Scubaspa takes Maldives liveaboards to a whole new level. She's a classy lady with undeniable wow factor. Total relaxation is guaranteed with first class comfort and service. Whether you are there for the diving, spa and yoga or just to get away from it all, this is an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime on board a genuinely luxurious vessel. Discover the divine world underwater or enjoy daily treatments in the sumptuous spa - this is your holiday to enjoy your way! There's no doubting that the Scubaspa experience will remain with you long after your journey home. There are 2 identical boats to chose from - Scubaspa Ying and Scubaspa Yang. Each of the boats has the same layout - there are 4 elegantly appointed cabin grades to chose from, spread across 4 decks. The Sea Star cabins and Cowrie suite are on the lower deck, all with double beds, air conditioning, safe and en suite shower room. The Cowrie suite has an additional sofa bed and is the widest option on the lower deck. Move up to the main deck and you find the 3 Dolphin suites and 5 Manta suites. The views are simply stunning - lie in bed and soak in paradise from the panoramic windows. The Dolphin suites have a king size bed, while the Manta suites are the largest cabins with a "larger than king" double bed or twin bed options. The Dolphin & Manta suites have a mini bar with a small lounge (armchair and desk). Please be sure to make your cabin requests at the time of booking. Fancy a single cabin? Talk to us about the 25% single supplement on all Best of the Maldives itineraries or 50% on Deep South itineraries. Divers will love ScubaSpa. There are never more than 26 divers on the liveaboard at any one time so you get all the benefits of the vast mothership with small dive groups, split between the experienced dive guides. The dive dhoni is second to none, with practical side and rear entry points for ease in and out of the water. Tanks are well spaced, with plenty of room between divers. As you would expect, the boat crew are all highly professional - from your captain to his deck hands, from the cruise manager to your waiter, this elite team is here to help. Snorkelling equipment is available on board. ScubaSpa is undeniably more than just a dive boat. Every area is light, spacious and beautifully styled. There is always a sunny or shaded area, where you can find peace, quiet and tranquility with the stunning backdrop of Maldivian islands floating past. The fly deck's terraced sunbathing design offers privacy. Jump in the jacuzzi or take time out to relax at the spa. This is 300 square m of pure pampering space, offering massage, aqua therapies, Ayurveda and beauty treatments. In the restaurant there is fine dining with an international flair. The main dining area is airy - the chef rightly prides himself on the outstanding cuisine and there's even a wine cellar on board. Delicious refreshments are in constant supply throughout the day from the two bars onboard. Regular excursions are arranged throughout the trip including a beach BBQ or open air presentation about Maldivian whalesharks. We will confirm whether you will be reserved a space on board ScubaSpa Ying or ScubaSpa Yang at your time of booking. On rare occasions however, please be aware that the boat operators reserve the right to move you onto the sister ship for any reason, including logistical or technical issues.
Situated on the main deck the Manta suites are the largest rooms on-board. Most of these suites have a bed that can be used as twin beds or a bigger-than-super-king double bed. But do not worry, when used as a double, there is no unpleasant gap. With a panoramic three metre wide window, the Mantas benefit from a feel of light and space you rarely find on any safari vessel. The huge windows are set into the hull so there is no companionway outside, giving you total privacy.
Our beautifully designed Dolphin suites are placed on the main deck and are totally stunning. Not only do they have a king-size double bed, but these majestic suites have been designed to also accommodate a seating area. The Dolphins with their gorgeous ensuites would be fabulous enough, but we have placed huge three metre wide panoramic windows, set directly into the hull with no companionway outside, thus no foot traffic. Prepare your senses to be spoiled.
Our Cowrie suite nestles snugly in the bow of the lower deck. This uniquely individual suite has a shape all of its own. Not only does it have a king-size double bed but its size allowed us the luxury of fitting a sofa that can be transformed into a very comfortable third bed. As the Cowrie spans the width of the bow it benefits from having four opening Portlights. This lavish air-conditioned suite also has a truly jaw-dropping ensuite which houses the largest shower on-board.
Our sumptuous and spacious Sea Star Cabins are all situated on the lower deck. Every one is air-conditioned and has its own en-suite shower room. All Sea Stars have a king-size double bed, some even benefiting from a third bed. Each cabin is generously fitted with two opening Portlights. We have taken great care in ensuring that every detail of the cabin design harmoniously intertwines with the selected materials to create something we hope you will truly enjoy.
Our holiday prices are influenced by various factors, including the season, accommodation preferences, and the length of holiday you choose.
This adventure begins at a base price of £3000 per person.
Weekly departures on a variety of itineraraires available throughout the year.
Tailored Just for You:
We believe in crafting experiences as unique as the individual embarking on them.
The final cost hinges on how we meticulously tailor this trip to your preferences.
Whether you seek opulence or simplicity, we will adapt to your budget.
Trip Duration: Longer explorations may add to the overall cost.
Booking Timing: Early birds often catch favorable rates.
Your Personalized Quote:
The precise price awaits you in a bespoke quote.
Pop us an email with your date range and the budget you have in mind and our team will curate every detail, ensuring it aligns with your expectations.
