MY Sheena

Overview

Under the award winning management of Werner Lau, the Sheena affords divers the opportunity to visit more rarely dived southern atolls of the Maldives from a comfortable liveaboard. Built in 1995, MY Sheena has been completely renovated and modernised in 2007 and undergone an extensive dry dock period in 2008.

The liveaboard has a very spacious saloon (about 50 m²) with CD / DVD player, HiFi and TV as well as a number of sun decks, with sun loungers and mats. MY Sheena can accommodate 14 guests in total. On the lower deck there are 5 spacious and comfortable superior cabins, which are 11-14m² in size and have portholes, with 2 single beds. A further two cabins on the upper deck (Owners' cabins) are around 17m² and have ‘proper’ double beds and large windows for natural ventilation, offered at a supplement. All 7 cabins have private bathrooms with sink, toilet and showers with warm water shower.

Meals are served in the spacious saloon or outside on the large table at the stern. A BBQ is organised once a week on one of the islands. There is a well stocked bar which supplies a wide range of drinks.

Sheena is locally built as are the majority of Maldivian liveabaords at present, and as such may be considered reasonably simple in its style and facilities in comparison with other equivalent boats experienced in other destinations.

Itineraries

The Sheena operates Sunday to Sunday and is the first boat regularly operating in the mid southern atolls of the Maldives. Offering weekly itineraries starting from Medhufushi Island Resort, which is a forty five minute seaplane ride from Male, divers will be diving reefs and channels in Meemu, Laamu and Thaa Atolls, which are literally untouched and many remain unexplored.

An alternative route travels to Felidhoo Atoll (Hammer head sharks) and in South Ari Atoll (whale sharks), seasonal dependant. Some trips will have an ‘expedition character’ as the boat will be visiting completely new diving areas and remain flexible according to the prevailing weather conditions and currents on any given day.

Typically 3 dives are offered each day, including 1-2 night dives each week. Most dives are drift dives.

Specification

Length: 24m, Width 8.5m, Number of cabins for hire: 7, Engine: Deawoo 600 PS, Speed: 14 Knots, Electricity: 2 generators with 22kw & 17kw, Water: 3 tons of fresh water per hour, Air-conditioning: in every cabin, Dhoni accommodating 18 divers, Compressor: K14 on board the diving dhoni, 40 tanks (11ltrl Alu DIN), 5 complete sets of equipment.

Navigation / Safety

GPS, Telephone (Mobile), compass, life jackets, fire extinguishers.

Price includes: Flights with Emirates, sea plane transfers, 7 nights standard cabin twin share, meals with water, tea, coffee & snacks, 3 dives/day except arrival & departure. UK Regional departures with Emirates, Sri Lankan, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, British Airways & charter flights also available, please enquire. Package price may fluctuate according to flight seat availability at time of booking.
 
Please note that all Maldives products are subject to a Government Sales tax of 6% in 2012 and 8% 2013.
 
NB: Kindly note that although very unlikely, there is the possibility that single males/females booking may be asked to share with a stranger of the opposite sex if not paying the single occupancy supplement. Package price may fluctuate according to flight seat availability at time of booking.
 
Required experience level: A minimum of PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, plus minimum 60 logged dives required. Those with slightly less experience travelling with a very experienced dive buddy (e.g. 300+ dives) may be allowed to join with prior permission from Sheena, subject to conditions.

Supplements per person per week

• Owner's cabin: £90 per week
• Single use: from £465 per week
• Non-diver reduction: £90 pppw

Equipment:  

Whilst equipment can be organised, it is generally expected that divers will bring the majority of their kit with them. Ideally we ask you to order any items in advance, so the dive centre has prior notice. All paid locally.

Guideline Equipment Prices, per week:

• Regulators: $50 per week
• BCD: $50 per week
• Computer: $50 per week
• Wetsuit: $50 per week
• Torch $12 per dive
• Digital cameras are not currently available.
• 15l tanks: Limited number - $79 per week

Plus local 10% sales taxes

Guideline drinks prices:

• Canned drink: $3.00 for a 33 cl. Bottle of soft drink
• Spirits: From $4.45 - $12
• Red/White wine/bottle: $20

Plus local 10% sales taxes

The boat tries to visit an inhabitated island during your trip, where you may want to purchase a few souvenirs.

