MY Manthiri is a long-established and trusted name on the Maldive Islands liveaboard scene. Although not the largest boat operating in the atoll chain, a 7.6 metre beam makes the boat stable and allows for spacious en-suite cabins, teak-panelled saloon with onboard wi-fi internet, and dive deck.
Conducting Maldives diving safaris around the best dive sites of the atolls, the Manthiri feels like a much larger boat than it is. The dhoni houses the compressors and the nitrox system, as well as all of the dive gear. The maximum of 12 guests onboard are attended to by 11 crew so high service levels can be added to the spacious feel, meaning a comfortable and uncramped experience on board. You will appreciate the warm towel that is placed around your shoulders shortly after each dive, as well as the complimentary table wine at dinner - an usual and very welcome touch for guests on these safaris.
Photographers can benefit, not only from the camera racks, tank, table, laptop, CD burner and projector, but also from the assistance of the photo professional on board. So if your idea of a great Maldives liveaboard safari is to be looked after by experienced, friendly staff on a spacious and comfortable boat without too many divers, then MY Manthiri is definitely worth considering.
Notes: Alternative itineraries may apply depending on time of year, weather conditions and other influences. July to November itineraries may include Baa and Raa atoll.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, bottled drinking water, hot drinks, juice, one glass of wine with dinner, return transfers to the boat from Male Airport, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (6 divers per guide), tanks, weights and weightbelts, Maldivian bed tax and GST.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment US$ 217 per week. Green Tax (from 1 November 2015 onwards, approx. US$ 6 per person per night), GST on all items and services purchased on board. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (approx US$ 10 per fill), torches, dive computer, dive insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
How to get there: MY Manthiri departs from Male. The last night of the cruise the boat is moored in the Male harbour. For more information see our How to Get to the Maldives section.
Non-diver rate: 20% off the published price.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of 50% of the published price.
Dive clubs and group discounts: See whole boat charter price below. Equivalent to pay for 10 guests and receive 2 extra spaces free of charge.
Enriched air nitrox - Motorised fibreglass tender - Rinse tank and separate camera rinse tank and table - 38.5mē Air-conditioned saloon and dining area with as bar, TV, DVD and music players - Book library with magazines, novels, fish ID books and games - Computer and wifi available - CD burner, photo and video editing facilities - Sun deck with mats and sun chairs.
All of the dives are made from a fully equipped 16.5m dhoni dive tender with compressors and nitrox system, so there is no need to shift scuba gear back and forth to the main boat. The dhoni has space for 14 divers and is also equipped with hot water showers and a toilet. Warm towels are issued to divers after each dive.
As with many of the crew members on MY Manthiri, the chefs have over a decade of experience on board, serving a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine to their international clientele. Dishes include fresh seafood, pasta, rice dishes, aromatic Sri Lankan specialties and international favourites. Some dishes worthy of mention are beef pie, sweet and sour fish and vegetable pakora.
Unlike other Maldive Islands liveaboards, meals are served by waitresses rather than buffet style, in keeping with the strong emphasis MY Manthiri places on service.
International and local cuisine are served, as well as a popular BBQ.
Main meals consist of pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch & dinner, with snacks in between.
A waitress serves your meals, with complimentary dinner wine.
Snacks include biscuits, ice cream, bread & toast and fruit.
Tea, coffee and drinking water are available at any time and are free of charge.
Soft drinks, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board.
All diets, including vegetarian and halaal, can be catered for with prior notice.
Guests are presented with a welcome drink and dining begins with a light brunch on the first day of the safari.
"An excellent trip with a wonderful staff and crew. We were spoiled by the ability to get out of the water and strip off our wet suits and then sit back and relax. They took care of washing out our equipment and hanging it to dry!" - Allison Tater, UK ...
All the cabins have:
The Manthiri boat crew of 11 comprise:
International and local cuisine are served, as well as a popular BBQ.
Built in 1995. restored 2003
25 passenger life raft
