MALDIVES
ITINERARY
We will dive five atolls in the dive heaven of the Maldives. Healthy reefs full of fish, large and small await us on this dive expedition. But the major draw will be the sheer abundance of Manta Rays and Sharks as well as good chances to see Whalesharks.
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In addition we plan two very special trips - a three day extension to the busiest Manta site in the world - Hanifaru Bay (only 2024 and 2026). And a four day extension to see the shark capital for Tiger and Thresher Sharks - Fuvamulah.
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DATES
19/04 to 26/04/2025
Ext 26/04 - 30/04/2026
14/08 to 22/08/2026
Ext 22/08 - 30/08/2026
THE REGION
The coconut palm and the yellow-fin tuna, symbols of the Maldives, say a great deal about this nation of more than a thousand islands. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the islands are inhabited. The Maldives is flat with white sandy beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon Current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. This nutrient-rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals clinging to the rock sides. Inside the atoll lagoons, rock pinnacles – thila – vault up from the bottom to scratch the water’s surface. In the channels, there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore.
At well-known cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays, and other large marine species. With a welcoming culture and some of the finest liveaboard dive boats and luxury resorts on the globe, a dive holiday in the Maldives makes for an unforgettable experience.
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THE ROUTE
Tour - Best of Central Atolls
The diving in the blue water paradise is absolutely sublime. Shark and manta ray sightings are guaranteed as well as myriads of reef fish, morays, critters and the king of them all - the whaleshark. On this itinerary we will be diving a lot with Manta rays and reef sharks, including various cleaning stations. We will even night dive with Manta Rays and Nurse Sharks, on two special night dives. We will also try to spend a day in a whaleshark hot spot, so hopefully will be seeing one of those too. This itinerary is subject to change, depending on weather.
Dive route: North Male - Rasdhoo Atoll - Ari Atoll - Vaavu Atoll - South Male Atoll -
Duration: 7 Nights
Number of dives: Up to 3 dives a day ​
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Check out the trip video from our trip to the Maldives in 2019
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THE EXTRAS
The trip will be hosted by pro-photographer Simon Lorenz . Simon will give several presentations on sharks and manta rays and teach underwater photography techniques for beginners as well as advanced photographers. It is also possible to get your Nitrox certification on this trip.
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He will also take photos free of charge of everyone.
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THE BOAT
The Blue Force One is one of the prestige boats in the Maldives. The luxury steel vessel allows us to travel in style from one atoll to the other. Many lounge areas inside and outside and a jacuzzi with a lot of space make for a comfortable journey. International cuisine with every meal, and of course the option to adjust to your dietary requirements.
Our boat
MY Blue Force one
- Full board - 3 meals plus snacks
- Luxury rooms with AC, fan, safe and private bath room with hot water
- Large sun deck, plus several shaded decks
- Jacuzzi!!
- Large dive equipment area
- Nitrox on board
DATES
The trip is from 7th September to 14th September 2024. You can arrive by plane on the 7th or, to be more safe arrive on the 6th September and spend the night in Male. We will reserve a hotel for everyone arriving early. aDepending on the extension or not you can fly out on 14th, 17th or 22nd September always after 6pm.
EXTENSION
HANIFARU 14th September to 17th September 2024
FUVAMULAH 17th to 21st September 2024
Leave by plane late on the 17th September or 22nd September
QUALIFICATION
You must be certified to dive to a depth of 30 meters as well as be comfortable with diving in medium to strong currents. Negative entries and drift dives are to be expected. Advanced Open Water certification should preferably be done before this trip, but can be conducted on site as well.
Extension - hanifaru
ONLY 2024 AND 2026
For those keen on more Manta Ray interactions we will offer an extension to the busiest Manta site in the World - Hanifaru Bay!
In the UNESCO world heritgage site of Hanifaru Bay a natural phenomenon brings in Manta Rays in the hundreds. With the right tides water gets funneled through the bay and concentrates plankton rich water - a rich bonanza for filter feeders like Manta Ray and Whalesharks. The best months for this are the late summer months all the way to November, so our trip is perfect.
After our cruise we will hop onto an exiting island hopper flight to Dharavandhoo, where our base will be for the coming days. Staying in the beautiful Aveyla resort we will do several days of snorkeling in the lagoon and scuba diving the area - because guess what - when the Mantas are not feeding on the plankton soup they still remain in the area for cleaning and socializing.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
MICHELLE
Maldives dive trip. What can I say AMAZING! Simon was an amazing group leader! He shared so much information with us about the dive sites, the animals we would see and about photography. The diving was beyond fantastic! The boat was very comfortable with amazing staff and delicious food. I have done a lot of dive trips and this ranks up there as probably my favorite! I can't wait to dive with Simon and inside divers again!
CHRIS
I have nothing but praise for the way Simon and the Insider Divers team put together this 10-day trip in the Maldives. The experience goes beyond "just" great dives and fantastic accommodations on board - when you dive with Simon and 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.
LESLIE
Everything about this trip was well organized and well executed. The dive masters (we had 3 ‘layers’ of accompaniment: from Cruise Directors, to GTS and ID staff, as well as dive guides from Blue O Two) were attentive and supportive both in preparation for and during each dive. Food was wonderful, rooms were clean and comfortable, and the liveaboard itself was in lovely condition. Beyond the basic accommodations the people who joined this adventure were awesome - groups intermingled and everyone was up for the challenge. The wildlife and ecosystems encountered? WOW! I was moved to tears after one encounter with mantas. Absolutely breathtaking.
One other item worth mentioning…we had a world class, award-winning photographer on board who gave us access to literally every photo he took at NO additional charge! Who does that?! Thanks to Simon, Lauren, Oliver and Carmen!
Our Hotel
Aveyla Resort
- Luxury rooms with AC, fan, safe and private bath room with
hot water
- Beach access with hammocks and sun chairs
- Full board - 3 meals
- Snorkeling plus diving
- Domestic flight included
- Optional Sea View Room
