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Surf’s Up with Carpe Diem in the Maldives

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Surf’s Up with Carpe Diem Cruises new week-long surf and paddleboard safaris across the Maldives

Answering the rise in demand from independent surfers to explore Maldivian waves, the award-winning liveaboard Carpe Vita adds four surf safari weeks in 2019.

For the past decade, Carpe Diem Cruises in The Maldives has been offering week-long and 10-day dive safaris across the atolls on three luxury liveaboard yachts. In recent years, an increased number of private charters from Australian tour operators have brought a kite surfing and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) community into the mix, and the experience has begun to catch on.

Previously we have received individual enquiries and occasional requests from kite surfers and surfers for a safari across the atolls, which are difficult to accommodate on an isolated case-by-case scenario when the specific cruise focus is diving and snorkelling. In the last year, we’ve seen a sharp rise in requests for specific kite surfing and paddleboard safaris, showing a clear rising demand and new niche market that we are ideally positioned to cater to, with three dedicated cruise yachts designed for that specific leisure market,” explains Agnes van Linden, Assistant Managing Director of Carpe Diem Maldives.

Renowned for it’s marine life and private island resorts with white sand beaches, The Maldives has slowly been raising it’s profile as a surfers paradise and a new destination for a growing SUP community travelling to The Maldives from around the world. Due to the nature of the surf breaks visited on Carpe Diem Cruises over a week, these are suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers, whereas it’s possible for complete novice paddleboarders and kitesurfers to develop their skills on the surf safari trips.

Based on the success of the private charters with our Australian tour operators, which we will continue to work with, The Maldives is definitely on the global surfers travel radar,” adds Agnes. “The annual Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy each August has most definitely helped raised that profile, with top world-class surfers and big names visiting and participating. For now, The Maldives is still a relatively new destination for the independent surfing and paddleboard traveller who has covered all the typical destinations and seeks something new.

Carpe Diem Cruises attracts like-minded travellers with their adventure cruises, inviting guests to embrace opportunity with a seize-the-day approach to travel. The new (Kite) Surf and SUP Safaris in 2019 are allocated to four weeks in May and July on the award-winning Carpe Vita vessel. Voted in 2017 as one of the Top 10 Liveaboards in the World, the Carpe Diem Cruises surf safari weeks will cater to 12 surfers, with 10 en suite cabins. The boat also has a fully licensed bar, communal lounge area with a TV, and a Jacuzzi on the top deck.

During the new surf weeks on Carpe Vita itineraries will include morning and afternoon surfing, travelling to different surf breaks where the action is each day with our onboard Maldivian surf guide, exploring the central atolls around North and South Male. Starting and ending from the capital’s international airport island, access to the breaks will be via a separate dhoni that accompanies the main yacht throughout the trip. Priced at USD 2,555 per person, departure dates for 2019 are currently set at May 5, July 7, July 14, July 28 and each week includes:

  • 7 nights on board Carpe Vita
  • Roundtrip Airport to Yacht transfers
  • Meet and Greet at the airport
  • Welcome drinks
  • Captain, crew and support surf dhoni
  • 3 meals daily, plus between-surf snacks
  • 2-3 surfs daily
  • Reusable water bottle (also to take home)
  • Drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Unlimited use of the Jacuzzi
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Sandbank BBQ (weather permitting)
  • Anniversary and birthday cakes & amenities
  • DVD and Book Library.

Travellers looking to extend their stay in the Maldives can do so at the Carpe Diem Beach Resort & Spa in Raa Atoll with a combined cruise and stay package.

For more information, please enquire with your local travel agent or direct with Carpe Diem Maldives at info@carpediemmaldives.com.

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BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures

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dive travel

Who We Are

BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.

  • Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
  • Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
  • Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.

While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.

dive travel


What We Do

BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:

  • Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
  • Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.

Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.


What Makes Us Different

We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.

  • Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
  • Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.

dive travel


Our Mission

Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.


Find Out More

For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:

Email: marcel@behind-the-mask.com

Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225

Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips

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Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving

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socorro

Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025

Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.

Unmatched Diving in Socorro

Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.

Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie

Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.

Pricing and Availability

This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:

  • Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
  • Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person

Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.

Additional Costs:

  • Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
  • One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person

Book Now

With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.

For more information and bookings, please contact:

Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com

Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!

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