Orion in English Orion in Japanese
Destinations
Andaman Islands
Bali
Burma / Myanmar
Flores / Alor
Komodo
Maldives
Palau
Raja Ampat
Sulawesi
Thailand
Boats
Arenui
Black Manta
Carpe Diem
Carpe Vita
Damai
Dewi Nusantara
Diva Andaman
Dreamcatcher II
Handy Cruise
Komodo Dancer
Mermaid 1
Mermaid 2
Monsoon
Ocean Hunter
Ondina
Orion
Pawara
Pelagian
Pindito
Princess Lara
Queen Scuba
Sachika
Seahorse
Seven Seas
Southern Cross
Tambora
Theia
Wakatobi resort
Waow
White Manta
Special deals via Twitter - Deals via Twitter

Mv Orion liveaboard

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
MV Orion is the Mv Orionnewest vessel in the Maldives at this time. Not only are the facilities new, but they go beyond all expectations with guaranteed trip departures, 24-hour conciege service coupled with service and facilities that will blow your mind. Indulge in a massage on deck or enjoy the comforts of our 2 fully-stocked bars or bask in the sun while relaxing in the jacuzzi after a sauna. Catering to a possible 22 guests our 11 guest rooms (1 Junior Suite, 6 Double Rooms, 3 Twin Rooms and 1 Executive Suite) they are all furnished with the luxury and ambience of a MaldivianMv Orion private jacuzzi deck luxury resort including wireless internet.  Every room comprises of double/twin beds, a mini-bar, room to room intercom, Plasma Tv where you can view the real time gps information for your journey from the comfort of your bed, electronic combination safe, as well as beautifully tiled bathrooms.  All 11 rooms have en suite toilet and shower facilities, with 2 of the 11 rooms having the added luxury of bathtubs.  At the front of the Upper Deck is a magnificent executive suite, which comes with its own personal external deck area complete with private open air Jacuzzi. We also offer fun onshore activities as we take over our own uninhabited desert island for an afternoon of fun in the sun - Mv Orion photos - Cheap deals on Orion

The Maldives

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
The Maldives, Map of the Maldivesofficially 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 Orion and 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.
Scheduled airlines to the Maldives:
Name of Airlines Country of Origin
Aeroflot Russia
Air Seychelles Seychelles
Bangkok Airways Thailand
British Airways United Kingdom
Condor Germany
Emirates United Arab Emirates
Eurofly Spa Italy
Indian Airlines India
Air Berlin Germany
Lauda Air Italy
Malaysian Airlines Malaysia
Singapore Airlines Singapore
Srilankan Airlines Sri Lanka
Qatar Airways Qatar
Charter flight airlines to the Maldives:
Name of Airlines Country of Origin
Air Italy Italy
Blue Panorama Italy
Edelweiss Air Switzerland
Monarch Airways United Kingdom
Neos Air Italy
Swiss International Air Lines
Switzerland
Thomas Airways United Kingdom
Transaero Airlines Russia
XL Airways France

