Maldives Group Trip | Scuba Center | M/Y Duke of York
Scuba Center has been selling quality scuba diving and snorkeling equipment since 1973. You will find a wide selection of scuba and snorkeling equipment at both our Eagan, Minnesota and Minneapolis, Minnesota locations. Scuba Center Eagan
1571 Century Point
Eagan, Minnesota 55121
(651) 681-8434		 Scuba Center Minneapolis
5015 Penn Ave South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419
(612) 925-4818

Maldives: Feb 12-23, 2025 *
* Does not include travel days
 
Luxury Yacht MaldivesThe Republic of Maldives lies in the Indian Ocean 417 miles southwest of Sri Lanka. The islands are 475 miles from North to south along the 73rd eastern longitude, and 80 miles spreading east to west. Spread across a vast area with a land area of 111 square miles. The percentage of land in this island nation is 0.33%. These islands offer wonderful diving for a number of reasons. The reefs are teeming with tropical fish because the locals traditionally do not fish the reefs. The natural channels that cut through the beautiful atolls provide electric dive sites due to the flow of water attracting schooling pelagic species like mantas, whale sharks, and so many more! Additionally, the Maldives are an isolated island chain far from the pollution and runoff that negatively affects many other dive areas.
 
For this trip, we’re heading to the much less-visited far south. The southern atolls are only accessible in the first few months of the year due to weather conditions. Unique experiences on this itinerary are aplenty! You’ll await the call of the whale sharks as they feed on plankton attracted to the lights of the liveaboard. You’ll visit the notorious Tiger Zoo! Not to be confused with an actual zoo, Tiger zoo is the name of a dive site where roughly 100 individual tiger sharks are regularly spotted. That’s not all! Silver tips, White tips, Grey reef, and Black tip sharks are also regularly spotted. On occasion, you’ll get a visit from thresher, hammerhead, spinner, oceanic white tip, indian lemon, indian nurse, mako, and bull sharks as well! You’ll visit the most immaculate, picture-perfect deserted islands. This southern itinerary will also give you the opportunity to encounter a scarcely known population of oceanic mantas - the gentle giants of the sea! Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the far reaches of the Maldives!
 
Bandos Maldives | North Male Atoll | Republic of MaldivesIn the middle of the Indian Ocean sits the island of Bandos. A picture perfect paradise hidden away from life's everyday stresses. Encircled by crystal clear turquoise waters and vast stretches of pristine white beaches, Bandos Maldives is conveniently located merely 7km from Velana International Airport. With 220 rooms spread across 8 categories, Bandos continues to craft unforgettable experiences upholding its commitment to being "the island of hospitality".
 
Garden Villas | Bandos Maldives | Scuba Center Dive TravelGarden Villas:
Conveniently located within reach of the swimming pool and clubhouse, the Garden Villas are a blissful marriage of traditional Maldivian style architecture and all the comfort and luxury of a contemporary island resort. The decorated wooden chalets offer extensive secluded outdoor decking area, ensconced within their beautiful manicured gardens.
Deluxe Beachfront Rooms | Bandos MaldivesDeluxe Beachfront Rooms:
Spacious and inviting with several amenities at your disposal. Both living and bedroom areas are topped off by uniquely thatched high ceilings and parquet flooring. With the possibility for interconnecting rooms, these rooms are ideal for families with children, due to the spacious layout.
M/Y DUKE OF YORK | Maldives Luxury YachtThe M/Y DUKE OF YORK was built and launched in the Maldives in 2010. Thanks to high design standards, combining the skills of local naval architects and engineers and quality standards, this yacht is the ideal solution for a fantastic sea adventure in the Maldives that is also a holiday dedicated to wellness and relaxation in a comfortable environment. The 36-meters long and 11-meters wide DUKE OF YORK boasts 4 levels with indoor parquet flooring and teak on the main deck, is accompanied by a comfortable DHONI used for diving, snorkeling, fishing, marine activities and to land on sand banks/desert islands.
 
M/Y DUKE OF YORK Maldives outdoor dining area | Scuba Center Group Dive Trip.The very spacious outdoor dining area (aft of first deck) is furnished with tables and chairs made of quality wood and can easily accommodate 24 guests. The area is wholly shaded and can be covered to allow outdoor dining even in case of rain. Meals are served as buffets and menu include dishes from the International, Italian and Maldivian cuisine, mainly prepared with fresh fish, although our chefs are always ready to satisfy any of our guests specific needs. The large air-conditioned indoor saloon of the Duke of York has a bar offering a wide choice of soft drinks and spirits and 2 comfortable sofas, which become a meeting and relaxing place for those wishing to listen to music, watch a movie or read a book. Occasionally, for special evenings, thanks to its Dolby Surround TV-Stereo system the saloon even turns into a dancefloor. Recharging area for cameras -220v electricity.
 
Includes: M/Y DUKE OF YORK | MaldivesM/Y Duke of York | Scuba Center Maldives Group Dive Trip

  • 2 nights accommodation at Bandos Maldives

  • 9 nights accommodation aboard Duke of York Liveaboard

  • All meals, snacks, coffee, tea

  • Boat dives

  • Tanks and weights

  • Free Nitrox if certified

  • Roundtrip airport transfers

  • 16% GST tax

  • Boat service charge

  • Domestic flight from Male to Koodoo (Flight cost subject to change until ticketed)

  • Domestic flight from Addu to Male (Flight cost subject to change until ticketed)
Not included in the package:

  • Round trip air from Minneapolis (Air to be announced)

  • $6.00 per person per day green tax (payable on boat)

  • $28.00 per person (overnight in Fuvahmulah port)

  • $30.00 per dive for diving the Tiger Zoo

  • Side trip to be announced

  • Diving equipment, dive courses

  • Incidental charges: Individual group members will be responsible for their own charges including but not limited to beverages and bar bill, telephone, internet usage, sightseeing, equipment rental of any sort, gratuities and any other items of a personal nature.
Please note the following:

  • Scuba certification card required for each diver.

  • Dive Medical Insurance is required.

  • We recommend all divers purchase DAN membership

  • A passport is required for travel.
Dates: Feb 12-23, 2025*
Trip Cost: (double occupancy)
Garden Villa @ Bandos + Duke of York Liveaboard: $5125
Deluxe Beachfront @ Bandos + Duke of York Liveaboard: $5245

**All rates quoted by Scuba Center include a 2% discount for cash/check payments.

 
Registration: An application for this trip must be completed by each traveler at the time of registration. You may pick up a trip application at either store or print out our Scuba Center Trip Application. Complete the application and fax, mail or drop off in person with a $2500 non-refundable deposit per person.
For more information, contact our Travel Department.

DAN Membership & Diving Insurance

Click here for a sample packing checklist