Notes: Minimum recommended age: 8 years old.
Dive experience: Divers are required to be Advanced Open Water certified or equivalent and have a minimum of 50 logged dives. Alternatively guests must hold an Open Water licence, have at least 50 logged dives prior to the cruise, and sign up for the Advanced Open Water Diver course onboard a Seafari Explorer 2 trip.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea, drinking water, local airport transfers, domestic flights (where required), dives (as detailed in the trips above), 32% nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers, 3 English speaking divemasters, tanks, belt and weights, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Scuba equipment rental (USD 210 per week), dive computer (USD 50 per week), SMB: USD 15 per week), diving insurance (payable onboard), service charge (i.e. tips - 7 nights: USD 100 / 10 nights: USD 150 / 14 nights: USD 200), Green Tax (USD 12 per person per night). Unless otherwise stated, all listed items need to be paid on arrival (credit card - VISA/Mastercard or cash - EUR/USD).
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer, wine, liquor), extra dives (USD 30 per dive), torch (USD 15 per dive), 15 litre tank (USD 25 per week), introduction to diving (for non-divers), 10% service charge on any items paid on board. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard dive cruises usually depart from Male, the capital city of the Maldives. For more details, including airlines, see our How to Get to the Maldives section. Guests will be greeted outside the arrivals hall, after luggage claim and customs formalities, by a staff member holding a 'SEAFARI MALDIVES' signboard. Guests are then transferred to the yacht by traditional Maldivian dhoni boat. Transfer times are 10:30 am, 12:30 and 3:30 pm. If arriving early, a hotel day room with swimming pool access can be arranged upon request.
For safaris in the outer atolls, Seafari will send any pre-arranged and necessary domestic flight tickets to the port of departure to guests. Again, a staff representative will greet guests at the local airport arrivals hall and escort them to the yacht. The weight limit for checked baggage is 25 kg for scuba divers, and hand luggage of 7/8 kg.
Boarding commences at 11 am and continues all through the first day. The yacht only leaves the harbour on the following morning.
The last dive is in the morning on the penultimate day of the cruise. Disembarkation is after breakfast at 7:30 am. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.
Non-diver rate: Discount of USD 10 per night.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin, reserve one of the 2 single cabins, or pay a supplement of 70% of the published price for their own twin/double bed cabin.
Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 10 guests and 1 additional person can join the cruise free of charge.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 20 guests and 2 additional persons can join free of charge (total 22+ guests).
Maldives Central & Northern Atolls (Express) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 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: North Male Atoll: Lankan Manta Point, Hulhumale Shark Point; Baa Atoll: Dharavandhoo Thila, Dhonfanu Thila, Kiyadu Ridge, Hanifaru Bay; Rasdhoo Atoll, North Ari Atoll: Fish Head, Fesdu Lagoon, Ohola Thila
Day 1
Your Maldivian adventure begins as you board the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport. After settling into your cabin, lunch and dinner will be served, offering the first opportunity to meet your fellow guests. The tour leader and crew will deliver a comprehensive boat and safety briefing once everyone is onboard, setting the stage for an exciting week of liveaboard diving.
Core Days
This Northern Atolls tour with the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard is ideally timed between July and mid-November, when the southwest monsoon draws massive concentrations of plankton into these northern waters, creating spectacular wildlife gatherings. The voyage begins in North Male Atoll, featuring nutrient-rich drop-offs and reefs that attract large pelagics. At Lankan Manta Point, you'll position yourself along a shallow reef slope to observe mantas arriving at their cleaning stations, often surrounded by moray eels, Napoleon wrasse and whitetip reef sharks. Hulhumale Shark Point offers a different kind of thrill: settled on the bottom, you'll watch for stingrays, spinner sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks and occasionally hammerheads passing by.
The expedition then ventures to Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The main highlight is Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed in a magnificent frenzy. While diving is prohibited here, you'll snorkel to watch them barrel-roll as they scoop up plankton. The surrounding sites in Baa Atoll are equally rewarding. Dharavandhoo House Reef is known for manta sightings during the season and the occasional whale shark encounter. Dhonfanu Thila features a shallow top with beautiful overhangs and topography that concentrates marine life, including grey reef sharks, eagle rays and abundant reef fish. Kiyadu Ridge offers an atmospheric night dive, with overhangs and reef life that comes alive after sunset.
The Seafari Explorer 2 then moves on to Rasdhoo and North Ari Atolls. Rasdhoo Manta Point provides another cleaning station experience, where divers position themselves discreetly to watch mantas glide above the reef. Madivaru Kandu is a flagship site famous for its currents, schools of fish and pelagic encounters, with eagle rays, Napoleon wrasse, whitetip and grey reef sharks, and large schools of trevally regularly seen. In North Ari, Fish Head is one of the most famous thilas in the region, renowned for its high concentration of grey reef sharks and constant action. Ohola Thila offers superb soft corals and overhangs in a colourful, aesthetic setting. Fesdu Lagoon is famous for its night dives with manta rays, a magical experience as the rays move through the light beams in the calm, open lagoon.
