MALDIVES • FEBRUARY 4-15, 2025

There is so much to love about the Maldives. The big animal underwater encounters are insane. The flat, turquoise waters within the atolls are straight out of a magazine. And the ability to chill on a private yacht while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean is truly something special. Simply put, Maldives is magical. 2025 marks the 9th and 10th time Seasick has chartered the Blue Force One. The boat is spacious, the service is great, and the crew is managed by a team of professionals to ensure everything goes smoothly and divers are safe. The custom route and number of days is different than the dive industry’s typical offerings. How so? Well to start, in 2018 months were spent interviewing numerous potential companies for this unparalleled charter. See, most liveaboards in the Maldives only offer one-week charters. As one can imagine, a week (five and a half days of diving) isn't nearly enough time after literally traveling around the world. The solution: select one of the top vessels in the Maldives and reserve it for THREE WEEKS STRAIGHT! Yep. Twenty-one days in a row which have been divided into two separate trips with special itineraries, January 25 - February 4 (10 nights) and February 4-15 (11 nights). The result: a super sick luxury vessel, two custom length dive trips, and the ability to produce a vacation package that is completely unique. Still not convinced? Well, what if this route was only conducted once per year, has never been offered as a twelve-day trip (sans the Seasick 2024 Deep South charter), and covers not only the “Best of Maldives” (mantas by day, mantas by night, sharks, rays, eels, turtles and large schools of fish) in the Central Atolls, but concludes in the Deep South where dedicated tiger shark dives and night whale shark dives are on the agenda.

This ain’t hype, just speakin’ the truth.

MALDIVES

The Maldives is located at the equator in the Indian Ocean, approximately 300 miles southwest of India. The Maldives is comprised of more than 99% sea and less than 1% of land (crazy) and is made up of 26 natural ring-like atolls. Each atoll literally spans miles across with a coral reef encircling a lagoon and deep channels dividing the reef ring. As if that wasn’t cool enough, there could be 10, 20 or even 50 islands within each atoll (pictured below). Confused? The photo illustrates islands within the atoll, not the atoll itself.

Continent: Asia (South Asia) • Capital Island: Malé • Total Islands: 1,192 • Inhabited Islands: 290 • Resort islands: 90 • Atolls: 26 • Highest Elevation: 7'10" • Average Elevation: 4'11" • Population: 560,000 • Time: UTC+5 • Industries: Tourism and Fishing • Electricity: 240V • Currency: Rufiyaa (USD 1 = MRF 15.44) • Official Language: Dhivehi • Religion: Sunni Islam • Working Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm, Sun-Thu

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Because the country straddles the equator, the Maldives is obviously tropical, with temperatures around 75-91°F year-round. Maldives has two distinct seasons: dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon). The dry season extends from December to April. The wet season is from May to November. January, February and March are the driest months in the Maldives and are often considered the best 90 diving days of the year.

February Averages - High Temp: 88°F • Low Temp: 80°F • Sea Water Temp: 83°F • Daylight Hours: 12 • Sunshine Hours: 9 • Rainy Days: 3 • Monthly Precipitation: 2 in

BLUE FORCE ONE

The Blue Force One was awarded the Best Built Liveaboard in 2014 by the Liveaboard Association of Maldives. It then received the honor of Best Liveaboard Yacht in 2018 by the Maldives Boating Awards. This stunning luxury cruiser is in a class of its own. Its beautiful design and special attention to detail ensures quality and luxurious comfort for all guests. The Blue Force One is designed to meet and exceed the high expectations of even the most experienced traveler or anyone visiting the Maldives looking for a journey of a lifetime on an exclusive ship.

This unique 138' long wooden vessel boasts twelve cabins and can accommodate up to 24 guests. With sleeping accommodations on three different decks, the ship is incredibly spacious. Choose from a Master Suite, Junior Suite, Master Cabin or a Deluxe Cabin. Each suite and cabin have individually controlled air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is no shortage of relaxation space aboard the Blue Force One. Guests can chill in or around the Jacuzzi, three sun decks, upper deck bar, or living room. Guests are also welcome to take out stand-up paddle boards and kayaks in their free time.

As if the 138' mothership wasn't enough, the Blue Force One has a separate 75' diving Dhoni (a multi-purpose motorboat). All diving is conducted aboard the Dhoni which houses the compressors and dive gear. That means much more space aboard the Blue Force One because the back deck isn’t dedicated to dive stations and dive equipment. It also means less noise as tanks are being filled on a completely different boat. Diving at its finest.

Blue Force One - Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2013 • Length: 138' (42m) • Beam: 36' (11m) • Cruising speed: 9 knots • Number of passengers: 24 • Water Desalination Plants: 2 • Generators: 2

Dhoni - Year Built: 2020 • Length: 75' (23m) • Beam: 23' (7m) • Cruising speed: fast enough • Number of passengers: 24 • Compressors: 3 • Membrane Nitrox System: 2 • Head: Yes • Shower: Yes

ACCOMMODATIONS: Total 12 suites/cabins. 2 Master Suites, 2 Junior Suites, 1 Master Cabin, 7 Deluxe Cabins. Double and/or Twin beds. All suites/cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning with gorgeous interiors and trendy fittings, en-suite bathrooms with fresh hot and cold water, hair dryer, remote control for lights, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

FACILITIES: Sundeck Jacuzzi. 3 solariums with sunbeds and mattresses (located on the bow, stern and the sundeck). Bar on the upper deck. Living room with sofas and a 65" TV with in-house channels, satellite navigation and film system. Daily housekeeping. Onboard stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Audio & video entertainment. Outdoor Dining. Rinse facilities for underwater cameras.

