Maldives Liveaboard Question

[ABLAB]

Anyone have any information on the Maldives Master? It looks like a good boat, good itinerary, reasonably priced for the week long trip, has a proper website but I can't find a single review on it.

 

[staggsSevin]

I don't do reviews typically on my trips, but I was on it this April/May for a 10night trip. New Boat with huge rooms, great staff....I'd easily repeat it again without looking at other boats (unless they didn't offer a 10night when I was going).

 

[wgw04024]

Not reading all the posts...but....

1. This past january did Maldives with Dune Black Manta. RIPPING currents on a good 5 or 6 dives. Snapped reef hook lines and all that.
2. We saw 11 species of sharks. The very last dive in the harbor, saw a hammerhead and a tiger.
3. Did Socorro may 24'. Tons of Manta's, some sharks but not overwhelming, and some we did see barely due to viz. Also, Socorro and Coco's will cost you almost x2 of Maldives.
4. A woman had like 5 dives on the Socorro trip, other than sucking her tanks fast, she was fine. Not in my group thanksfully. lol

 

[ABLAB]

I don't do reviews typically on my trips, but I was on it this April/May for a 10night trip. New Boat with huge rooms, great staff....I'd easily repeat it again without looking at other boats (unless they didn't offer a 10night when I was going).

Thanks much. Im booking this week for an early-mid Jan Central Atolls itinerary. How was the food? Was the jacuzzi working?

 

[ABLAB]

Not reading all the posts...but....

1. This past january did Maldives with Dune Black Manta. RIPPING currents on a good 5 or 6 dives. Snapped reef hook lines and all that.
2. We saw 11 species of sharks. The very last dive in the harbor, saw a hammerhead and a tiger.
3. Did Socorro may 24'. Tons of Manta's, some sharks but not overwhelming, and some we did see barely due to viz. Also, Socorro and Coco's will cost you almost x2 of Maldives.
4. A woman had like 5 dives on the Socorro trip, other than sucking her tanks fast, she was fine. Not in my group thanksfully. lol

Did you do central or south? I understand the currents in the south can get pretty vicious but that central are generally manageable.

Got really lucky found a great deal on a single occupancy so Im all in for Maldives in Jan.

The park fees alone for Socorro equal what a I pay for 8 days of 3 tank dives in Roatan. It's ridiculous but hope the monies are being put to good use. I imagine sooner or later I'll end up there assuming I actually enjoy a liveabaord
Will know soon enough.

Btw, anyome have thoughts on if its worth spending a day or two in Male?

 

[ABLAB]

I've never used a reef hook. I assume the DM/guide will show us how to use one? I've watched a few videos and doesn't seem that hard assuming the currents arent throwing you around.

 

[wgw04024]

Did you do central or south? I understand the currents in the south can get pretty vicious but that central are generally manageable.

Got really lucky found a great deal on a single occupancy so Im all in for Maldives in Jan.

The park fees alone for Socorro equal what a I pay for 8 days of 3 tank dives in Roatan. It's ridiculous but hope the monies are being put to good use. I imagine sooner or later I'll end up there assuming I actually enjoy a liveabaord
Will know soon enough.

Btw, anyome have thoughts on if its worth spending a day or two in Male?

I stayed a day in Hulhumale, and really didn't find it appealing at all other than just having an air conditioned clean room to relax in after the long flights.

 

[ABLAB]

That seems to be the consensus.

 

[wgw04024]

Yup, even the beaches, beach bars and restaurants, very touristy and trashy IMO.

 

[ABLAB]

Booking finalized for Jan and trying to sort out some logistics.

My flight gets in at 7:45 am and the pick up is at 12:30pm same day. Does that give me enough time to pick up bag, clear customs, and easily make the 12:30 pick up? Most likely flying Turkish with one layover in Istanbul. Never had issues carrying on my 45L dive duffle in US and Central America but pretty sure will have to check in to Europe and Asia given their stricter regulations.

Also, boat has wifi only in common areas. Wandering if I should get a local sim card?

Lastly, this my 1st liveaboard and I'm a relatively new diver (AOW with 50 dives). Is getting a personal beacon/nautilus lifeline necessary for Maldives? I've heard they require it for Socorro.

Thanks all.