Deep North Hanifaru Bay (MLE - DRV)

Carpe Diem · Maldives · 11 Days / 10 Nights

Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Embarkation
Male, Maldives
Disembarkation
Dharavandhoo, Maldives
Dives
Approximately 26 dives in total

About this route

This 11-day expedition is designed for seasoned divers eager to explore the Maldives' less-visited northern atolls. The trip uncovers a variety of underwater scenery, including thrilling pinnacle and shark encounters in Raa Atoll, coupled with impressive wall dives within Noonu Atoll. A significant highlight is the potential visit to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks. This journey also sets its sights on the remote atolls of Lhaviyani, Shaviyani, Haa Dhaalu, and Haa Alif, offering chances to investigate caves and shipwrecks. Max guests on this trip: 20.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Maldives & Embarkation

    Male / Dharavandhoo

    Upon arriving at Velena International Airport in Male, guests are met and transferred to the liveaboard, a process that may involve a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo. After settling in, the crew provides a comprehensive boat safety briefing and helps prepare dive gear. If schedules permit, an afternoon check dive is conducted to allow divers to acclimate and fine-tune their equipment before the adventure begins.

    Good to know: boat safety briefing|dive gear setup

  2. Day 2: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    The daily schedule typically includes three dives as the vessel explores the diverse northern atolls. The exact route is flexible, determined by the crew based on weather and marine life activity. Over the course of the trip, the itinerary aims to visit highlights such as Lhaviyani's manta stations, Raa's pinnacle dives, the famous Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll for mantas and whale sharks, and the remote atolls of Shaviyani, Noonu, Haa Dhaalu, and Haa Alif.

  3. Day 3: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    Explore the Northern Atolls' vibrant reef systems and channels, where strong currents often bring pelagic action. Keep an eye out for reef sharks and schooling jacks, and you might even encounter turtles gliding among the corals. These dives promise an exhilarating exploration of diverse marine life.

  4. Day 4: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    Dive into the Northern Atolls today, expecting vibrant reef dives and dynamic channel drifts. These diverse formations often bring encounters with schooling reef sharks, pelagic fish, and the occasional turtle in the typical Maldivian currents. Be ready for a thrilling three-dive day.

  5. Day 5: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    The daily schedule typically includes three dives as the vessel explores the diverse northern atolls. The exact route is flexible, determined by the crew based on weather and marine life activity. Over the course of the trip, the itinerary aims to visit highlights such as Lhaviyani's manta stations, Raa's pinnacle dives, the famous Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll for mantas and whale sharks, and the remote atolls of Shaviyani, Noonu, Haa Dhaalu, and Haa Alif. A beach BBQ and a night dive are included during the trip.

    Good to know: beach BBQ|night dive

  6. Day 6: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    The daily schedule typically includes three dives as the vessel explores the diverse northern atolls. The exact route is flexible, determined by the crew based on weather and marine life activity. Over the course of the trip, the itinerary aims to visit highlights such as Lhaviyani's manta stations, Raa's pinnacle dives, the famous Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll for mantas and whale sharks, and the remote atolls of Shaviyani, Noonu, Haa Dhaalu, and Haa Alif.

  7. Day 7: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    Today, explore the pristine reefs of the Northern Atolls, where channels often boast exhilarating drift dives. Expect to encounter grey reef sharks, schooling jacks, and a vibrant array of reef fish as you glide along the coral-rich walls.

  8. Day 8: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    As we explore the Northern Atolls, expect exhilarating channel dives and vibrant thilas bustling with schooling fish. Keep an eye out for reef sharks patrolling the currents and abundant macro life hidden amongst the corals. This region promises diverse underwater encounters, perfect for experienced divers.

  9. Day 9: Diving the Northern Atolls

    Northern Atolls

    Today, explore the pristine reefs and channels of the Northern Atolls, known for their vibrant coral structures and potential for thrilling drift dives. Expect to encounter reef sharks, schooling fish, and a variety of colorful reef dwellers in these less-frequented waters.

  10. Day 10: Final Morning Dives

    Northern Atolls

    To allow for a safe 24-hour pre-flight surface interval, the last day of diving includes one or two dives in the morning. The remainder of the day is for relaxing, packing, and enjoying a final lunch and dinner with fellow divers.

  11. Day 11: Disembarkation in Dharavandhoo

    Dharavandhoo

    Following a delicious final breakfast aboard, guests will disembark at 8:00 AM. The crew stands ready to assist with transfers to Dharavandhoo Airport, concluding the unforgettable Deep North diving journey.

Upcoming departures

  • 2026-09-16 – 2026-09-26from 2,790 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

Back to vessel: Carpe Diem