Princess Maani · Maldives · 7 Days / 6 Nights
A condensed six-night version of the classic Central Atolls cruise aboard Princess Maani, sailing round-trip from Male. The route visits North and South Male Atolls, the channels of Vaavu Atoll (renowned for nurse-shark night dives), and the broader Ari Atoll, where reef sharks, manta rays and the occasional whale shark can be encountered. Diving is complemented by beach barbecues, sandbank stops and a short cultural visit to Male before disembarkation.
Male
Guests are met at Male International Airport and transferred aboard Princess Maani. The afternoon is reserved for settling into cabins, meeting the dive guides and fellow guests, and attending a welcome and safety briefing before the cruise departs.
Good to know: airport transfer|welcome briefing|meet crew and guests
South Male Atoll / Vaavu Atoll
The vessel heads south for the first dives of the trip. Drift dives in the channels around Gurahidoo island, including Kandooma Thila, often deliver reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse and green turtles. The day ends in Vaavu Atoll with a memorable night dive at Alimath Jetty, famed for its resident nurse sharks.
Dive sites: Kandooma Thila, Alimath Jetty
Good to know: night dive|nurse sharks
Vaavu Atoll / South Ari Atoll
After a final morning dive in Vaavu, the boat crosses west to South Ari Atoll, often with dolphins riding the bow wave. Pinnacle dives near Dhangethi island such as 5 Rocks and Kuda Thila Raa showcase blue gorgonians and busy coral gardens. The evening typically wraps up with a beach barbecue on an uninhabited island.
Dive sites: 5 Rocks, Kuda Thila Raa
Good to know: BBQ on the beach
Ari Atoll
The full day is dedicated to cruising the south and centre of Ari Atoll, with the schedule kept flexible to follow recent whale-shark and manta-ray sightings. Weather permitting, divers and snorkelers gather for a sundowner on a quiet sandbank or desert island after the last dive.
Good to know: manta and whale shark search|happy hour on a sandbank
Ari Atoll
The route continues north along Ari Atoll with dives on broad coral plateaus and signature sites such as Radhigga Thila, Moofushi Kandu and Emboodhoo Thila. Princess Maani then anchors near Fesdhoo lagoon, where a manta night dive or snorkel may be offered when conditions allow.
Dive sites: Radhigga Thila, Moofushi Kandu, Emboodhoo Thila
Good to know: manta night dive or snorkel (conditions permitting)
North Ari Atoll / Male
The last diving day explores North Ari Atoll, where lively reefs such as Fish Head and Maaya Thila are known for grey reef sharks and eagle rays. Diving finishes early to respect the 24-hour pre-flight surface interval, after which the boat repositions towards Male, leaving time for a brief look at the capital.
Dive sites: Fish Head, Maaya Thila
Good to know: final dives complete 24h before flying|short Male visit
Male
After breakfast on board, guests check out and are transferred to Male International Airport in time for outbound flights.
Good to know: transfer to airport