For many divers, the Maldives represents the pinnacle of an Indian Ocean diving adventure, a place of fast-moving channels, cleaning stations where mantas gather, and reef structures that seem to teem with life from the shallows down to the depths. The best way to experience this is from a liveaboard that understands the environment as well as you do. The MY Sachika is one such vessel. Italian-owned and operated, and winner of the 'Best Dive Safari Boat' award at the Maldives Boating Awards for the last 2 years running, this liveaboard has built a reputation for running efficient, experience-led trips through the central atolls and beyond. Opting for a Sachika liveaboard holiday means choosing an award-winning level of service.
The most frequented routes take in the famed dive sites of North and South Male atolls, Ari Atoll, and often include Rasdhoo and Felidhoo. This is the heartland of Maldives diving, with clean currents, abundant grey reef sharks, and the possibility of encountering mantas and whale sharks along the way. The Sachika also ventures further north or south on select diving safaris, allowing guests to explore less-visited corners of the archipelago. With a low guide-to-guest ratio (approximately 5 divers to one guide), the focus remains on safe, well-managed diving that lets you concentrate on the action rather than the logistics. This personalised attention is a hallmark of the Sachika liveaboard experience.
Diving aboard the MY Sachika is streamlined and unhurried. All diving is conducted from a separate traditional dhoni, keeping the compressor noise and tank clatter away from the main vessel. The dhoni is staffed by 3 dedicated crew members and carries the main compressor and nitrox system, with nitrox available free of charge to qualified divers. As standard, you'll dive with extra-large 13.5-litre tanks, giving you more bottom time to linger with passing pelagics or explore the nooks of a 'kandu'. It's a setup that prioritises comfort and simplicity, allowing you to gear up and go with minimal fuss. Every detail aboard the Sachika is designed to enhance your time underwater.
Back on board, the vessel offers genuine space to relax across 4 decks. After a day of diving, you might find a quiet corner in the library, stretch out in the air-conditioned saloon with its entertainment system, or soak in the 5-seat Jacuzzi on the sundeck. Cabins are notably roomy, ranging from well-appointed standard doubles and twins on the lower deck to the upper-deck suites with panoramic windows. All cabins on the Sachika liveaboard are en-suite, most feature either king or queen-sized beds, and each comes with a minibar. For those who appreciate on-board extras, there is a massage room, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for off-duty hours, and a bar on the main deck for evening socials.
The M/Y Sachika also takes a considered approach to guest activities beyond diving. Village visits, fishing trips, and beach barbecues are often part of the schedule, adding a cultural and scenic dimension to the cruises. It is worth noting that, in line with responsible wildlife practices, the boat no longer offers dedicated whale shark search-and-swim activities. However, guests will still have opportunities to encounter these gentle giants while diving - a far more passive and respectful way to share the water with them. Whether you are looking for a week of serious diving or a mix of underwater exploration and atoll relaxation, the Sachika liveaboard offers an affordable, well-run, and genuinely comfortable base for your Maldivian liveaboard experience.
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (11 Days / 10 Nights - 27 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male: Hulhumale Wall, Lankan Paradise, Helhengeli Thila; Lhaviyani Atoll: Kuredu Express, Kuredu Caves, Kudadhoo Kandu, Fushi Faru Kandu, Ship Yard; Raa Atoll: Ifuru Thila, Kottafaru Thila, Vadu thila, Kuda Thuladhoo Thila, The Labyrinth; Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay, Yellow Wall, Dhonfanu Thila, Kiadufaru Thila, Daravandhoo Thila, Kunfunadhoo Thila, Mutafushi Thila; Rasdhoo Atoll, North Ari Atoll: Bathala, Moofush, Fish Head, Maaya Thila, Nassimo Thila, Banana Reef, Fish Tank, Hulhumalè Wall. Visit desert islands, sand banks, barbeque dinners, fishing trip, local islands, happy hours, Karaoke and so on. Afternoon tour of Male City.
Day 1
Your adventure on this extended Central Atolls diving cruise begins aboard the Sachika liveaboard, where you'll settle in before a crew orientation. At sunset, you'll complete a check dive in the calm Indian Ocean, then unwind on deck as the waves set the rhythm for the adventures ahead.
Core Days
This comprehensive Sachika tour is designed to give divers maximum exposure to the best-known dive sites spanning the central and northern reaches of the Maldivian archipelago. The route immediately heads north, targeting the spectacular coral pinnacles and rich marine biodiversity of Lhaviyani and Raa Atolls. In Lhaviyani, channel sites like Kuredu Express offer dynamic drift dives, attracting grey reef sharks and schools of large pelagic fish. Raa Atoll includes deep thilas such as Kottafaru Thila and The Labyrinth, where the topography creates sheltered spots for vast schools of snapper, moray eels, and colourful hard coral formations.
