Amba · Maldives · 8D/7N
Your Maldivian diving expedition immerses you in the Central Atolls, offering 17 exhilarating dives showcasing dramatic underwater topography and abundant marine life. Prepare for thrilling drifts through current-swept channels, where apex predators cruise for their next meal, and explore volcano-shaped pinnacles teeming with activity. You'll encounter majestic whale sharks and graceful manta rays, alongside numerous reef sharks and turtles throughout the journey. A highlight is Maaya Thila, an extraordinary pinnacle delivering vibrant day and captivating night dives, distinguished by its diverse reef inhabitants, from tiny nudibranchs to schooling pelagic fish, and its encompassing caves and overhangs. Other esteemed locations like Fish Head Pinnacle promise adrenaline-pumping encounters with bustling grey and white tip reef sharks. You'll even visit cleaning stations bustling with manta rays at sites such as Donkalo Thila and Ukulhas Thila, before seeking out elusive hammerheads near Rasdhoo Atoll's deep drop-offs. The itinerary also boasts unique wreck dives at Fesdu and Halaveli, with the latter potentially revealing giant blotched fantail rays.
Malé
Board the vessel in Malé where you will be greeted by the crew with a welcome drink. After an orientation covering the vessel and schedule, you can settle into your cabin. Later in the afternoon, you will set up your dive gear on the dhoni, followed by dinner and a comprehensive safety briefing.
Good to know: Check-in is between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. No diving today.
South Ari Atoll
The journey begins towards South Ari Atoll, an area celebrated for its submerged pinnacles ('thilas') and pelagic life. The day typically consists of three dives, focusing on sites with colorful drift diving and chances to spot large marine species. This atoll is a well-known magnet for whale sharks.
South Ari Atoll
Continue exploring the diverse underwater landscapes of South Ari Atoll, potentially visiting a manta ray cleaning station. Today's dives will showcase vibrant reefs, overhangs, and abundant fish life. Up to three dives are planned to maximize opportunities for pelagic encounters.
Good to know: Dive sites are selected daily based on currents and weather conditions to provide the best experience.
South Ari / Vaavu Atoll
The vessel navigates from South Ari towards Vaavu Atoll, an area prized for its thrilling channel dives. Depending on the crossing duration, the day will include two to three dives. This may also be the day for the trip's sunset or night dive.
Vaavu Atoll
Experience the famous 'kandu' or channel dives that make Vaavu a premier Maldivian diving destination. The day is often capped off with a spectacular night dive, offering a memorable close encounter with dozens of resident nurse sharks. This is a signature dive of the central atolls.
Good to know: The trip includes one night dive, which typically takes place in Vaavu Atoll.
Vaavu / Malé Atoll
The boat begins its journey north towards the Malé Atoll area, with dives scheduled along the route. The sites visited may include a mix of colorful reefs or wreck dives characteristic of the region. Up to three dives are planned as the vessel repositions for the last day of diving.
Malé Atoll
Enjoy one final morning dive to conclude the underwater portion of the tour. In the afternoon, after rinsing and packing your equipment, you are invited to join a short excursion to explore the capital city of Malé. A farewell dinner is held on board in the evening.
Good to know: The last dive is scheduled for approximately 8:00 AM. The Malé city tour is typically from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Malé
Following a light breakfast, guests will say their goodbyes to the crew and fellow divers. You will be transferred to Velana International Airport for your onward journey. The trip concludes this morning.
Good to know: Check-out is before 8:30 AM.