Maldives - Central Atolls & Hanifaru (Male - Male)

Maldives Blue Force 3 · Maldives · 7 nights

Duration
7 nights
Embarkation
Male, Maldives
Disembarkation
Male, Maldives
Dives
Approximately 18 dives in total

About this route

Embark on an 8-day diving cruise through the Central Atolls of the Maldives, focusing on the rich marine biodiversity of Baa Atoll and Hanifaru Bay. This special route, often developed in collaboration with the Manta Trust Foundation, highlights encounters with both reef and oceanic manta rays. The itinerary promises diverse diving experiences across North Male, Hanifaru, Baa, Rasdoo, and Ari Atolls, with opportunities for night dives and whale shark sightings. This trip is designed to maximize interactions with majestic pelagic species.

Regions on this route

Ari AtollBaa AtollCentral AtollsNorth Male AtollRaa AtollRasdhoo Atoll

Highlights

Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is a large and diverse atoll in the Maldives, well-regarded for its stunning underwater topography, including numerous thilas (pinnacles) and channels. It offers excellent opportunities for encountering large pelagics, particularly whale sharks, which are often sighted here. The dive sites feature vibrant coral reefs and a rich variety of reef fish.

Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and pristine marine ecosystems. It is especially famous for Hanifaru Bay, a crucial feeding ground where large aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks occur seasonally. The atoll's reefs are healthy, supporting a wide range of marine life.

Central Atolls

The Central Atolls of the Maldives offer a comprehensive diving experience, encompassing a variety of dive sites from vibrant coral reefs to pelagic-rich channels. This region is known for its dynamic currents, which attract schooling fish and larger marine species. The flexible itinerary ensures visits to the best spots based on seasonal sightings and conditions.

North Male Atoll

North Male Atoll is one of the most accessible and popular diving regions in the Maldives, featuring a mix of channel dives, cleaning stations, and reef walls. It is a prime location for spotting reef sharks, manta rays, and a colorful array of reef fish. The atoll offers diverse dive sites suitable for various experience levels.

Raa Atoll

Raa Atoll offers a less-explored diving landscape compared to some of its southern counterparts, providing opportunities for pristine reef encounters and a chance to discover untouched sites. The atoll's channels and thilas are rich in marine life, including various sharks and schooling fish. Currents can be present, offering exciting drift dives.

Rasdhoo Atoll

Rasdhoo Atoll is renowned for its pelagic encounters, particularly for sightings of hammerhead sharks at specific dive sites. The atoll features deep channels and outer reef walls, attracting a variety of large marine predators and schooling fish. Its unique topography makes it a thrilling destination for experienced divers seeking big fish action.

Requirements

  • CertificationAdvanced Open Water
  • Minimum logged dives50
  • ExperienceDivers must possess an Advanced Open Water certification and have a minimum of 50 logged dives.

Shore excursions

  • Guests have the option for a guided visit to Male city.
  • Optional day hotel and free time in Male can be arranged for those with afternoon flights.

Good to know

  • A valid diving certificate corresponding to the dives undertaken is required.
  • The dive guide reserves the right to deny participation in certain dives if a diver is deemed unqualified for any reason.
  • Blue Force Diving will not offer deductions if a diver is not permitted to participate in a dive.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1: Embarkation – Male

    Upon arrival at Male Airport, a staff member will greet guests for transfer to the MALDIVES BLUE FORCE 1 via a local Dhoni. After check-in and a liveaboard briefing, the itinerary will be discussed, followed by dinner onboard. This day focuses on settling in and preparing for the week of diving ahead.

  2. Day 2: Central Atolls & Hanifaru – Manta Encounters

    Today marks the beginning of the CENTRAL ATOLLS & HANIFARU route, focusing on the North Atolls. The journey includes dives in North Male Atoll, with an initial search for a manta cleaning station, before sailing northbound. The region is known for its diverse reef structures, featuring both hard and soft corals, with currents varying from mild to strong, attracting a wide array of marine life.

  3. Day 3: Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay – Biosphere Reserve

    The expedition continues into the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Hanifaru Bay, within Baa Atoll, is particularly famous for seasonal aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks, offering incredible snorkeling opportunities. Diving in this area often features vibrant coral gardens, diverse reef fish, and pelagic encounters, with currents influencing potential sightings.

  4. Day 4: Rasdoo Atoll – Pelagic Searches

    Today's dives explore Rasdoo Atoll, a region known for its opportunities to spot various pelagic species. Depending on sea conditions and currents, the route may be modified to maximize chances of encountering different marine life. The area often features channel dives and outer reef walls, attracting schooling fish and larger predators, making for dynamic underwater experiences.

  5. Day 5: Ari Atoll – Whale Shark Potential

    The journey continues to Ari Atoll, a large atoll offering a diverse range of dive sites, often including pinnacles (thilas) and channels. This region is particularly noted for its potential for whale shark encounters, offering opportunities for both diving and snorkeling with these gentle giants. Expect varied current conditions and a vibrant array of reef fish alongside larger marine species.

  6. Day 6: Central Atolls – Diverse Diving

    Today's diving continues through the Central Atolls, revisiting or exploring new areas within North Male, Hanifaru, Baa, Rasdoo, and Ari Atolls based on the cruise management's criteria and marine life sightings. The itinerary is flexible to ensure the best possible diving and snorkeling experiences. Night dives are also planned, offering a different perspective on the reef's inhabitants.

  7. Day 7: Central Atolls – Final Dives & Male Visit

    Enjoy the final dives of the trip within the Central Atolls, with the flexibility to visit specific areas based on current conditions and recent sightings. In the afternoon, the liveaboard will anchor near Male. Guests will have the option to participate in a guided visit to Male, exploring the capital city before the final evening onboard.

  8. Day 8: Disembarkation – Male

    Disembarkation takes place at Male Airport around 07:00 AM. For guests with afternoon return flights, an optional day-use hotel can be arranged near the airport, allowing for free time to explore Male further before departure.

Upcoming departures

  • 2028-09-16 – 2028-09-23from 2,590 USDBook

All routes of this liveaboard

About the vessel

Maldives Blue Force 3Maldives Blue Force 3Maldives
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