Isle of Man Liveaboard - Suggestions please

[Benjiballs]

Hi all

I've wanted to go to the Isle of Man for a dive trip for ages and I've got a quote for a liveaboard leaving from Inverkip on the West of Scotland (I'm based in Edinburgh) for a 9 day trip for either
Full Board:- £700 per day for 10 divers based on 9 days = £6,300
or
Self catering:- £540 per day for 12 divers based on 9 days = £4,860

Does anyone know of any operators who may be able to beat this? I'm sure there're operators on the Isle itself but of course I then have to take into account transport and ferry.

Any advice or recommendations much appreciated.

Ben

[hopper]

Hi Ben,

I don't know much about liveaboard but the question that springs to mind straight away from your post is - should price be a primary concern? As with all things you will always find someone who is willing to do something cheaper but his usualy means something along the way has to give ie food, quality of accomodation and God forbid safety.

Maybe the question should be does anyone know af a reliable quality boat that is cheaper?

Hope you get fixed up.

Hopper

[Mr T.]

Can't recommend a Manx liveaboard, but can recommend the book 'Dive Isle of Man', by Maura Mitchell and Ben Hextall

[Ali_Mc]

Hey,
I am not aware of any Liveaboards operating from the Island itself, there are a few centres in the south of the Island who, last I was aware, provide accommodation, air and boats out to sites. I will post some addresses if I can find them. But as regards prices, I think for this trip you will have to be prepared to pay. Travel on/off the Island is not cheap as the best of times - www.steam-packet.co.uk for ferry information.

All the Best,
Ali

[Paul Beal]

Have you tried Salutay. I think they trade under Norsemaid Charters.

Paul

[Ali_Mc]

hmmm... can't find the one I am looking for..

these may help:

Manx SAC : www.iom.com/homepages/ia3013/html/iomsac.html
Probably a good place to start - not sure how up to date it is but a decent site with lots of good links.

Castaway hard boat: www.aecdas.com/castaway/index.htm

HTH

Ali

[Ali_Mc]

Originally Posted by Paul Beal

Have you tried Salutay. I think they trade under Norsemaid Charters.

Paul

Yes thats a point - they operate around that area. But they book up very fast. www.salutay.com if you want to have a peek.

Ali

[gobfish1]

Can you let us know the name of this liveaboard leaving from Inverkip.
some one may know of them ,

Full Board:- £700 per day for 10 divers based on 9 days = £6,300
Self catering:- £540 per day for 12 divers based on 9 days = £4,860

Cost look's ok , but whats the boat quality like ,

Salutay a nice boat but not the best dive platform

Steve G

[Steve S]

Hi Ben,

I am on one for beginning of july leaving Holyhead marina friday afternoon for £160 per person this includes full board and air fills + 4 dives it seems a small liveboard as there is only space for 4 divers I believe it's their 1st year of operation Contact details Mystique charters 01246 435081 I will post a report on my return.

HTH

safe diving,
Steve

[hopper]

Originally Posted by Steve S

Hi Ben,

I am on one for beginning of july leaving Holyhead marina friday afternoon for £160 per person this includes full board and air fills + 4 dives it seems a small liveboard as there is only space for 4 divers

. . . and you have to do the rowing yourself!!

Only joking - sorry, hat and coat et al.