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Princess Lara liveaboard  can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in a total of 10 cabins and is available for full charters only. All rooms are fully air conditioned with attached bathroom and  a hot & cold shower. On the lower deck are 3 rooms with double beds and 4 rooms with 1 double bed + 1 single bed (Twin Beds). On the upper deck are 3 suites with a double bed and a sea view. On the large sundeck is a big Jacuzzi from which to watch the Maldives sail by or sip an evening cocktail.
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The Maldives,  officially the Republic of Maldives, is an island country consisting of a group of atolls stretching south of India's Lakshadweep islands between Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago, and about seven hundred kilometres (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea of Indian Ocean. The twenty-six atolls of Maldives encompass a territory featuring 1,192 islets, of which two hundred islands are inhabited.
The original inhabitants were Buddhist, probably since Ashoka's period,in the 3rd century BC. Islam was introduced in 1153. The Maldives then came under the influence of the Portuguese (1558) and the Dutch (1654) seaborne empires. In 1887 it became a British protectorate. In 1965, the Maldives obtained independence from Britain (originally under the name "Maldive Islands"), and in 1968 the Sultanate was replaced by a Republic.
The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in terms of both population and area; it is the smallest predominantly Muslim nation in the world. With an average ground level of 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, it is also the country with the lowest highest point in the world, at 2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in).
Population: 369,031 (2007)
Climate: Tropical, Average 30 Deg C
Access: Scheduled and Charter flights from around the world.
Time Zone: Maldives is on the Standard Time Zone, GMT+5 hours with no daylight savings time.
Currency: Maldivian currency is in the form of rufiyaa and laree’s. American dollars, traveler's checks and major credit card are widely accepted.
Clothing
Maldives is a fairly laid back, relaxed environment, therefore, T-shirts and shorts  are the usual attire due to the warm, sunny days. Evenings can be cooler,so bring along a light sweater or shawl. There are no dress requirements aboard Princess Laraand cotton clothing is best for most occasions. However, when on land modest clothing and covered shoulders are recommended in order to respect the culture of our hosts. Comfortable shoes or sandals are recommended for land tours, shoes are not worn onboard the vessel. For easy luggage storage, we recommend you use a soft duffle bag for packing. Some airlines give a special allowance for dive gear, however, this should be checked out at the time of booking.
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| Trip code |
Departure Date |
Return date |
Nights |
Itinerary |
| SC28 |
6 Dec |
13Dec |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC30 |
13Dec |
20Dec |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC31 |
20Dec |
26Dec |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC32 |
26Dec |
2Jan2010 |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC33 |
2Jan2010 |
9Jan |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC34 |
10Jan |
17Jan |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC35 |
17Jan |
24Jan |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC36 |
24Jan |
31Jan |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC37 |
1 Feb |
7Feb |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC37 |
7Feb |
13Feb |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC38 |
13Feb |
20Feb |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC39 |
20Feb |
27Feb |
7 |
Male - Male |
SC40 |
27Feb |
6Mar |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC41 |
6Mar |
13Mar |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC42 |
13Mar |
20Mar |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC43 |
20Mar |
27Mar |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC44 |
27Mar |
3Apr |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC45 |
3Apr |
10Apr |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC46 |
10Apr |
17Apr |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC47 |
17Apr |
24Apr |
7 |
Male - Male |
SC48 |
24Apr |
1May |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC49 |
1May |
8May |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC50 |
8May |
15May |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC51 |
15May |
22May |
7 |
Male - Male |
| SC52 |
22May2010 |
July2010 |
- |
Dry dock |
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Princess Lara leaves  from and returns to Male but doesn't follow a set itinerary as it's  all about the giving you the best diving possible. As you may knowthe Maldives has 2 very distinct currents running at different times ofthe year and this effects which side of the Maldives all the marine life is on at any particular time. Basically, dependant on the currents and the winds, we will select the route and dive sites, this is how we offer you the best diving that the Maldives can provide at any time of year. 
Our divemasters are very experienced in the hunt for mantas, whale sharkspredicting the currents to maximise your diving.
Mv Southern Cross visits the best dive sites in the area to see sharks, mantas and all the  schools of fishes and stunning reefs that the Maldives are famous for just like any other boat but we will also try really hard, and normallysucceed, to find you a whale shark. It is the experience of a lifetimeto swim with one of these gentle giants - don't forget to bring yoursnorkel as you  never know when we may run acrossone of these giants.
Out normal route covers dive sites in the areas of
North Male - Rasdhoo - North Ari - South Ari - South Male
However we reserve the right to change it dependant on the conditions and prevaling currents.