Mv Orion - Schedule

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
2012
9th January, 2012
16th January, 2012
7
Best of Maldives
16th January, 2012
23d January, 2012
7
Best of Maldives
23d January, 2012
30th January, 2012
7
Best of Maldives
30th January,2012
6th February,2012
7
Best of Maldives
6th February,2012
13th February,2012
7
Best of Maldives - Special offer click here
13th February,2012
20th February,2012
7
Best of Maldives
20th February, 2012
27th February,2012
7
Best of Maldives
27th February,2012
5th March,2012
7
North Male to Huvadho (Kaadedhdhoo)
5th March,2012
12th March,2012
7
Huvadhoo (Kaadedhdhoo)
12th March,2012
19th March,2012
7
Huvadhoo (Kaadedhdhoo) to North Male
19th March,2012
26th March,2012
7
Best of Maldives
26th March,2012
2d April,2012
7
Best of Maldives
2d April,2012
9th April,2012
7
Best of Maldives - Special price
9th April,2012
16th April,2012
7
Best of Maldives - Special price
16th April,2012
23d April,2012
7
Best of Maldives - Special price
23d April,2012
30th April 2012
7
Best of Maldives - Special price
30th April 2012
7th May 2012
7
Best of Maldives
7th May 2012
14th May 2012
7
Best of Maldives
14th May 2012
21st May 2012
7
Best of Maldives
21st May 2012
28th May 2012
7
Best of Maldives
28th May 2012
4th June 2012
7
Ari/N.Male/S.Male
30th July'12
6th August'12
7
Manta Madness
6th August'12
13th August'12
7
Manta Madness - Special offer
13th August'12
20th August'12
7
Manta Madness - Special offer
20th August'12
27th August'12
7
Manta Madness - Special offer
27th August'12
3d September'12
7
Manta Madness - Special offer
3d September'12
10th September'12
7
Manta Madness
10th September 2012
17th September'12
7
Manta Madness
17th September'12
24th September'12
7
Manta Madness
24th September'12
1st October'12
7
Manta Madness
1st October'12
8th October'12
7
Manta Madness
8th October'12
15th October'12
7
Best of Maldives
15th October'12
22d October'12
7
Best of Maldives
22d October'12
29th October'12
7
Best of Maldives
29th October'12
5th November'12
7
Best of Maldives
5th November'12
12th November'12
7
Best of Maldives
12th November'12
19th November'12
7
Best of Maldives
19th November'12
26th November'12
7
Best of Maldives
26th November'12
3d December'12
7
Best of Maldives
3d December'12
10th December'12
7
Best of Maldives
10th December'12
17th December'12
7
Best of Maldives
17th December'12
24th December'12
7
Best of Maldives
24th December'12
31st December'12
7
Best of Maldives - Price + $50 per person for celebration X-mas buffet with wine
31st December'12
7th January'13
7
Best of Maldives - Price + $50 per person for celebration NY buffet with wine
7th Januaryr'13
14th January'13
7
Best of Maldives
14th January'13
21st January'13
7
Best of Maldives
21st January'13
28th January'13
7
Best of Maldives
28th January'13
4th February'13
7
Best of Maldives
4th February'13
13th February'13
9
Male, Ari, Vaavu Atolls
13th February'13
23rd February'13
10
Male, Ari, Vaavu Atolls
23rd February'13
2nd March'13
7
Best of Maldives
2nd March'13
11th March'13
9
Best of Maldives
11th March'13
18th March'13
7
Best of Maldives
18th March'13
25th March'13
7
Best of Maldives
25th March'13
1st April'13
7
Best of Maldives
1st April'13
8th April'13
7
Best of Maldives
8th April'13
15th April'13
7
Best of Maldives
15th April'13
22d April'13
7
Best of Maldives
22d April'13
29th April'13
7
Best of Maldives
29th April'13
6th May'13
7
Best of Maldives
6th May'13
13th May'13
7
Best of Maldives
13th May'13
20th May'13
7
Best of Maldives
20th May'13
27th May'13
7
Best of Maldives
27th May'13
3d June'13
7
Best of Maldives
OFF FOR DRY DOCK
29th July'13
5th August'13
7
Manta Madness
5th August'13
12th August'13
7
Manta Madness
12th August'13
19th August'13
7
Manta Madness
19th August'13
26th August'13
7
Manta Madness
26th August'13
2d September'13
7
Manta Madness
2d September'13
9th September'13
7
Manta Madness
9th September'13
16th September'13
7
Manta Madness
16th September'13
23d September'13
7
Manta Madness
23d September'13
30th September'13
7
Manta Madness
30th September'13
7th October'13
7
Manta Madness
7th October'13
14th October'13
7
Best of Maldives
14th October'13
21st October'13
7
Best of Maldives
21st October'13
28th October'13
7
Best of Maldives
28th October'13
4th November'13
7
Best of Maldives
4th November'13
11th November'13
7
Best of Maldives
11th November'13
18th November'13
7
Best of Maldives
18th November'13
25th November'13
7
Best of Maldives
25th November'13
2d December'13
7
Best of Maldives
2nd December'13
9th December'13
7
Best of Maldives