The Sachika then makes its way to Baa Atoll, a declared UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. While certain areas like Hanifaru Bay are reserved exclusively for snorkelling to protect the seasonal aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks, the surrounding dive sites are ecologically vibrant. Pinnacles such as Yellow Wall and Dhonfanu Thila are covered in soft corals and host turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and a dense population of colourful reef creatures.
It then returns to the renowned Maldives' Central Atolls, focusing on Rasdhoo and North Ari Atoll. These areas are home to famous underwater pinnacles including Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and Bathala Thila. These submerged reefs function as key cleaning stations, reliably drawing in majestic eagle rays, large schools of trevally, and cruising whitetip reef sharks. The dynamic waters around North Ari Atoll also provide excellent opportunities for spotting whale sharks.
The crew often arranges visits to secluded sandbanks and deserted islands, including a traditional beach barbecue dinner. This gives you time to reflect on the incredible encounters enjoyed from the Sachika liveaboard.
Day 11
Following your last breakfast on board the Sachika, you will disembark and transfer to Male International Airport.
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (Express) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 18 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay, Ari and Rasdhoo atolls. Male City tour.
Day 1
Your Maldives diving adventure commences upon arrival in Male, where you will be personally welcomed aboard the Sachika liveaboard. Following a relaxed check-in and detailed vessel briefing, you will settle into your accommodation. The first dive is typically a late-afternoon check dive at a nearby sheltered site, allowing you to fine-tune your equipment in the warm Indian Ocean waters. Dinner is served on board, marking the official start of your expedition.
Core Days
This Central and Northern Atolls cruise is precision-focused, offering certified divers an intense sampling of the Maldives' finest marine spectacles. Our diving concentrates on the dynamic, nutrient-rich channels and thilas of Ari and Rasdhoo Atolls. These central atolls sites are critical highways for open-ocean species, affording excellent potential for sightings of oceanic manta rays and the iconic whale shark. The dive sites, including the famous Rasdhoo channels, provide the exhilarating experience of watching grey reef sharks and schools of giant trevally working the currents.
The Sachika then makes its way to the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. Although Hanifaru Bay itself is reserved for surface snorkelling to protect the seasonal manta ray and whale shark aggregation, the surrounding dive sites are ecologically rich. We explore coral-draped walls and deep thilas, providing an immersive experience of the north's diverse ecosystems, where you may spot turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and healthy schools of fusiliers.
In between diving, the tour includes relaxing surface activities designed to enhance the tropical escape. We take time for visits to pristine sandbanks and deserted islands. Guests can anticipate a freshly prepared beach barbecue dinner and the chance to join a traditional Maldivian fishing trip aboard the Sachika.
The final full day concludes with an afternoon return to Male for an optional tour of the capital city.
Day 8
Following your last breakfast on board the Sachika liveaboard, you will transfer to the airport.
Maldives Central Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Ari, Felidhoo (or Rasdhoo) atolls. Male City tour.
Day 1
Your Central Atolls Maldives scuba adventure begins as you are welcomed aboard the Sachika liveaboard in Malé harbour. Following a smooth check-in and full safety briefing, your first session is a gentle orientation dive at a nearby sheltered reef. This essential check allows you to calibrate your gear in the clear water before enjoying a relaxing evening and dinner on board as the sun sets over the atoll.
Core Days
The core of your adventure traverses the Central Atolls, offering a definitive Maldivian diving experience for certified divers. The Sachika focuses its cruise on the region's celebrated combination of deep, current-swept channels (kandus) and vibrant submerged pinnacles (thilas). It begins in the northern zones, visiting the renowned sites of North Male and Rasdhoo Atoll. These areas feature colourful reef slopes and deep walls, providing habitat for vast schools of bannerfish, hawksbill turtles, and occasional grey reef sharks patrolling the channel entrances.
Sachika next positions itself in the famed Ari Atoll, globally recognised as the heart of big animal action in the Maldives. The west side is a marine sanctuary providing reliable opportunities for swimming alongside the magnificent whale sharks. Simultaneously, the region's numerous cleaning stations attract large squadrons of oceanic manta rays, which glide effortlessly above coral heads, offering prolonged, unforgettable viewings. This part of the cruise is essential for those seeking the largest pelagic encounters.
