Nautilus Two, Maldives

We did a 10 day Central Atolls itinerary tour (Ari and South Male only, no Vaavu atoll), including a visit to Baa atoll in the North in the beginning of August. Very safe operation with experienced dive guides (although we only had 2 guides for 15 guests). Nevertheless all the dives went smoothly as divers go up as buddy pair when they run out of air. Typical dive time was 60 minutes for those who have enough bottom time and air left. The weather was great, not much wind, flat seas. At the end of the trip, wezwere offered a delicious Maldivian dinner onboard to try some local specialties. The chefs did a great job with varied food at all meals (some spicy, some not, to please everyone). The cabins are very comfortable with a spacious bathroom.

We did a Northern itinerary from Male to Baa and Raa atoll, including a stop at Hanifaru Bay to snorkel with mantas. The cabins are very comfortable with good AC. The salon/dining room doesn't have any AC nor fan, so sometimes it gets very hot. Very good crew and dhoni crew. The dive team (Coco, Firas and Maui) is excellent, they did a great job guiding and interacting with guests in a friendly and professional manner all week long. Food was good and varied. If you are vegetarian, you will find things to eat at every meal.

The Nautilus Two is a very spacious ship, with beautiful cabins in where nothing is left to wish for. We had a cabin on the upper deck, but the cabins in the lower deck are basically the same. To the upper decks advantages belong the windows, which can be opened, but there are some disadvantages as well, as the cabins are located on the back of the boat where people gather, and it can be noisy at times and as we are non-smokers, also annoying with the smell of cigarettes being smoked. The cabin itself has big beds, enough space to store your suitcases and for a liveaboard a huge bathroom with a well functioning shower. The aircon in the room is working well and can be adjusted to the required temperature. The food is superb, with enough choices also for vegetarians, freshly cooked and tasty, meals are prepared 3 times a day, plus a little snack in the afternoon. Easily up to 5 kilos can be gained during the week ;-) The diving: there was a change in the iterniary which was not communicated at first. We booked Baa-North Ari-Rashoo-Guaidoo-South Male incl. Hanifaru Bay, in the end we did only Baa and Raa, incl. Hanifaru Bay. It was a good choice, because the best dives we did during the week were in Raa atoll. This is my only point for critisism - it could have been communicated when we boarded the ship. The change of plans was weather-related and also diving related, as the previous tours on the initially planned route were not as successful concerning wildlife. The guiding itself was very relaxed and enjoyable, (thanks Coco), but we were also lucky with our laid back dive group of 5. The crew on the Nautilus Two is outstanding - you never have to ask for something, they always have their eyes open and see where help is needed. The diveguides are professional, funny and communicative and give a welcoming feeling to the guests. There is something else I have to mention, which has nothing to do with the Nautilus Two itself: on our tour were some people who obviously didn't inform themselves what Hanifaru Bay is, and that diving is strictly prohibited there. they were complaining that they were missing dives, because of snorkeling in Hanifaru, giving the guides and crew a difficult time on board, which is just not fair - read and inform yourself before you book. Hanifaru can be the experience of a lifetime, even if its "only" snorkeling. After all, we had a great week with stunning manta encounters. We will be back for sure!