Itinerary

Check on the Nautilus Liveabords

Flights to Male

The Maldives are a popular holiday destination, not just for divers. They are served by a variety of airlines from all over the world, from some of them even daily. Among the most popular airlines for those arriving from Europe are for example Emirates, Qatar Airways, Condor, Oman Air, Air Berlin, Aeroflot, British Airways and some more. Matching flights can be booked in addition to the liveaboards trip directly through our general agency, which is also a competently travel agency. Of course, you can also book the flights own your own.

Arrival in the Maldives

After the fascinating landing at the airport island Hulhulé awaits you the gorgeous tropical climate of the Maldives. After leaving the aircraft he entry procedure must be passed once, for this a form to fill will be handed out on the plane. After successful completion of immigration formalities it goes on to the baggage claim, to collect your luggage. These be checked in the following again by security before it goes out of the airport.

Pick up at the airport

Immediately after leaving the airport building you get into the covered arrival area, with check-in counters of tour operators and islands. Here awaits you already one of our dive guides, easily visible holding a sign which carries the name of the Nautilus Boat Liveaboards. Once all  arrived guests have gathered it goes even further towards the water taxi jetty. Here is already waiting one of our Divingdhonis and parts of our boat crew which will help you with the luggage.

Arrival at the Nautilus Liveaboards

Of the small jetty of the water taxis we start in the direction of Nautilus Two, the trip to the lagoon, with the mooring of the liveaboards, takes about 15 minutes. During this trip we would like to ask you to stow your dive equipment already on the dhoni, and already mount your BCD and regulator to the scuba tank at your place.

Questions and answers on how to get to the Maldives

You will find the detailed flight information and your exact flight times at the attached flight schedule (electronic ticket). The check in is usually from 120 to 90 minutes before departure. Please arrive on time , because only then it is guaranteed that you will also get your favorite seat in the aircraft.
Liquids in hand luggage may not exceed a pack size of 100 ml each. Allowed are a maximum of 10 pieces (1 liter) in a resealable plastic bag with the capacity of 1 liter (freezer bags with closure). Also liquids are: liquid medication (eye drops etc), cosmetics (lip balm, mascara etc), shower gel, toothpaste, etc.
There are no compulsory vaccinations. We recommend checking your tetanus and hepatitis vaccination. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Austrian and German citizens need a passport which must be valid at least 6 months even on departure. On arrival at the airport a 30 day visa is issued free of charge.
Please note that there are strict import regulations in the Maldives, as is for example the import of alcohol, pork and pornographic literature not permitted and this will be also be removed when entering!
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. 1 Euro is about 20 – MRF. The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The hotel islands accept foreign currency in EUR , USD and credit cards. On our vessels Guests can pay in EUR and in USD, as well all Major credit cards accepted, such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
If you have booked a Beach Resorts in terminal and the transfer is by seaplane, please note that only 20 kg baggage is taken along. Anything above will be charged extra (from approximately $ 2 – per kilo) and carried by speedboat!
The free baggage allowance (including diving equipment) is 30 kilos at Qatar Airways, Türkish, Emirates and Oman Air transported in departures from Germany and Austria. Each piece of baggage max. 30 kg. If you will have more, please let us know, because it must be registered (special conditions-each bag max. 30 kg), the airline is entitled to charge excess baggage fees.
There is an airport handling fee of 25,- USD that will be charged per person upon departure (payable by credit card or in cash at check in).
The hand baggage maximum weigh is 7 kilos (size 50x37x25 cm and 55x38x20 in Qatar and Emirates). You will note that if you must be remove the batteries in dive lights or lamps and to carry them in your hand luggage. The conditions of carriage is hold by the airline.
There is no social security agreements with European countries. The additional insurance in case of illness and patient transport (including diving accidents) are encouraged. This is especially true for ambulance flights that are offered by several Austrian companies. If you have a travel insurance and any damage occurs, we ask you to collect all payments and benefits as a require confirmation, because only with these confirmations (receipt, diagnosis, receipts etc.) the damage can be claimed to the insurance.