Schedules & prices

Date	Itinerary	Embark	Notes	Price
26 May 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2174
14 Jul 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2174
21 Jul 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
28 Jul 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
04 Aug 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
11 Aug 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
18 Aug 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
25 Aug 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
01 Sep 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
29 Sep 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2372
13 Oct 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2481
20 Oct 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2481
27 Oct 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2481
27 Oct 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2481
03 Nov 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	POA
10 Nov 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2601
17 Nov 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2601
24 Nov 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2601
22 Dec 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2787
29 Dec 2013	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2791
05 Jan 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
12 Jan 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
19 Jan 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
26 Jan 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
02 Feb 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
09 Feb 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
16 Feb 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
23 Feb 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
02 Mar 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
09 Mar 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
16 Mar 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2439
23 Mar 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2637
30 Mar 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	£2637
06 Apr 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	POA
13 Apr 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	POA
20 Apr 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	POA
27 Apr 2014	Liveaboards out of Meemu - South	Medhufushi	30+ Logged Dives - PADI Advanced	POA

Dive info

Diving in the Maldives is influenced by the seasons. The quality of individual dive sites and marine parks is determined by the ebb and flow of seasonal currents, which in turn affects both the underwater visibility and the marine life. Liveaboards follow these seasonal variations, taking divers to the best sites for the time of the year.

Regaldive operate a range of liveaboards throughout the Maldives. These include classic itineraries following established routes out of Male to new itineraries in remote atolls where the dive sites have only recently been established Maldivian Liveaboards are supported by a ‘dive dhoni’ where all dives are conducted from. The dhoni which carries all cylinders, equipment and compressors.

Classic Liveaboards out of Male

Over the past thirty years an incredible range of world class dive sites have been charted in the atolls surrounding the capital, Male. MY Mariana, MY Ari Queen, Blue Horizon II and MV Carpe Diem visit many of the Maldives best known dive sites following a flexible itinerary that take account of local diving conditions. The boats will generally operate in both North and South Male atoll, Felidhe and Ari atoll.

Liveaboard Itineraries Beyond Male

The last two years has seen access to some remote atolls in the Maldives improve dramatically. Regaldive feature liveaboards that cover these exciting new atolls, ranging from Haa-Alifu in the far north, to Huvadhoo in the far south. These atolls represent the new ‘frontiers’ of diving in the Maldives and lie well beyond traditional tourist maps. 

Far North Haa Alifu Atoll

Haa Alifu is the most northerly atoll in the Maldives. There is a sizeable local population in the atoll but virtually no tourism development. MY Amba is the first liveaboard to the atoll offering a mix of dives on charted dive sites alongside truly original exploratory diving. Access to the atoll is via Male and involves an internal sea plane flight to Hanimadhoo airport. Main Manta season in this area is September and October for the best sightings, but nearly every week there are Mantas on some of the dive sites. Whalesharks in this are very rarely spotted.

Far South Meemu Atoll

Meemu, Thaa and Laamu atolls are 3 of the 5 most southerly atolls and MY Sheena, under the expert management of Werner Lau, offers an exhilarating itinerary from the island of Medhufushi. Challenging drift dives make up the majority of the 3 daily dives available on MY Sheena; as many of these islands are yet to be fully dived and explored, many of the dives will be semi-exploratory, suiting divers looking to document some untouched sites in search for the unknown.

Liveaboard and Island Combinations Tailormade

Twin-centre holidays are easily arranged. Regaldive offer flights departing every day of the week on a range of schedule airlines allowing you the flexibility to determine the duration of your holiday. Charter flights are also available, but their weekly schedule may not match the liveaboards departure days.

Diving

Diving in the Maldives can be challenging, and as such it is recommended that divers have a minimum qualification of PADI Advanced or equivalent, with 40+ logged dives, although experienced Open Water divers are not precluded. M/Y Sheena requires a minimum of 60 logged dives, but exceptions may be made on request in certain cirsumstances.

