Southern Sharks (Gan → Malé, 13 Days / 12 Nights)

Carpe Diem · Maldives · 13 Days / 12 Nights

Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Embarkation
Gan
Disembarkation
Malé
Dives
25

About this route

A northbound shark-focused crossing from Addu Atoll back to Malé, working the same far-south kandus and seamounts in the opposite direction: Addu walls and wrecks, Foammulah tiger sharks, Huvadhoo hammerhead dives and the channel dives of Laamu, Thaa and Vaavu on the way north. Sites are chosen daily based on currents and tides.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation in Gan

    Gan, Addu Atoll

    Guests arrive at Gan International Airport and are transferred to the vessel. The afternoon is for settling in, attending the main boat briefing, and setting up dive equipment as the boat prepares for its overnight journey north.

    Good to know: Airport transfer | Welcome briefing | Gear setup

  2. Day 2: Fuvahmulah — Tiger Zoo

    Fuvahmulah Atoll, Deep South Maldives

    The trip's diving begins at Fuvahmulah, a unique solitary atoll and a global hotspot for tiger sharks. Following a check dive, the day's profiles are planned around the famed 'Tiger Zoo' reef plateau to maximize safe and respectful encounters with these apex predators, along with thresher sharks and other pelagics cruising the deep blue.

    Dive sites: Tiger Zoo

  3. Day 3: Fuvahmulah — Pelagic Encounters

    Fuvahmulah Atoll, Deep South Maldives

    A full day dedicated to exploring the dynamic open-ocean sites of Fuvahmulah. Dives at sites like Gahaa Kandu and Thoondu Point offer further chances to see tiger sharks, schools of barracuda, and potentially scalloped hammerheads in the early morning. The exposed nature of the atoll means anything can swim by, including oceanic mantas and whale sharks.

    Dive sites: Gahaa Kandu, Thoondu Point

  4. Day 4: Huvadhoo Atoll — Channel Crossings

    Huvadhoo Atoll, Deep South Maldives

    The journey continues to Huvadhoo, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world. The day is spent on exhilarating channel dives, where divers often use reef hooks to hold position in the current. These 'kandus' act as funnels for marine life, attracting dozens of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling jacks.

  5. Day 5: Huvadhoo Atoll — Viligili & Nilandhoo Kandu

    Huvadhoo Atoll, Deep South Maldives

    Further exploration of Huvadhoo's famous channels, such as Viligili Kandu or Nilandhoo Kandu. Incoming currents bring exceptional visibility and a parade of pelagics. Divers can expect to see sharks patrolling the channel edges, large Napoleon wrasse, and big dogtooth tuna hunting schools of fusiliers in the blue.

    Dive sites: Viligili Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu

  6. Day 6: Laamu Atoll — Deep Channels & Big Schools

    Laamu Atoll, Southern Atolls

    Arriving in the Southern Atolls, the first stop is Laamu. This atoll is renowned for its deep, fish-rich channels where drift dives are fast-paced and action-packed. The currents attract immense schools of tuna and jacks, with whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays commonly seen. The outer reefs have seen very few divers, offering a sense of true exploration.

  7. Day 7: Thaa Atoll — Gorgonian Gardens & Reef Life

    Thaa Atoll, Southern Atolls

    Diving in Thaa Atoll, another less-explored region with exceptionally healthy reefs. The plan includes wall dives like '7-Up', decorated with pristine corals and dramatic overhangs. Divers can also explore beautiful gorgonian fan gardens where manta rays sometimes circle. The strong currents in the kandus ensure plentiful shark sightings.

    Dive sites: 7-Up

  8. Day 8: Meemu Atoll — Mantas & More

    Meemu Atoll, Southern Atolls

    The vessel travels to Meemu Atoll, where channel dives promise encounters with grey reef sharks and eagle rays along rugged underwater cliffs. A highlight may include a visit to a site famously called 'Mantas and More', a reliable cleaning station. The atoll's thilas are covered in colorful swaying soft corals, attracting a variety of reef fish and their predators.

    Dive sites: Mantas and More, Medhufushi Thila

  9. Day 9: Nilandhe Atoll — Pinnacle Hopping

    Nilandhe Atoll, Southern Atolls

    Today's diving is in Nilandhe Atoll, known for its unique "thila-hopping" drift dives like 'Jumping Jack'. The current guides divers from one underwater pinnacle to the next, each a self-contained ecosystem teeming with life. In the blue water between the thilas, sharks and schools of eagle rays are a common sight, and some areas are frequented by turtles.

    Dive sites: Jumping Jack

  10. Day 10: Vaavu Atoll — Miyaru Kandu & Alimathaa Night Dive

    Vaavu Atoll, Central Atolls

    Entering the Central Atolls, the vessel reaches Vaavu, famous for its thrilling channel dives. A spectacular drift is planned at Miyaru Kandu, which translates to 'Shark Channel'. The day concludes with the famous night dive at Alimathaa Jetty, where divers are surrounded by dozens of resident nurse sharks, stingrays, and jacks in a truly unforgettable experience.

    Dive sites: Miyaru Kandu, Alimathaa Jetty

  11. Day 11: South Malé Atoll — Kandooma Thila & Guraidhoo Corner

    South Malé Atoll, Central Atolls

    The journey nears its end with dives in the iconic South Malé Atoll. The plan includes sites like Kandooma Thila, a pinnacle renowned for grey reef sharks and eagle rays, and Guraidhoo Kandu, a complex channel system with varied topography and abundant fish life. These classic Maldivian dives showcase vibrant coral and large schools of bannerfish and sweetlips.

    Dive sites: Kandooma Thila, Guraidhoo Kandu

  12. Day 12: Final Dives & Cruise to Malé

    South Malé Atoll / Malé

    Two final morning dives are offered to enjoy the Maldivian reefs one last time. Afterwards, the boat begins its cruise towards the disembarkation point near Malé. The afternoon is spent washing and drying equipment and sharing stories during a farewell dinner with the crew.

    Good to know: Two morning dives | Equipment rinsing | Farewell dinner

  13. Day 13: Disembarkation in Malé

    Malé

    After a final breakfast on board, guests are transferred to Velana International Airport (MLE) for their onward journey, filled with memories of the sharks and channels of the southern Maldives.

    Good to know: Final breakfast onboard | Disembarkation | Transfer to airport

Upcoming departures

No departures scheduled for this route right now.

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