The challenging drift diving continues into Felidhoo Atoll and South Male Atoll. Felidhoo’s channels are characterised by powerful currents that bring in large predators, including various species of reef sharks and schools of hunting tuna. A highlight is the famous Alimaatha night dive, a truly unique event where dozens of nurse sharks and large stingrays gather under the jetty lights. South Male Atoll also provides accessible wreck dives, where former vessels have become artificial reefs, now entirely colonised by soft corals, moray eels, and patrolling lionfish.
After a final day of diving, the vessel navigates back towards the capital area. This comprehensive Maldives Central Atolls dive experience ensures a wide variety of underwater environments are explored by the Sachika liveaboard.
Final Day
Following your last breakfast on board the Sachika, you will transfer to Male International Airport, departing with vivid recollections of your adventure.
Maldives Central, Southern & Deep South Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Addu: British Royalty, Maa Kandu; Fuvhamulah: Tiger Wall, Plateau; Huvadhoo: Gemanafushi, Mareha Kandu, Kureddhoo Kandu, Kondey Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Viligili Kandu; Laamu: Fushi Kandu, Maabahidoo Kandu; Thaa: Olughiri Kandu, Dyamigili Corner, Kalufalha Island; Meemu: Vanurah Vali Kandu, Kureli Manta Point; Vattaru, Felidhoo: Myaru Kandu, Devana Kandu, Alimatha Jetty, Fotteyo Kandu, Fushi Kandu, Golden Wall; South Male: Kuda Giri, Kandooma Thila; North Male: Lankan Paradise, Nassimo Thila, Banana Reef. Whale sharks at night.
Day 1
You'll be warmly welcomed aboard M/Y Sachika liveaboard by the attentive crew in Addu, who will help you get comfortable and settled into your cabin. A comprehensive briefing will introduce the yacht, the itinerary, and important safety details. This relaxed first day gives everyone time to unwind, meet fellow guests, and prepare for this extraordinary Maldivian dive adventure ahead. The liveaboard begins its journey the next morning.
Core Days
This extended expedition offers advanced divers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Maldivian archipelago, from the remote Southern Atolls right up to the famous Central Atolls dive sites. The diving is separated into 3 distinct regions, each promising unique encounters and varied topography.
The Deep South is a realm defined by its isolation and reputation for spectacular big animal action. The isolated oceanic island of Fuvahmulah is the highlight, where deep-water currents attract exceptional shark sightings. Dive sites like the Plateau and Tiger Wall are where the truly unforgettable happens, offering chances to observe oceanic whitetip sharks, tiger sharks, and the rare thresher shark in their natural element. The immense Huvadhoo Atoll provides exhilarating drift dives through its wide oceanic passes. Sites such as Viligili Kandu and Kureddhoo Kandu are natural funnels for fast currents, drawing in schools of dogtooth tuna, impressive grey reef sharks, and the distinctive shape of eagle rays. Addu Atoll closes the Southern section, offering a blend of excitement with a historic descent onto the British Royalty wreck, a vast sunken tanker now transformed into a busy artificial reef, alongside quieter channel dives like Maa Kandu, home to green sea turtles and various macro life.
As the Sachika liveaboard cruises north, the focus expands to the lesser-dived Southern Atolls. The passage through Laamu Atoll, with channel dives like Maabahidoo Kandu, gives way to the abundant marine life of Thaa and Meemu. Thaa Atoll’s cleaning stations, such as Dyamigili Corner, provide opportunities to observe squadrons of mobula rays and seasonal oceanic manta rays. In Meemu Atoll, the reef pinnacles like Vanurah Vali Kandu burst with life, home to glassfish and colourful whip corals. After sunset, the excitement continues with an unforgettable night dive, often providing an opportunity to watch for feeding whale sharks beneath the boat lights. The diving then progresses to Felidhoo Atoll, famous for its high-octane channel dives such as Fotteyo Kandu and Myaru Kandu, where soft corals cloak the walls and grey reef sharks patrol the blue. This area also offers the iconic Alimatha Jetty night dive, where scores of nurse sharks and stingrays congregate in the shallows.
The final leg of the voyage brings you to the globally celebrated sites of the Male atolls. South Male Atoll features dramatic thilas, like Kandooma Thila, that are teeming with schools of snapper and imposing jackfish. The expedition concludes in North Male at vibrant pinnacles like Lankan Paradise and Nassimo Thila. These sites are famous for their stunning health, showcasing kaleidoscopic soft corals and a profusion of reef fish including red-toothed triggerfish. This final sequence ensures a comprehensive picture of Maldives scuba diving, from remote pelagic action to classic reef architecture.
