Deep South (Koodoo - Gan)
Ariyal · Maldives · 7 nights
About this route
This 7-night liveaboard adventure explores the vibrant dive sites of the Maldives' Deep South, journeying from Kooddoo to Gan. The itinerary offers a mix of channel dives, Kandu explorations, and encounters with pelagic species. Divers can expect to discover diverse reef ecosystems and potentially see a variety of marine life, including sharks, mantas, and schooling fish across different atolls. The trip concludes with dives around Gan before guests disembark.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is an oceanic island recognized globally as a hotspot for pelagic species. Its unique underwater topography and strong currents create an environment where divers can frequently encounter oceanic whitetip sharks, tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and even mola mola. This destination consistently offers some of the most exhilarating big-fish diving experiences in the Maldives.
- Oceanic whitetip sharks
- Tiger sharks
- Thresher sharks
- Mola mola sightings
Gaafu Alifu
Gaafu Alifu, also known as the Northern Huvadhoo Atoll, is part of one of the world's largest natural atolls. It stands out for its pristine channels and vibrant thilas, offering thrilling drift dives and exceptional pelagic action. The atoll's remote location contributes to its well-preserved coral reefs and abundant marine biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers seeking unspoiled underwater landscapes.
- Pristine channels
- Vibrant thilas
- Pelagic action
- Healthy coral reefs
Gnaviyani
Gnaviyani Atoll, home to Fuvahmulah, is characterized by its deep waters and proximity to oceanic currents. This confluence of factors creates an ideal habitat for large pelagic fish and sharks. Diving here often involves exploring submerged pinnacles and channel entrances where these majestic creatures congregate.
- Deep water diving
- Oceanic currents
- Pelagic congregation
- Unique island geography
Seenu
Seenu Atoll, also known as Addu Atoll, is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives and is famous for its resident population of reef manta rays. Divers regularly visit its cleaning stations, experiencing close encounters with these gentle giants. The atoll also features diverse coral reefs, channel dives, and occasional encounters with other large marine animals.
- Manta ray encounters
- Cleaning stations
- Southernmost atoll
- Diverse coral reefs
Viligili
Viligili is a significant area within the itinerary, known for its dynamic currents that sweep through channels, attracting a variety of large marine life. Divers often encounter different shark species and schooling fish in these nutrient-rich waters. The underwater topography frequently features dramatic drop-offs and colorful reef walls.
- Dynamic currents
- Shark encounters
- Schooling fish
- Dramatic drop-offs
Requirements
- CertificationOpen Water
- Minimum logged dives5
- ExperienceDivers should have a minimum of 5 logged dives to join this trip.
Shore excursions
- Enjoy a BBQ dinner on an island.
- Participate in a night experience dedicated to searching for whale sharks.
Good to know
- The last dive will occur on the penultimate day of the trip, with divers recommended to wait 24 hours before flying.
- Entrance fees for specific dives like Tiger Zoo Dive are charged separately.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Kooddoo
Guests will be transferred from HuvadhuGan airport to the liveaboard in Kooddoo. After settling into cabins and receiving a detailed trip briefing, the evening is dedicated to equipment preparation and setup, anticipating the start of diving activities. Night plans may include a night for whale shark searching.
Day 2: Villingili – Kandu Diving & Pelagic Encounters
Today's diving focuses on the Villingili area, exploring sites like Villingili Kandu and Kooddoo Kandu, known for their strong currents that attract pelagic species. Divers might also visit Kooddoo Spinner Point, a site often frequented by spinner dolphins. The evening may include a night dedicated to searching for whale sharks, offering a unique opportunity to observe these gentle giants.
Dive sites: Villingili Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Kooddoo Spinner Point
Day 3: Kandhoo Exploration – Southern Atolls
The expedition continues with dives in the southern atolls, focusing on sites such as Kerendhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, and Dhaandhoo Kandu. These channel dives are often characterized by strong currents, making them ideal for observing large pelagic fish and sharks. The diverse hard and soft coral formations also provide refuge for numerous reef inhabitants.
Dive sites: Kerendhoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, Dhaandhoo Kandu
Day 4: Maarehaa & Kondey – Vibrant Reefs & BBQ
Today's dives explore the Maarehaa and Kondey areas, featuring dive sites such as Maarehaa Kandu, Kondey Kandu, and the vibrant Kondey Coral Gardens. These locations are known for their healthy coral ecosystems and diverse marine inhabitants. The day culminates with a special BBQ dinner on a nearby island, offering a relaxing evening under the stars after a day of diving.
Dive sites: Maarehaa Kandu, Kondey Kandu, Kondey Coral Gardens
Day 5: Gemanahfushi – Thila & Canyon Exploration
The day is dedicated to exploring the Gemanahfushi area, with dives at Gemanahfushi Canyon, Gemanahfushi Kandu, and Gemanahfushi Thila. These sites offer diverse topography, from deep canyons to vibrant thilas (underwater pinnacles) that attract a variety of marine life, including schooling fish and larger pelagics. Following the dives, the vessel will cross to Fuvamullah mid-night.
Dive sites: Gemanahfushi Canyon, Gemanahfushi Kandu, Gemanahfushi Thila
Day 6: Fuvamulah – Pelagic Hotspot
Fuvamulah is renowned as a pelagic hotspot and today includes dives at Fuvamulah Corner and Tiger Zoo Dive. The area is famous for consistent encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks and other large pelagics. Tiger Zoo Dive offers the unique opportunity to dive with tiger sharks (entrance fee chargeable). After the thrilling dives, the vessel will cross to Gan.
Dive sites: Fuvamulah Corner, Tiger Zoo Dive
Day 7: Gan – Maakandu & Manta Point
The final day of diving takes place around Gan, with sites including Maakandu and Manta Point. Maakandu offers vibrant reef structures and diverse marine life, while Manta Point is renowned for its cleaning stations, providing excellent opportunities to observe reef manta rays. After the last dive, guests will sleep near Gan Airport in preparation for departure.
Dive sites: Maakandu, Manta Point
Day 8: Disembarkation – Gan
After breakfast, guests will check out from the liveaboard and proceed with their departure from Gan airport. This marks the end of the Deep South Maldives diving adventure.
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 (Gan - Kooddoo) · 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