Maldives Aggressor

[shmuggy]

I am considering this boat for the Spring and have a few concerns:

I want 4 dives a day offered

I have heard that one of the best sites to see mantas is no longer allowed by the government- have suitable substitutes been found?

I am also concerned when we do see mantas- that the dive site will be flooded with other divers - is this a concern on a lMaldives LOB?

Thanks,

 

[sueham]

I work with Explorer Ventures so I can't speak for the Maldives Aggressor but I can tell you that the Carpe Vita Explorer (part of the Explorer Ventures liveaboard fleet and sister ship to the Carpe Diem) is one of the few reputable liveaboards in the Maldives that offers 4 dives a day. I believe you're referring to Hanifaru Bay which has been a very popular gathering site for mantas and divers – it has not been shut down but diving has been prohibited. Snorkeling is allowed but is regulated and I think there is a fee involved. I believe this action was taken, in large part, to avoid the crowds you are asking about. Hope this helps.

I am considering this boat for the Spring and have a few concerns:

I want 4 dives a day offered

I have heard that one of the best sites to see mantas is no longer allowed by the government- have suitable substitutes been found?

I am also concerned when we do see mantas- that the dive site will be flooded with other divers - is this a concern on a lMaldives LOB?

Thanks,

 

[LiquidDivingAdventure]

Hey shmuggy,

I book the Aggressor, Dancer, Siren fleets in the Maldives as well as the Explorer Ventures fleet. The Explorer Ventures charters are run from the Carpe Vita Explorer ship while all diving is done from the Carpe Vita dhoni. I guarantee you this will offer you the best of the best in the Maldives in terms of sleeping cabins, meals, and dive experience. If you are really interested in a liveaboard in the Maldives, I'd suggest you pick travel dates and I'd be glad to check availability. Some of my charters are booking 2013 and into 2014 depending upon seasons. As an FYI, the Aggressor has some very limited deals for a limited number of charters in the Maldives that can save you $890pp, but this is only for 2012. Explorer Ventures is your best bet.

Cheers, Greg

Scuba Diving Destinations - Vacation Specials - Liquid Diving Adventures

 

[Aggressor Adventures]

Hi Shmuggy,

I contacted our Maldives Aggressor Manager directly to verify correct information for you.

Yes we do 4 dives per day on the Maldives Aggressor.

Regarding the Mantas in Hanifaru Bay, we no longer are able to dive that area due to new restrictions, but we actually have been finding better Manta dives outside of that area, along with diving with whale sharks.

Regarding your question on crowding - We do not have any private dives sites in the Maldives, but we always choose our dives sites where there are not already guests from other fleets and resort hotels on the sites.

For more detailed information you can visit our website at:
Aggressor Fleet-The Ultimate in LiveAboards Since 1984

or contact us directly at maldives@aggresor.com

 

[supergaijin]

Better than Hanifaru?!?!
Them be some bold claims! I think you should PM me the GPS co-ordinates so I can verify