Maldives competition winner Helen Macnee recently returned from the liveaboard trip of a lifetime.
Helen beams "I had a wonderful experience throughout. blue o two were very flexible arranging my flights from Thailand to Maldives and overnight hotel accommodation, given my late arrival on Male the day before the liveaboard started."
I therefore joined the boat well rested after my travels and enjoyed the first afternoon check out dive with my new dive buddies. From there on, we had 3 fun dives a day - all excellent. Being a dive centre owner myself, it was wonderful not to have to worry about filling tanks or choosing dive sites to suit the conditions - this was all done perfectly by the boat staff. We saw a wide diversity of marine life including ornate ghost pipefish, turtles, reef sharks & spawning sea cucumbers! My favourite dives included those on which we spotted manta rays. Most days Duxy from Underwater Cameras gave a lecture on different photography techniques. He adapted his sessions to accomodate the group's mixed experience levels. I think everyone on the trip learnt something useful!
We also had a few opportunities to get off the boat. Although the liveaboard's lounge, dining area, sun decks & cabins were all very spacious, it was nice to be able to explore a little on dry land! One evening, we enjoyed a candlelit dinner on an undeveloped island beach. One afternoon, we had the chance to do a little souvenir shopping on another island. Then on the last day, we spent a few hours on the capital island with a tour guide visiting the markets & mosques.
I'd like to thank blue o two and all the staff on M/V Carpe Diem for a very relaxing diving holiday!