The Liveaboard

Scuba Diving with the Nautilus Liveaboards

Check In at the Nautilus Liveaboards

Upon arrival at one of the Nautilus Liveaboards first of all a cool refreshment awaits you. In the following you can move in the cabins and stow everything before the crew starts with a detailed boat briefing. The time of the first dive to check the equipment depends on the time of your arrival. If you arrive in the morning first dive takes place in the early afternoon, at a later arrival at the following morning.

Typical Diving Days

From the 2nd boat day are usually offered three dives (morning, forenoon, noon). At longer crossings between the atolls, it may happen that the second dive failure at noon. If this is the case, a night dive is offered on the same evening, if the weather allows it.

Dives from the Dhoni

Each dive starts with a detailed briefing of our dive guides aboard the Nautilus Liveaboards. After the briefing and the compilation of the buddy teams, we are switching to the already standing by Dhoni, which takes us comfortable to the upcoming dive site. During the ride to the dive site is sufficient time for applying the equipment and prepare for the dive.
After our dive guides have checked the local conditions (current, visibility) it goes down into the fantastic underwater world of the Maldives. During the dive you can go with our experienced dive guides or dive also in a buddy team with your diving partner if you have sufficient experience.
Upon successful completion of the dive our Dhoni picks you up on the surface again and the crew is there to help you when you’re entering the boat again.

Questions and Answers about diving with the Nautilus Liveaboards

An appropriate diving experience of at least 40 dives is required. Our diving guide is authorized to keep the diver away from a dive if they are unable to meet the diving requirements for the upcoming dive or are under the influence of alcohol. We ask for your understanding that this dive will not be refunded.
Depending on the time of arrival in Malé - if you arrive in the morning - a check-dive will be offered in the early afternoon of the same day (depending on the transfer situation) in order to familiarize yourself with your equipment again.

If you arrive at midday or in the afternoon, there is no check-dive on the day of arrival. In this case the check-dive would be the first regular dive of the following day.
Besides the check-dive on the first day (depending on your arrival time), 2-3 dives are usually offered daily from the second day onwards. For longer crossings between the atolls, we reserve the right to replace the midday dive with a night dive or sunset dive if conditions permit. The captain has the final decision.

The last dive always takes place early in the morning the day BEFORE departure.
If the weather permits, one night dive is scheduled during all our safaris. We will be happy to provide you with one of our diving torches free of charge for this dive, if you cannot bring your own.
The Maldives offer a variety of different diving sites such as:

Drift dives on reef edges and channels, dives along a reef or steep wall, wreck dives, colorful Thilas / Pinnacles, so there is something for every diver's heart.
All our dive sites we reach by the diving dhoni that accompanies the Nautilus Two throughout the entire safari and are between 5 to 20 minutes away, depending on the dive site.

This means you always have enough time to prepare your diving equipment for the dive without having to wait too long.
If necessary and on request, different diving courses can be completed. Since we do not have an instructor on board on every tour, we would have to organize this separately for you and therefore we need to know the relevant request when making your booking.
12-liter tanks with DIN or INT connection are available. This means you don't need to bring an adapter with you. Weights and weight belts are also on board, but please bring the rest of your diving equipment with you (including a dive computer).
14-l tanks are available on request (for high air consumption) with DIN or INT connection. Please let us know about this in a timely manner prior to your trip.
Depending on how cold you feel, we recommend diving with a 3mm or 5mm suit. A shorty is also possible, but due to the risk of hives we recommend a long suit.
We recommend bringing your own equipment that you are familiar with. If necessary, it is of course possible to rent equipment for a fee. We ask you to let us know this when booking, stating the sizes you need, so that we can organize the equipment for you in a timely manner.

