Seafari Explorer II · Maldives · 8D/7N
This itinerary focuses on the most remote atolls of the Maldives, offering an exclusive dive experience. Guests will explore the southern atolls of Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Fuvahmulah, and Seenu, known for their vibrant marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. The trip emphasizes thrilling encounters with reef sharks, hammerheads, thresher sharks, mantas, and other large pelagics, making it a spectacular journey for experienced divers seeking significant marine encounters.
The journey begins with embarkation in Kooddoo, Maldives. Guests will check in at 10:00 AM, settle into their cabins, and receive a warm welcome and orientation aboard the liveaboard. The day is dedicated to getting acquainted with the vessel and preparing for the week of diving ahead.
Today's diving focuses on the pristine Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls, renowned for their vibrant reef systems and strong currents that attract abundant pelagic life. Divers can expect to encounter grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays, typical residents of these channel dives. The area is known for diverse coral formations and rich schooling fish, offering dynamic drift dives.
Continuing our exploration of the southern atolls, today features more exhilarating dives within Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu. These atolls are characterized by deep channels and extensive reef systems, where strong currents provide ideal conditions for large pelagic encounters. Divers often observe diverse shark species, including whitetip reef sharks and possibly hammerheads, alongside schooling jacks and snappers that frequent the outer reefs.
The middle of the week brings further exploration of Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu, focusing on areas known for their abundant hard and soft coral gardens. While still offering chances for pelagic sightings, these sites provide opportunities to appreciate the intricate reef ecosystems. Currents can vary, influencing the type of marine life observed, from small reef fish to larger visitors patrolling the reef edges.
Today's itinerary offers more dynamic drift dives within the extensive reef systems of Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls. These atolls are celebrated for their strong oceanic currents that create ideal conditions for exciting encounters with various shark species, including grey reef sharks and possibly thresher sharks, alongside other large marine life. The dives often feature diverse reef topography, from walls to pinnacles.
The day is dedicated to diving in Fuvahmulah, famously known as the "Tiger Zoo" due to its unique oceanic location. This area is celebrated for exceptional pelagic encounters, with a high probability of spotting thresher sharks, tiger sharks, and various other shark species. The diving here is characterized by deep, open ocean drifts and strong currents, making it an exhilarating experience for advanced divers.
Today's dives are centered around Seenu Atoll, offering a blend of reef and wreck exploration. A highlight is the British Loyalty wreck, a 140-meter tanker from WWII that provides a unique historical dive with abundant marine life. The atoll is also known for its vibrant reef systems, such as Koattey Corner, offering opportunities to spot mantas, grey reef sharks, and schooling jacks. This combination of structural and biological diversity makes for a compelling dive day.
Dive sites: British Loyalty wreck, Koattey Corner, Maa Kandu (Corner)
The trip concludes with disembarkation in Gan, Maldives. Guests will enjoy a final breakfast onboard before checking out at 07:00 AM. This marks the end of an unforgettable journey through the deep south atolls of the Maldives.