Blue Force One · Maldives · 8 Days / 7 Nights
The classic and most varied Maldives liveaboard route, run by the operator 11 months a year. Round-trip from Malé through North Malé, South Malé, Felidhoo (Vaavu) and Ari Atolls, targeting grey, white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, occasionally hammerheads and dolphins, eagle rays, big schools of fish, morays, tuna, groupers and turtles. Highlights include channel drift dives, thilas (submerged coral seamounts), manta cleaning stations and the search for whale sharks in Ari, plus a full-of-life wreck dive. 18 dives in 7 nights, with optional snorkelling, kayaking and SUP for non-divers, plus visits to fishermen villages and BBQ on a desert island when weather allows. Source: Blue Force Fleet operator route page.
Malé, North Malé Atoll
Arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE), followed by a transfer to the vessel. After a welcome briefing and cabin check-in, the journey begins. Depending on arrival times, a check dive may be conducted in North Malé Atoll to dial in weighting and gear before the first dinner.
Good to know: Airport transfer | Welcome briefing | Gear setup | Possible check dive
South Malé Atoll
The day is spent exploring the famous 'kandus' (channels) of South Malé Atoll. Strong currents funnel nutrient-rich water into the atoll, attracting large pelagics. Drift dives along sites like Kandooma Thila and Guraidhoo Corner offer thrilling encounters with schools of eagle rays and grey reef sharks patrolling the channel edges.
Dive sites: Kandooma Thila, Guraidhoo Corner
Vaavu (Felidhoo) Atoll
After crossing to Vaavu Atoll, the day's diving focuses on its deep, fast-flowing channels, considered some of the best in the Maldives. Fotteyo Kandu, a highlight site, is renowned for its vibrant soft corals, overhangs, and abundant fish life. The day often concludes with a famous night dive alongside dozens of resident nurse sharks and stingrays.
Dive sites: Fotteyo Kandu, Alimatha Jetty
South Ari Atoll
The boat repositions to South Ari Atoll, the Maldives' premier destination for year-round whale shark sightings. Dives and surface cruising will be dedicated to the outer reefs, particularly around the Maamigili Marine Protected Area, searching for these gentle giants. The area's thilas also host a rich diversity of reef life, including turtles and manta rays.
Dive sites: Maamigili Beyru
Central Ari Atoll
Moving into the central part of Ari Atoll, the focus shifts to its iconic 'thilas'—submerged pinnacles that act as magnets for marine life. Divers will visit renowned manta ray cleaning stations to watch these graceful animals hover over the reef. The day may end with a night dive at Maaya Thila, famous for whitetip reef sharks that hunt in divers' torch beams.
Dive sites: Maaya Thila, Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila)
Rasdhoo Atoll
An early morning, deep-water dive is planned at Rasdhoo Atoll's famed Hammerhead Point. Divers descend at dawn for the best chance to witness schooling scalloped hammerheads rising from the deep. Following dives explore the atoll's beautiful reef structures, which host caves, overhangs, and a rich variety of fish life, including large tuna and barracuda.
Dive sites: Hammerhead Point, Rasdhoo Madivaru
North Malé Atoll
The final day of diving takes place back in North Malé Atoll, often at a well-known manta cleaning station like Lankan Manta Point. This offers another fantastic opportunity to see large numbers of manta rays. After a couple of morning dives, the vessel begins its journey back towards port, allowing ample time for guests to rinse gear and off-gas before flying.
Dive sites: Lankan Manta Point
Good to know: Morning dives | Rinse and dry gear | Cruise back to port
Malé
Following a final breakfast on board, guests will disembark for their transfer back to Velana International Airport (MLE). Disembarkation is typically completed in the morning.
Good to know: Final breakfast onboard | Pack and check out | Transfer to Malé airport