Maldives Blue Force 3 · Maldives · 12D11N
This expedition is one of the most comprehensive diving journeys available in the Maldives, covering a vast stretch from the central atolls to the deep south. Designed for experienced divers comfortable in strong currents, the route targets the country's most iconic big animal encounters. You will dive the channels of Gaafu, seek out tiger sharks in Fuvahmulah, and encounter whale sharks and manta rays in Thaa and Ari atolls. This one-way itinerary maximizes dive time in remote and pristine locations, offering a true 'best of' Maldivian diving.
Male, North Male Atoll
Board the vessel near Male's international airport. Once settled into your cabin, the crew provides a comprehensive welcome and safety briefing. The boat then departs, beginning the epic southward journey through the Maldivian archipelago.
Good to know: Airport transfer provided | Welcome briefing | Cabin check-in
Ari Atoll, Central Maldives
The trip's diving kicks off in the world-renowned Ari Atoll. Following a check-dive, the day focuses on finding the atoll's famous manta ray cleaning stations. Divers can also expect to explore vibrant 'thilas' (submerged pinnacles) patrolled by reef sharks and schools of fusiliers.
Vaavu Atoll, Central Maldives
The itinerary moves to Vaavu Atoll, known for its thrilling channel dives with grey reef sharks and eagle rays. The day's absolute highlight is an unforgettable night dive at Alimatha Jetty, where dozens of resident nurse sharks congregate closely around divers in a spectacular encounter.
Dive sites: Alimatha Jetty
Good to know: Includes a night dive with nurse sharks.
Meemu Atoll, Central Maldives
Continuing south, the boat explores the channels of Meemu Atoll. These passages are known for an abundance of pelagic life. Divers drift with the current through the channels, looking for schools of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large tuna hunting in the blue.
Thaa Atoll, Southern Central Maldives
Thaa Atoll offers one of the trip's most sought-after experiences: the chance of a night encounter with a whale shark. The boat's lights attract plankton, which can draw in the ocean's largest fish for an incredible viewing right from the dive deck or in the water.
Good to know: Potential night snorkel or dive with a whale shark.
Laamu Atoll, Southern Maldives
The boat reaches Laamu Atoll, marking the entry into the more remote southern atolls. The diving here features healthy hard coral formations and more exciting channel dives where strong currents concentrate schools of fish and attract hunting predators.
Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Southern Maldives
The vessel arrives in Gaafu Atoll, one of the largest and most remote atolls in the Maldives. The day's diving focuses on the northern channels, known for pristine coral gardens and high-energy drift dives with numerous sharks in the nutrient-rich waters.
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Southern Maldives
Moving to the southern part of Gaafu Atoll, the expedition continues to explore legendary channel dives. The action is non-stop, with divers watching the pelagic 'show' from the reef edge as sharks, rays, and trevally pass by in the blue water.
Fuvahmulah Atoll, Southern Maldives
The expedition arrives at the legendary Fuvahmulah Atoll, an oceanic island famous as a pelagic magnet. The day is dedicated to seeking out the resident population of tiger sharks in a thrilling, world-class big animal experience, often in strong open-ocean currents.
Good to know: A per-dive fee for Fuvahmulah may apply.
Fuvahmulah Atoll, Southern Maldives
A final day of diving at Fuvahmulah offers more chances to encounter tiger sharks or to seek out other pelagics like thresher sharks and silvertips that frequent the island's deep drop-offs. Afterwards, the boat begins its last crossing towards the southernmost atoll, Addu.
Good to know: A per-dive fee for Fuvahmulah may apply.
Addu Atoll, Southern Maldives
The final full day of diving takes place in Addu Atoll. Highlights include exploring the vast WWII shipwreck of the HMS British Royalty, now an artificial reef teeming with life. Divers also visit a local cleaning station for one last chance to see majestic reef manta rays before rinsing gear.
Dive sites: HMS British Royalty
Gan, Addu Atoll
After a last onboard breakfast, guests disembark in Gan, Addu Atoll. The crew will assist with transfers to Gan International Airport (GAN) for your flight home or to your next destination.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Morning disembarkation | Transfer to Gan airport