The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean, a 10-14hr flight from the UK, around 370 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. It is made up of 1200 islands, stretching over 500 miles from north to south. The main arrival airport for all flights to the Maldives is Male's airport island (MLE).
The Maldives is famous for its great snorkelling, manta cleaning stations, whalesharks, shark dives and fast drift dives through channels. The water remains a constant 27-28 C year round.
View entry requirements here on UK FCDO A PCR test is no longer required to enter Maldives. Entry requirements for Maldives are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. All travellers must submit a self-declarative health declaration within 96 hours prior to travel online portal of Maldives Immigration, "Imuga", imuga.immigration.gov.mv. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 8 JUL 2022
Whilst there are 2 monsoon seasons (Nov-Apr & May-Oct), the diving remains excellent year round. Diving operators will changes their dive sites in each season to find the best hot spots for the big fish! Traditionally, our summer months tend to be windier with a higher chance of rain, whilst the winter months are flatter. However, the seasons are much less predictable in reality and its a fabulous place to dive whatever time of year!
Our holidays to the Maldives can be quoted with most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a regional UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable supplements will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. If you make your own flight arrangements to Male, please check the transfer arrangements before confirming your flights. Please do not finalise any flight arrangements yourself before your liveaboard space is confirmed as being held.
As most flights are not direct, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Sri Lanka is our most popular, up coming destination - with beautiful beaches, it's a great alternative to staying in the Maldives resorts. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, why not head into the jungle for look for elephants and leopards. Or if you are a culture vulture, we highly recommend a Kandy city tour. The choice is yours! As we are able to book most major airlines to the Maldives, you can also add a stop to break up your flight. Popular locations include Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 30 day visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: Please review current FCO advice click here . If transiting via Sri Lanka you must have a visa prior to travel click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
On arrival in the Maldives, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative from your liveaboard or resort. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please turn left from arrivals and go to the information desk at Male airport. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
If your holiday begins in Male you will be met and taken to your boat. The transfer takes around 20mins. Many of our Maldives holidays will include either a domestic flight or seaplane transfer. It takes approx 45mins -1 hour to clear immigration and collect your baggage at Male airport. We endeavour to keep the transit between flights as short as possible and your transfer will normally take place within 3 hours of your international arrival, but please be aware, you may have to wait at the airport between flights. The domestic terminal is right next door to arrivals. This has AC, bathrooms and a small cafe. You will usually be met by a rep, who will assist you in moving between the terminals. The baggage allowance on domestic flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg. The seaplane check in desk is to your right on exiting the arrivals hall. You will check your bag in here and then be transferred to the seaplane terminal by bus. This has AC, bathrooms, a small cafe and shop. The seaplanes run regularly throughout the day and due to the way the scheduling is organised, the exact time of your seaplane cannot be confirmed prior to arrival in Male. Seaplanes do not run in the dark - the fist seaplane is around 06:00 Male time and ends around 16:00 Male time. The baggage allowance on seaplane flights is typically 20kgs hold and 5kgs hand baggage. Excess baggage is charged locally $2-$5/kg.
You will be taken back to Male airport in time for your international flight. Domestic flights and seaplanes will arrive in time for you to make your connections. Typically you will arrive at the airport 1 1/2- 2 hours before your flight time. There is currently no departure tax when leaving the Maldives.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the guides and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
The official currency of the Maldives is the rufiyya. However, we generally recommend you take USD as this is the preferred currency for most transactions. Do ensure you have smaller denominations handy as larger notes can be difficult to use. Notes should be in good condition. Credit and debit cards can be used, but do be aware of currency conversions and card surcharges. There is a 16 %GST (sales tax) applied to all local payments.
The Maldives has good mobile phone coverage throughout. You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport if you prefer. Carpe Novo offers free wifi (where there is phone coverage) but this can be slow. If you need internet, we recommend you make arrangements with your provider in the UK.
Electricity is 240V - UK 3 pin plugs are commonplace, although some plugs may have 2pin European connections. Please do not leave batteries charging unattended in your cabins at any time.
Kit hire must be pre booked no later than 3 days before departure, but needs to be paid for locally onboard.
Spa treatments and dive courses are available, please speak to your travel consultant for current course prices and options
There is an on small board boutique selling souvenirs. All stock items are subject to availability.
Nitrox is payable locally for $100 for 7 night trips
This holiday is a boat and Male airport transfer package only. Where needed, domestic flights are also included as part of your transfers. A typical deposit for a Maldives liveaboard is 30% of your holiday cost. This will be due once your holiday has been confirmed. Your balance will then be due 90 days before travel. Depending on your flight option and ticketing deadline, you may need to pay in full for your flight. From time to time, promo trips with lower deposits on boat only spaces may be on sale as a special offer. Your travel consultant will outline the flight payment structure at the time of booking.
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
The Best of the Maldives does just what it says on the tin - you dive the best and most famous dive sites of the Maldives in a single week of sublime liveaboard diving across Male and Ari atolls. This is a dive holiday in the Maldives to remember tha... Learn more about Best of the Maldives
The Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary wends its way between Male and Baa atolls, cherry picking the highlight dive sites for that season. Timing is everything - dive the east side of the atolls, when sites that are at their seasonal hottest for... Learn more about Maldives Seasonal Sensations
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