Mv Orion - Itinerary

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For your flight arrival times ideally you should aim to arrive around midday on the day of departure as due to a same day turn around of the boat the guests from the trip before will be departing in the morning. The rest of the morning the boat will be being cleaned and prepared for your arrival around lunchtime. You can arrive on the day of departure as late as 10pm as the boat will not leave the Male area on the first day. Whatever time you arrive on the day of departure you will be met off your flight at the arrivals area by our boat representatives and taken to the boat, about 10 minutes from the airport.
If you would like to arrive the day before it is possible to stay in the airport hotel -  http://www.hih.com.mv/ which is on the same island as the airport (Hulhule island) or stay on Male for the night where we recommend the Holiday Inn - http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/male/mleam/hoteldetail or the Marble Inn - http://www.marble.mv/ . Your hotel will then deliver you back to the airport the following day (the day of departure) where you will be met by the boats representatives and taken directly to the ship

Mv Orion 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 know the Maldives has 2 very distinct currents running at different times of Mv Orion will do her best to find you a whalesharkthe 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.
Our divemasters are very experienced in the hunt for whale sharks,
Don't worry that you might miss the other stuff though; Mv Orion 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 normally succeed, to find you a whale shark. It is the experience of a lifetime to swim with one of these gentle giants - don't forget to bring your snorkel as you never know when we may run across one 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.
On the last day there is a free trip around Male to experience a little of the culture and life that makes this oasis in the Indian Ocean so unique.

Sample itinerary from Aug to May 7 nights
Day 1 Arrive Male
Day 2 North Male Check Out Dive / Ari North - Night Dive (3 Dive)
Day 3 Ari North Fish Head (3 Dives)
Day 4 Ari South – Whale Shark (3 Dives)
Day 5 Ari South Thila Dives - Night Dive (3 Dives)
Day 6 South Male - Grey Sharks - BBQ Island Party (3 Dives)
Day 7 North Male - Manta Point - Last night Party (2 Dives)
Day 8 Depart Male

Manta Madness - Best August - November - 7 nights
Day 1 Arrive Male
Day 2 North Male - Banana reef (3 Dives)
Day 3 Baa Atoll - Hunifaru Mantas (3 Dives)
Day 4 Baa Atoll (3 Dives)
Day 5 Ari North Fish Head (3 Dives)
Day 6 Ari Middle - Thilas (3 Dives)
Day 7 North Male - Manta Point (2 Dives)
Day 8 Depart Male 

Southern Comfort - Best Feb - April - 10 nights
Day 1 male Arrival
Day 2 Ari Middle - Mantas
Day 3 Ari South - Whale Shark
Day 4 Mulak Atoll -  Channels - Sharks & Beautiful Deep Caves with colourful soft coral
Day 5 Thaa Atoll - Channels - Sharks
Day 6 Laamu Atolls - Channels & Thilas - Big Schools of Sharks and Reef Fish
Day 7 Gaafu Dhaalu 
Day 8 Gaafu Dhaalu
Day 9 Gaafu Alifu
Day 10 Gaafu Alifu
Day 11 Fly Out from Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport

Mv Orion - Specifications, boat details and services

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
Mv Orion - Maldives safari boatBoat:
Length: 130Ft
Engine: 600HP Volvo
Berthing
Lower Deck
6 double rooms with Queen size bed - en-suite Shower
1 Junior Suite with Queen Bed and extra day bed and bathtub
Upper Deck
3 Twin Rooms with en-suite Shower
1 Executive suite with bath tub, private external area and private 2 person Jacuzzi outside.

All rooms are en-suite, with minibar, digital safe, PlasmaTV and DVD player.
Boat Crew:  9
Massage: 1Mv Orion - view of the sundeck
Dhoani Crew: 4
Diving Crew:   3 at all times with a mix of British, Maldivian,
Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and Singaporean crew, dependant
on the guests onboard.



