Maldives liveaboard question-Aggressor?

[Doc]

Roatanman, so it sounds to me like the extra cost is worth it since you will get to dive more than you probably would on another liveaboard.

Would you have any concerns about reserving a charter on a boat that hasn't even finished being built?

In one word? Yes. It is a huge concern. Number One among them is whether the ship will be ready, whether it will have all requisite gear on board. I have never seen any good come of being the first group (or among them) on any boat.

Anecdotaly- we were booked on the maiden voyage of a Glapagos liveaboard in 2002. Before we went, the ship was undergoing "sea trials". She rolled over. Her sister ship was nearby for assistance and they managed to run her aground, holing and sinking her as well.

How would you rate the diving in the Maldives?

I would rate it a (^.

You see, there is no succinct answer to that question. I would put it in the top 15(reasonably reachable) dive destinations, certainly.



As far as currents are concerned, I guesss I was just a little nervous. I seem everything I have read is that it is not recommend for new divers and it is a more challenging place to dive.

Many folks get confused as to what makes something "advanced". Any new situation, piled on top of another situation- it gets more advanced with each multi-tasking item. If you have never dove from a boat- that could be "advanced"... hence the couses for "boat diving". If you haven't done it before, it's an issue.

I guess if we do go to the Maldives we will have to get our ahead of time and practice in some quarry locally.

You can simulate any number of new "advanced" tasks, even in a quarry. Learn to shoot the SMB from 20' with that practiced safety stop at 15'. Practice handing your dive gear "up" to a man who is on the pier above you.

"Hooking-in" at all but a very few locations in the oceans is ill advised and the crutch of poorly trained divers. On barren lava bottoms, it makes no difference- grab it with a leather gloved hand. In a florid reef, most reef hooks do one heck of a lot of damage- no matter how carefuly the intentions are formed to select a "dead spot". Competent divers with perfected buoyancy skills work to understand how to play the currents much as a sailplane pilot or kayaker understands how the flow of water/air is affected by the terrain. If you want a lesson, watch the fish. They have it pretty well worked out.

Also, are there any resorts in Fiji that you would recommend. We will have to be on a budget after spending that much on the cruise. We plan to spend 5-6 nights at a resort following the dive cruise.

I would think that Fiji is out of reach geographicaly if you are on a budget. I would suggest one of the Maldive resorts, or better yet... Go skiing in Dubai !

hope that helps.

 

[Lisa24]

Roatanman, thanks again for all the advice. I just noticed a mistype on my last post. I ment to ask if there are any resorts in the Maldives that you would recommend (just got back from Fiji--I guess I still have Fiji on the brain sorry for the confusion

We are also considering adding a little time in Sri Lanka--any experience here?

Thanks again, you have been more than helpful.

By the way, I see your from Chicago, we live right around the corner in Northwest Indiana.