Republic of the Maldives N CARPE NOVO EXPLORER Trip Preparation Information Below is valuable information which will help make your dive trip more enjoyable. If there are questions not covered below, please contact Explorer Ventures. Photographs and vessel layouts are available online at www.explorerventures.com THE VESSEL highs in the high 80s and low 90s. There are two distinct but mild n Up to 22 guests monsoon seasons in this equatorial country and each is named after n 12 air-conditioned rooms with the prevailing wind direction during that time of year. The northeast private bath & showers monsoon runs from December to April and brings relatively n 220 V outlets in staterooms/110 V outlet in consistent, fair weather, but also often brings significant currents. bathroom The southeast monsoon from May through October brings a bit n Universal electrical plug outlets more wind and occasional rain (usually short-lived), but generally not as much current. The M/V Carpe Novo Explorer comfortably accommodates up to The vessel’s itineraries are designed to take advantage of the 22 passengers in 12 double/single staterooms, all of which have changing conditions and to take divers to the best diving areas for private bathroom facilities and air conditioning. 10 staterooms the different seasons. Depending on the time of year and weather, can be configured to accommodate a couple, two singles or single currents can be from moderate to very strong and itineraries often occupancy while 2 are for single occupancy. The staterooms are include channel diving. The visibility is usually at its peak in located on three of the vessel’s four decks. The topmost deck December and January — sometimes well over 100 feet (30 meters)! is the sun deck which offers both shaded and full-sun areas for Mantas can be seen throughout the year with the best feeding-station relaxation. The upper deck includes the al-fresco dining area, the encounters typically during the May to November timeframe. Whale bar, staterooms 1 - 4, a small lounge area and the bridge. sharks are also seen most every month of the year, with the highest

concentration seen in the monsoon transition months of April, May, The large main deck contains the air-conditioned lounge and leisure October and November. The water temperatures remain a toasty area, TV viewing area with DVD/CD music system, forward 80-85º F (27-29˚C) throughout the year. Most divers are comfortable outdoor seating area, common restroom, staterooms 5 & 6, galley, a with a 3mm wetsuit. dedicated camera room with charging station and tables. There are two sets of stairs accessing the swim platform where one in-water ladder hang for easy access to and from the water for a refreshing DIVING LOGISTICS swim when the vessel is at anchor. Staterooms 7-12 are located on n Up to 3 dives offered daily the lower deck, accessed via stairs from the main deck. (weather and itinerary permitting) n All diving is done from the large dhoni The Carpe Novo Explorer is also equipped with a wireless rounter n Drift diving is the norm providing internet connection (additional charges apply). Cellular phone and internet access is available when in proximity to some of All of the dives aboard the Carpe Novo Explorer are offered at the islands if your phone is so equipped. Internet cards and cellular scheduled times, up to 3 times daily including 1-2 night dives per phone cards are available for purchase at the airport. The Carpe charter. This is to allow adequate surface intervals, provide the Novo Explorer has two computers for guest use as well as USB option for guided dives on as many sites as possible, and to allow connections for a personal computer. The vessel’s location does the vessel to travel on a schedule to different locations. Please note determine reliability of access to the internet. that Maldivian regulations limit the maximum depth for all dives to 100 feet (30 meters). Given the prevalence of drift diving in the HD media players along with a small selection of movies and music area (reef hooks are very useful at certain dive sites), your dives are available for guest use in each stateroom. will be done from a large custom-built diving dhoni (tender). This is no ordinary tender! The dhoni is 60 feet long and has ample space DIVING CONDITIONS for all divers, cameras and gear. There are individual gear bins for n Water temps average 80-85˚F (27-29˚C) each diver, separate camera and wetsuit rinse tanks and a bathroom n Visibility 50-100+ feet (15-30+ meters) with toilet and hot water shower plus two fresh water showers on n Water entry from a large custom the dive platform. Both the air and nitrox compressors are on the dhoni (dedicated tender) dhoni as well. On one of the evenings of the trip, a barbeque on a The weather in the Maldives is tropically pleasant with a year-round deserted beach is offered (weather and itinerary permitting). The sea breeze. Air temperatures range from lows around 78˚F (26˚C) to crew prepares a remarkable feast for this very special evening, and N Carpe Novo Explorer if you’re lucky, may entertain you with some traditional song and n Hairdryers are available on board drum playing. n Note prohibited items

