Duke of York
Duke of York is a stylish yet cosy diving yacht with a spa, three huge sundecks, kayaks and free nitrox for certified divers.Â
This is one of the best liveaboards for beginners thanks to the fact that it’s “Central Maldives” routes require guests only to have open water certification and no extra logged dives.
However, guests will need to have confidence drift diving and may need to sit out on some dives. But you can hire a private dive guide and complete scuba courses during your trip!
Great for: Central Routes, South & Deep South Routes, Beginners, Spa, Kayaks, Free Nitrox.
Trip Lengths: 7 Nights.Â
Max Guest Capacity: 24
Operates:Â All Year except June
Routes:
CENTRAL MALDIVES”: Explore either: Ari & Rasdhoo atolls OR Vaavu & Maluku atolls – best route selected based on weather. Both routes include a trip to Male on the last day.Â
The central region has some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives and is great for spotting turtles, reef sharks, whale sharks and manta rays!
7 Nights. Guests require their Open Water Cert + No Extra Logged Dives.
“EXTREME SOUTH: Two nights in Laamu atoll (south Maldives), before journeying down to Huvadhu (aka Suvadiva) atoll in the deep south.Â
In the deep south, large pelagics abound including mola mola, marlin, reef sharks, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks!Â
7 Nights. Guests require Open Water Cert & 30+ Logged Dives.Â
Duke of York Review:
On all trips, there are welcome cocktails, land excursions and a beach bbq under an incredible starlit sky. Guests can help themselves to the snorkelling and fishing gear as well as the onboard kayaks.Â
At the spa, guests can enjoy massages, whilst the three massive sundecks are a great area to simply kick back and unwind.Â
The “Central Maldives” route is one of the very few Maldives liveaboard trips that does not require guests to have any extra logged dives besides their open water cert.Â
That said, guests should be confident drift diving and may need to sit out some of the more challenging drift and deep dives.
However, for an extra charge you can hire a a private dive guide or complete scuba diving courses. Free nitrox is available to certified divers!
The restaurant is located on the main deck and here guests can enjoy a buffet of mouth watering Italian and Maldivian cuisine.Â
Guests can also head inside to the large indoor salon which features a Video & Audio entertainment system as well as a stylish bar.Â
Every cabin features individual climate control and an ensuite bathroom. The main and upper deck cabins feature large wall panel windows that offer stunning views.Â
Duke of York doesn’t have as many extra activities or onboard amenities as Azalea, or ScubaSpa Yang …nor Ocean’s Divine. However, it is a little more affordable than other luxury options.Â
All things considered, this is a great luxury liveaboard especially for less experienced divers; the fact that the itineraries are carefully orientated around weather conditions also ensures guests get to experience dive sites at their very best.
Duke of York is also the best liveaboard for exploring Huvadhu atoll (the second largest atoll in the world) as it spends 5 nights there, longer than any other liveaboard!Â
Anne M from France said:
“Very good diving around Fuvamullah and Addu atolls in channels. The food on board is mainly European style and is very very good. Cabins are very comfortable. Local dive guides were great. The Italian dive leader is very friendly and professional”.
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