Deep South (Gan - Kooddoo)
Ariyal · Maldives · 7 nights
About this route
This 7-night liveaboard journey through the Maldivian deep south offers an immersive diving experience, beginning in Gan and concluding in Kooddoo. The itinerary is crafted to maximize underwater exploration, with a strong emphasis on diverse marine ecosystems and thrilling encounters with large pelagics. Guests can anticipate discovering a variety of dive sites, from vibrant coral reefs to channels renowned for strong currents and abundant marine life. The trip skillfully combines on-board relaxation with adventurous dives, promising a memorable Maldivian adventure.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Fuvahmulah Atoll
Fuvahmulah is a unique island atoll in the Maldives, distinguished by its single-island formation and deep water channels. It is a renowned hotspot for encounters with large pelagic sharks, including tiger sharks and thresher sharks, attracted by the nutrient-rich currents. The island's diverse marine topography also offers vibrant reef diving.
- Tiger shark encounters
- Thresher shark sightings
- Deep water channels
- Unique island atoll
Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Gaafu Alifu is one of the administrative divisions of the Maldives, located in the northern part of the Huvadhoo Atoll, which is one of the world's largest natural atolls. This region is famous for its exhilarating channel dives, attracting a wide variety of pelagic species due to strong currents and nutrient-rich waters.
- Channel dives
- Pelagic encounters
- Large natural atoll
Gnaviyani Atoll
Gnaviyani Atoll, also known as Fuvahmulah Atoll due to its single-island nature, is celebrated for its exceptional pelagic encounters. Its unique oceanic position and deep-water currents create an ideal environment for spotting a wide range of sharks and other large marine animals. The dive sites are dynamic and offer thrilling experiences.
- Pelagic shark encounters
- Unique oceanic position
- Dynamic dive sites
Seenu Atoll
Seenu Atoll, also known as Addu Atoll, is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives. It is characterized by its unique geographical formation, including a large natural harbor and several inhabited islands. The dive sites here often feature thriving coral reefs, channels, and a significant population of reef manta rays.
- Reef manta rays
- Thriving coral reefs
- Natural harbor
Villingili
Villingili is part of the Addu Atoll, which is known for its historical sites and varied dive experiences. The dive sites around Villingili feature vibrant coral gardens and a healthy reef ecosystem. It offers a mix of drift dives and calmer areas, suitable for exploring macro life and larger reef inhabitants.
- Vibrant coral gardens
- Healthy reef ecosystem
- Mix of drift and calm dives
- Macro and reef inhabitants
Requirements
- CertificationOpen Water
- Minimum logged dives5
- ExperienceDivers should have a minimum of 5 logged dives with Open Water certification.
Shore excursions
- Enjoy a BBQ dinner on a local island, subject to additional fees.
Good to know
- A minimum of 5 logged dives and Open Water certification is required for this trip.
- The last scheduled dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip.
- Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after their last dive.
- An entrance fee may apply for diving at Tiger Zoo Dive site.
- Additional fees may apply to itineraries that include a BBQ dinner on an island.
- Additional fees may apply for activities such as the Tiger Zoo Dive and BBQ Dinner.
- The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Gan Atoll
Guests will be welcomed aboard the vessel around 01:00 PM in Gan Atoll. After essential introductions, equipment preparation, and settling into cabins, the crew will provide a detailed trip itinerary and vital information, including a check dive. This initial day focuses on ensuring comfort and readiness for the week of diving ahead.
Day 2: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 3: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 4: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 5: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 6: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 7: Deep South Exploration – Gaafu Alifu & Fuvahmulah
Days in the Deep South are dedicated to extensive exploration, typically averaging three day dives and one or two night dives. This region, encompassing Gaafu Alifu and Fuvahmulah, is renowned for its thrilling channel dives and encounters with large pelagic species. Dive sites often feature strong currents, attracting a rich array of marine life to the vibrant coral formations and reef systems.
Dive sites: Manta Point, Maakandu, Tiger Zoo Dive, Fuvamulah Corner, Gemanafushi Thila, Gemanafushi Kandu, Gemanafushi Canyon, Kondey Coral Gardens, Kondey Kandu, Maarehaa Kandu, Dhaahandhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Kerendhoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point, Kooddoo Kandu, Villingili
Day 8: Disembarkation – Kooddoo
Guests will check out and depart from the airport. Divers are advised to observe the recommended 24-hour no-fly period after their last dive, which typically occurs on the penultimate day of the trip.
Upcoming departures
All routes of this liveaboard
- Baa Atoll Hanifaru - North/South Ari Atoll - South Male Atoll (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Deep South (Koodoo - Gan) · 7 nights
- Sample Itinerary · 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Maldives Deep South · 10 Days / 9 Nights
- Deep South Gan to Male · 9 nights
- Deep South Male to Gan · 9 nights
- Deep South Gan to Male · 9 nights
- Explore Maldives (Male - Male) · 7 nights
About the vessel
AriyalMaldives