Mv Orion's layout
Lower Deck - Junior Suite, 6 Double Rooms

Mv Orion's lower deck
Main Deck - Hotel Style Reception area with Library, Sauna, Wheelhouse, Kitchen, 2 Toilets, Bar, Souvenir Shop, Buffet and Dining Area.
Mv Orion's Main deck
Upper Deck - External Bar, Main Jacuzzi, Spa / Massage Room, Toilet, 3 Twin rooms, Executive Suite with private deck area and private open air Jacuzzi.
Mv Orion's upper deck
Sun deck - Sun loungers and relaxation area
Mv Orion's sun deckReception area - Mv Orion liveaboard
Mv Orion
is equipped with satellite phone and internet, so it is in constant communication withthe outside world.
We are also equipped with a complete first aid kit on board,including oxygen. MV Orion’s crew is also trained to administer CPR if necessary.
Due to legal reasons we are unable to give painkillers or motion sickness medicine; therefore you should bring your own if you feel you may need it. We highly recommend a complete physical examination prior to your trip.
There is no smoking allowed inside the yacht or on the dive deck. Smoking is only permitted on the sun deck.
As diving is a very physical sport, we recommend you have a complete physical check-up prior to your trip.  Two recompression chambers are available in the Maldives. One is on Bandos Island(fifteen minutes by speedboat from Male) and the other is in Kuramathi. DANspecial insurance may be obtained whilst aboard the vessel, if you do not already have cover, as this is compulsory under Maldivian Law. Vaccinations are not necessary.
Enviroment and conservation:
The Maldives is a heritage marine conservation site. Please help us take care of this delicately balanced eco-system by refraining Dining area - Mv Orion liveaboardfrom dropping litter, batteries, plastic bottles, etc.  Please, also, respect any living thing, either on land or beneath the sea.  We live and love our environment – let’s keep it safe for our future generations!  We do not permit spear fishing, Hawaiian slings or collecting of any materials.  Leave only your footprints – take only photos.
Meals
The menu onboard is varied and plentiful, with America, European, Asian and Local fusion feasts being served in our dining area. A buffet variety of fresh fruits and salads, hot entrees, hot soup, and juicesare available during meals. Lunches are buffet-style while dinners are a la carte creations, including seafood, beef or chicken .Vegetarian meals can be prepared upon requests. We appreciate if you inform us on your preference for vegetarian meals to ensure we whip up something tasty.  Each evening, enjoy fresh homemade desserts. Please notify our office of your  special dietary requests and speak to the Chef after boarding.
Beverages
Tea, Coffee, and Water are complimentary. The bar is open throughout the week; however, please observe our strict policy on alcohol – “Alcohol and diving never mix”. Once you consume anyMv Orion dining alcohol, your diving ceases for that day.
It should be noted that the importation of alcohol is forbidden in the Maldives. Tourist operators are able to purchase by special government license. Mv Orion has a fully stocked bar with a good, selection of beer, wine, whisky, scotch, rum, gin and vodka. 