Diving is encouraged to be undertaken in individual self-sufficient buddy teams and small groups, though you may of course choose to follow the guide for ease of navigation.

Flight Options

Emirates via Dubai from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow. Other regional departures may be available; supplement may apply. Regaldive's prices are currently based on Emirates. Supplements may or may not apply for other airlines dependant on seat availability.

Sri Lankan non-stop or via Colombo from Heathrow, Qatar Airways via Doha from Heathrow and Manchester, Oman Air via Muscat from Heathrow, British Airways from Gatwick.

Charter Flights: Flights are direct, once a week for 7 and 14 night durations, usually flying overnight on outbound. Charter flight days may not match all the liveaboard departure days, with the exception of Carpe Diem.

Internal Transfers to Your Island Resort from Male

Your resort/boat is reached either by sea plane, speedboat transfer or internal flight from Male airport. Transfers are organised as part of your holiday package, unless requested otherwise.

Seaplane and Boat Transfers

Most islands close to Male offer speedboat transfers.

Island resorts located in Ari atolls, Raa atoll, Baa atoll, Lhaviyani atoll, Felidhe atoll, Meemu atoll, North and South Nilande atolls and Haa Dhaaul atoll are served by seaplane services.

Islands and liveaboards located on Haa Alifu atoll are reached by internal scheduled flight.

Some more distant islands offer a boat transfer as well, although as the transfer crosses between atolls they can often be long and uncomfortable and affected by the currents, so we opt to use the most comfortable option for each island.

If you are transferring by seaplane you should be aware of the following:

• Seaplanes do not operate a fixed departure schedule, but are planned daily according to the islands and guests that must be picked up and dropped off. The planning is carried out locally 24 hours in advance.
• Seaplanes often pick up and drop off guests from a number of islands on a single transfer run.
• Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, generally 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
• You may have to wait for a short duration after arriving in Male. On departing, the islands will transfer you back to Male as late a local logistics on that day will allow.
• On departing your island resort your return seaplane transfer time will be confirmed the day before departure by your resort.
• If you have a late international flight departing home, it is highly advisable you ask Regaldive to reserve a day use package for you at the Hulhule hotel.
• Seaplanes are not pressurised flights.
• Seaplanes typically operate a strict weight policy of 20kg for hold luggage.
• Excess luggage is currently $2/kilo to the island and $4/kilo on the return.

Inter Atoll Flights - Haa Alifu

Transfers to Haa-Alifu in the North involve an internal pressurised flight from Male. This is arranged and costed as part of your travel package to the north of the Maldives, unless otherwise requested.

Hulhule Airport Hotel - Day use & overnights

International and internal flight schedules occasionally make fairly long connection times in Male Airport inevitable. The Hulehule Airport hotel offers inexpensive day packages to non-residents for use of their beach, pool, showers, left luggage and other facilities. Pre-booked packages are available with Regaldive, for day use with and without a room, and overnight stays (refer to separate webpage on Hulehule Airport hotel).

Passports

Passengers travelling to the Maldives must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

A free 30 day permit is given to British travellers on arrival in Male. Other nationalities should consult their consular website.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or local GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Maldives, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

Itineraries

Liveaboards out of Meemu - South

Meemu is one of the 5 most southerly atolls in the Maldives, with very little tourism development. Regaldive’s itineraries follow a combination of established dive sites alongside exploratory dive sites that have rarely or never been dived until now. This is challenging and pioneering diving, characterised by waters that are abundant in the marine life one expects from the Maldives.

Regaldive’s Meemu, Thaa and Laamu atol itineraries are conducted from MY Sheena, the first liveaboard to operate in these waters. This area will appeal to divers looking to travel well beyond the tourist map and experience some truly original diving. Access to Medhufushi ialsnad is via Male and involves an internal flight by seapane from Male.

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Reviews

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Fantastic

"I have just returned from a fantastic 2 weeks on the Sheena. The staff were so friendly and professional. From turning our wetsuits the right way around before every dive to sourcing some fresh coconuts from one of the islands they did everything with a smile. Of course the diving was excellent and the Divemaster did his best to accomodate everyone's different requests."

Helen - London | 28 March 2013

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Guest rating: 8/10 (1 vote)

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