Emperor Serenity · Maldives · 8 Days / 7 Nights
A 7-night deep-southern Maldives expedition focused on the wildest atolls of the archipelago: Addu, Fuvahmulah and Huvadhoo. December to March is the best window, with incoming currents and great pelagic action. Highlights: tiger sharks, oceanic manta and thresher sharks at Fuvahmulah; whale sharks at night, silver tips and grey reef sharks at Huvadhoo; the WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty and the majestic manta cleaning station at Maa Kandu in Addu. Emperor does not bait or chum sharks — encounters are wild and natural. AOW + experience in currents required.
Gan, Addu Atoll
Welcome at Gan International Airport, transfer to Emperor Serenity, boat briefing and welcome dinner on board.
Addu Atoll
Relaxed check dive at Demon Corner along the northern reef of Hithadhoo, then hook in at Maa Kandu manta cleaning station and dive the WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty resting at 33m.
Dive sites: Demon Corner, Maa Kandu, British Loyalty Wreck
Fuvahmulah
Sail to the oceanic island of Fuvahmulah. Dive the south plateaus for chances of tiger, thresher, silvertip and silky sharks plus oceanic mantas in the famously clear water.
Dive sites: Fuvahmulah South Plateau, Farikede
Fuvahmulah
Second full day at Fuvahmulah's plateaus — more chances with tigers, threshers and oceanic mantas in blue water. (No baited dives.)
Dive sites: Fuvahmulah South Plateau, Fuvahmulah North
Huvadhoo Atoll
One of the deepest lagoons in the Maldives. Dive Vilingilli Kandu and Mareehaa Kandu for silver tips and grey reef sharks. Possible whale shark encounter at the boat at night.
Dive sites: Vilingilli Kandu, Mareehaa Kandu
Huvadhoo Atoll
Continue with Huvadhoo's world-class kandus — Koodoo and Nilandhoo — for shark action, schooling fish and pristine reef.
Dive sites: Koodoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu
Addu Atoll
Sail back to Addu for the final two dives — typically repeat Maa Kandu mantas and a quiet reef chosen by the cruise director. Farewell dinner on board.
Dive sites: Maa Kandu, Demon Corner
Gan, Addu Atoll
Breakfast on board, then transfer to Gan International Airport for your onward flight. Minimum 18-hour surface interval before flying.