MY Manthiri

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 7.6m 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, a 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 routes may apply depending on time of year, weather conditions and other influences. July to November safaris may include Baa and Raa atolls.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, bottled drinking water, hot drinks, juice, 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 GST.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment US$ 252 per week, Green Tax (US$ 6 per person per night) to be paid in advance, 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$ 23 per dive), torches, dive computer and insurance. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there: The M/Y Manthiri liveaboard departs from Male City. 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: None.

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 2 additional persons can join the cruise in a cabin free of charge (total 12 guests).

Whole boat charter rate (per night): 7 nights - US$ 3,971, 9 nights - US$ 3,927, 10 nights - US$ 3,750.

Manthiri has 6 cabins on the lower deck with private en-suite bathrooms - 4 Twin bed cabins and 2 Double bed cabins. The cabins are serviced daily.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 7 / 7 - hot water

The crew comprises: 2 x 6 metre motorised dinghies - Camera table, with air-stream facility and separate rinse tank - Dive platform and kit up area - Upper deck air-conditioned saloon with plasma TV, video player and music system - Main deck air conditioned restaurant with bar - Sundecks with mattresses and Cocktail deck with jacuzzi

Diving is conducted from the 2 attendant dive tenders. The experience of the designers has been put to great use on the dive deck, with excellent use of space, and the facilities afforded to the guests onboard Monsoon are second to none.

Manthiri has advanced/technical diver facilities with full gas blending onboard, including a Haskel pump for boosting pressure. Enriched air nitrox, O2 and trimix are all available; and for those with rebreathers there are cylinders required for inspiration units as well as pony bottles.

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 a waiter rather than buffet style, in keeping with the strong emphasis the 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 waiter serves your meals.
• 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.

Customer reviews:

"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, 11 January 2012 ...