Number of dives scheduled:
16-17
Airport arrival/departure:
Male*
8 nights/7 days aboard
Saturday-Saturday, 6 dive days
Minimul level:
AOWD PADI or similar (up to 30M deep), 50 logged dives
Best for:
Sharks, whale shark, mantas, turtles.
The “Best of Maldives” itinerary offers a diverse diving experience through some of the most renowned sites in the Maldives. Hundreds of sharks guaranteed ! Divers can encounter species such as tiger sharks at Neau Bathi, manta rays at Moofushi Manta Point, and whale sharks at Redisson Corner. Sites like Fish Head and Kuda Rah Thila are famous for their strong currents and abundant marine life, making them ideal for experienced divers. This itinerary includes unique features like night dives at Fesdu Lagoon to see manta rays, and snorkeling with nurse sharks at Alimatha Jetty.
! OBLIGATORY to bring underwater hook for each diver or rent one aboard for additional charge.
Why to dive on Best of Maldives itinerary?
Diverse Marine Life: Encounter tiger sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, nurse sharks, eagle rays, hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, barracudas, octopuses, moray eels and more !
Challenging Sites: Dive in strong currents at Fish Head and Kuda Rah Thila.
Night Dives: Experience the excitement of night diving at Fesdu Lagoon with manta rays.
Scenic Dive Sites: Explore coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks.
Opportunities for Beginners and Snorkelers: Ideal sites include Alimatha Jetty and Moofushi Manta Point, perfect for beginners and snorkelers.
Best of Maldives scuba trip also includes island visit and BBQ
Dive the iconic Best of Maldives itinerary, a must-do destination in every diver’s logbook. Experience hundreds of sharks in their natural habitat and explore world-renowned dive sites. The best time to go is March and April.
Bullet Points:
Tiger Sharks: Seen at Neau Bathi.
Manta Rays: Common at Moofushi Manta Point.
Whale Sharks: Search at Redisson Corner.
Nurse Sharks: Dive at Alimatha Jetty.
Strong Currents: Experienced at Fish Head and Kuda Rah Thila.
Beginner Friendly: Dive sites like Alimatha Jetty and Fesdu Lagoon are perfect for beginners.
Snorkeling Opportunities: Snorkelers can enjoy sites such as Moofushi Manta Point and Alimatha Jetty.
Diverse Dive Sites: Suitable for varying skill levels from beginner to expert.
Training Support: Many dive sites are ideal for practicing buoyancy and other skills.
A day onboard (approximate schedule):
| Sunrise | Tea, coffee, and the first dive |
| 8:30 AM | Continental & local breakfast |
| 9:30-10:30 AM | Navigation |
| 10:30 AM | Some days the first or second dive |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch with fresh fish, vegetables, rice, fruit, local or international food |
| 2 PM | Navigation or second dive |
| 4 PM | Visits of islands if planned |
| Sunset | Night Dive (1 per week) |
| 6:30-8 PM | Free time and Dinner. |
Some atolls and dive sites which supposed to be visited during the week (click to read all of the information)
Detailed Descriptions of Sites:
Alimatha Jetty: Ideal for beginners, famous for nurse shark encounters, excellent for night snorkeling.
Neau Bathi: This site offers sightings of tiger sharks and rays at depths around 40 meters, recommended for advanced divers.
Moofushi Manta Point: Known for frequent manta ray sightings throughout the dive, this spot is excellent for both divers and snorkelers .
Redisson Corner: A prime location for whale shark encounters, making it a highlight for divers.
Fish Head: This site features strong currents and abundant shark populations, suitable for experienced divers looking for a challenge. Known for strong currents and sightings of grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks.
Alimatha Jetty: Ideal for beginners, this site provides easy access and is known for its nurse shark populations, making it a great spot for both diving and snorkeling.
Fesdu Lagoon: Offers night dives with manta rays, perfect for beginners and snorkelers looking for an extraordinary underwater experience.
Fish Tank: Known for moray eels, rays, and large schools of fish, best visited during morning feedings.
Mihiri Corner: Known for whale shark sightings, making it a crucial point for whale shark research.
Hani Kandu: A site often visited for tiger shark sightings, significant for studying these large predators.
Kuda Rah Thila: Recommended for strong currents, shark encounters, and vibrant fish life; live coral reefs.
5 Rocks: Notable for sightings of sharks and barracudas amidst strong currents.
Miyaru Kandu: This channel dive is characterized by strong currents and frequent shark sightings.
!To ensure the safety of guests, navigation in the Maldives is strictly prohibited after sunset. If guests arrive in the afternoon, the boat will commence navigation only on Sunday. For those wishing to start scuba diving on Saturday, it is necessary to arrive by 11:00 AM or earlier and be ready for the meetup at 11:00 AM at the main Hulhumalé pier.
Island BBQs are not guaranteed and are only possible at specific locations. In the event of tropical rain, the BBQ will be substituted with a dinner on the boat, and no compensation will be provided.
Main Boat and Dhoni
The main boat functions as a floating hotel where divers live, dine, and relax. Scuba activities are carried out from a secondary vessel, the dhoni, which houses all scuba equipment and compressors for tank refills. This setup ensures safety and maintains tranquility on the main boat during compressor operations. The main boat anchors at designated points away from scuba zones, usually 15-30 minutes from the dive site. Following a briefing, divers transfer to the dhoni, adjust their gear, and dive directly from it. After the dive, the dhoni picks them up and returns them to the main boat.
Night Navigation and Diving
Due to regulations, night navigation in the Maldives is not permitted, necessitating all boat movements during the daytime and thus reducing the available time for organizing dives. The Maldives is renowned for its diverse marine life, including sharks, mantas, whale sharks, and strong currents. Shark dives typically involve descending to a reef (tila), with the reef top at around 20 meters. Divers swim against the current, secure themselves with hooks to the reef, and observe sharks passing by. Proper group behavior can lead to sightings of up to 30 sharks simultaneously. A hook is mandatory for these dives.
For observing mantas, divers wait at Manta Point for these majestic creatures to arrive. Whale shark searches within their sanctuary are a unique highlight of the scuba trip.
Night Diving
The trip includes one night dive. Since most dive sites in the Maldives have strong currents, selecting an appropriate location for night diving each day can be challenging.
Maldives Trip for Non-Diving Companions:
- Separate Zones for Divers: Scuba diving from the dhoni ensures that the main boat remains quiet and peaceful.
- Scenic Views: Routes offer visibility of islands, providing beautiful views.
- Island Excursions: Visits to both inhabited and uninhabited islands, including fishing villages with souvenirs.
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling opportunities are available at all dive sites from a separate boat, parallel to the scuba activities.
January to March: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F). Minimal rainfall.
April: Transition to the wet season, warm with increased humidity, temperatures up to 31°C (88°F).
May to October: Wet season with frequent rains, temperatures around 29-30°C (84-86°F).
November to December: End of wet season, decreasing rainfall, temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F).
Reasons Why March is Considered High Season and the Best Season for Scuba Diving in the Maldives:
- Ideal Weather Conditions: March features dry, sunny weather with minimal rainfall, perfect for diving.
- Excellent Visibility: Underwater visibility often exceeds 30 meters, enhancing the diving experience.
- Calm Seas: Smooth sea conditions make boat trips and diving safer and more enjoyable for all levels.
- Abundant Marine Life: March offers peak sightings of manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, and eagle rays.
- Beginner-Friendly: Calm, clear waters make it an ideal time for beginner divers and snorkelers at sites like Alimatha Jetty and Moofushi Manta Point
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