Maldives Discovery Dives

The Maldives discovery is ideal for any first time visitor to the Maldives, this itinerary gets to grips with the dives that have made the Maldives such a world famous destination.

The Maldives Discovery weighs anchor in Male atoll and sails the vast breadth of this idyllic region. To the north and south, this itinerary gets to grips with the dives that have made the Maldives such a world famous destination. Including the enticing North and South Ari atolls simply adds to the drama. Dive after dive, no channel or reef is left unturned. The exact order of things is left deliberately flexible to ensure that no matter what the season, the breathtaking world underwater is unveiled in all its perfection.

North Ari Atoll is home to the astounding Bathalaa Maaga Khanthila. This is a sheer drop that opens into the current stream. Maaya Thila is one of the best known dive sites in the Maldives and for a good reason. This pinnacle is about 30m diameter that descends to reveal sharks and fish a plenty. Night diving here is difficult to beat and should not be missed. Dhonkalo Thila squeezes in a manta fix before moving on to Maalhoss Thila where the soft corals drape opulently. South Ari Atoll is the next destination, where Rhadigaa and Madivaru await. A quick beach BBQ prepares for the next day's adventure & snorkelling with whalesharks in Sun Island. The tiny thilas that carve up Dangheti Chanel set the stage for hundreds and thousands of distinct dive plans.

The Maldives Discovery is a classic tour that proves it's worth time and time again. Not least for the manta sightings, this is a must dive itinerary. Cleaning stations allow you to get up close and personal with these graceful giants and Manta Point, Dhonkalo Thila and Madivaru provide just such opportunities. Log yet more pelagic sightings as grey reef sharks patrol the Ari Atoll area. Drift diving is on the menu all year round and the plush bounteous corals are just everywhere as you flash past. Huge barracuda patrol their territories in Maaya Thila and other schooling fish such as tuna pass in the blue. Fish Head in North Ari Atoll are home to a massive resident napoleon, a long time highlight for divers.

The Maldives discovery is ideal for any first time visitor to the Maldives. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving but no minimum no of dives is required by local law. All diving is made from dhonis to give precision entry and exits points. Night diving is limited to sheltered moorings but should not be missed.

There is no one way to approach the Maldives Discovery. With so many excellent and remarkable sites in and around North - South Male Atolls and the Ari Atolls, this is a route that can be dived time and time again. Surely no one can tire of the jaw dropping diversity and life on display. From the tiny creatures that thrill macro lovers to the elegant and inspiring big fish, there more than enough to keep you coming back for more. With endless variety, you just cannot be disappointed with the splendour of the Maldives.

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Itinerary / Highlights

The atoll system creates a huge number of dive sites - so much so that you can visit an area and dive very different sites each time. These sample itineraries give an indication of where you will visit but the sites dived will depend on season, weather and other local variables.

Day 1
After arriving in Male and transferring to the boat, the check dive is made at Maagiri and then the boat sets sail.

Day 2
Is made for Thila diving with stops at Bathalaa Maagaakan Thila, Hafushia Thila and a night dive on Maaya Thila

Day 3
Starts at Dhnkalo Thila before a wreck stop at Fesdu, The day finishes at Meru Fanfushi

Day 4
Commences with a dive at Fish Head, followed by Emas Thila and Dega Thila

Day 5
Dives at Madivaru before spending some time in a great area for finding whalesharks. If found, there will be a chance to snorkel with them. The final dive of the day is at Dhigurah Arches

Day 6
Moves to Kandhoo Maa Thila and the Kudagiri Wreck. The final night is spent on board.

Day 7
Return transfers to Male airport are made on the final day.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

The following boats run the Maldives Discovery itinerary regularly.

Orion:-
MV Orion is the culmination of many years experience diving in the Maldives and has been designed with the diver in mind. The guides and crews are experts in the area with literally thousands of dives between them. Together, the team will leave no stone unturned to ensure you have an itinerary filled with the awe inspiring encounters that makes the Maldives so famous.

Nautilus 2:-
Nautilus 2 is a new name in the Maldives, but like her sister ship Nautilus 1, she has quickly become associated with only the highest standards. Built in 2007 to a traditional Maldivian design, this colourful yacht brings a splash of style to every reef she visits. At 43m from bow to stern there is nothing that this boat cannot offer.

Nautilus 1:-
Nautilus 1 is the original Nautilus vessel and deserves the quality reputation she has worked so hard for. Operating to the highest standards we have all come to expect, this Maldivian vessel has become the benchmark by which all subsequent liveaboards are measured. Nautilus 1 sits well next to her bigger sister and will feel like a home away from home.

Ocean Dancer:-
Ocean Dancer has all the pedigree that makes the Peter Hughes fleet so respected. Custom built, she is the culmination of many years diving in the Maldives and has been designed by divers for divers. With a keen eye on safety and conservation, Ocean Dancer is a premium liveaboard that will not disappoint. Ideal for photographers, the Maldives is packed with phenomenal diving. Step from the perfection of Ocean Dancer into the warm aqua seas.