Final Day
Enjoy a final dining experience on Sachika today, as you'll head to Malé International Airport after breakfast.
Note that this itinerary is flexible and can be reversed, so please verify the arrival and departure ports accordingly.
Maldives Deep South Atolls
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Huvadhoo: Genemana Fushi Beyru, Kureddhoo Kandu:, Koodhoo Fish Tank:, Koodhoo Kandu, Viligili Kandu, Kuda Giri, Nilandhoo Kandu, Mahadhdhoo Ethere ; Addu atoll: House Reef, Maa Kandu, Oceanic Wall, British Royalty; and Fuvahmulah island: Plateau, Tiger Wall, North Corner, Lonudutta Thila, Mareha Kandu, Konday Kandu, West Wall. Whale sharks at night.
Day 1
This Deep South dive expedition commences at Addu Atoll, where the Sachika liveaboard awaits your arrival. Following a smooth check-in and settling into your stateroom, the first evening is spent relaxing on board. The crew will conduct a full orientation, and you can absorb the tranquil sunset over Addu, anticipating the extraordinary scuba diving ahead.
Core Days
This specialised trip is crafted for experienced divers seeking the apex predator action of the remote south. The Sachika navigates the vast, powerful channels of Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the Maldives’ deepest and least explored regions. The strong currents here deliver clear water and a consistent flow of marine life, resulting in spectacular drift dives among cruising grey reef sharks and schools of eagle rays. Sites like Genemana Fushi Beyru and Kureddhoo Kandu exemplify this high-energy environment.
Fuvahmulah Island stands as the trip's most dramatic destination. This singular oceanic island’s unique geology creates conditions for rare pelagic sightings at its sheer drop-offs and platforms, such as the Tiger Wall and Plateau. Divers should be ready for encounters with magnificent tiger sharks, oceanic whitetips, and the elusive thresher sharks. The Sachika crew focuses on maximising your opportunities at these world-class sites.
The adventure also includes dives at Addu Atoll. Here, the trip balances adrenaline with history, offering a dive on the massive British Loyalty wreck, a thriving artificial reef and home to a stunning variety of invertebrates. Addu is also noted for its sheltered inner reefs and channel entrances, such as Maa Kandu, providing superb viewing of resident manta rays and numerous green turtles. The remoteness of this route ensures an unparalleled experience on the Sachika.
Final Day
As your Maldives Deep South dive adventure concludes, disembark the Sachika liveaboard and transfer to Gan Airport with memories of close encounters with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
All meals are served buffet-style in the Sachika's comfortable main deck air-con dining area, with the exception of special beach barbecues held on deserted islands. The daily schedule begins with a light pre-dive snack of hot tea, coffee, and biscuits served at 6:30 am before the first dive. After returning to the liveaboard from the morning dive, guests enjoy a full breakfast spread featuring fresh seasonal fruits, cereals, yoghurt, eggs cooked to order, sausages, toast with various spreads, cooked vegetables like beans and tomatoes, and a selection of juices, tea, and coffee.
Lunch and dinner offer a delicious mix of international and Maldivian cuisine, including fresh salads, rice dishes, pasta, Sri Lankan-style curries (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian), grilled fish, meat options like chicken, beef or lamb, and vegetable sides such as broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and spinach.
Each meal concludes with tempting desserts like creamy rice pudding or crème caramel. Snacks include fresh coconut after the 2nd dive, and fruit and a savoury or sweet snack in the afternoon after the 3rd dive. Complimentary beverages including tea, coffee, juice and water are available 24 hours a day for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Chips and olives are available at the bar.
The culinary highlight of each Sachika liveaboard cruise is the special beach barbecue featuring freshly grilled seafood and meats served under the stars on a secluded island.
On yoga-focused itineraries, the same high-quality dining options are available, with potential additions of lighter, health-conscious choices to complement the wellness program.
The galley accommodates special dietary needs when notified in advance, ensuring all guests enjoy the delicious onboard dining experience.
"
A fantastic and beautiful boat, great crew, really well chosen diving sites (weather conditions and a lot to see), it was great to see professional dive masters leading the action, they really know their job." -
Mauricio Bermudez Pereira, Brazil, 31 May 2018 ...
"
All the Sachika staff were wonderful and I had on of the best dive holidays of my life! Thank You!" -
Timothy Costello, Malaysia, 7 April 2016 ...
"
Staff were fantastic and always willing to go out of their way to help. The equipment was good, no issues experienced. Facilities are great, they've even recently purchased a slide which they set up while anchored." -
Sean Bourke, Australia, 10 August 2015 ...
