Mariana

Launched in December 2005 and having undergone extensive refit in early Summer 2008, MY Mariana is a comfortable and spacious liveaboard, attractively designed in traditional Maldivian style.

Mariana accommodates a maximum of 16 +1 guests in 8 air-conditioned cabins with 2 x standard twins (2 persons), 5 x deluxe cabins (2 persons), 1 x further deluxe cabin (dbl & sgl - max. 3 persons, 3rd person recommended to be a smaller adult or teenager).

The main difference between the standard and deluxe cabins is available space; standard cabins have more narrow berths, less floor space and smaller bathroom.

All are furnished with en-suite WC and shower, adjustable A/C, mini bar, a wardrobe, and luggage storage. Cabin towels are available for guests.

The main deck offers a fan cooled dining room and saloon area, equipped with comfortable sofas and chairs, and a cosy bar offering a range of drinks including beer, wine and imported spirits. You will also find audio, DVD and TV / video equipment.

Mariana’s kitchen provides a variety of European, Asian and Maldivian dishes. Three meals a day are served including tea and coffee. During the seven-night itineraries, a BBQ is also organised on an uninhabited island.

SPECIFICATION:

Length: 28.5m, Beam: 7.5m, Draft: 3.2m, Engine: 320 HP, Generators: 2 x 60kw: 2 x KA 14 Compressors, 2 x Desalination plants, Nitrox compressor (EANx 32%).

NAVIGATION / SAFETY:

GPS, Oxygen, First Aid Kit, VHF Marine Radio

ITINERARIES

Mariana operates 7 and 14 night itineraries out of Male, visiting the best dive sites of the atolls comprising South & North Male, Felidhoo, Wattaru, Faafu, Ari Atolls, Rasdhoo, Baa and Raa Atoll.

The route includes visits to the Marine Reserve Underwater parks, where many pelagic species can be encountered. The range and diversity of diving make this a very rewarding cruise.

The itinerary is flexible and is conducted according to the local conditions, to ensure that divers get the best diving possible from the itinerary. There are up tp 3 dives per day, plus land visits where possible.

SAMPLE ITINERARY - Sunday to Sunday*

Day 1: Easy wreck dive near Male airport, Velasaaru Caves, Embudhu Express and anchor in Velasaaru lagoon

Day 2: Cruise to Ari Atoll (3 to 4 hours), Fish Head, Orimas Thila, Mushim Asgali anchor with possible land visit on uninhabited island

Day 3: Pannetone, Thundufushi Thila, Dega Thila, anchor at Coral reef

Day 4: Emas Thila, Malhoss Thila, Mujey's Thila and anchor at Freidhu lagoon

Day 5: Feshdu Wreck, Maayya Thila, Maaya Thila night dive, anchor at Maayya Fushi

Day 6: Miyaruga Thila, Gangehi Pass, Rashdoo Maadivaaru, anchor inside Rhashdoo

Day 7: Rhashdoo Madivaaru dive (flight dependant), cruise back to Male Atol, arrive Male and either disembark or overnight dependant on indivudual arrangements. Those able to dive this day may dive Okobe or Nasimo Thila.

DIVING

Diving in the Maldives can be challenging, and as such it is recommended that divers have a minimum qualification of PADI Advanced or equivalent, with 40+ logged dives, although experienced Open Water divers are not precluded.

Diving is encouraged to be undertaken in individual self-sufficient buddy teams and small groups, though you may of course choose to follow the guide for ease of navigation.

*Itinerary will always be subject to local conditions at time of sail, seasonal variations and diver experience level.

HOW TO GET THERE

Pls refer to logistics section of each itinerary to find detailed info on how to get there.