Spa and massage
For your total relaxation, we offer you an onboard Jacuzzi and a Sauna. We also provide achargeable service by our Masseuse, trained in aromatherapy; Thai Massage, as well as reflexology and relief therapy; pedicure and manicure.
Swedish Massage – Aromatherapy
Healing strokes, skin rolling and thumb and palm pressure techniques combine to calm your mind and eliminate stress - Duration 60 minutes Us$ 50
Thai Massage
The East Royal Thai massage, unrivalled among Thai massages is guaranteed to soothe; enveloping you in a cocoon of calm and serenity - Duration 60 minutes Us$ 50Mv Orion reception
Oriental Massage – Aromatherapy
Blending the best of the Swedish and the Thai massages creates this blissful and unforgettable experience.
Duration 60 minutes Us$ 50
Shiatsu massage
This traditional Japanese massage applies deep strokes with the fingertips. The deep relaxation resulting from the treatment is enhanced by the herbal oils, leaves and seeds applied on the body - Duration 60 minutes Us$ 50
Back, Neck & Shoulder Rub
Stress fades away while you immerse yourself in this deep tissue massage for the back, neck and shoulders. Idealdaily treatment for diver - Duration 40 minutes Us$ 50
Reflexology / Foot Massage
Reflexology adjusts your body’s flow of energy, restoring its natural equilibrium. In this massage, pressure points are rubbed smoothly to relax you and relieve pain. The success of this techniqueOrion beach bar-b-que is based on the fact that the body’s energy flows through meridians or channels to the hands and feet,where it leaves through reflex points - Duration 25 minutes Us$ 30
Full Body Scrub
A combination of sea salts or blended herbs gently exfoliates your skin, bringing back its natural glow.  The ingredients nourish and hydrate your skin, making it look younger and fresher. Scrubbing is a relaxing way of increasing blood circulation and detoxifying your body.The treatment would not be complete without the shower and soothing neck and back massage that follow - Duration 60 minutes Us$ 50
Deluxe Facial
The technique commences with a 30 minute back massage using aromatherapy oils, which is then followed by a 40 minute facial. This results in total relaxation and skin rejuvenation, ensuringOrion's lower deck seating area a fresh and healthy skin tone and revitalized look - Duration 70 minutes Us$ 50

MV Orion Shop
There is a mini-shop onboard with assorted t-shirts and miscellaneous items. However, we strongly recommend that guests board MV Orion with all the necessary batteries, toiletries and camera/computeraccessories for the length of the cruise, as we are unable to guarantee enough stock for everyone.
MV Orion accepts: Cash in: USD, Euro, GBP and Rufiyaa - Traveller’s checks - Visa & MasterCard*.
*Credit card users: Several credit cards companies charge a conversion fee. If this happens to you, please contact your credit card company.
Tips
Gratuities are encouraged but are voluntary and based upon the quality of service your crew has provided. When settling your bill at the end of the charter, there will be 2 envelopes for gratuities,Mv Orion's front seating area 1 for Dive Crew and 1 for Boat Crew, which will be divided equally among the respective members.
Communication
MV Orion is equipped with satellite phone and internet, therefore, it is in constant communication with the outside world.
In the event of an emergency, family and friends may contact you at the above numbers.
Special occassions
If there is a special occasion such as Birthday or an anniversary coming up during the trip please let us know in advance. We are delighted to arrange a cake, which will be provided complimentary by the Company.
Electricity:  
Plugs are the type G and 3 prongs.  MV Orion has 220V and 110V to accommodate a variety of guests’ requirements.Orion's sundeck

Final day
On the final evening Mv Orion will return to port to provision and refuel for the following charter.
Check out and departure
Checkout time is between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. on the final day (Normally Monday). The crew will transport you to the Airport to check bags into storage. After which you will take a ferry to Male for a city tour. If you are travelling later in the day you may consider a day room pass at a local hotel such as the Hulhule Island Hotel which is the closest to the airport. Normal day passes are for 12 hours and include use of the swimming pool, shower, towels, luggage storage etc., depending on which hotel you choose.

Mv Orion - Cabins

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
Mv Orion has 11 guest rooms; 1 Junior Suite, 6 Double Rooms, 3 Twin Rooms and 1 Executive Suite. They are all furnished with the luxury and ambience of a Maldivian luxury resort in mind.  Every room comprises of double or twin beds, a mini-bar, room to room intercom, Plasma Tv where you can view the real time gps information for your journey from the comfort of your bed, electronic combination safe, as well as beautifully tiled bathrooms.  All 11 rooms have en suite toilet and shower facilities, with 2 of the 11 rooms having the added luxury of bathtubs (The junior and executive suites). At the front of the Upper Deck is a magnificent executive suite, which comes with its own personal external deck complete with private open air Jacuzzi - More Orion photos
Mv Orion's Executive suite
Executive suite
Mv Orion's Executive suite's private jacuzzi
The private jacuzzi

Mv Orion's Executive suite
Executive suite
Orion's Executive suite's bathroom
Executive suite bathroom
Orion's Executive suite's bathroom
Executive suite bathroom

Orion's Executive suite's bathroom
Executive suite bathroom
Junior suite - Mv Orion liveaboard
Junior suite
Junior suite bathroom
Junior suite bathroom

Junior suite - Mv Orion liveaboard
Junior suite
Double room - Mv Orion
Double room
Double room - Mv Orion
Double room bathroom
Lower Deck:
1 Jr Suite, 6 Double Rooms

Upper Deck:
3 Twin Rooms, 1 Executive Suite with private deck area and private open air Jacuzzi.