The costs depend on the equipment you need. We would be happy to inform you accordingly.
Snorkelers are very welcome on board. Depending on local conditions, snorkelers can accompany the divers with the diving dhoni. If the dive site is not suitable for snorkeling (e.g. because it is too deep or there is too much current), the snorkelers will be taken to a nearby reef by dinghy (small tender boat).

If requested, we can send a local snorkeling guide with you. We recommend bringing your own snorkeling equipment.
Of course, it is possible without any problems and it is also common practice for us, as our spacious 20m² cabins for twin occupancy are equipped with a king-size double bed and a king-size single bed. You can also book our cabins for single use for an additional charge.

We always occupy our twin cabins with same-gender guests. Female with female and man with man.
We always dive in buddy teams which get coordinated after the check-dive in consultation between the diving guides and the guests. In any case, it is possible to complete all dives directly with the diving guide as a buddy.
Nautilus Two runs different safaris all year round.

The main season in the Maldives is November – April. The months of May - October are referred to as the low season, but due to global climate change the situation in the Maldives has also changed, which means that the weather and visibility in the "low season" can now be compared to those in the high season.
The dive sites in the Maldives are between 5 meters (reef roof) and 30 meters. The maximum legally permitted diving depth in the Maldives is 30 meters.
A reef hook is not mandatory, but it is recommended as the currents in the Maldives can be very strong depending on the season and the dive site.
If you have your own diving torch, we recommend bringing it with you. As every diver knows, a lamp proves its worth even in shallower depths already (overhangs, caves, etc.).

If you would like to rent a diving torch for your entire stay, this is possible for a fee.
In addition to your diving or snorkeling equipment and swimwear, we also recommend taking a light beach towel, a headband to protect your ears, sun protection and - if necessary - longer, light clothing for the evenings.

If you want to sleep on the deck under the starry sky, we recommend taking a light sleeping bag with you.
We recommend diving with Nitrox in the Maldives, for which a Nitrox certificate is required.

Our membrane system produces Nitrox 1 EAN 32 (+/- 2%). It is possible to book a Nitrox package for the tour in advance (€ 15,- / night). If the fillings are ordered individually on board, the cost is € 5.50 (+ 10% service charge + 16 % TGST tax) per dive.
There is a decompression chamber under medical supervision on the islands of Bandos & Kuramathi.

Public & private hospitals are located in Malé and Hulhumalé.
We offer trips with different lengths between 7 nights and 12 nights, depending on the season and route.

Our one-way tours in the months from January to March, which lead from Malé to Gan or back from Gan to Malé, have a duration of 12 nights. Depending on the booked international flight, a domestic flight may be required for each route.
Depending on the season and routing, the currents in the Maldives can vary greatly. During our routes in the months of May - September/October, there is generally less current, as the dive sites are more Thilas than channels.

During the months from November - April the focus is more on channel dives, where sometimes the currents can be stronger.

Especially during our one-way tours in the south of the Maldives, strong currents are to be expected due to the atoll location. These tours are only suitable for experienced divers.
All dives are conducted from our diving dhoni. The diving equipment remains on the dhoni throughout the entire safari and the jacket and regulators can remain attached to the tank throughout the tour. Each diver has their own basket under the seat for the rest of their equipment.
Nautilus Two is one of a few liveaboards in the Maldives equipped with the “ENOS” emergency call and location system, which is indispensable for divers.

Each diver will be provided with their own GPS transmitter in the first two days, which should be tightly attached to the diving equipment in 2 places to avoid loss. If you lose the transmitter, we will have to charge you for the costs. You will receive the exact briefing for handling directly aboard.
In your own interest, we strongly recommend a medical diving examination (under 40 years every two years, over 40 years every year) as well as taking out diving insurance with appropriate cover.

Diving Courses

Continue your Adventure with a new CMAS or PADI Certification


tauchkurs nitrox malediven tauchen

NITROX

CMAS* Nitrox Specialty
Learn to dive with Nitrox and use the advantages of longer, safe dives.

180,-Euro

driftdive tauchkurs malediven tauchen

DRIFT DIVER

CMAS* Drift Specialty
Find out how you dive with the current and what must be observed.

