Felidhoo Atoll, known for its powerful channel currents that create true fish 'feeding frenzies'. These deep, swift-moving cuts, such as Fotteyo Kandu, funnel in nutrients and reliably draw in a dynamic mix of reef sharks, immense schools of trevallies, and tuna. Beyond the channels, the atoll’s walls feature a striking, dense coverage of colourful soft corals and bushes of black corals, offering beautiful contrast to the blue water action. The evening concludes with a staple night dive, a memorable gathering of numerous large nurse sharks, powerful stingrays, and giant trevallies hunting under the boat lights.
Ari Atoll is a cornerstone of the Central Atolls route, offering world-class diving for large marine life. The expertise of the Carpe Novo liveaboard crew is critical here, guiding the ship to protected zones and cleaning stations for optimal encounters with the majestic whale shark and the graceful oceanic manta ray. Across all sites, from thilas to channel entrances, the Carpe Novo team uses their extensive local knowledge to position you for maximum action.
Please note, the final full day includes only 2 morning dives to allow the yacht to begin its scheduled return toward the Male area.
Final Day
Awake to a final, light breakfast before disembarking the Carpe Novo for your onward transfer to Male International Airport.
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
Maldivian dive adventure begins with a transfer from Male International Airport to board the sleek 43-meter MV Carpe Novo liveaboard. After a warm welcome and detailed orientation from the crew, you’ll complete initial administration and enjoy a settling afternoon check dive. The evening culminates with dinner in the air-conditioned restaurant, a great time to meet your dive companions before the vessel sets off at first light.
Core Days
This extended cruise aboard the Carpe Novo is a true expedition, taking divers from the Central Atolls deep into the remote South, an area offering an unparalleled array of large marine life. The Deep South Atolls present the thrilling potential to log encounters with up to ten different shark species. The high-current channels of Huvadhoo Atoll are a spectacular arena for viewing hammerhead sharks and huge schools of reef sharks. The isolated Fuvahmulah is a world-class drift dive, offering unique, open-ocean encounters with rare pelagics such as the impressive tiger shark, thresher sharks, oceanic manta rays, and mola mola.
The voyage aboard the Carpe Novo liveaboard continues through the vibrant Southern and Central Atolls. Thaa Atoll delivers rewarding drift dives where whitetip reef sharks and squadrons of eagle rays are common companions along the channel passes. Meemu Atoll provides excellent seasonal opportunities for finding the whale shark feeding on plankton near the surface, a mesmerising sight. Further north, Felidhoo Atoll features powerful channels that attract large schools of tuna and trevallies, drawing in various shark species, culminating in an amazing nurse shark night dive. The Carpe Novo liveaboard is specifically equipped to navigate this long route, maximising your experience in these pristine and wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Final Day
Following a relaxing final full day with only two morning dives, you will enjoy an early light breakfast before disembarking the Carpe Novo for your transfer to Gan International Airport.
Please note that these trips sometimes run in reverse or use differing ports, and your specific final port will be confirmed with your full trip details prior to travel.
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
Your far north expedition begins at Male International Airport, where the ground crew greets you for a direct transfer to the Carpe Novo liveaboard. Upon settling into your cabin, a comprehensive safety orientation is provided by the experienced crew before you prepare for the essential afternoon check dive, ensuring your weighting and equipment are perfected in the clear, buoyant water. As evening descends, dinner is served, and the vessel quietly initiates its passage, utilising the cover of darkness to reach the remote atolls of Haa Alifu, Haa Daalu, and Shaviyani, maximising your dive time from the very first morning.
Core Days
Waking up, you find yourself ready to descend into the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. The dive strategy onboard the Carpe Novo liveaboard is designed to immerse you in the best conditions, hitting dive sites like Dhigali Haa before day boats arrive. Seasonal upwellings between May and November can attract impressive congregations of reef manta rays to feed in the plankton-rich inner atoll, offering spectacular viewing opportunities (while snorkelling only is permitted in Hanifaru Bay, we explore nearby dive sites specifically known for these encounters). Throughout the year, these complex thilas and channels are patrolled by imposing grey reef sharks, while the reefs teem with hawksbill turtles and large schools of blue-striped snapper.