Mv Orion - Prices

Mv OrionThe MaldivesScheduleItineraryCabinsSpecificationsThe divingPricesMore boatsContact
Prices are per person per week based on twin or double share and in Us dollars
Cabin
May12
1 Jan 12 - 31 Apr 12
plus Aug12 and Oct12-Apr13
Sep12, May13 and Sep13
Executive suite
$ 2,366
$ 3,185 *
$ 2,618 *
Junior suite
$ 2,184
$ 2,940 *
$ 2,415 *

Upper deck Double or Twin

$ 2,002
$ 2,695 *
$ 2,212 *

Lower deck Double or Twin

$ 1,820
$ 2,450 *
$ 2,016 *
Full charter
Reception - Mv OrionClick here for Special offers on Orion
Free Nitrox
* Please, note, from October 2012 the fuel surcharge of USD 10 p/p p/n payable on board as long as the brent crude oil price remains USD 90 or higher.
Please note x-mas and Nyear trips have a mandatory $50 surcharge for a celebration buffet with lobster and wine.


Single cabin, non sharing cabin +80% (not available during annual holidays ie Easter, x-mas, Chinese new year)
Non-divers pay full price but get 2 free discover scuba and 2 free massages or 4 free massages

The price Includes:
1 -  3 - 4 dives per day
2 -  Tank and weights
3 -  Dive Instructor
4 -  Full Board (3 meals+snacks)
5 -  Full Accommodation
6 -  Coffee and Tea 24 hrs
7 -  Drinking water
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
15 - Sauna
16 - Free Nitrox

Don't forget to check our deals page for our cheap Maldives offers

Group bookings:
10 Pay 1 Free
16 Pay 2 Free

Diving Equipment Rentals (USD)
Per day
Full Set (regulator, octopus, BCD, wetsuit, mask, fins, dive computer)
$ 50
Regulator with octopus
$ 20
Computer
$ 20
BCD
$ 15
Wetsuit (shorty)
$ 10
Mask
$ 5
Fins (+ booties as required)
$ 5
Surface Market Buoy (SMB) + Reel
$ 10
Torch
$ 15

SDI DIVE COURSES, INCLUDE CERT. COSTS

PRICE

Discover Scuba Diving

$89.00

Open Water Diver  (4 dives with instructor)

$350.00

Open Water Diver Referral

$300.00

Advanced open Water Diver

$350.00

Nitrox Course

$125.00

Night Dive Specialty

$250.00

Deep Dive Specialty

$250.00

Current Diving Specialty

$250.00

Perfect BuoyancySpecialty

$180.00

Underwater PhotographySpecialty

$200.00


Rental dive equipment
*NOTE: All divers must carry a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and dive computer on every diveOrion's dining room
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 MV Orion on our Diving Dhoni. If you flyin 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 have a sign that says “MV Orion”. Please notify us of your arrival time and / or hoteOrion's dining areal reservations 30 days prior to travelling. MV Orion 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.

Mv Orion - Diving

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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 January View from the sundeck on Orionand 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 Jacuzzi deck on Mv Orionthe 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 - Maldives diving photos

The dive sites:Fish soup - Mv Orion

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 thilais 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. Stunning corals bommies are a big feature of diving in the Maldives - Mv OrionThe 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)Grey reef sharks - Mv Orion
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 diveHawksbill turtle - Mv Orion in the Maldives
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 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
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 inveWhite tip reef shark - Mv Orionrtebrates 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.

Mv Orion - Maldives luxury liveaboard diving

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Mv Orion

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