News
Carpe Diem Maldives voted sixth in the Top 10 Dive Liveaboards in the World
Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. fleet is recognized as one of the best dive liveaboards in the world by readers of DIVE Magazine UK for the second year running.
Surrounded 99% by crystal clear water, The Maldives is considered to be one of the leading dive destinations, recognized by the numerous travel accolades around the world. At this year’s DEMA dive travel fair in the USA, Dive Magazine announced the Top 10 Dive Liveaboards in the World 2018. All three liveaboard vessels in the Carpe Diem Cruises fleet were shortlisted in the final 25, with the first boat, Carpe Diem, being placed highest in 6th place. The awards are endorsed by readers and general public voting, and as the only Maldives liveaboard operator to receive the accolade for two consecutive years, Carpe Diem Cruises has become known as the ‘must-go-to’ dive safari operator for any novice or serious diver planning on visiting the Maldives.
Award-Winning Luxury Diving
Since 2008, Carpe Diem Maldives Pvt. Ltd. has been growing to create dive and surf experiences with the mission of experiencing the excitement and anticipation of the Maldivian waters. From the first boat, Carpe Diem, the fleet has grown to become a collection of three luxury liveaboard dive and surf cruises, serviced by three teams of passionately dedicated crew. Carpe Diem Cruises are the only liveaboard operator in the Maldives to offer diving adventures with all-Maldivian Dive Masters.
“When we began our dive safaris with the Carpe Diem vessel in 2008, this sector of tourism was still quite young and undeveloped in this destination. I am delighted that our boats have been acknowledged with this global award for two consecutive years, giving recognition also to the local boat building industry. Carpe Diem, Carpe Vita and Carpe Novo were all designed and built at our shipyard on Innamaadhoo in Raa Atoll, with the specific intention of catering to the growing diving and surfing tourism sectors,” says Amir Mansoor, Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives.
Diving with Top Class Service
The company name is Latin for “Seize the day” and for Carpe Diem Cruises it is with the intention of experiencing the thrill and natural beauty of diving underwater in one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations. Year round, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with one inspiring dive encounter after another.
For travellers who are on a mission to live life to the full, seek the exceptional, thrive in the new, and in equal measure, enjoy the comforts of a little luxury while you discover everything this Indian Ocean destination has to offer, then Carpe Diem Cruises offers this in abundance.
With the native knowledge of Carpe Diem Cruises local dive masters and guides, guests immerse themselves in beautiful shoals of butterflyfish and oriental sweetlips, drift into the deep blue with white tips, hammerheads, manta rays and whalesharks, ride the currents along coral-filled overhangs with eagle rays, napoleon wrasse and blue marlin, or spot an octopus amidst the rocks.
Agnes van Linden, Assistant Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives has overseen and developed Carpe Diem Cruises over the last 10 years. “From the very beginning, we believed great scuba diving, wave surfing and tailor made trips needn’t cost a fortune and should always be respectful of our natural environment. The friendly service and expertise of our crew is a key reason why our guests return time and again for another adventure-filled cruise. With the rise of surfing tourism to The Maldives, in 2019 we have added four dedicated surf safari weeks catering to this growing interest from independent travellers. In those weeks, the guide will also be an experienced Maldivian surfer who knows the breaks and shares his local knowledge.”
Each of the three vessels has 10-12 cabins, cater for a 20-22 guests, who can also enjoy the time onboard snorkelling, paddle boarding or simply relaxing on the top deck when not diving. Each cruise is a PADI certified dive centre and offers diving courses from novice to advanced and specialty skills. Offering year-round cruises, the itineraries cover central atolls, routes to the south and crossing the equator, as well as to the north where lesser known dives sites offer unique encounters with the underwater world.
To experience the paradise of the Maldives with adventure, excitement and fun onboard Carpe Diem Cruises, visit www.carpediemmaldives.com.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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