MINIMUM AGE RESTRICTIONS If your trip requires a commuter flight in the Maldives, please note n Under the age of 15 must dive with that the baggage allowance is 25 kg (55 pounds) per passenger. The parent/guardian excess charge is MVR 12.00/per kg + tax (approx. $0.36/pound) and is subject to change. The minimum certifiable age for divers is 10 for most scuba Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land- certification agencies; normally, the agencies restrict 10- and based vacation. Dress aboard the vessel is very casual. The climate 11-year-olds to a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Carpe doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts and swimsuits. Novo Explorer therefore allows children as young as 10 years to Please bring at least one set of more modest clothing for visiting participate in our trips, with the following restrictions: the town of Male. In town, local custom dictates that the body be 1. All children under the age of 15 must travel and dive with covered from at least the shoulders to the knees, with short sleeves their parent or guardian, unless undergoing active training being preferable to sleeveless tops. with an instructor. 2. Our itineraries offer very few diving opportunities at Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space depths less than 40 feet (12 meters); diving opportunities when empty. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a visor or hat is strongly for 10- and 11-year-olds will be significantly less than recommended. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency those for older divers. For this reason, a minimum age toward seasickness, come prepared with motion-sickness of 12 for divers is strongly suggested. medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs and DVDs. SAFETY STANDARDS To ensure your safety, the Carpe Novo Explorer requires the All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, following of all divers: and dive towels) are provided on board. Soaps and shampoo are 1. All divers must be certified as openwater scuba divers by an provided and hairdryers are available on board. internationally recognized certification organization. 2. All divers should have logged at least 1 dive within the 12 If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, certification months prior to boarding the vessel, or are encouraged to and dive insurance cards, swimsuit, change of clothes and necessary participate in a refresher course on board. medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these items 3. All divers must adhere to the buddy system. will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable. 4. All divers must log in and out of the water with a member of the diving staff. There is a long list of items which are prohibited in the Maldives. 5. All divers must have a submersible console including SPG and This includes but is not limited to firearms, narcotics, alcohol depth gauge, timepiece or dive computer with these functions. (including for personal consumption), pornography, pork products 6. On night dives, a cyalume lightstick or marker beacon must be and religious idols (except for personal use). Bags are routinely worn by each diver. searched by customs agents upon arrival. 7. By local regulations, decompression and solo diving is not allowed under any conditions. EQUIPMENT LIST The maximum allowed depth is 100 feet (30 meters). n Bring your application/liability release forms 8. Diving activities must cease when the consumption of alcohol n Certification card begins. n Rental equipment is available on board 9. Please note that due to a combination of staff and equipment (please indicate need on application) logistics, insurance requirements and local diving regulations, neither rebreathers nor diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) may n DAN or other dive accident insurance card be used aboard Explorer Ventures Fleet vessels. 10. DAN (Diver’s Alert Network) membership and dive accident The vessel provides tanks, hard weights and weight belts for your insurance or equivalent is required. If you arrive without proof use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we of a policy, you’ll be required to purchase a short-term policy have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your (which has very limited coverage) valid for the duration of application form what equipment you will require. Otherwise, the your stay in the Maldives for US$20-$30 (subject to change). following items are the diver’s responsibility: • Certification card & proof of DAN dive accident insurance • Diving log book and dive computer manual (strongly WHAT TO BRING encouraged) n Note weight restrictions • Mask * n Soft luggage for easy storage • Snorkel * n Very casual attire, special attire for visiting Male • Fins * n All linens, soaps and shampoo are supplied N Carpe Novo Explorer

