MV Sharifa Liveaboard Review

MV Sharifa is a mid-sized luxurious liveaboard vessel that covers the best dive sites on offer in the Maldives and operates on a year-round basis.

A diving holiday in the Maldives is always the opportunity to experience some of the best diving on the planet.

A scattered maze of islands and atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are home to some stunning coral life, underwater topography and pelagic life. Whether you’re diving inside the atoll, outside the atoll or drifting through the nutrient-rich channels, there is always something to see and to make your diving experience breathtaking and memorable in equal measure.

MV Sharifa went through a renovation during 2015 and now, more than ever, is one of the most comfortable and accomplished liveaboards operating the area. At 32m long and 6.5m in beam, she is comparable in size to rivals such as MV Virgo.

She is fully equipped with all the pre-requisite safety equipment – everything required ranging from GPS and search light to life rafts and first aid. And, with a cruising speed of 10 knots from her Yanmar motors, amply powered to transport you in comfort.

You can check the availability and prices for this Boat here.

Cabins and Boat Layout

There are 9 cabins onboard MV Sharifa able to cater to 23 guests. 10 bathrooms and a freshwater maker able to produce up to 6000 litres of water a day ensures that showers, toilets and rinse tanks are more than adequately supplied.

Cabin

The cabin options are as follows:

• Standard Cabin – with single or double bed options, the cabin features en-suite bathroom facilities and is air-conditioned.
• Family Room – slightly more spacious with a double bed and a single bed. This room also has ensuite bathroom amenities and air-conditioning. Ideal if you’re a couple travelling with a son or daughter.
• Junior Suite – for two persons in a double bed. This cabin has the amenities and facilities listed above but, in addition, being on the upper deck has a seaview.

Double Cabin

On the main deck you’ll find the salon, bar and dining area. Comfortable and relaxing, here you can also exploit the vessels other facilities such as TV, DVD player, VCR, hi-fi stereo system and library.

Dining Area

When not diving and still feeling active, there is snorkeling and fishing equipment available. And, to make it a boat suitable for divers and non-divers alike, the voyage usual takes in visits to resort islands, beach BBQs and night fishing.

Meals are the chef’s selection of local and western cuisine served 3 times a day. There is also complimentary tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Relaxing Area

Moving to the upper deck are the two suite cabins plus a generously sized sun deck with loungers. While away the surface interval as you bronze under the Asian sun.

Diving onboard Sharifa

There is separate diving Dhoni which accompanies Sharifa. The smiling, friendly and professional dive crew are there each step of the way to assist with logistics.

Onboard the Dhoni

Courses to further your education are available onboard. And, if your partner is a non-diver, why not introduce them to diving by treating them to a Discover Scuba Diving session with an instructor onboard.

A minimum experience level for divers of Advanced Open Water with approx. 50 dives is recommended.

Diving Dhoni

There’s a camera/photography station onboard and plenty of charge points for gadgets.

Itineraries

The usual ‘Central Atolls’ itinerary aims to cover North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, Felidhoo Atoll, South Ari Atoll, North Ari Atoll over 7 nights. Dive site selection is obviously subject to the prevailing conditions.

Expect to pay around EUR1,360 for a 8 day/7 night trip. This equates to EUR169/day, making Sharifa competively priced for the region. Please note that this does not include some extras such as port/marine park fees, courses taken onboard, alcoholic drinks and equipment rental. Please contact us for further details.