Maldives Legend Zen · Maldives · 7 nights
This itinerary explores the Deep South of the Maldives, renowned as one of the best areas for encountering pelagic life. Divers can expect to visit diverse sites including channels and thilas, offering opportunities for close interaction with a variety of marine species. The route focuses on maximizing dive experiences in this rich underwater environment, appealing particularly to those seeking thrilling encounters and vibrant coral ecosystems. The detailed plan outlines a sample itinerary, with the possibility of day changes based on local conditions.
Upon arrival at Gan International Airport, guests will be greeted and transferred to the Maldives Legend Zen. After settling into cabins and a full tour of the boat, a detailed briefing will cover the week's itinerary and safety protocols. The evening includes dinner and a check dive at Maakandu Manta Point, offering an early chance to observe manta rays.
Dive sites: Maakandu Manta Point
Today's dives focus on the vibrant waters around Fuvahmulah, known for its rich pelagic activity. Dive 2 is at Fuvahmulah South Corner, offering potential sightings of thresher sharks, oceanic mantas, and whale sharks. The third dive takes place at Tiger Zoo One, famous for its numerous tiger sharks, and other large fish species.
Dive sites: Fuvahmulah South Corner, Tiger Zoo One, North End
The day's diving centers around the acclaimed Gemanadushi Canyon, a prime site for encountering various shark species, including hammerheads. A subsequent dive at the Gemanadushi Coral Garden offers the chance to observe grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of fish. This area is known for its dynamic reef topography and abundant marine life.
Dive sites: Gemanadushi Canyon, Gemanadushi Coral Garden
Today features dives in protected marine areas with strong currents, providing excellent drift diving opportunities. Mareha Kandu is declared a protected area, known for schooling silver tip sharks. Kondey Kandu offers a diverse array of marine life including dozens of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of jacks, snappers, and rainbow runners, making for exciting encounters.
Dive sites: Mareha Kandu, Kondey Kandu, Kondey Coral Gardens
The diving itinerary brings guests to Kuredhoo Kandu, where schools of grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagic species are commonly sighted. Nilandhoo Kandu is another prominent channel site known for its strong currents, attracting a variety of marine life including grey reef sharks, leopard sharks, sailfish, barracudas, tuna, and stingrays. Humphead wrasses are also often seen here.
Dive sites: Kuredhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Dhandhoo, Kandooma Thila
Today's dives feature Villigilli Kandu, a channel known for large schools of spinner sharks, barracudas, and diverse beautiful marine life. The highlight of the day is a unique night dive at Booduu Whale Shark, offering an opportunity to search for and experience whale sharks. This area provides thrilling encounters with both large pelagics and vibrant reef ecosystems.
Dive sites: Villigilli Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Booduu Whale Shark
The final full day of diving includes a visit to Villigilli Kandu or Kooddoo Spinner Point, both renowned for their vibrant marine ecosystems. These channels are famous for large schools of spinner sharks and barracudas, alongside an array of other beautiful reef inhabitants. The day concludes with a visit to a local island.
Dive sites: Villigilli Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point
Guests will enjoy breakfast on board before preparing for check-out. Dedicated staff will assist with cleaning and packing dive equipment, and transfers to Male International Airport will be arranged. Divers are recommended to wait 24 hours before flying after their last dive.