• Booties (if you wear them) discretion. • Buoyancy Control Device (required) * • Regulator w/alternate air source * Days aboard Carpe Novo Explorer generally involve a cold • Submersible pressure and depth gauges (required)* breakfast at 6:00 am followed by a first morning dive, full breakfast, • Underwater time piece (required) second morning dive, lunch around 12:00 pm, one afternoon dive • Dive light * with a snack in between and dinner around 6:30 pm (18:30). On the • Tank Marker Lights (required for night dives) day or days when night dives are offered, dinner is typically around • Shorty Wetsuit – 3 mm to 5 mm * 8:00 pm (20:00). • Repair kit w/ spare parts • Safety sausage Fishing is available aboard the Carpe Novo Explorer. Check with • Reef hook * the crew when arriving for specific information. * Available for rent on board 10/11-night Itinerary – Year Round: ARRIVAL n Passport required Far North Itineraires - Possible atolls include: North n Valid return airline ticket Male, Lhaviyani, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, Noonu, Raa, Baa, n 30-day free tourist visa issued at airport Rasdhoo, Ari, Vaavu and South Male. n Arrival the day before is encouraged This unique routing starts and ends in Male, making domestic n Transfer costs are included flights unnecessary. The 11-night itinerary will go as far north as n Arrangements are made to pick you up Haa Dhaalu while on the 10-night itinerary, the most northern atoll n On itineraries beginning in Male, meet at the visited will be Raa. Although Carpe Novo Explorer’s sister ships, airport information counter at 2:30 pm for a Carpe Vita Explorer and Carpe Diem, have visited many of these transfer by dhoni sites and therefore know them well, there will also be some exciting exploration of new sites during these trips as well. These trips are The airport code for the international airport in the Maldives is designed to take guests away from other boat traffic. This will mean MLE. Please note that a passport is required of all visitors arriving we will likely be the only boat on most of the dive sites the further in the Maldives. A valid return or onward airline ticket is also north we go. The North is characterized by beautiful reef formations required. All visitors to the Maldives are issued a free 30-day and an abundance of fish life. These trips will have some great visa. Americans, Canadians and most other countries’ citizens do shark life as well as manta cleaning station sites and an exciting site not need an advance visa. If in doubt, please contact the nearest with friendly green turtles. By visiting Ari atoll and Vaavu atoll at consulate. We encourage you to arrive at least a day early so you the end of the itinerary, guests will still have a chance to see whale have a “cushion” if there are flight or luggage delays, and so that sharks and take part in the ‘famous’ manta and nurse shark night you arrive aboard refreshed. dives – however, more boat traffic should be expected here. Please note that due to the additional distance covered, there will be an Airport transfers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation are additional fuel surcharge. included in your package. Please meet at the airport information counter at 2:30 pm for a transfer by dhoni to the Carpe Novo Central/Southern Itineraries - Possible atolls Explorer. All guests arriving on embarkation day will be met at the include: North Male, South Male, South Ari, Meemu, Thaa, airport by a representative. If you are arriving early, arrangements Vaavu and South Male. can be made for you to spend time at a local hotel for a small fee. Starting and ending in Male, this routing is great for those who You can also walk around Male or wait at the airport until pickup. want exhilarating channel diving without the extended travel and The dhoni ride from the airport to the vessel is about 15 minutes. domestic flight required for our deep south trips. This 10-night itinerary will WOW guests from the beginning with a visit to South IF YOU ARE DELAYED Ari in hopes of encountering whale sharks and mantas. The further n Call 1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada) south this itinerary takes guests, the bigger variety of sharks can be or +960.795.0883 (local cell) expected. You’ll find channel diving at Meemu, Thaa and Vaavu – with currents that typically bring in the sharks. The diving at these If you miss any of your flights and are not able to make it to the atolls can be challenging but the reward for experienced divers is Carpe Novo Explorer on schedule, please call the USA booking great. Sharks are not the only thing you’ll find on this itinerary; office at 1.800.322.3577 or the local contact’s cell +960.795.0883. these southern atolls are also known for fish life and beautiful soft Notify the crew of your updated arrival time should you have that corals. You might even catch a glimpse of a hammerhead at Thaa information, and where you may be reached in the meantime. Atoll!

