Koodoo - Gan
EcoPro Mariana · Maldives · 7 nights
About this route
This Maldivian liveaboard itinerary explores the southern atolls of the Maldives, offering diverse diving experiences. Guests will encounter channel dives, vibrant reefs, and significant pelagic activity. The route is known for its strong currents, which attract a wide array of marine life including sharks and mantas. Both experienced divers and those comfortable with challenging conditions will find this trip rewarding.
Regions on this route
Highlights
Addu Atoll
Addu Atoll is located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, offering exceptional diving opportunities. It is particularly renowned for its manta ray cleaning stations, where divers can observe these majestic creatures. The atoll also features diverse coral reefs and the historic British Loyalty Wreck, attracting a wide array of marine life.
- Manta ray cleaning stations
- Historic wreck dive
- Intact coral reefs
- Pelagic encounters
Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is a unique, isolated island in the Maldives, renowned for its pelagic encounters. The "Tiger Zoo" dive site provides incredible opportunities to see tiger sharks, often in significant numbers. Strong currents characterize the diving here, making it a thrilling experience for advanced divers seeking close encounters with large marine predators and beautiful intact coral life.
- Tiger shark encounters
- Thresher sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
- Challenging drift dives
Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Gaafu Alifu Atoll, also known as Huvadhoo Atoll, is one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world. It is famous for its exhilarating channel dives, which often feature strong currents and attract numerous gray reef sharks. The atoll boasts incredibly healthy coral gardens and a rich biodiversity, making it a prime destination for both macro and pelagic enthusiasts.
- Channel drift diving
- Grey reef sharks
- Healthy coral gardens
- Macro and pelagic life
Requirements
- CertificationAdvanced Open Water
- Minimum logged dives80
- ExperienceDivers should have a minimum of 75+ dives and experience with drift and channel dives.
Good to know
- Domestic flights are not included in the trip price and should be arranged separately.
- A no-decompression limit of 70 bar is recommended, particularly for channel drift dives.
- Divers are advised to wait 24 hours after their last dive before flying.
Day-by-day plan
Day 1: Embarkation – Kooddoo, Maldives
Upon arrival at the airport, guests will be transferred to the vessel. After a warm welcome briefing from the cruise director, cabins will be allocated, and the ship orientation will take place. This day allows time to settle in and prepare for the week of diving ahead.
Day 2: Gaafu Alifu Atoll – Channel Diving
Today focuses on the channels of Gaafu Alifu Atoll, an area renowned for thrilling drift dives. Divers can expect to encounter grey reef sharks and other pelagic species attracted by the strong currents. The coral reefs here are vibrant, offering excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
Dive sites: Villigili Kandu, Kondey Coral Garden
Day 3: Gaafu Alifu Atoll – Reef Exploration
The vessel continues its exploration of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Today's dives feature a mix of channel and reef sites. The area is celebrated for its healthy coral gardens and diverse marine ecosystems. Divers often spot a variety of reef fish, octopuses, and other macro life, alongside larger pelagic species in the channels.
Dive sites: Villigili Kandu, Kondey Coral Garden
Day 4: Fuvahmulah – Tiger Zoo Encounters
Fuvahmulah is the highlight today, particularly known for the Tiger Zoo dive site. This isolated island's unique drop-off location often brings sightings of tiger sharks. While conditions can be challenging with strong currents, the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures is unparalleled.
Dive sites: Tiger Zoo, South Plateau Fuvahmulah, North Plateau Fuvahmulah
Day 5: Fuvahmulah – Pelagic Plateaus
Exploring Fuvahmulah further, today's dives focus on its southern and northern plateaus. These deep-water areas are known for attracting large pelagics, including various shark species and oceanic manta rays. Divers can expect dynamic conditions and thrilling encounters in this remote and pristine environment.
Dive sites: Tiger Zoo, South Plateau Fuvahmulah, North Plateau Fuvahmulah
Day 6: Addu Atoll – Manta Cleaning Stations
Today's diving centers on Addu Atoll, a region famous for its manta ray cleaning stations. Divers commonly witness reef manta rays congregating at specific sites for cleaning. The atoll also offers beautiful and intact coral life on its outer reefs, providing vibrant backdrops for diverse marine encounters.
Dive sites: Addu Manta Point, Outer Reef
Day 7: Addu Atoll – Wrecks and Reefs
The final full day of diving in Addu Atoll combines historical wreck exploration with vibrant reef dives. The British Loyalty Wreck, a WWII oil tanker, provides an interesting artificial reef thriving with marine life. Outside of wreck diving, the atoll's outer reefs continue to offer stunning coral formations and opportunities to spot pelagic species.
Dive sites: British Loyalty Wreck, Outer Reef
Day 8: Disembarkation – Gan, Maldives
After breakfast on board, guests will disembark the vessel. Transfers will be arranged to the airport for departure. Divers are advised to observe the recommended no-fly time of 24 hours after their last dive.
Upcoming departures
All routes of this liveaboard
- Deep South Gan-Male (Gan → Male) · 12D11N
- Gan-Kooddoo (Gan → Kooddoo) · 8D7N
- Gan - Koodoo · 14 nights
- Best of Maldives (Male - Male) · 12 nights
- Deep South (Male - Gan) · 10 nights
- Best of Maldives (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Best of Maldives (Male - Male) · 11 Days / 10 Nights
- Best of Maldives (Male - Male) · 12D11N
- Central Atolls (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Deep South (Male - Gan) · 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Deep South (Gan - Male) · 15 Days / 14 Nights
- Southern Atolls (Koodoo - Gan) · 11 Days / 10 Nights
- North incl. Hanifaru Bay (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
About the vessel
EcoPro MarianaMaldives