Simbambili Game Lodge
The Carpe Vita meaning “Seize Life” is the upgraded sistership of the Carpe Diem and was built in the Maldives by the same person, Amir Mansoor, as the Carpe Diem. The Carpe Vita Explorer started operations in 2011. The Carpe Vita is bigger than the Carpe Diem, but still caters for a maximum of 20 passengers with 10 cabins divided over 3 decks thus providing more space. The Carpe Vita caters to dedicated scuba divers and wave surfers for both individuals as well as groups.
With a focus on superior service and quality, Carpe Vita Maldives provides a highly trained and dedicated staff to ensure the ultimate diving trip. The 10 spacious cabins each feature individual climate control and private bathrooms.
The salon and lounge area are equipped with a flat screen TV and entertainment system. There are also three stunning decks where guests can relax and enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. All seating areas provide stylish, comfortable seating and loungers. Guests enjoy semi buffet style meals prepared by a fine dining chef in an open air dining and bar area located at the back of the boat.
The Carpe Vita offers year-round, seven and ten night cruises to the best dive sites in the Maldives. The experienced, local dive staff will work to show divers everything from pelagics like mantas, sharks and whale sharks to tiny shrimps, nudibranches, and ghost pipe fishes. Most dive itineraries aboard Carpe Diem include stops at Kudarah Thila, Manta Point, Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and Machafushi wreck just to name a few.
The Carpe Vita provides standard 3 dives a day on her dedicated scuba diving trips.
Boat Specifications
Year built: 2011
Length: 127 feet
Beam: 34 feet
Engines: Doosan Daewood Marine Diesel
Max guests: 20
Number of cabins: 10
Number of bathrooms: 13
Tenders: 1 Dhoni
Water capacity: 10 tons
Fuel capacity: 2 x 6 tons
Freshwater maker: 25 tons per day
7-Night Itinerary highlights
Central Island itineraries (consisting of North Male,South Male) are very popular with liveaboards and resorts alike.
Diving in Ari Atoll is relaxing, sometimes challenging, and always stunning. In Vaavu Atoll the pristine, warm waters are teeming with fish and larger marine life providing superb scuba diving for both beginners and advanced divers. The currents can be definitely stronger and you should be comfortable diving in variable up-and down-currents
The experienced, local dive staff will show divers everything Nudibranchs, frogfish, leaf fish and countless critters and small marine life are everywhere. Turtles, leopard sharks, nurse sharks, whitetip sharks, hammerheads, mantas, eagle rays, sting rays, barracudas and trevallies. Even a stunningly graceful whale shark can be spotted from time to time.
Day 1
Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork, Cabin allocation and ship orientation will take place before departing the Harbour.
During the journey to our first dive site for a check dive, please take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the vessel and make yourself comfortable.
Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforseeable factors
Day 2 - 7
Orimas Thila - North Ari
Although sharks are not usually the highlight of the northern itineraries, Orimas Thila is an exception to the rule. Here, grey reef sharks can be observed circling and wriggling whilst they are being cleaned. The best spot to view them from is down-current either on the sandy bottom or from a ledge out of sight, kneeling or using a reef hook if the current is running.
Guraidhoo Kandu - South Male Atoll
Since the eastern side of the channel is open ocean, large predatory fish can regularly be spotted here. This site is famous for sightings of sharks, schools of eagle rays and the occasional sail fish and hammerheads.
The best condition to do the dive is when the current is flowing into the Atoll. The dive begins on the outer reef following the current into the atoll.
Most of the pelagic species can be observed on the eastern side, where the reef drops off into the deep ocean. At the end of the dive in the channel, along the reef you can find overhangs with plenty of soft coral growth and small fish.
Kandooma Thila - South Male Atoll
Located in a channel, the reef is subject to strong currents at times. The ocean currents carry alot of nutrients to the reef, supporting an abundance of sea life. The site is well renowned for the soft coral growth, turtles, diverse fish life and invertebrates found on the reef. At the reef slope you may find sharks and eagle rays.
Day 8
Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!
To see a video on the Carpe fleet click HERE