"
Perfectly maintained, modern equipment - Highly professional and insightful dive guides and leadership - especially from Steve, who did a great job. Boat was spacious and comfortable (especially as only half full) - Food was good and plentiful and the whole boat crew were friendly, accommodating and made the trip a real pleasure." -
Nigel Goddard, UK, 25 April 2015 ...
"
Excellent service regarding food, diving support (equipment, choice of diving sites and instructions during the dives). Sachika and its doni is excellent boat for diving, the staff is warm and helpy, manager very professional." -
Bruno Nussdorfer, Slovenia, 11 November 2014 ...
"
Rental equipment (BCD, regulator and torch) were well maintained and functioned. Staff were friendly and dive guides seem very knowledgeable about what they are doing and the dive sites of Maldives. Room (standard double room) was quite spacious and cleaned every day and bathroom was also clean. Diving system including dhoni was very convenient and meals were great. Very satisfied in general." -
Allison Jeongmin Hong, South Korea, 25 January 2013 ...
"
Very good service, always helpful, equipment in very good condition. Facilities were always clean, food was delicious and fresh and the whole staff did their best to make it a super pleasant holiday." -
Paulina Mydlowska, Germany, 1 January 2013 ...
"
We have spent 7 days on Sachika. The boat and cabins were very spacious, meals sufficient and staff very friendly, attentive and helpful. These people will make you feel like at home. Their great energy and sense of humor will spice your holiday and make it perfect.
Tony, Barbara, Ali are amazing team. They will show you great places, choose perfect dive sites and do everything to make your dive fun and joyable. Equipment was great, well maintained and safety was never compromised. Instructors devoted their time to every single diver, forming groups to perfectly match skills." -
Marko Miskovic, Serbia, 3 December 2012 ...
"
The boat operator was friendly, competent, accomodating. The food was good, the diving was great, as was the atmosphere. I highly recommend Sachika in the Maldives for diving at an affordable price. Really good stuff." -
Lucas Chambers, Switzerland, 30 November 2012 ...
"
The boat (Sachika) was very clean and well kept, spacious rooms (even though I had the smallest twin room), the food was above average and the staff were all very helpful. The dive crew really knew their stuff and split us into groups so that different skill levels could get the most out of their dives which I found very helpful. The dive sites visited were well picked also, to be both enjoyable and challenging with some amazing sights." -
Nadine Llewellyn, Australia, 2 July 2012 ...
"
We are pleased with Sachika and give them a 7 out of 10. The diving was well organised and the equipment was in good condition. Our divemaster was very helpful. We had some minor complaints but all in all it was a very nice Maldives trip." -
Bart Fosselle, Belgium, 24 October 2011 ...
"
Good accommodations with very spacious cabins, great shower, excellent diving vessel, good meals. Negative points: Just 3 dives a day, overall atmosphere is not very upbeat. No dives on the first day. The boat stayed in the port waiting for other guests arriving late in the day and it was stated we should be picked up in the morning, so we were expecting 1 or 2 dives." -
Ricardo Oliveira, Brazil, 17 October 2011 ...
"
The boat is beautiful and the food was excellent. They have 3 dive masters but usually only used 2 which made to large groups and not a lot of personal guidance. The bed matrices are extremely hard. This is supposed to be a luxury liveaboard but in some silly ways it felt like a low end. They charge for soft drinks and do not even use an honour system. You would actually have to find a staff member to unlock the fridge and give you a coke. Then every evening they would come around with a bill for you to sign." -
Mike Dobbs, USA, 5 October 2011 ...
"
Luxurious boat / Reasonable Price / Plenty of space in the boat / large diving Dhoni / Good Service / Friendly staffs." -
Silvia Wiratama, Indonesia, 27 September 2010 ...
"
Very well organized, staff is efficient and discreet and smily. Best part of the service was the organization around the diving part, and the cleanliness of the boat. Beds in standard rooms are not comfortable at all, too hard. Management staff (dive guides) should be more fluent in English because except for basic/technical information, other communications were limited." -
Dao Deruy, France, 21 September 2010 ...
"
Sachika is a wonderful liveaboard boat - I have never been on a dive boat so comfortable and well maintained. Rooms were spacious, including bathrooms and there are plenty of comfortable outdoor spaces. The staff were all professional and charming, both Maldivian and Italian, and went out of their way to cater to requests. I would highly recommend this boat and hope to return one day." -
Sue Bernhard, Australia, 24 July 2010 ...
