Azalea Cruise Liveaboard

THE BOAT

Some of the world’s most spectacular marine life lives in the Maldives and that is why this dive destination is one of the most popular in the world. With so many divers dreaming of exploring these waters, there is a considerable number of liveaboards cruising this area, but only a very limited number are as modern and stylishly designed as the Azalea.

This stunning 38 metres dive boat is one of the most exclusive ones, as it caters to a maximum of 18 people only, accommodated in 9 cabins, all of them with a remarkably classy decoration, en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled AC. This luxury and spacious yacht has three main decks comprising the cabins, a comfortable and stylish TV lounge and bar, an open air lounge and a spacious indoor and outside dining area. A hot tub on the additional sun deck is the perfect relaxing spot for gests to enjoy the views.

The Azalea offers and unbeatably wide range of activities that both divers and non-divers onboard can enjoy, such as snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, water skiing, wake boards, fun tube, banana tube, fishing, sand bank trips, eco water golf, manta, dolphin and whale shark cruises and even a visit to a Maldivian resort.

The wine and dine experience is guaranteed to be an unforgettable one! The food and drink selection will delight your taste buds with the finest and most exquisite international dishes prepared by the dedicated culinary staff and a deluxe wine list is available, offering a collection of nectars full of character from around the globe. The dedicated and attentive crew will ensure you experience the best of Maldivian hospitality, making of the Azalea your home away from home, where adventure and luxury meet in harmony.

THE DIVING

An experienced team of local dive professionals will uncover the best of Maldives underwater to ensure you get to see the stunning corals and pelagics that inhabit this area, such as manta rays, whale sharks and even hammerheads! Nurse sharks, octopus, scorpion fish and turtles are also common sights during dives.

One of the main reasons why the marine life is so abundant in these waters are the often present currents rich in nutrients that feed it. This means dives can be intense and, to ensure they enjoy them, divers are required to have at least an Open Water certification and a minimum of 50 logged dives to join a regular dive trip aboard the Azalea.

Full chartering trips are also available (upon request and depending on the vessel’s availability), in which case it is possible to take it to secluded waters and have guests who are not certified divers either doing a trial dive to get a first glimpse of the underwater world or taking an actual dive course under the guidance of a dedicated dive instructor. Additionally, those already certified can choose to further their dive education by taking a PADI Advanced, Rescue or EFR course or one of the many specialty courses available, such as Deep Diver or Digital Underwater Photographer.

The Azalea provides fully serviced equipment and special gear can be arranged upon request. Nitrox is available and an underwater sea scooter and a top quality underwater camera are also on the rental list. An underwater photo and video service is available to ensure you get to take home the very best memories of your holidays.

The Azalea is tailed by a modern and spacious dive boat that makes divers’ pick-ups and dive site approaches a lot easier, guaranteeing that all dive trips are as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

WHEN TO GO

Conditions are at their best between October and May, but the diving is very good all year round, as pelagics are always present. Learn more about when to dive in the Maldives.

HOW TO GET THERE

Book your flight into Male, the country’s capital. A member of the Azalea staff will be meeting you in Male at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at 2PM on the first day of the diving safari – so, if you are arriving on this same day, you should ensure your flight lands in Male well before this time. On the last day you will be disembarking in Male at 11AM.