Maldives Scuba Diving Liveaboards Expedition

The Maldives Expedition is a 2 week diving safari in the heart of the Maldives meaning you get even more time to explore this underwater paradise.

The Maldives Expedition is a 2 week diving safari in the heart of the Maldives meaning you get even more time to explore this underwater paradise. Cruising a total of 7 different atolls systems, from Male Atoll to Ari Atoll this stunning itinerary is one of the best ways to experience the great diversity of the Maldives, all from the perfect comfort of a custom built diving liveaboard. The Maldives is one of the most romantic and idyllic destinations that keeps us all coming back for more.

The trip begins with the check dive and then the boat heads to the South Male atoll for some easy cave diving. A combination of caverns, overhangs and swim throughs, the scenery is breath taking and Vaadhoo and Vellasaru must be seen to be believed. Visiting North Ari atoll divers explore Ellaidhoo and Fesdhoo amongst others, long white beaches and huge coral islands are the order of the day - and that is just the surface side scenery. With dives in South Ari atoll to complete this portion of the trip, the boat then sails into the lesser dived atolls of Wataru, Mulaku and Felidhu. These tiny atolls deliver big diving and the names of Anbara, Fotteyo and Fulidhoo will stand out in your log book as fond memories and adrenalin pumping dives. The final leg of the trip loops back round to South Male atoll to complete a perfect two weeks of unforgettable scuba diving.

The shere diversity of marine life in the Maldives is the reason people keep coming back for more. Manta are perhaps the most famous inhabitants, and with plenty of visits to the Manta cleaning stations you will increase your chance of a dive with these graceful giants.. Frequent whale shark sightings only add to the excitement, snorkelling with one of these peaceful plankton eaters is the experience of a lifetime. Innafushi and Radhiggaa are just two of the many world class sites in South Ari and here you will dive into a vibrant underwater wonderland with travally, eagle rays and octopus. Fotteyo is filled with clouds of schooling fish such as jacks, tuna and snapper. With diving this good you will never want to surface!

The Maldives Expedition is suitable for anyone who considers a week in this diver's delight is just not enough. You can experience the fast drifts, vast numbers of fish and enthralling big fish encounters for yourself. However, due to the fast currents encountered on some sites, some experience of drift diving is advised. Photographers will find plenty of subjects and even non divers can enjoy snorkeling with some island trips along the way.

With 2 weeks at your disposal you can see even more than ever in this fabulous destination and visit sites that many visitors miss. Something new awaits you on each atoll system so there is a huge amount of variety to keep even the most demanding diver happy. With the best diving liveaboards as the backdrop to this diving safari you really can escape it all with the Maldives Expedition.

0800 072 8221, +44 (0)1483 271 765

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
Starts with the South Male atoll and dives at Vaadhoo caves, Vellasaru and Bolifushi.

Day 3
Moves on to North Ari atoll with dives at Elldaidhoo Thila, Mushimasgali and Halaveli.

Day 4
Stays in North Ari diving at Maayafushi, Fesdhoo and Maahlos.

Day 5
Commences at Mamigili before moving on to South Ari Atoll and stopping at Kalahandihuraa and a night dive.

Day 6
Remains in the South Ari area with dives planned at Innafushi, Radhiggaa and Hukurudhoo.

Day 7
Kicks off with dives at Mamigili before moving to Machafushi and Kudhara.

Day 8
Finishes off the diving in South Ari Atoll with stops at Dhigurah and Dhangheti before moving off to Wataru atoll where the afternoon dive is made.

Day 9
Heads into relatively unexplored territory and Wataru atoll with 3 dives planned for this area.

Day 10
Moves to Mulaku attol in the deep south of the Maldives with 3 dives planned.

Day 11
Sails to Felidhu atoll, stopping at Rakeedhoo, Anbara and Fotteyo.

Day 12
Spends another day in Felidhu with dives at Maafunkoa Falhu, Alimathaa and Fulidhoo.

Day 13
Returns to South Male and stops at Ghuraidhoo, Kadoomaafushi and Gulhi.

Day 14
Is the last day diving with a dive planned for Embudu Embudud Finholu and the final dive around Male. The last night is spent on the boat.

Day 15
Is the final day of the trip and time for transfers to the airport and the return flight home to the UK.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

The following boats run the Maldives Expedition 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.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Departures are available throughout the year and generally depart on a Sunday. Packages are generally created with London flights but regional departures are available on request. Please make a note on your enquiry form when requesting a quote of your airport preference.

0800 072 8221, +44 (0)1483 271 765