Emperor Serenity · Maldives · 11 Days / 10 Nights
This in-depth 10-night exploration covers the renowned Northern Atolls of the Maldives, blending aspects from several popular itineraries. The trip prioritizes encounters with diverse aquatic life, including various shark species, turtles, and numerous macro creatures, amidst vibrant coral formations. Highlights include stops at prominent manta ray cleaning stations in North Male and Baa Atolls, searching for grey reef sharks in Rasdhoo Atoll, and diving the famous Fish Head site in North Ari. The schedule also provides a chance to snorkel with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and to locate whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. Max guests on this trip: 26.
Male
Arrive at Male Airport and transfer to the vessel for boarding. After settling in, you will receive a comprehensive boat briefing and safety orientation, followed by dinner.
Good to know: The exact itinerary and dive sites are subject to weather conditions and the discretion of the captain and cruise director to ensure safety and the best possible wildlife encounters.
North Male Atoll
The adventure begins with a check dive at a site like Kurumba to get comfortable in the water. Following the initial dives, the boat starts its cruise north towards Lhaviyani Atoll.
Dive sites: Kurumba
Lhaviyani Atoll
Spend the day exploring the channels and reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll. This area is known for its healthy hard and soft coral gardens and abundant fish life, offering a variety of exciting dive profiles.
Baa Atoll
Arrive in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. The day's highlight is a snorkeling excursion in Hanifaru Bay, an area famous for its massive seasonal gatherings of manta rays and occasional whale sharks.
Good to know: Diving is not permitted inside Hanifaru Bay itself; encounters are via snorkeling only.
Baa Atoll
While still in Baa Atoll, the focus shifts to diving at known manta ray cleaning stations. Here, divers can observe the gentle giants as they hover over coral blocks to be cleaned by smaller fish.
North Ari Atoll / Rasdhoo Atoll
The journey continues south to the famed Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls. Dives may include iconic sites like Fish Head, known for its schools of fish, or a trip to Rasdhoo to spot resident grey reef sharks patrolling the channel edges.
Dive sites: Fish Head
Ari Atoll
Explore more of Ari Atoll's diverse topography, diving on submerged pinnacles known as 'thilas'. Sites like Bathala Thila offer great macro life, while channel dives at Bathala Maga Kan Thila can provide thrilling drifts with eagle rays and sharks.
Dive sites: Bathala Thila, Bathala Maga Kan Thila
South Ari Atoll
The boat travels to South Ari Atoll, an area renowned as a hotspot for whale shark sightings. Dives will be focused along the outer reefs, keeping an eye out for the ocean's largest fish as well as manta rays.
North Male Atoll
After a final morning dive in Ari Atoll, the boat begins its cruise back towards the central atolls. An afternoon dive might take place at an action-packed pinnacle like Finger Point Reef, where strong currents attract predators such as tuna and trevally.
Dive sites: Finger Point Reef
North Male Atoll
The final day of diving features two of North Male's most celebrated sites. Visit Lankan Manta Point for a final chance at a cleaning station encounter, and experience the unique Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory), which attracts a dense concentration of morays and rays.
Dive sites: Lankan Manta Point, Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory)
Good to know: Fewer dives are scheduled today to allow for a safe 24-hour no-fly period before departure.
Male
Enjoy a final breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew. You will then be transferred to Male Airport for your onward journey.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.