180,-Euro

deep diver tauchkurs malediven tauchen

NIGHT DIVER

CMAS* Night Specialty
Discover the marine life at night and learn everything for diving in the dark.

180,-Euro

* All courses can also be booked after PADI with a surcharge. Price on request.

 

Discover Scuba Diving

On prior request prior to departure, we also offer Discover Scuba Diving courses for non-divers on our dive safaris for 25,- Euro in one of the many wonderful lagoons in the Maldives. The necessary diving equipment will be provided by Nautilus Liveaboards.

Join a PADI Course

If you’re interested in any our diving courses offered during a diving safari with the Nautilus Liveaboards we ask you to notify us in advance of your booking. The stated prices include all charges for issuing the certifications and any necessary course material are also already included.

Activities

Experience the Maldives above Surface

More than just beautiful Dives

During our liveaboard cruises we offer in addition to the spectacular diving and relaxing time on the Nautilus Liveaboards plenty of other activities. The offer reaches from excursions at deserted islands, over meals with culinary highlights, to sports activities. So not only guests with diving certification come fully at their expense.

Kitesurfing

Also for kite surfers the Maldives have perfect conditions with its endless lagoons and fresh winds over the sea. So if you’re a kite surfers, bring your equipment to your trip with the Nautilus Two. Our crew knows the best spots for kite surfers in the Maldives and so you can even kite  in between instead of going to dive.

Day Trip to Malé

At the end of each liveaboard trip with the Nautilus Liveaboards there is a possibility of a trip to the capital of the Maldives. Our Dhoni takes you over to Malé and pick you up at the agreed time again.

Island Picnic

One evening at Gilligan’s Island, who does not dream about that? We make it possible and invite our guests on one evening of the liveaboard trip to an unforgettable island picnic with the delicacies of the Maldives.

Snorkeling and Swimming

At almost all anchorages of the Nautilus Liveaboards wait dreamy lagoons to our guests. Each time there is a possibility , after consultation with our crew, for swimming or snorkeling into the water. The bathing platform on the rear of the Nautilus Liveaboards make the entry and exit very comfortable.

Island Hopping at the Maldives

At each tour there is the possibility to visit a local island. Maldivians sell goods of their daily need in small shops, where also handicrafts such as carvings, brightly painted wooden fish, colored silk scarves, postcards and more can be bought.

Fishing with the Crew

During the diving safaris on Nautilus Liveaboards every afternoon and evening there is a possibility to join our crew on typical type of Maldivian fishing. Gladly our Chef prepares your fresh catch for you.

Flights & More

We not only organize your Liveaboard Trip

International Flights to the Maldives

As a full featured tour operator our general agency will book not only guests on our Nautilus Liveaboards, also they offer our customers a “full-service” package. So you can book the right international flights in a packet to your Nautilus Liveaboards cruise directly .

Island Extensions

You would like to visit a resort on an island before or after our live aboard at the Maldives? This is also perfectly organizable and bookable in a package already including flights and diving safari with our Nautilus Liveaboards by our booking agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check-in aboard Nautilus Two takes place at 9:00 a.m.

Depending on your arrival time, one of our crew members will welcome you in the arrival hall after baggage claim area and accompany you to the diving dhoni, which will take you directly to the Nautilus Two.

We ask for your understanding that there may be short waiting times and that, if necessary, a few transfers will of course be carried out.

In order to ensure a smooth and timely departure of our Nautilus Two, arrival time in Malé should take place by noon at the latest - if you arrive later than 1:00 p.m., please only after consultation, as this could make a special transfer subject to payment necessary.

Upon arrival on board of Nautilus Two, we welcome you with a refreshing welcome drink and show you our obligatory Safety & Boat Briefing video. Afterwards we ask you to fill out our guest registration card and disclaimer of liability.
Check-in takes place at 9:00 a.m.

