Liveaboard Profile: Carpe Vita Explorer and Carpe Novo Explorer

The Maldives is a nation of islands. There are more than 1,100 small, low lying islands set within the coral rings of 26 coral atolls that spread across 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean. This creates the equivalent of a maritime theme park for divers, as they can explore everything from shallow sites within sheltered lagoons to fringing reefs; current-washed passes where big animals swim, steep outer reef walls and fish-laden pinnacles in open water. It is a setting that seems tailor-made for liveaboard dive boats, and two of the best are operated by Explorer Ventures.

Liveaboard divers have two prime choices for exploring the Maldives. Both combine yacht-like luxuries with dive programs that access the region's top sites. The 125-foot Carpe Vita Explorer was launched in 2011 and joined by the 140-foot Carpe Novo Explorer which was commissioned in 2016 as the newest members of the Explorer Venture fleet. These luxury safari yachts share similar layouts and amenities, with the Carpe Novo having two additional guest cabins. Accommodations choices range from Junior Suites and VIP cabins on the upper deck to lower deck staterooms and single-passenger cabins. All classes of cabins are significantly more spacious than what is typically found aboard liveaboard dive boats. The premium cabins have spaces more reminiscent of hotel rooms, and private bathrooms that may include tubs and separate showers.

The main decks feature social areas that include lounges, libraries and multi-media suites. The space after that would become the dive station on most liveaboards is instead configured as a more modest staging area, with twin stairs leading down to a water-level platform. This is because all dives are conducted from a large launch known as a dhoni, but more on that later. One level above the main deck there are bars and al-fresco dining areas where chef-prepared meals are served buffet style. A signature feature of both of these vessels are the numerous open air-spaces, which include not only the dining area, but also shaded forward lounges on the main deck, and both open and shaded spaces on the top deck, where a hot tub provides relaxing soaks combined with panoramic ocean views.

On most liveaboards, divers gear up on the aft deck and step overboard or are transferring to a small tender for a short trip to the dive site. This is not the case with the Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo. Both are accompanied by a modern version of the traditional Maldives dhoni. These 60-foot launches are fully outfitted for diving, with covered decks, large gear storage and camera workspaces, full bathrooms, hot water showers, and both air and nitrox compressors. All dive gear is stored and rigged aboard the dhonis, which are also well-stocked with top-quality rental equipment for those who prefer not to travel internationally with a full complement dive gear.

The Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo provide three guided dives daily, with groups limited to seven or fewer divers. Sites range from shallow coral formations within lagoons to channels, outer reef walls and open-water pinnacles. Some of the best sites are the coral formations known as a Thila, which are large flat-topped pillars that may begin at depths of 70 to 80 feet, and rise close to the surface. These formations are teeming with fish life. Thilas are ideal for multi-level profiles that can stretch beyond the hour mark as divers begin at the base of the formation and continue their explorations by spiraling slowly upward to shallow depths that would normally be considered a safety stop. The nooks and crannies of the thilas hold small treasures such as frogfish, nudibranchs, pipefish and a menagerie of crustaceans. There's usually a good chance of a shark sighting, with blacktip and whitetip reefs being the most common, and a half-dozen more species making regular appearances as well. Two top attractions are the resident populations of manta rays and whale sharks, both of which can be found year round. In fact, the waters of the Maldives hold the largest concentration of reef mantas of any place on earth.

The Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo offer both 7-night and 11/10-night itineraries, with routes based on the seasons, current and pelagic migration patterns. A common itinerary begins in the central atolls of Male or Ari, and head south to Vaavu, where there is a good chance of seeing both whale sharks and manta rays. Atolls farther to the south are known for channel dives and an abundance of sharks. Routes to the north take in less-visited sites, many of which include manta cleaning stations.

Though there is little annual variation in water or air temperatures in the Maldives, and diving conditions are ideal year-round, there are two distinct seasons. May to October is known as the southwest season. During these months, currents tend to be mild and the west side of the atolls attracts large schools of pelagic fish such as tuna, along with an abundance of sharks, turtles and large wrasses. At the same time, the eastern sides of the atolls are washed in plankton-rich waters that attract large numbers of manta rays and whale sharks. Weather patterns shift during the northeast season, which runs from November-April. Rain is rare, underwater visibility peaks, and currents can range from mild to vigorous. Sharks gather in greater number on the eastern sides of the atolls, while manta rays and whale sharks are more likely to move to the west side of the atolls.

We work with the team at Explorer Ventures to help divers create their ideal trip aboard the Carpe Vita Explorer and Carpe Novo Explorer. To learn more about the exciting diving that awaits in the Maldives, call our dive travel specialists at 800-330-6611 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.