EcoPro Seascape · Maldives · 11D10N
This extended itinerary offers a grand tour of the Maldives' most celebrated atolls, from the central heartlands to the vibrant north. You will experience thrilling channel dives, explore world-famous pinnacles and reefs, and encounter an incredible diversity of large pelagic life. The trip is geared towards more experienced divers comfortable with currents, with potential encounters including whale sharks in South Ari, mass manta gatherings in Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (seasonal), and an abundance of sharks and rays. Get ready for a comprehensive journey through the best diving the Maldives has to offer, featuring spectacular day and night dives.
Upon arrival, guests are met by the crew and transferred to the ship. A welcome briefing is provided by the Cruise Director, followed by cabin assignments and a ship orientation. Guests settle in, set up equipment, and get acquainted with the vessel before departure.
The journey begins in South Male Atoll, a renowned dive area known for its exceptional conditions for observing grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays. Sites like Kandooma Thila are particularly exciting, offering strong currents that attract large schools of jacks and snappers. The healthy reef here is often covered in soft corals, providing a vibrant backdrop for marine life.
Dive sites: Kandooma Thila
Today's dives focus on North Ari Atoll, home to famous sites like Maaya Thila. This pinnacle is known for its excellent night diving, where divers can observe hunting sharks and rays. The reef top teems with fusiliers and snappers, while the surrounding currents often bring in big jacks, whitetip reef sharks, stingrays, and moray eels, making for exhilarating encounters.
Dive sites: Maaya Thila
The vessel continues in North Ari Atoll, exploring sites like Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila), a marine protected area renowned for its dense populations of blue-striped snapper and schooling barracudas. This area is frequented by grey reef sharks, schools of barracudas, and dogtooth tuna. The itinerary also includes Bathalaa Maga Kan Thila, a channel dive offering strong currents and opportunities to spot grey reef sharks and eagle rays patrolling the reef.
Dive sites: Fish Head, Bathalaa Maga Kan Thila
The vessel heads to the southern end of Ari Atoll, a globally recognized hotspot for whale shark encounters year-round. This area, particularly Maamigili Beyru, offers one of the most reliable opportunities to swim alongside these gentle giants. Dives here often involve cruising along the reef, with observation for whale sharks typically found in the shallows.
Dive sites: Maamigili Beyru
The vessel cruises eastward to Vaavu Atoll, famous for its thrilling channel dives. Miyaru Kandu, known as 'Shark Channel,' is an iconic site where strong incoming currents attract numerous grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling tuna. Divers experience an exhilarating drift through the channel, observing the vibrant marine activity.
Dive sites: Miyaru Kandu
Another highlight in Vaavu Atoll is the Alimatha House Reef, renowned for its spectacular night dive. This site transforms into an arena for dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays hunting under torchlight, creating an unforgettable experience. The house reef itself is a vibrant ecosystem supporting a variety of marine life.
Dive sites: Alimatha House Reef
The vessel explores Meemu Atoll, where Mulii Corner stands out as a prominent site. This reef is a known cleaning station for manta rays during incoming currents, offering excellent opportunities for encounters. The strong currents in this area also bring in a variety of pelagic species, making for dynamic dives.
Dive sites: Mulii Corner
The journey continues to Thaa Atoll, with a visit to Whaleshark Point. While whale shark encounters are not guaranteed, the area offers a chance to spot these magnificent creatures near the back of the boat. The common practice here involves observing the whale sharks as they feed on plankton, and snorkeling is often recommended for the best experience.
Dive sites: Whaleshark Point
The vessel returns to North Ari Atoll to explore additional classic sites. Thudila is a beautiful pinnacle known for its excellent visibility and vibrant marine life, including schools of blue-striped snapper and various reef fish. The Kudhimaa Wreck, lying at 30 meters, is a popular artificial reef attracting nurse sharks, batfish, stonefish, and diverse invertebrates, making for an interesting penetration dive for qualified divers.
Dive sites: Thudila, Kudhimaa Wreck
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before check-out and transfer to the airport or your onward destination. It's time to depart with memories of an incredible Maldivian diving adventure.