Baa Atoll Hanifaru - North/South Ari Atoll - South Male Atoll (Male - Male)

About this route

This 8-day itinerary offers a comprehensive tour of the Maldives' premier atolls, starting and ending in Male. The trip is designed for big animal encounters, featuring snorkeling with manta rays in Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay, searching for whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, and diving with various shark species including hammerheads, nurse sharks, and tiger sharks. Covering Baa, Rasdhoo, Ari, Vaavu, and Male Atolls, this cruise includes around 16 dives at iconic reefs and thilas. Max guests on this trip: 26.

Day-by-day plan

1. Day 1: Arrival Male to Baa Atoll

   Baa Atoll

   Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, guests are greeted and transferred by a traditional Dhoni boat to the liveaboard. The day is spent with a welcome briefing, safety orientation, and equipment setup. In the evening, the vessel sets off for Angafaru in the Baa Atoll, with no dives scheduled for the day.

   Good to know: Meet & greet at Velana International Airport|Short transfer by Dhoni|Welcome briefing|gear setup|safety orientation|Evening crossing to Angafaru (Baa Atoll)

2. Day 2: Baa Atoll Check Dive & Thilas

   Baa Atoll

   The first day of diving begins with a check dive at Angafaru to help divers get comfortable. The itinerary continues with explorations of Nelivaru Thila, known for its vibrant coral bommies and abundant fish, and Dhigali Thila, a site celebrated for its macro life. The boat anchors for the night near Kihaadhoo.

   Dive sites: Angafaru, Nelivaru Thila, Dhigali Thila

   Good to know: Anchorage near Kihaadhoo

3. Day 3: Hanifaru Bay & More Baa Atoll Sites

   Baa Atoll

   This day features two dives at Dharavandhoo Thila and Dhigu Thila. A major highlight is the opportunity to snorkel at Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to witness the incredible seasonal aggregations of manta rays (typically May to November). Depending on the weather, a BBQ dinner is served on Veyofushi Island before the vessel travels overnight to Rasdhoo Atoll.

   Dive sites: Dharavandhoo Thila, Dhigu Thila

   Good to know: Snorkeling at Hanifaru Bay|BBQ Dinner on Veyofushi Island (weather permitting)|Evening navigation to Rasdhoo Atoll

4. Day 4: Rasdhoo & North Ari Atoll

   Rasdhoo Atoll

   The day starts with an early morning deep dive at Rasdhoo Madivaru, also called Hammerhead Point, for a chance to see schooling hammerhead sharks. The second dive is at the famous Maya Thila, frequented by reef sharks and barracudas. The day concludes in North Ari Atoll with a memorable manta ray night dive in Fesdhoo Lagoon.

   Dive sites: Rasdhoo Madivaru, Maya Thila, Fesdhoo Lagoon

   Good to know: Hammerhead Point (deep dive)|Manta Night Dive|Anchorage at Fesdhoo

5. Day 5: North to South Ari Atoll

   Ari Atoll

   The journey continues into South Ari Atoll, with dives at world-class sites. Divers will explore Fish Head, a top-rated location with overhangs and frequent shark sightings, and Moofushi Kandu, a known manta ray cleaning station. The day also includes a search for whale sharks and a night dive before anchoring near Mirihi.

   Dive sites: Fish Head, Moofushi Kandu

   Good to know: Whale Shark Search|Night Dive|Anchorage near Mirihi

6. Day 6: South Ari to Vaavu Atoll

   Vaavu Atoll

   Diving begins in South Ari Atoll at Kudarah Thila, a protected area with rich coral gardens, followed by another whale shark search around Maamigili Beyru. After crossing to Vaavu Atoll, the day culminates in a thrilling night dive at Alimatha House Reef, famous for its large congregations of nurse sharks.

   Dive sites: Kudarah Thila, Maamigili Beyru, Alimatha House Reef

   Good to know: Whale shark search|Evening crossing to Vaavu|Dozens of nurse sharks

7. Day 7: Vaavu to South/North Male Atoll

   Male Atoll

   The last day of diving includes a fast-paced drift dive at Kandooma Thila in Vaavu Atoll, often accompanied by grey reef sharks. The trip then moves to Male Atoll for an exciting dive at Hulhumale Entrance, which offers a chance to encounter tiger sharks. The vessel anchors for the final night near Kurumba Island.

   Dive sites: Kandooma Thila, Hulhumale Entrance

   Good to know: Fast drift with grey reef sharks|Tiger shark encounter|Anchorage near Kurumba Island (North Male)

8. Day 8: Disembarkation Male

   Male

   Following an early breakfast on board, guests disembark at approximately 8:00 AM. A transfer to the airport is arranged for their departure. No dives are conducted on this day to ensure a safe 24-hour surface interval before flying.

   Good to know: Early breakfast|08:00 Disembarkation & transfer to the airport

Upcoming departures

• 2026-09-06 – 2026-09-13from 1,830 USDBook
• 2026-09-13 – 2026-09-20from 1,830 USDBook
• 2026-09-27 – 2026-10-04from 2,562 USDBook
• 2027-07-04 – 2027-07-11from 1,830 USDBook
• 2027-07-18 – 2027-07-25from 1,830 USDBook
• 2027-08-01 – 2027-08-08from 1,830 USDBook
• 2027-08-15 – 2027-08-22from 2,562 USDBook
• 2027-08-29 – 2027-09-05from 2,562 USDBook
• 2027-09-12 – 2027-09-19from 2,196 USDBook
• 2027-09-26 – 2027-10-03from 1,830 USDBook
• 2028-07-02 – 2028-07-09from 4,200 USDBook
• 2028-07-09 – 2028-07-16from 4,200 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

• Baa Atoll Hanifaru - North/Ari Atoll - South Male Atoll · 7 nights
• Baa Atoll Hanifaru - North/Ari Atoll - South Male Atoll · 7 nights
• Deep South Male to Gan · 8 nights
• Deep South Gan to Male · 10 Days / 9 Nights
• Explore Maldives (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Deep South Male to Gan (Male - Male) · 10 nights
• Deep South Male to Gan (Male - Gan) · 7 nights
• Deep South Koodoo to Gan (Koodoo | GKK - Gan | GAN) · 7 nights
• Deep South Gan to Koodoo (Gan - Koodoo) · 7 nights
• Deep South Male to Gan (Male - Gan) · 9 nights