We spent one week on the Amba first week of March ...
We spent one week on the Amba first week of March 2014. It was our second dive safari and overall we had a very good time. The guests were half German and half international (Italy, Austria, Great Britain).
The area:
For us the diving was rather ´challenging´ due to heavy currents. As it was also our first time in the Maldives we only can compare to the Seychelles, Egypt, Oman etc. Our expectations were high and that´s perhaps the reason we where a little bit disappointed in the beginning. After a while we discovered the beauty of heavy current diving although the visibility was not very good.
The boat:
Honestly some parts of the Amba need a refit. We had a cabin in the upper part of the boat on starboard. Nice shape but we had some problems with water coming in. The AC was noisy and filled the room with a strange smell. Also the shower saw better days. Sun deck is very nice, the rear deck a bit small and in the evening we heart the noise of the guest who were not as tired as we were. But not a real problem. The dhoni and the diving facilities were in good condition and the crew knew what to do, very kind people. Again some refreshment could be done; in 2 years time it will become more urgent I guess.
The food:
Was good but I have seen better with more inspiration. Of course it´s difficult to satisfy all tastes but the European style far away form Europe is often not excellent. Why not more local cuisine like curries etc. Water is for free which is great and prices for drinks are overall ok. One advice for wine connoisseur: It´s not worth it but we know that it is very challenging to offer good wine on a boat under these conditions.
The host:
Daughter of the owner with her husband, they are very nice and kind. You can´t blame them for their youth which leads sometimes to the impression that someone with more life experience would be able to create something like an atmosphere which you will remember. Currently it´s rather neutral but again there are very nice people.
Conclusion:
We had a very good time at the Amba. But if I have the chance to come back to the Maldives I would try something else.
The area:
For us the diving was rather ´challenging´ due to heavy currents. As it was also our first time in the Maldives we only can compare to the Seychelles, Egypt, Oman etc. Our expectations were high and that´s perhaps the reason we where a little bit disappointed in the beginning. After a while we discovered the beauty of heavy current diving although the visibility was not very good.
The boat:
Honestly some parts of the Amba need a refit. We had a cabin in the upper part of the boat on starboard. Nice shape but we had some problems with water coming in. The AC was noisy and filled the room with a strange smell. Also the shower saw better days. Sun deck is very nice, the rear deck a bit small and in the evening we heart the noise of the guest who were not as tired as we were. But not a real problem. The dhoni and the diving facilities were in good condition and the crew knew what to do, very kind people. Again some refreshment could be done; in 2 years time it will become more urgent I guess.
The food:
Was good but I have seen better with more inspiration. Of course it´s difficult to satisfy all tastes but the European style far away form Europe is often not excellent. Why not more local cuisine like curries etc. Water is for free which is great and prices for drinks are overall ok. One advice for wine connoisseur: It´s not worth it but we know that it is very challenging to offer good wine on a boat under these conditions.
The host:
Daughter of the owner with her husband, they are very nice and kind. You can´t blame them for their youth which leads sometimes to the impression that someone with more life experience would be able to create something like an atmosphere which you will remember. Currently it´s rather neutral but again there are very nice people.
Conclusion:
We had a very good time at the Amba. But if I have the chance to come back to the Maldives I would try something else.
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