Princess Maani · Maldives · 10 nights
This incredible journey spans ten atolls and crosses two hemispheres, offering diverse diving experiences across the Maldives. The route takes divers through a variety of environments, from manta cleaning stations in the north to the vibrant reefs and channel dives of the central atolls, culminating in the southern reaches known for pelagic encounters. Expect encounters with a wide array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles, making it an unforgettable exploration of the Maldivian underwater world.
Guests will be transferred from the airport to the ship upon arrival in Addu Atoll. After a welcome briefing from the cruise director, cabin allocation, and ship orientation, guests can familiarize themselves with the vessel and prepare for the journey ahead.
Today's diving focuses on the unique sites around Addu Atoll, the southernmost point of the Maldives. This area is renowned for its vibrant reef manta ray cleaning stations, offering fantastic opportunities for interactions. The atoll is also historically significant, featuring the remains of a Second World War British Wreck, which adds a compelling element to the underwater exploration.
Diving around Fuvahmulah, an isolated island in the Indian Ocean, offers exceptional pelagic encounters. This region is particularly known for its consistent sightings of tiger sharks and thresher sharks, attracted by the nutrient-rich currents. Divers may also encounter oceanic manta rays and whale sharks, making for truly thrilling underwater experiences.
The day's diving explores Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, famous for its numerous kandus (channels). Key dive spots like Kooddoo and Viligili Kandu are known for walls frequented by grey reef sharks. The area is also a significant hotspot for large schools of hammerhead sharks, and Gemana Fushi often features schools of eagle rays and numerous green turtles.
Diving in Laamu Atoll centers around its two famous channels, Fushi Kandu and Maabahidoo Kandu, which are renowned for their abundant marine life. These channels often feature eagle rays in formation, large schools of silver tip sharks, and dogtooth tuna. The area is also known for sightings of jack fish and red snappers, providing a diverse and exciting underwater experience.
Thaa Atoll offers unique diving opportunities, particularly in its shallow channels like Olugiri Kandu, ideal for exploration. Diyamigili Corner is a well-known site featuring a long reef full of turtles and whitetip sharks. In the evening, the liveaboard may attract plankton to the stern, drawing in the magnificent whale shark for an unforgettable encounter.
Meemu Atoll is characterized by Vanurani Vali Kandu, a unique channel with a double edge that often funnels divers into encounters with sharks at its corner. Kureli Manta Point is a highlight for its manta cleaning station, making it a must-visit for ray enthusiasts. This atoll promises dynamic dives with frequent marine life interactions.
Vaavu Atoll, home to the famous Fushi Kandu channel, is celebrated for its incredible soft coral gardens and diverse marine life. Alimatha Jetty is a renowned night dive site, while Fotteyo Kandu, a shallow channel, offers stunning yellow soft coral formations and various caves. Fushi Kandu and Golden Wall are also worth exploring for their unique topography and inhabitants.
Dive sites: Alimatha Jetty, Fushi Kandu, Fotteyo Kandu, Golden Wall
Diving in South Malé Atoll centers around the Marine Protected Area of Guraidhoo, which is teeming with life, including eagle rays, grey reef sharks, and white tip sharks. Kandooma Thila is a well-known cleaning station for grey reef sharks, while Tuna and huge Green Turtles are also commonly sighted. This region offers vibrant and diverse underwater encounters.
Dive sites: Kuda Giri, Kandooma Thila
Today's dives focus on North Malé Atoll, the arrival point for many guests, known for its incredible dive spots and as a significant manta cleaning station. Recent activity during the west monsoon has brought pelagic fish to Hulhumale Wall. Nassimo Thila and Banana Reef are colorful sites offering diverse marine life and vibrant reef ecosystems.
Dive sites: Hulhumale Wall, Nassimo Thila, Banana Reef
Guests will enjoy up to two dives in North Malé Atoll before returning to the port. This day allows for further exploration of the vibrant reefs and diverse marine life around the capital region, concluding the diving activities for the trip.