DUNE Theia · Maldives · 11 Days / 10 Nights
Set sail on an 11-day aquatic adventure aboard a Maldivian liveaboard, beginning and concluding in Male. This expedition into the Central and Southern Atolls is crafted for experienced divers. Explore thriving coral ecosystems, with chances to encounter magnificent manta rays, whale sharks, and diverse shark populations. The itinerary blends exhilarating drift dives and investigations of submerged pinnacles with local cultural activities, unwinding on sandy shores, and daily yoga classes, creating a complete Maldivian experience. Max guests on this trip: 20.
Hulhumale
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, guests are transferred to the liveaboard at Hulhumale Marina. After settling in with a welcome drink and a cruise briefing, dinner is served. The first night is spent docked at the marina.
Good to know: welcome briefing
North Male Atoll
The adventure begins by exploring the dazzling long reefs of North Malé Atoll, which are rich with corals and home to numerous reef fish. Later, the vessel cruises towards Vaavu Atoll for an exciting night dive to witness the feeding frenzy of nurse sharks, stingrays, and jacks.
Good to know: night dive
South Male Atoll
Today's dives explore the expansive reef systems found in both the North and South Malé Atolls. If conditions allow and it's the right time of year (May through November), a manta point might be visited. These locations are celebrated for their vibrant coral formations and diverse macro life. The day wraps up with a journey to Vaavu Atoll, setting the stage for an evening dive alongside nurse sharks and various rays.
Good to know: night dive
Vaavu Atoll
Diving in Vaavu Atoll reveals a varied underwater topography of small caves, large overhangs, and coral-covered drop-offs. The atoll is frequented by titan triggerfish, grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, tunas, and barracudas, with occasional lucky sightings of hammerhead sharks.
Faafu Atoll
The morning begins with channel explorations along Faafu Atoll's peripheral reefs. This offers chances to observe sharks, large schools of jacks, and barracudas. The vessel then journeys northward to South Ari Atoll for dives around striking pinnacles. After sunset, there is a possibility of spotting a whale shark feeding on plankton near the vessel.
Good to know: night time whale shark watch
South Ari Atoll
Today is dedicated to searching for whale sharks in the marine protected areas of South Ari Atoll, with opportunities to snorkel or dive with them. The area also offers dives on thilas and wrecks, where grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and moray eels are commonly found. Before dinner, guests will visit a nearby local island.
Good to know: snorkel or scuba with whale sharks|local island visit
North Ari Atoll
After a final opportunity to find whale sharks in the south, the boat cruises to North Ari Atoll. Here, wider channels and deeper waters attract grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and other large pelagic species. The evening is highlighted by a barbecue dinner prepared by the crew on a deserted island.
Good to know: desert island barbecue dinner
North Ari Atoll
North Ari Atoll diving offers several manta ray cleaning stations, striking thilas, and vibrant wreck sites. Divers might spot eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, and large schools of snappers and batfish. The day culminates with an incredible night dive, observing massive manta rays as they feed.
Good to know: manta night dive
Rasdhoo Atoll
The day offers more dives in North Ari Atoll before moving to Rasdhoo Atoll. In Rasdhoo, divers can explore magnificent reefs, observe manta rays, and potentially experience a thrilling encounter with hammerhead sharks while drifting through schools of fish.
North Male Atoll
On the last day of the journey, the vessel returns to the North Malé Atoll. Divers explore its vibrant reefs, small caverns, and stunning coral gardens. This offers an opportunity to observe smaller inhabitants of the deep, such as frogfish, nudibranchs, and oriental sweetlips. In the afternoon, the vessel heads back to Hulhumale marina for the final evening.
Hulhumale
After breakfast, the liveaboard journey ends. The team coordinates airport transfers for onward travel.
Good to know: airport transfer