On the last evening of the safari, our crew will inform you about your respective transfer times. This usually takes place 4 hours before departure, as there may be longer waiting times due to the high volume at Malé Airport.

If your check-out is after 12:00 p.m. due to your departure time, we offer you the option of booking a “late check-out”. Stay on board with full meals and keep your cabin until 8:00 p.m. at the latest for an additional charge of EUR 80,- per person including an extra transfer.

(only possible with advance reservation)
Our cabins are 20m² in size and were renovated in summer 2022.

They are equipped with their own bathroom with toilet, a desk with a stool and mirror, a wardrobe and enough storage space so your suitcases and diving bags can easily be stowed under the beds.

All of our cabins have their own adjustable air conditioning which can be regulated separately in each cabin. If you don't want air conditioning, large roof and side hatches provide sufficient ventilation and cooling.
Since our salon has continuous windows that can be opened and therefore there is usually a pleasant breeze, the salon is not air-conditioned.
A water dispenser is available 24 hours a day. This water comes from our two onboard desalination plants, which produce 10 tons of fresh/drinking water daily.

We also carry an additional daily tank of 8 tons with us. However, please use water sparingly.

Please make sure to drink enough water in the Maldives.
Nautilus Two has 2 cabins on the upper deck. One of them is equipped with a king-size double bed, the other one with a king-size double bed and a king-size single bed.
We provide you with a shower towel (+ towel) for the cabin and a beach towel for sunbathing. Although we have beach towels on board available, we recommend bringing your own light beach towel, as we have limited ability to do laundry during a safari.
We offer our guests free WIFI for messaging & E-Mails. You will receive the access code from our salon manager. Please note that there might be no or only sporadic connection between the atolls/islands. There is no right to a refund if functionality is lacking.

If you need more or stronger data volume for streaming, for example, you can purchase local SIM cards directly at the airport in Malé after arrival. Our crew will be happy to assist you.
Meals are provided on a full board basis in the form of a buffet. Our chef always tries to prepare varied dishes for you in his small kitchen. Please remember that almost all food, except seafood, fish & coconut products, must be imported & carried with you. Please let us know if you have any food intolerances before your arrival.
If you are interested and upon request, we will be happy to provide you with our bar menu card.
220 Volts - 24 hours. No adapter for Austrian/German plugs (two pin) necessary. We also have some British (three pin) plugs on board. A big loading station is located in the salon. Please do not load your devices in the cabins under any circumstances due to safety regulations – risk of fire!
There are three emergency cases on board and a DAN & hand case on the Diving Dhoni.

Further there are two defibrillators - one in the salon, one on the Diving Dhoni.

In addition, the Nautilus Two has 2 x 50l oxygen tanks including a regulator unit - one in cabin 213, one on the Diving Dhoni.

There is a decompression chamber under medical supervision on the islands of Bandos & Kuramathi.

Further emergency numbers as well as an emergency plan are posted in the salon.
We strongly urge you NOT to jump into the water while the machines are running. Please check with the captain or crew that it is safe to swim before entering the water (currents).

Please do not enter the salon when wet (danger of slipping!). We are happy to provide towels. Since these are available to us in limited quantities, we also recommend bringing your own beach towel.
The crew will be happy to fill it with salt water for you upon request. Unfortunately, since the ship is in constant motion, the whirlpool cannot remain full permanently and the water has to be removed every now and then.
On board and on the islands, the preferred method of payment is in foreign currencies such as Euros or US-Dollars. Credit cards are also accepted on board.
Tips are generally included in the safari price. If you are particularly satisfied with the crew and their service, our crew would of course be happy if you would reward them additionally.

At the end of your trip, you will find an envelope in your cabin in which you can hand over the additional tip to the crew, which will then be distributed fairly to all crew members. Thank you very much!

Downloads

InfoS
Nautilus Two

Liability Release
Nautilus Two

Recreational
Diving Regulation

Dive Emergency Plan
Nautilus Two

Pricelist
Diving and Coffeeshop

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