SAMPLE ITINERARIES 7-night Itinerary – Year Round: Please note also that these itineraries are examples only, and Central/Southern Itineraries - Possible atolls will change depending on weather and logistics at the Captain’s include: North Male, Ari, Vaavu and South Male N Carpe Novo Explorer

Carpe Novo Explorer’s 7-night trips, starting and ending in Male, mola (sunfish) is also spotted often here. On a dive on the famous are concentrated on Ari Atoll with an extension to the South. As on British Loyalty wreck in Addu, guests will have the opportunity to the Far north itinerary, this 7-night adventure includes visits to Ari see the gigantic Ocean Mantas. Finally, Huvadhool’s unspoiled hard and Vaavu atolls where guests will have an opportunity see whale coral reefs and schools of fish and big tuna, cap off the excitement of sharks and take part in the ‘famous’ manta and nurse shark night this itinerary. The currents of Fuvahmulah atoll can be quite strong, dives – however, more boat traffic should be expected here. Vaavu therefore this trip is recommended for experienced divers only. is also known for channel diving and the chance to see lots of sharks. Itinerary 3: These dives are for experienced divers who enjoy currents, which, of Huvadhoo to Foammulah – Whale shark by night course, bring the pelagic activity! trip! (7-night) A unique opportunity presented itself when fisherman in the 7-night and 10/11-night Specialty Itineraries: southern atolls of the Maldives discovered whale sharks hanging out behind their boats at night to feed on the plankton that gathers in Deep South Shark Itineraries the bright lights of their boats. Since the whale sharks were not very The Carpe Novo Explorer will be joining her sister ships in offering helpful to the fisherman, they alerted dive operators who, of course, special routings to the Deep South where guests will get away from found it to be a huge attraction for their divers. In this setting, the crowd and find something quite different from the normal Ari divers and non divers, alike, are given a unique chance to dive or Atoll routings. This is of special interest to repeat clients who have snorkel up close with the whale sharks while they feed, apparently already experienced our regular central/northern/southern itineraries. undaunted by the people surrounding them. On the normal Deep These routings will take place during peak high season (February/ South trips, typically only one night is dedicated to attempting March/April) when the currents are at their strongest and visibility at this and, as we all know, mother nature can be stubborn at times, its best. This is the perfect itinerary on which to enjoy the abundance meaning the whale sharks do not always show up. That’s why we of sharks the Maldives has to offer. Because these routings involve have decided to place Carpe Novo Explorer in Huvadhoo the whole a lot of traveling, there will be a fuel surcharge and there will be the month of May, 2016 – to try almost every night to snorkel and swim necessity for a domestic flight, either at the beginning of the trip or with and identify as many whale sharks as possibile. at the end. Itinerary 1: We are pleased to announce that the Maldives Whale Shark Research Male to Addu or Addu to Male (10/11-night) Team will be joining in this effort and will be onboard to perform Possible atolls include: South Male, South Ari (on 11 night small workshops and assist with the identification. In addition to trip), Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah and this nightly happening, 2 day dives will be organized, depending on the activity during the night. Weather permitting; we will also visit Addu. Foammulah in hopes of seeing the tiger and thresher sharks! Our unique 10 night trip will be starting from Male and ending all the way past the equator in Addu or starting in Addu and ending in Male. On the 11 night trips South Ari atoll will be added. Guests MEALS will require a domestic flight back from Gan to Male for the trips n Please list on the application form any dietary ending in Addu or from Male to Gan for trips starting in Addu. The needs you have routing is suitable for experienced divers only due to the currents and number of channel dives involved. The routing is focused on Aboard the Carpe Novo Explorer evening meals and lunches usually seeing lots of sharks including possible thresher and tiger sharks, consist of vegetables, rice, pasta, soup, chicken, beef or fish with hammerheads, whale sharks and mantas plus the possibility of occasional local specialties offered as additional options. Breakfast seeing the rare Mola molas (sunfish). Visit our website for more is the usual fare of eggs, beef bacon, pancakes, French toast, details and an itinerary map. potatoes, cereal and fruits. Itinerary 2: Addu to Huvadhoo or Huvadhoo to Addu (7-night) If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate them Possible atolls include: Addu, Fuvahmulah and Huvadhoo. on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, These trips require two domestic flights. For the trip beginning dressings and foods are often unavailable in the Maldives and that in Addu and ending in Huvadhoo, the first flight is from Male to it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat, gluten-free or soy the airport of Gan (Addu) at the beginning of the trip and another products, fresh fruit, shellfish and other items common elsewhere. one from the airport of Kadhedhoo (Huvadhoo) back to Male at Pork and pork products are