EcoPro Mariana · Maldives · 8 Days / 7 Nights
This 8-day liveaboard journey through the Maldives is tailored for advanced divers, offering approximately 18 dives across several renowned atolls. Starting and ending in Male, the trip explores South Male, Ari, Vaavu, Meemu, and Thaa atolls, focusing on channel dives and pinnacles known for strong currents and abundant pelagic life. Highlights include potential encounters with various shark species, manta rays at cleaning stations, and the possibility of spotting whale sharks. The itinerary features many of the Maldives' most famous dive sites, promising an action-packed week of underwater adventure. Max guests on this trip: 16.
Male
Upon arrival at the airport, guests are greeted by the crew and transferred to the vessel. The day begins with a welcome, followed by a comprehensive briefing, cabin assignments, and an orientation of the ship. There is ample time to settle in and prepare dive equipment before the boat departs.
Good to know: airport transfer|welcome briefing|ship orientation|equipment setup
South Male Atoll
The diving adventure begins, potentially in South Male Atoll. This area is known for challenging channel dives like Kandooma Thila, where strong currents attract grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and eagle rays. The top of the pinnacle is decorated with soft corals and is a habitat for reef fish and green turtles.
Dive sites: Kandooma Thila
Good to know: night dives available when conditions permit
North Ari Atoll
The journey may continue to North Ari Atoll, home to several iconic sites. Divers might explore Maaya Thila, famous as a night dive with sharks and rays, or Fish Head, a pinnacle swarming with blue-striped snappers and grey reef sharks. Channel dives like Bathalaamaagaa Kanthila offer opportunities to see sharks and eagle rays in the currents.
Dive sites: Maaya Thila, Fish Head, Bathalaamaagaa Kanthila
Good to know: night dives available when conditions permit
South Ari Atoll
Diving continues in South Ari Atoll, a region famous for its diverse marine encounters. The itinerary could include a visit to a manta cleaning station like Moofushi Kandu or a dive on the beautiful Kudarah Thila. This atoll also offers the Kudhimaa Wreck and is a prime location for searching for whale sharks year-round at Maamigili Beyru.
Dive sites: Moofushi Kandu (Manta Point), Kudarah Thila, Kudhimaa Wreck, Maamigili Beyru
Good to know: night dives available when conditions permit
Vaavu Atoll
The boat may travel to Vaavu Atoll for more thrilling channel dives. Miyaru Kandu is a highlight, where strong incoming currents can bring impressive sightings of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and tunas. The day might conclude with the famous night dive at Alimatha House Reef, known for its large congregations of nurse sharks and stingrays.
Dive sites: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha House Reef
Good to know: night dives available when conditions permit
Meemu Atoll / Thaa Atoll
The final full day of diving may be spent exploring Meemu or Thaa Atolls. In Meemu, Muli Corner is a notable site for shark sightings and a manta cleaning station. In Thaa Atoll, the crew may use lights at night to attract plankton, which in turn can draw in whale sharks for an unforgettable snorkeling experience right off the back of the boat.
Dive sites: Muli Corner, Whaleshark point
Good to know: night dives available when conditions permit
Guests will enjoy one final morning dive to conclude the trip's underwater exploration. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rinsing and drying dive gear, packing, and relaxing before disembarkation.
Good to know: equipment drying|preparation for disembarkation
Male
After a final breakfast on board, guests will check out between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. A transfer to the airport is provided for onward travel.
Good to know: transfer to airport