Maldives
Multi-atoll big animal expedition for manta rays, sharks and whale sharks with extensions to see Tiger Sharks and Manta Aggregations
The Maldives Big Animal itinerary covers five atolls and balances healthy reefs with a strong focus on manta rays, sharks and whale sharks.
This island group is a haven for sharks and rays and you will scuba dive with up to 12 species or sharks including on night dives. While the main trip is mainly scuba diving we might snorkel with whalesharks and manta rays at night by the side of the boat
Insider Divers also offers several special extensions such as Hanifaru Bay and Fuvahmulah.
OUR PROMISE
To create the best possible experience for a destination Insider Divers always carefully select the optimal season and best operator. In the Maldives there are two monsoon seasons influencing marine life and while the winter is considered the clearer and sharkier water we believe the the summer offers the best and broadest experience as it features much more opportunities to dive with manta rays and whalesharks.
You will be in the company of fellow ocean-lovers and accompanied by an Insider Divers group leader who handles logistics, making your trip effortless. We will enrich your experience with wildlife talks and provide professional photos as a memory of your trip.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Blue Force One - Maldives
The Blue Force One is an award-winning luxury dive vessel. Built with divers needs in mind it features comfortable rooms, The ship features 11 guest cabins that cater to 20 guests. Each cabin features twin beds, ensuite bathrooms and AC. Social areas include a large sun deck with beach beds, tanning benches and a 6 person jacuzzi. The outdoor terrace located at the back of the boat is ideal for a sundowner.
Blue Force One - Maldives
Lower Deck Cabin
The layout of all the cabins accommodates single or twin occupants. All cabins are equipped with spacious private ensuite bathrooms, LED television, bed remote control for lights and AC, wireless charging pod, universal electricity sockets with USB ports, a safe box & electric water kettle.
Upper Deck Cabin
The cabins on this floor feature seaview windows. All cabins are equipped with spacious private ensuite bathroom, LED television, bed remote control for lights and AC
Master Suite
These cabins are massive, even feature its own lounger couch. All cabins are equipped with spacious private ensuite bathroom, LED television, bed remote control for lights and AC, wireless charging pod, universal electricity sockets with USB ports, safe box & electric water kettle.
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Hanifaru Boutique Hotel - Maldives
Our hotel for the first part of the extension is right on the beack in Dharavandhoo, the closest island to the UNESCO Marine Protected Area of Hanifari Bay
Hanifaru Boutique Hotel - Maldives
Seaview Room - Single or Twin
Seaview from the room. Private bath, individual AC, TV and balcony
Activities
Reef Dives
Reef Dives
Maldives is a huge archipelago of reef systems. Every dive will be on reefs or in channels between reefs.
The diving is often at a mild drift but can also have strong currents where we hook onto corners or channels
Shark Dives
Shark Dives
Maldives is the sharkiest destination in Asia. We will see sharks often on reefs and especially on corners and channels with strong currents.
Night Dives
Night Dives
Night dives in the Maldives can be very interesting if done right.
On one location we will dive at night with Manta Rays, we attract them to us by shining light, which attracts plankton inviting the manta rays to feed right in front of us.
Another exciting dusk dive is with hundreds of nurse sharks.
Big Animal Snorkel
Big Animal Snorkel
In some situations snorkeling can actually be better than scuba diving.
Whalesharks at night by the boat are one such situation.
Another is snorkeling with feeding Manta Rays on our extension to Hanifaru.
Trip leader
Jesse Alpert
Jesse is an award-winning underwater photographer and videographer and PADI scuba instructor. For Insider Divers he runs various expeditions formats such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips. In his home Palau he is well known as above and underwater photographer. He is also an accomplished videographer and films for big production documentaries.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Scuba and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- All diving
- Full board
- Drinking water, coffee, tea
- Widllife Presentations
- Towels, soap & shampoo
- Professional photos & videos
- Airport transfer to boat (not to hotel)
- FREE T-Shirt
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- Maldives taxes and Green tax
- Service tax
- Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks,
- NITROX (mandatory)
- Flights & local hotel
- Equipment rental
- Tips
Reviews
Just amazing. The liveaboard in the central atolls offered amazing dive highlights (Mantas day and night, turtles, rays, sharks, whaleshark, vibrant reef life).
The extensions in Hanifaru (magical Manta madness) and Fuvamulah (Tiger Sharks) offered great to additions.
Organization, trip lead during the tour and the photos and videos after were splendid as always with Insider Divers.
I have nothing but praise for the way Simon and the Insider Divers team.
The experience goes beyond "just" great dives - when you dive with ID, you get so much more. 1). A well-planned agenda to be in the right place at the right time to see some truly spectacular wildlife. 2). Well-researched presentations on these animals' biology and behavioral patterns - things to look out for which make the whole experience more enjoyable. 3). World-class photographer who is happy and willing to help others with tips, tricks, and even mini-instructional seminars....and then offer us all the pictures he took of us for free.
Truly after this experience, I can't see a reason to go on a dive trip with anyone else.
My 5th Insider Divers trip but first ID scuba/liveaboard and what a trip it was!
Yet again ID standard from start to finish was maintained with communication prior to the trip and service during the trip. Mantas were a personal highlight but sharks and diversity of the Maldives was breathtaking. Cannot fault the ID or local crew - both above and below water all our needs were met.
Would highly recommend to experienced and lesser experienced divers alike. I have walked away from this trip with a dive buddy that has now certainly caught the bug! See you on the next underwater adventure…
videos
FAQ
What experience level do I need?
This destination offers accessible diving conditions, yet it is not suitable for absolute beginners. To join, participants must have:
- A minimum of 50 logged dives
- Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher
- Nitrox certification (mandatory on all Insider Divers trips to ensure longer, safer dives)
This is a great trip for people doing their first time on a liveaboard as the water is calm and we never experience rough seas.
Will I get seasick?
This liveaboard is ideal for travelers prone to seasickness. Cruising exclusively between protected atolls, the boat avoids waves and rough seas, ensuring a calm journey. The only potential for mild choppiness occurs during short transitions between atolls, never exceeding two hours.
For peace of mind, we recommend packing seasickness medication, though most guests find it unnecessary and only use it in rare, unexpected cases.
What should I pack and bring?
As part of our process you will receive a log in to our Insider Divers portal which will have downloads, such as an extensive packing list after signing up.
We do recommend bringing your own gear but you can also rent everything on site.
When is the best time to dive the Maldives?
The Maldives dives year-round, with two monsoon seasons influencing marine life. The northeast monsoon (December to April) brings calmer seas, excellent visibility, and great reef diving.
At Insider Divers we prefer the southwest monsoon (May to November) with more plankton that attracts whale sharks and manta rays, especially around Hanifaru Bay during its seasonal feeding aggregations.
What marine life can I expect in the Maldives?
Expect manta rays, whale sharks, grey reef sharks, white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, spinner sharks, tiger sharks, nurse sharks, hammerheads at certain sites, tuna, eagle rays, turtles, napoleon wrasse, and dense schools of fusiliers and jacks. Atoll passes (kandus) deliver exciting drift diving with lots of pelagic action.
How do I get to the Maldives?
Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Our liveaboard will board from the harbor near the airport with a short transfer. Depending on the itinerary, an internal domestic flight or seaplane transfer may be required to reach a more distant embarkation point, which Insider Divers will arrange.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.