Seafari Explorer II · Maldives · 8D/7N
This cruise offers an ideal introduction to the Maldives or a perfect return for divers eager to explore the best of the region. Navigating through the central atolls, guests will visit numerous renowned dive sites. The Maldives stands out for its rich and diverse marine life, promising unforgettable encounters just a fin kick away. Routes are indicative and subject to change based on seasonal conditions, currents, and weather, with dive sites selected by the Senior Instructor for optimal safety and enjoyment.
Upon arrival in Malé, guests will embark on the Seafari Explorer II, settle into their cabins, and receive a comprehensive briefing about the week's itinerary and safety procedures. The day is dedicated to acclimatization and preparation for the exciting dives ahead.
Today focuses on the vibrant dive sites of North Male Atoll, renowned for their rich coral formations and dynamic marine life. Sites like Lankan Manta Point offer cleaning stations for manta rays during the southwest monsoon, while Nassimo Thila showcases beautiful soft corals and diverse aquatic species. Sunlight Thila is another manta hotspot from September to November, attracting these majestic creatures to its cleaning stations.
Dive sites: Lankan Manta Point, Nassimo Thila, Sunlight Thila, Back Faru, Banana Thila
The expedition continues to South Male Atoll, famous for its pelagic encounters and strong currents. Sites like Cocoa Corner and Kandhooma Thila are prime locations to witness grey reef sharks at cleaning stations, especially with outgoing currents. Guraidhoo Kandu, a deep, stepped channel, is known for schools of eagle rays and sharks, while Emboodoo Kandu often hosts grey sharks and large schools of eagle rays.
Dive sites: Cocoa Corner, Kandhooma Thila, Guraidhoo Kandu, Emboodoo Kandu
Today explores the celebrated North Ari Atoll, home to diverse Thilas and thrilling night diving opportunities. Maaya Thila is a vibrant marine reserve, particularly popular for night dives where sharks and turtles are commonly sighted. Fesdu Wreck offers a unique exploration of a small wreck and nearby Thila with macro life. Fish Head is a superb Thila known for its abundance of grey sharks, reef sharks, and schools of jacks, while Fesdu Lagoon is famous for night encounters with manta rays.
Dive sites: Maaya Thila, Fesdu Wreck, Fish Head, Fesdu Lagoon, Moofushi Kandu ou Corner
Exploring South Ari Atoll, divers will discover sites brimming with biodiversity and the chance for iconic encounters. Dhigga Thila features stunning soft corals and a vibrant Acropora plateau, while Kudarah Thila teems with thousands of fish including kingfish and yellow snapper. '5 rocks' is a prime example of Maldivian biodiversity, showcasing huge sea fans and soft corals. Maamigili HR is an outer reef where whale sharks and leopard sharks are regularly sighted, offering unique photographic opportunities.
Dive sites: Dhigga Thila, Kudarah Thila, 5 rocks, Kahambu Thila, Maamigili HR
The journey continues to Vaavu Atoll, celebrated for its spectacular channels and unforgettable night dives. Miyaru Kandu is a significant channel often hosting a resident school of grey reef sharks, joined by eagle rays and Napoleon wrasses. Alimatha HR offers an extraordinary night diving experience, with sightings of blacktip sharks, stingrays, jacks, and numerous nurse sharks. Fotteyo Kandu is considered one of the best dive sites in the Maldives, featuring exceptional soft corals in its overhangs and frequent encounters with eagle rays and grey sharks.
Dive sites: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha HR, Fotteyo Kandu
The final full day of the cruise offers more opportunities to explore the central atolls, with dives selected based on optimal conditions to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety. This day might include revisiting a favorite site or discovering a new one, offering a last chance to experience the incredible marine life and vibrant underwater landscapes of the Maldives.
After a final breakfast on board, guests will disembark in Malé. Transfers will be arranged according to individual flight schedules, concluding an unforgettable liveaboard experience in the stunning central atolls of the Maldives.