As the liveaboard steams further into the less-frequented waters of Noonu and Raa Atolls, the adventure intensifies. Expect exhilarating drift dives in sites like Reethi Thila or explorations around submerged pinnacles that act as magnets for pelagic action, often revealing squadrons of eagle rays gliding past. Look closely at the intricate coral formations; here you might spot macro life, such as leaf fish, or encounter massive schools of Oriental sweetlips and fusiliers that blanket the reef walls. The experienced guides aboard the Carpe Novo liveaboard leverage local knowledge of currents and tides, positioning the vessel for optimal encounters with larger predators like silvertip sharks and giant trevally. The return leg of the cruise typically includes exploration of Lhaviyani Atoll, where sites like the Kuredu Shipyard feature 2 vibrant wreck sites encrusted in sponges and surrounded by schools of yellow snapper.
The final morning of your trip is reserved for 2 relaxed dives, allowing necessary time for off-gassing before the return to port. This adjustment provides a comfortable rhythm and ample opportunity to enjoy the sun deck views as the Carpe Novo repositions.
Final Day
The expedition concludes after a final breakfast on board, with smooth transfers arranged back to Male International Airport from either Male or Dharavandhoo, depending on the specific route.
Maldives Northern Atolls (Express) (6 Days / 5 Nights - 12 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, 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, North Male atolls
Day 1
The adventure begins at Male International Airport. Here, you’ll be greeted and transferred to the Carpe Novo liveaboard, where the crew will be ready to welcome you aboard. After settling into your cabin, you’ll gather in the saloon for a welcome briefing. This is a chance to meet your fellow divers, run through the safety procedures, and get to know the layout of your home for the next week. With the formalities complete, you can set up your scuba gear, taking your time to ensure everything is exactly as you like it.
Later in the afternoon, slip into the water for a check dive. This initial dip is less about exploration and more being a chance to confirm your buoyancy is spot-on and that all your equipment is working perfectly in the warm Maldivian waters. As dusk settles over the harbour, dinner is served. Then, as the lights of Male fade astern, the engines hum to life, and we set a course north towards the rich atolls that await.
Core Days
You wake to the gentle motion of the boat as it cruises through the night. This is the real charm of the Carpe Novo liveaboard: you cover ground while you sleep, waking each day in a new dive zone, ready to drop in before the day boats arrive. The first destination is Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The underwater geography here is varied, offering a mix of dive profiles. From approximately May to November, the plankton-rich currents draw manta rays into the atoll’s inner channels. While scuba diving is not permitted inside the famous Hanifaru Bay itself, the Carpe Novo anchors at nearby sites where you can observe these graceful rays cleaning or cruising the reef edges. Outside of this season, the atoll’s character shifts. The thilas and kandus become arenas for grey reef sharks, inquisitive Napoleon wrasse, and the occasional solitary eagle ray gliding over the reef crests.
Pushing further north into Raa Atoll, the pace changes. The topography here feels less visited, with submerged pinnacles and overhangs where white tip reef sharks rest in the shade. You might hover over expansive plate coral gardens while schools of fusiliers flit past, their movement catching the light. The guides, familiar with these waters, keep an eye on current and visibility, positioning the boat where conditions are most promising for encounters with the larger pelagics that patrol these nutrient-rich channels.
On the final full day, as we begin the journey back towards Male, the schedule adjusts to 2 dives instead of 3. This creates a more relaxed rhythm, giving you time to enjoy a slow breakfast or simply sit on the deck and watch the atolls slide by. It also allows the Carpe Novo liveaboard to reposition overnight, ensuring you wake up close to the airport without any rush in the morning.
Day 6
An early breakfast is served in Dharavandhoo at the designated drop-off point. After a final coffee and a farewell to the crew, you’ll disembark for your transfer back to Male International Airport.
Please note: Male and Dharavandhoo are both used as alternate ports. Your specific ports will be confirmed with full details prior to travel.
[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].
