DUNE Black Manta · Maldives · 12D11N
This is an epic journey to the remote and pristine southern reaches of the Maldives, voyaging all the way to the equator. Starting from Malé, the route ventures through the classic channel dives of the Central and Southern Atolls like Vaavu and Meemu, known for thrilling drifts with manta rays and eagle rays. The adventure intensifies upon reaching the Deep South, offering unparalleled encounters with a diverse array of sharks in Huvadhoo Atoll. The trip's climax is diving Fuvahmulah, a world-renowned oceanic island and a hotspot for resident tiger sharks. Due to strong currents in the southern channels, this itinerary is best suited for experienced divers.
Malé
Arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE), where you will be met and transferred to the vessel. Once all guests are aboard, there will be a welcome briefing and cabin allocation. The vessel will anchor in the Malé area for the first night.
Good to know: Embarkation | Welcome briefing | Cabin check-in
South Malé Atoll, Central Atolls
The day begins with a check dive at a calm site in South Malé Atoll, allowing everyone to get comfortable with their gear and weights. Following the dive, the boat starts its long southward crossing towards the less-visited Southern Atolls, a journey that continues overnight.
Good to know: Check dive | Begin navigating towards the Southern Atolls
Vaavu Atoll, Southern Atolls
Arrival in Vaavu Atoll, famous for its nutrient-rich channels that attract a high concentration of pelagic life. Dives here are often thrilling drifts along deep channels like Myaru Kandu. The currents can be strong, but they bring in schools of grey reef sharks and eagle rays patrolling the channel entrances.
Dive sites: Myaru Kandu
Meemu Atoll, Southern Atolls
The journey continues south to Meemu Atoll, another area celebrated for its exhilarating channel dives. The dive plan targets cleaning stations like 'Mantas and More' where giant manta rays are regularly sighted. The atoll's rugged underwater cliffs and kandus are also home to grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and colorful soft corals.
Dive sites: Mantas and More, Medhufushi Thila
Thaa Atoll, Southern Atolls
Diving in Thaa Atoll, one of the least-explored areas of the Maldives. The strong currents in its large kandus ensure shark sightings are plentiful, especially whitetip reef sharks. Divers explore craggy walls decorated with healthy corals and large gardens of gorgonian fans, which create a stunning backdrop for encounters with schooling eagle rays.
Dive sites: 7-Up
Laamu Atoll, Southern Atolls
Dropping into Laamu Atoll, where exploration is still in progress and dive sites are pristine. The deep channels here are known for attracting huge schools of tuna and jacks. While drifting along the kandus, divers can expect to see whitetip reef sharks and squadrons of eagle rays cruising in the blue.
Huvadhoo Atoll, Deep South
The vessel reaches the legendary Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world. This is the heart of the Deep South's shark action. The diving here is focused on the atoll's many channels, where diverse shark species congregate, including grey reefs, whitetips, and occasionally silvertips and leopard sharks.
Fuvahmulah, Deep South
Today marks the pinnacle of the expedition: diving at the unique oceanic atoll of Fuvahmulah. This is the most reliable place in the Maldives to encounter tiger sharks. The day's dives are dedicated to safely observing these magnificent predators, along with chances to see thresher sharks, oceanic mantas, and sometimes even whale sharks in the deep blue waters surrounding the island.
Dive sites: Gahaa Kandu, Thoondu Point
Good to know: Diving at the Equator
Huvadhoo Atoll, Deep South
After a potential final morning dive in the shark-rich channels of Huvadhoo, the boat begins its long journey back to the north. The afternoon is spent cruising, offering a chance to relax on the sundeck, share photos, and enjoy the open ocean views as the vessel sails towards the central atolls.
Good to know: Begin the return journey north
Laamu / Thaa Atoll, Southern Atolls
The northward journey continues, breaking for dives at highlight sites in the Southern Atolls. This offers a chance to revisit a favorite channel from the trip down or explore a new one in Laamu or Thaa Atoll. Expect more exciting drift dives with sharks, rays, and large schools of pelagic fish.
Vaavu / South Malé Atoll, Central Atolls
The final two dives of the trip take place in the morning, typically in Vaavu or South Malé Atoll, to ensure ample time for off-gassing before flying. After the last dive, the crew rinses all the gear as the boat completes its cruise back to the port near Malé, arriving in the evening for the last night on board.
Good to know: Final dives in the morning | Cruise back to Malé
Malé
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. The crew will assist with organizing transfers back to Velana International Airport (MLE) for your onward journey.
Good to know: Breakfast on board | Disembarkation | Airport transfers