Blue Force One · Maldives · 8D7N
Embark on an epic one-way journey from Male down to the pristine Deep South of the Maldives. This itinerary is designed for experienced divers, crossing seven atolls to explore remote and untouched reefs. The trip begins with classic channel dives in the central atolls, before heading into the less-dived Thaa and Laamu atolls. The finale takes place in the wild channels of Huvadhoo, renowned for its strong currents and incredible shark populations. Expect thrilling drift dives, encounters with large pelagics, and the chance to dive sites few others get to see.
Male, North Male Atoll
Arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) and transfer to the vessel. After boarding, receive a welcome cocktail and a comprehensive boat briefing, followed by cabin allocation. The afternoon is for settling in and preparing equipment as the boat anchors for the night before starting the southward journey.
Good to know: Guest arrival and airport transfer | Welcome briefing and vessel orientation | Equipment setup
South Male Atoll & Vaavu Atoll
The journey south begins with diving in South Male Atoll, offering a great introduction to the channel diving that characterizes the Maldives. The boat then crosses to Vaavu Atoll. This region is famous for its thrilling kandus (channels) that attract large numbers of pelagic species. Dives focus on the outer reefs where sharks patrol and schools of fish congregate.
Vaavu Atoll
A full day is dedicated to exploring the renowned channel dives of Vaavu Atoll. Sites like Miyaru Kandu ('Shark Channel') offer high-energy drifts past legions of grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and eagle rays. The strong currents bring in nutrient-rich water, creating a vibrant ecosystem. A potential highlight is a night dive with numerous nurse sharks and stingrays.
Dive sites: Miyaru Kandu
Meemu Atoll
Continuing south, the boat reaches Meemu Atoll. Diving here is known for frequent manta ray encounters at cleaning stations like 'Mantas and More'. The atoll's rugged underwater cliffs and deep channels are patrolled by grey reef sharks and eagle rays. Colorful soft corals adorn the walls and overhangs of the thilas, providing shelter for a variety of reef fish.
Dive sites: Mantas and More, Medhufushi Thila
Thaa Atoll
Venture into Thaa, one of the least-explored atolls in the Maldives. The diving here is characterized by strong currents and healthy reefs. Explore craggy walls decorated with healthy corals at sites like '7-Up' and drift through large kandus where whitetip sharks are plentiful. This area also offers a chance, though rare, to encounter a whale shark.
Dive sites: 7-Up
Laamu Atoll
The itinerary pushes further south into Laamu Atoll, where exploration is still in its early stages. The outer reefs and deep channels here are known to hold immense schools of fish, including tuna and jacks. Drift dives are the norm, offering encounters with whitetip reef sharks and squadrons of eagle rays against a backdrop of pristine underwater landscapes that have seen very few divers.
Huvadhoo Atoll
The final full day of diving is spent in the legendary Huvadhoo Atoll, the heart of the Deep South. The channels here are famous for being some of the best shark dives in the world. Expect fast-paced drift dives through sites like Vilingilli Kandu, with guaranteed sightings of numerous grey reef sharks, whitetips, and even silvertip sharks. These are the last dives of the trip before the vessel anchors near Kooddoo.
Dive sites: Vilingilli Kandu, Miyaru Kandu
Kooddoo, Huvadhoo Atoll
After a final breakfast on board, it is time to disembark in Kooddoo. Guests are transferred to Kooddoo Airport (GKK) for a domestic flight back to Male, connecting to international flights home.
Good to know: Final breakfast onboard | Disembarkation | Transfer to Kooddoo Airport (GKK)