Princess Maani · Maldives · 12 Days / 11 Nights
This 'Northern Highlights' journey departs from North Malé Atoll, exploring dive locations near the capital. It includes Lhaviyani Atoll, known for sharks, manta rays, and two shipwrecks. Noonu Atoll offers pristine reefs and lagoons with fusiliers and dolphins. Raa Atoll provides opportunities for manta ray and whale shark encounters, while Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO site famous for its mass manta ray gatherings. Deep channel diving in Rasdhoo Atoll reveals abundant pelagic fish. The trip concludes with a return to Malé and a city tour.
Male
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you will be transferred to the liveaboard. After settling in, you will receive a welcome briefing from the crew, complete the necessary paperwork, and set up your dive gear as the vessel prepares for departure.
North Male Atoll
The adventure begins with a check dive to familiarize yourself with the Maldivian waters, possibly at a site like Kurumba reef. Subsequent dives will explore the local thilas and reefs as the vessel begins its journey northward.
Dive sites: Kurumba
Lhaviyani Atoll
Today's dives focus on the channels and reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll. This area is known for its nutrient-rich currents that attract a high density of fish life and pelagic species.
Good to know: Dive sites in this atoll are chosen based on current conditions.
Baa Atoll
The boat repositions to Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conditions permitting, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel with massive aggregations of manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, with dives conducted at nearby cleaning stations.
Dive sites: Hanifaru Bay (Snorkeling), Baa Atoll Manta Cleaning Stations
Good to know: Diving is not permitted within Hanifaru Bay itself.
Baa & Rasdhoo Atolls
Enjoy final morning dives in the Baa Atoll area before the vessel undertakes the crossing towards Rasdhoo Atoll. This is a good time to relax and enjoy the ocean views as you head towards the next diving hotspot.
Rasdhoo Atoll
The day's diving is focused on Rasdhoo Atoll, famous for its thrilling channel dives and pelagic encounters. Keep an eye out for grey reef sharks patrolling the reef edges, with a chance of spotting hammerheads in the blue.
North Ari Atoll
Journey into North Ari Atoll to dive some of the most celebrated sites in the Maldives. You may explore pinnacles like Fish Head, known for its resident sharks, and the channel at Bathala Maga Kan Thila.
Dive sites: Fish Head, Bathala Maga Kan Thila
North Ari Atoll
Continue the exploration of North Ari, this time with a potential focus on smaller creatures. Dives may be planned at sites like Bathala Thila, which offers a calmer profile ideal for finding frogfish and ghost pipefish.
Dive sites: Bathala Thila
South Ari Atoll
The vessel cruises to the southern edge of Ari Atoll, an area renowned for whale shark sightings. The day's activities will revolve around searching for these gentle giants and diving on the beautiful outer reefs.
Good to know: Whale shark sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Ari Atoll
Enjoy the last opportunities to dive in the fish-rich waters of Ari Atoll. Depending on the route, you may revisit a favorite site or explore a new thila before the vessel begins its journey back east towards Male.
North Male Atoll
The final day of diving provides a spectacular finish back in North Male Atoll. You'll have a chance to visit Lankan Manta Point for a final encounter at a cleaning station, followed by the unique dive at Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory).
Dive sites: Lankan Manta Point, Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory)
Male
Following a final breakfast on board, you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward journey. It is time to say farewell to the vessel and its crew.
Good to know: The itinerary is a sample and may be changed due to weather, sea conditions, and captain's discretion to ensure guest safety and provide the best wildlife encounters.