Sachika · Maldives · 12 Nights
This immersive journey through the Maldives explores half of the archipelago, offering a long adventure through 10 atolls and two hemispheres. Guests can expect a diverse range of diving experiences, from vibrant coral gardens to thrilling encounters with large pelagic species. The itinerary is designed to showcase the stunning beauty and rich marine biodiversity of the Maldivian channels. This unique route promises an unforgettable exploration of both popular and secluded dive sites.
Guests are welcomed aboard the vessel in Gan after their flight. The day includes a welcome briefing and an ice-breaking meeting to introduce the crew and fellow divers. Cabins are allocated, and essential safety information is provided.
The day begins with an easy check dive to acclimatize. Following this, the focus shifts to the historic British Loyalty wreck, a significant World War II site in the Addu Atoll. This offers an opportunity to explore artificial reefs teeming with marine life, often featuring schools of fish and unique macro subjects. The wreck provides a fascinating historical dive experience.
Dive sites: British Loyalty Wreck
Today's dives in Fuvahmulah are renowned for pelagic encounters, with a focus on its famous tiger shark dives. The Fomula Plateau dive offers an excellent chance to spot oceanic pelagic species in the blue. The area's strong currents attract a variety of large marine animals, making it an exhilarating experience for those seeking shark action.
Dive sites: Fomula Plateau
Exploration continues in Huvadhoo Atoll, known for its extensive coraline barriers and channel dives. Germana Fushi Beyru offers an example of the vibrant coraline barriers. Mareha Kandu is known for its strong currents, often bringing sharks and other pelagics, while Mareha Kandu also provides opportunities to spot coral gardens, turtles, and eagle rays within its diverse ecosystem. An evening BBQ may be enjoyed on a desert island.
Dive sites: Germana Fushi Beyru, Mareha Kandu
More diving in Huvadhoo Atoll focuses on its diverse channels. Kondey Kandu presents colorful coral gardens, while Funadhoo Kandu showcases another amazing coralline barrier. Vadamula Kandu offers further opportunities for shark and drift dives. A visit to a local island is planned, offering insight into Maldivian culture and daily life.
Dive sites: Kondey Kandu, Funadhoo Kandu, Vadamula Kandu
The Huvadhoo Atoll continues to deliver exciting dives. Kuredhoo Kandu is known for its vibrant corals and offers excellent drift diving opportunities. Nilandhoo Kandu showcases another magnificent coralline barrier. Koooddhoo fish tank is a significant site for pelagic fish, grey reef sharks, and green turtles.
Dive sites: Kuredhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Koooddhoo fish tank
Today's diving explores the Laamu Atoll, famous for its channels that attract various pelagic species. Kooodhho Kandu is known for frequent sightings of grey reef sharks, offering thrilling encounters. Viligili Kandu is another prominent channel in the area, consistently delivering pelagic action. These dives are characterized by strong currents and the chance to witness powerful marine predators.
Dive sites: Kooodhho Kandu, Viligili Kandu
Diving in the Thaa Atoll offers a mix of vibrant coral reefs and exciting pelagic encounters. Mundu Kandu is characterized by its colorful reef and abundant pelagic fish. Vadinolu Kandu provides a healthy coral reef environment, frequently visited by various pelagic species. Dyamigili Beyru is a special highlight, known for potential sightings of hammerhead sharks, especially in its deeper sections.
Dive sites: Mundu Kandu, Vadinolu Kandu, Dyamigili Beyru
The Meemu Atoll is a prime location for encountering manta rays. Fahala Giri offers beautiful coral gardens, setting the scene for diverse marine life. Kurali Kandu is a renowned manta point, where these majestic creatures are often seen feeding or at cleaning stations. Bohura Kandu provides further opportunities for thrilling pelagic encounters.
Dive sites: Fahala Giri, Kurali Kandu, Bohura Kandu
The Vaavu Atoll is celebrated for its stunning soft coral formations and abundant pelagic life. Vanhuravali Kandu showcases beautiful soft coral gardens. Fushi Kandu is a prime site for encountering pelagic fish, often with strong currents. Fotteyo Kandu, known as 'The Caves,' is a famous dive site featuring vibrant soft corals and a diverse array of marine species, including various pelagic fish.
Dive sites: Vanhuravali Kandu, Fushi Kandu, Fotteyo Kandu
Continued exploration of Vaavu Atoll brings more soft coral wonders and pelagic encounters. Fotteyo Kandu again provides opportunities to experience its soft corals and diverse marine life. Miyaru Kandu is a known site for pelagic fish and offers exciting drift dives. The day culminates with a thrilling night dive at Alimathá Jetty, giving divers the chance to observe nurse sharks and other nocturnal creatures.
Dive sites: Fotteyo Kandu, Miyaru Kandu, Alimathá Jetty
The final diving day focuses on the North Male Atoll, offering a mix of reef and pelagic life. Devanna Kandu provides a healthy reef ecosystem with diverse marine inhabitants. Kandhoma Thila is a renowned pelagic site, offering opportunities to spot larger marine species. Hulhumale Wall is another excellent pelagic spot.
Dive sites: Devanna Kandu, Kandhoma Thila, Hulhumale Wall
After a final breakfast on board, guests will disembark the vessel. Transfers to Velana International Airport (MLE) will be arranged for departing flights, concluding this extensive Maldivian diving adventure.