not served aboard. While we will do our the end of the trip. For the trip beginning in Huvadhoo and ending best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider in Huvadhoo, the first flight will be from Male to the airport of bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a Kooddoo (Huvadhoo) and the flight out will be from from the health risk. airport of Gan (Addu) back to Male. Several things make this trip special. First, there will be very little traffic (boats) and most of the Drip coffee, tea and water are included. All beer, wine, soda, area is unspoiled. In addition, guests will have the rare possibility in specialty coffees, freshly made juices or any hard liquor will be Fuvahmulah, known for an abundance of sharks, to see thresher and added to your onboard bill. tiger sharks not commonly seen in other areas. Plus, the rare Mola N Carpe Novo Explorer CURRENCY n Internet access is available aboard n US dollars are widely accepted n Most major credit cards are accepted The local agent for Carpe Novo Explorer can be reached from North America via phone at +1 960.795.0883, and will be able to contact the vessel. Cellular phone and internet access is available when In the Maldives, US dollars (cash) and credit cards are widely in proximity to some of the islands if your phone is so equipped. accepted, as are Euros, although change may be given in the local Internet cards/access and cellular phone cards are available for currency, the Rufiyaa. Be aware that obtaining foreign currency purchase at the airport. Wireless router providing internet connection in the Maldives is very difficult, although currency exchange is ia available on the vessel for a fee. The connection is based on 3G available at banks in Male and at the airport. Only 2004 or newer network and is good for basic emails but not fast enough for large US dollars and Euros with no tears, rips or any markings will be downloads. Currently, the cost is USD $15+GST per person for accepted at banks, money exchangers and onboard. 7 night trip and USD $25+GST per person for 10 night trip. The vessel’s location does determine reliability of access to the internet. DEPARTURE The Carpe Novo Explorer arrives at its final destination port on the CREW GRATUITIES afternoon of the day prior to disembarkation. An optional visit to the Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew works city of Male is offered on the final afternoon for itineraries ending very hard, 7 days a week and many weeks at a stretch to provide the near Male. Passengers spend the final night and have disembarkation best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew day breakfast on board. There will be sufficient time to catch a gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service commercial flight out at any time on the day of disembarkation. The which you have received) is between 10% and 15% of the package dhoni will take you and your luggage to the airport after breakfast price per passenger. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! (or earlier if you have an early flight). If you have a flight late in the afternoon or in the evening, the airport hotel offers luggage storage and pool/beach/shower use for the day for a fee. If you’ll be staying PACKAGES INCLUDE at one of the outlying resorts after the charter, the dhoni will take • 7 nights/8 days or 10 nights/11 days aboard vessel you back to the airport so you may meet your resort’s transfer boat. • 3 meals daily, plus snacks Please note that international airport check-in begins 2 hours prior to • Up to 3 dives daily (weather and itinerary permitting) departure and ends 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time. • Use of tanks(11.5L/80CF or 13.5L/100CF) with DIN & YOKE compatibilities ONBOARD CHARGES • Air fills, weights and belts n Major credit cards are accepted on board • Airport transfers on the days of embarkation/ disembarkation n Traveler’s or personal checks are not • Maldivian GST (General Service Tax)

Though all meals, some beverages, transportation between islands and much more has been taken care of with your trip payment, PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE there are additional items which you may charge to your onboard • Rental, instruction and retail charges bill. These include retail items, scuba instruction, rentals, nitrox, • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, fresh juices Government Green Tax, fuel surcharge (when applicable) and crew • Crew gratuities gratuities. • Dive accident insurance (required) • Trip cancellation & dive insurance (recommended) Your bill may be paid at the end of the trip using Visa, Mastercard, • Government Green Tax American Express or cash (US dollars or euros). Personal or • Fuel surcharge (when applicable) traveler’s checks are not accepted on board, and we are unable to • Hanifaru Snorkeling Permit (when applicable) provide cash for credit card charges more than invoice amounts. All prices are subject to change. Please call us if you have any questions. COMMUNICATIONS n Vital messages may be passed to guest by Vessel is locally owned & operated. calling the booking office at 1.800.322.3577 Have a wonderful trip aboard the Carpe Novo Explorer! Explorer Ventures Updated September 2015 v2 1.800.322.3577 • +307.235.0683 • FAX 307.235.0686 [email protected] • www.explorerventures.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 310, Mills, WY 82644 USA • Physical address: 3211 Energy Lane, Ste. 201, Casper, WY 82604 USA