Excursion will be arranged every other day, to local islands or uninhabited atollsor resort islands. Night fishing and a BBQ Dinner will be arranged at an uninhabited island.
Games (Chess, playing cards etc), Audio / Video Facilities (VHS / VCD / AUDIO CD) Night Fishing, Snorkeling, Wave Surfing, BBQ on Desert Islands, Island Hopping. Cultural shows / Disco are all available on request
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Italians, Spanish and all crew speak English. The language will depend on customers on board
Year of Built: 21 Feb 09
Hull Type: Wood
Length Overall: 35.62M
Beam Max: 10.20 M
Length on Design WL: 32.34 M
Beam on Design WL: 09.42 M
Draft at Aft. Transom: 02.20 M
Depth at Mid ship at bottom of the keel to top sheer: 04.84 M
Freeboard at transom: 02.53 M
Freeboard at Bow: 02.85 M
Displacement on Design: 150.20 T
Block Coefficient (C): 0.25
Engine Horse Power: 450 HP
Estimated Speed: 12 KN
Total of 10 spacious cabins with attached toilets, hot & cold water and all fully air conditioned. This boat can accommodate maximum of 20 pax.
Main deck
1 Restaurant
1 Salon
1 Kitchen
1 Bar
Upper deck
3 Suites with master bed
Lower deck
3 Rooms with double bed
4 Rooms with 1 double bed + 1 single bed (Twin Bed)
Sun deck
1 Jacuzzi (6 Person)
Sun Loungers
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Cabins |
May to October inclusive |
November to April inclusive |
All 10 cabins - Charter only - 20pax |
$3500 |
$4200 |
The price Includes:
1 - 3 - 4 dives per day
2 - Tank and weights
3 - Dive Instructor
4 - Full Board (3 meals)
5 - Full Accommodation
6 - Coffee and Tea 24 hrs
7 - One bottle mineral water per person per day
8- Fishing; using fishing gear – Local style, including hook, fishing line, weight and baits
9 - Visiting dessert islands(BBQ dinner; Depends on weather conditions and an extra USD5.00 will be charged for the entry fee of island). 
10 - Snorkeling
11 - Bed Tax
12 - Free Guide for shopping in Male’ (Capital of Maldives)
13 - Transport (Airport – Boat – Airport )
14 - Jacuzzi
Don't forget to check our deals page for our cheap Maldives offers
Full charter price
for all cabins and a maximum amount of 20 guests is
$ 4,200 a day for November to April 2010 inclusive and
$ 3,500 for May, August, September and October 2010.
| CERTIFICATION & SPECIALTY COURSES |
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| Diver Training (PADI/SDI/TDI) |
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| Introductory Dives |
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| Discover Scuba Diving |
USD 89 |
| Certification Courses |
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| Scuba Diver (2 Dive Package with Instructor) |
USD 250 |
| Open Water Diver (4 Dive Package with Instructor) |
USD 380 |
| Open Water Referral Dives |
USD 250 |
| Continuing Education Courses |
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| Adventure Diver |
USD 240 |
| Advanced Open Water Diver |
USD 350 |
| Specialty Courses |
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| Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) |
USD 100 |
| Night Diver |
USD 180 |
| Deep Diver |
USD 280 |
| Drift Diver |
USD 180 |
| Peak Performance Buoyancy |
USD 180 |
| Master Scuba Diver (any 5 specialties) |
USD 900 |
| *NOTE: Materials + Certification not included due to exchange rate fluctuations. Enquire for latest price upon booking. |
Rental dive equipment
| Diving Equipment Rentals (USD) |
Per day |
Per week |
| Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer) |
$ 40 |
$ 280 |
| Regulator with octopus |
$ 20 |
$ 140 |
| Computer |
$ 15 |
$ 105 |
| BCD |
$ 15 |
$ 105 |
| Wetsuit 1.5mm |
$ 10 |
$ 70 |
| Mask |
$ 5 |
$ 35 |
| Fins (+ booties as required) |
$ 5 |
$ 35 |
| Surface Market Buoy (SMB) + Reel |
$ 10 |
$ 70 |
| Torch |
$ 20 |
$ 140 |
*NOTE: All divers must carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and dive computer on every dive 
Should you wish to hire any diving equipment, as above, please ensure you book within 30 days of your charter.
Special Occasions:
If there is a special occasion such as Birthday or a anniversary coming up during the trip please let us know in advance to arrange the cake for the special occasion, which will be provided free of charge.
Arrival and boarding
It is recommended to fly into the Male International Airport (MLE) on the day that your charter starts.