DELUXE CABIN (7 Available: 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER CABIN (1 Available: 101)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

JUNIOR SUITE (2 Available: 110, 112)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER SUITE (2 Available: 108, 109)
Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

LOWER DECK
• 1 Master Cabin with double bed, bathroom and shower (Cabin 101)
• 6 Deluxe Cabins with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 102 - 107)

MAIN DECK
• 2 Master Suites with double bed, bathroom, shower, and jacuzzi for two people (Cabins 108 and 109)

UPPER DECK/BRIDGE
• 2 Junior Suites with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 110 and 112)
• 1 Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, bathroom and shower (Cabin 111)

DIVING

The Maldives is one of the world’s richest marine areas. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater “things” inhabit the Maldivian waters. The monsoon tides of the Indian Ocean create a collection of small marine creatures as well as microscopic plant cells. This in turn creates a hub for all kinds of underwater animals who gather in these waters lured by the abundance of food. What does that mean? Simple. The Maldives is one of the best dive destinations in the world (maybe top three) to have close underwater encounters with large animals. Every day, every dive is all about “the big stuff”.

The ability to see whale sharks, mantas, schooling sharks, dozens of rays, huge schools of fish and many other large subjects is an obvious draw, but the less mentioned night dives also make the Maldives unique. Divers typically associate night dives with small “macro” critters: crabs, shrimps and other tiny animals that tend to prosper in the dark. The Maldives is different. Nights are filled with manta dives, schooling nurse shark dives, and dives where large predators hunt. Guests can expect to conduct four or five bad ass night dives during the charter (and yes “bad ass” was just used).

Most dives in the Maldives take place along a faru (reef), a thila or giri (both describe underwater pinnacles), in a kandu (channel), or on a wreck. Diving is always conducted via a Dhoni that travels alongside the mothership (with the exception of one or two “dips” from the back of the mothership when mantas or nurse sharks make an appearance).

Dive Season: Diving is good all year long, but the southwest monsoon brings some rain between May - October, especially June - August. From December to March the water currents flow through the atolls from east to west, creating fantastic visibility along the eastern atolls and large numbers of mantas in the soupy waters of the western atolls.

Depth: 10'-130'+ (Shallow reefs to deep sea mounts) • Visibility: 60'-100' • Currents: Range from nada to rippin’ (Especially strong in the atoll passes) • Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced • Water Temp: 84°F

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director.

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF JULY 1, 2024

Notes:
• All guests will embark Blue Force One at the Maldives International Airport (MLE)
• All guests will disembark Blue Force One at the Gan International Airport (GAN)
• Maldives International Airport: Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Guests must arrive in the Maldives one day before boarding the Blue Force One (arrive on February 3)
• Dubai transit hotel option 1: Emirates may provide a complimentary hotel room (call them for details) but the property is located outside the airport. Simple visa and immigration procedures required.
• Dubai transit hotel option 2: pay to stay at the Dubai International Airport Hotel located inside the airport. No visa and immigration procedures required.
• Maldives transit hotel: guests may stay at any hotel they prefer. Most hotels standard policies are check-in after 2:00pm and check-out before 12:00pm.
• Although the airline industry uses “Malé” as the destination name (and port of entry) within the Maldives, the Velana International Airport (MLE) is actually located on Hulhulé Island (not on Malé). The recommended hotel is located on Hulhumalé Island. Hulhulé Island and Hulhumalé Island are attached via a short road. Guests will never be required to go to Malé during the trip.
• Airport transfers to/from the transit hotel: not included in Seasick package. Guests must arrange.
• Airport transfers to/from the liveaboard: included in Seasick package. Blue Force will provide.

LOS ANGELES - MALDIVES
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
ESTIMATED COST: $1,750

MALDIVES REGIONAL FLIGHT

A Maldives one-way regional flight is required as the trip will start at the Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island (Central Atolls) and end at the Gan International Airport (GAN) on the island of Gan (Deep South). Blue Force One will provide airport transfers to/from the liveaboard.

Notes:
• Maldivian (aka Island Aviation Services) is the only carrier servicing Gan International Airport (GAN) to the Maldives International Airport (MLE) nonstop.
• All guests will disembark Blue Force One at the island of Gan.
• Contact carrier for luggage requirements. Excess luggage fees may apply.

GAN - MALE
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
ESTIMATED COST: $175

DUBAI TRANSIT HOTEL

Dubai International Airport Hotel (Inside Terminal 3)
Inbound (if necessary): Check In Sunday, February 2 • Check Out Monday, February 3
Outbound (if necessary): Check In Saturday, February 15 • Check Out Sunday, February 16

In some cases, Emirates provides complimentary accommodation, entry visas, airport transfers and meals for passengers with extended transit times in Dubai. This service may be available if there is no connection of less than eight hours available and the transit time in Dubai is between 8 and 24 hours.

Transit accommodation is at the discretion of Emirates. Not all fares are eligible for this stopover service. Please contact Emirates to confirm whether this service is available. Charges may apply. Confirmation of your hotel in Dubai does not guarantee entry into the State of Dubai. This is entirely at the discretion of the Dubai Immigration Authority. Emirates is not liable in the event entry is not permitted, despite of a hotel booking.

MALDIVES TRANSIT HOTEL

H78 Maldives
Inbound: Check In Monday, February 3 • Check Out Tuesday, February 4
Outbound (if necessary): Check In Saturday, February 15 • Check Out Sunday, February 16

Located on Hulhumalé Island. 10 minute drive from the Velana International Airport

Room reservations should include breakfast for two guests plus roundtrip airport transfers

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, Dive and Photo LLC, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $1,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.