The airport is a ten-minute boat ride from the capital, Male. If you arrive on the day of your charter, you will be greeted at the airport and transported to the boat on our  Diving Dhoni. If you fly in prior to your charter date, you should meet in the airport arrival area at a pre-arranged time on the day of departure. Our Crew will meet you. Please notify us of your arrival time and / or hotel reservations 30 days prior to travelling. The boat anchors off Male about 15 minutes from the airport.
Passports and documentation
Visitors must have a current passport (valid for at least six months on arrival), adequate funds to support themselves and a return airline ticket to travel to the Maldives. Visas are issued upon arrival. It is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel to the destination and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements.
We cannot assume responsibility for passengers not having correct documentation.
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Maldives diving conditions
The climate is warm year round and determined by the monsoons. The monsoons  are mild and not as defined as in neighbouring countries. The northeast monsoon starts in Januaryand goes through the end of April. In January and February the currents can be very strong but the big animal activity can be fantastic. The beginning of January brings clear water to most of the region which can be over 60m (200ft) visibility. Underwater visibility in the Maldives is determined by the tidal movements with incoming and outgoing tides. The monsoon patterns have a significant impact on the diving. From May to October, the southeast monsoon brings more big animal action and is the ideal time to go North to places like Baa Atoll. 
The air temperature varies little with an annual average of 30C (90F) and minimum of 26C (80F), while the water temperature ranges from 26C (80F) to 30C (86F).
Diving is carried out from our purpose built "diving dhoni” that will not anchor but will follow the divers from the surface. This is the safestand most comfortable way to dive in the Maldives due to the wind and currents. Every diver will have their own Dive Station with their own basket where for storing their diving gear, which will always remain on the diving dhoni. The system leaves the main boat free to handle accommodations, meals and social activities in a quiet atmosphere. 
Most guests make up to 3 dives a day, so some sort of protection is needed. A 3mm wetsuit should be comfortable and adequate.
There is a law in the Maldives that the depth limit is 98 feet/ 30 metres. The Divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive. Proof of your Dive Insurance will also be required, as well as the signing of our Waiver of Indemnity form. Every effort is made to ensure you have a safe trip. However, unforeseen circumstances can and do happen. Therefore, dive accident insurance and travel insurance are compulsory. A reasonably priced DAN Dive Insurance may be purchased onboard.
The dive sites:
Ari atoll

Kudarah thila
Type of dive: Reef dive
Description: One of the best dive sites for soft coral and fish life. The marine life here is so abundant, that the divers have named it ‘fish soup’. The thila is in a circular shape and can be covered in a single dive at different depths, if the current is not very strong.
Maaya thila
Type of dive: Reef dive / Night dive
Description: The thila  is about 80mters in diameter. The whole thila can be done at different depths in a single dive. There are many caves and overhangs around the thila. The large rocks on the north eastern side have large black coral trees growing on them. The site is famous for the sharks and a great barracuda which reside here. The site can be dived at any time of the day, each with different activity going on the reef. The best chance to get close to these creatures is at night time, when they are hunting. You will see sharks, barracudas, rays and eels trying to grab a morsel.
Bathala maaga kanthila
Type of dive: Drift dive
Description: The northern tip of Magaa reef extends into Bathalaa Kandu, is home to a number of grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks. They can be seen patrolling along the reef looking for food.
Maalhos thila (Blue curves)
Type of dive: Drift dive / Reef dive
Description: The thila is known for the abundance of soft coral growth on the thila, particularly the blue/violet colored variety that grows on the ceiling of the caves and overhangs, thus the name ‘blue caves’. In addition a large variety of fish life can be observed here.
Rasdhoo Madivaru
Type of dive: Drift dive / Channel dive
Description: The reef on the southern side of Rasdhoo drops vertically to the ocean depths. The site is home to a school of Scalloped Hammerhead sharks (sphyrna lewini). In the early hours of the morning they rise from the deep waters off the atoll into the shallower depths, accessible to divers.
South Male atoll
Guraidhoo Kandu South
Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive
Description: 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 curren  t 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
Type of dive: Drift dive / reef dive
Description: Located in a channel, the reef is subject to strong currents at times. The ocean currents carry lot 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 inve  rtebrates found on the reef. At the reef slope you may find sharks and eagle rays.
Embudu express
Type of dive: Drift dive / channel dive.
Description: Similar to Guraidhoo Kandu, but more sharks are likely to be spotted here.
The currents can be very strong at times. The stronger the current however the better chance of seeing sharks. Under the guidance of an experienced dive guide, the dive can be managed done easily. |
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