Day 8
Your Northern Atolls adventure concludes on the final morning. Wake up to a last breakfast on board the Seafari Explorer 2 before saying your farewells, taking final group pictures, and disembarking for your transfer to Male airport.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (11 Days / 10 Nights - 26 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, 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 Atoll: Back Faru; Ari Atoll: Fesdhu Wreck, Maaya Thila, Dhigga Thila. Kudarah Thila, R5 Rocks, Maamigili, Fish Head, Moofushi Kandu, Bodufinholu Thila; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha, Fotteyo Kandu, Devana Kandu: Meemu Atoll: Muli Corner, Muli Kandu, Vanhuravalhi Kandu, Kureli Kandu, Hakura Thila, Maduvari Kandu; Thaa Atoll: Kalhufahala Giri, Olhugiri Kandu, Kalhufahala House Reef; Laamu Atoll: Isdhoo Muli, Fushi Kandu, Khadhdho Thila, Hithadhoo Corner
Day 1
Your Central and Southern Atolls diving expedition begins as you board the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport, with welcome available from 11 am. Use the time over lunch and dinner to connect with your diving companions. Following the arrival of all guests, the crew and tour leader will provide the essential introductory safety briefing, signalling the start of your thrilling week of Maldives diving.
Core Days
This extended Central and Southern Atolls cruise is designed specifically for divers ready for the challenging, yet immensely rewarding, conditions of Maldives channel diving. The route focuses on encountering the archipelago’s most sought-after marine life - manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, and large schools of pelagic fish - across a comprehensive array of 6 major atolls. Initial dives often include a checkout at North Male Atoll, perhaps at the corner reef of Back Faru.
The Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard then progresses swiftly to Ari Atoll, a renowned marine protected area and a consistently reliable location for the mighty whale shark. Southern Ari sites, including Dhigga Thila, 5 Rocks, and Maamigili, are key intercept points during the season. North Ari offers dramatic structures for exploration: you can dive the Fesdhu Wreck, anchor for nocturnal excitement at Maaya Thila, or hook in at pinnacles like Fish Head, Moofushi Kandu, and Bodufinholu Thila. This region is also prime territory for hammerhead sharks and oceanic manta rays. The vessel proceeds to Vaavu (Felidhoo) Atoll, celebrated for its high-current channels. Devana Kandu and the famous Miyaru Kandu are essential drift dives for observing patrolling grey reef sharks. Fotteyo Kandu offers a spectacular wall dive, a canyon adorned with vibrant soft corals and fascinating deep caverns. A unique highlight is the Alimatha night dive, where dozens of nurse sharks, giant trevallies, and sting rays aggregate in the shallow lagoon.
Pushing into the lower atolls provides the ultimate channel diving experience. Meemu Atoll specialises in exhilarating drift dives. Sites like Muli Corner, Vanhuravalhi Kandu, and Maduvari Kandu frequently host grey reef sharks and eagle rays. Further south, Thaa Atoll, encompassing Kalhufahala Giri, Olhugiri Kandu, and the Kalhufahala House Reef, is where you have the best chance to witness whale sharks feeding on plankton under the boat lights after dark. The final destination is Laamu Atoll, boasting impressive topography with sites like Isdhoo Muli, Khadhdho Thila, and Fushi Kandu, an immense 250m channel dive where white tip reef sharks, jacks, and tuna stream past. This comprehensive exploration aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 ensures an intense and highly rewarding big-fish diving experience.
Day 11
Your final morning begins with an early breakfast. Following farewells to the crew and fellow divers, you will disembark and transfer to Kadhdhoo Airport on Laamu.
Note that the direction of the trip sometimes runs in reverse, so check specific end port details.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 16 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, 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 Atoll: Hulhumale Shark Point; South Male: Emboodoo Express, Kandooma Thila; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha, Fotteyo Kandu, Devana Kandu: Meemu Atoll: Muli Kandu, Vanhuravalhi Kandu, Kureli Kandu; Thaa Atoll: Kalhufahala Giri, Olhugiri Kandu, Diyamigili Beyru; Laamu Atoll: Isdhoo Muli, Fushi Kandu; Huvadhoo Atoll: Viligilhi Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Kooddoo Ethere
Day 1
This Central and Southern Atolls diving expedition begins as you board the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport. Use the time over lunch and dinner to connect with your diving companions. Following the arrival of all guests, the crew and tour leader will provide the essential introductory safety briefing, signalling the start of your thrilling week of Maldives diving.
Core Days
This Central and Southern Atolls cruise is designed specifically for divers ready for the challenging, yet immensely rewarding, conditions of Maldives channel diving. The Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard navigates a route focused on encountering the archipelago's most sought-after marine life - manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, and large schools of pelagic fish - across a comprehensive array of atolls. Initial dives begin in North Male Atoll, where Hulhumale Shark Point sets the tone: divers settle on the sand to watch for stingrays, spinner sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks and occasionally hammerheads passing by. South Male Atoll offers Emboodoo Express, an iconic channel where currents concentrate grey reef sharks, jacks and schools of snapper along the reef edge, while Kandooma Thila presents overhangs draped in soft corals and regular shark sightings in a setting of pure aesthetics.
The Seafari Explorer 2 then proceeds to Vaavu (Felidhoo) Atoll, celebrated for its high-current channels. Miyaru Kandu and Devana Kandu are essential drift dives for observing patrolling grey reef sharks, eagle rays and Napoleon wrasse. Fotteyo Kandu offers a spectacular wall dive, a canyon adorned with vibrant soft corals and fascinating deep caverns. A unique highlight is the Alimatha night dive, where dozens of nurse sharks, giant trevallies and stingrays aggregate in the shallow lagoon.
Pushing into the lower atolls provides the ultimate channel diving experience. Meemu Atoll specialises in exhilarating drift dives. Muli Kandu, a turtle breeding area, offers abundant snapper, schools of tuna and jacks, sharks and eagle rays. Vanhuravalhi Kandu allows divers to cross the channel and admire overhangs covered in yellow soft coral, with grey reef sharks, silvertips, eagle rays and barracuda in the blue. Kureli Kandu becomes particularly rewarding on an outgoing current, when many manta rays gather over a sandy bottom between 12 and 18 metres. Further south, Thaa Atoll encompasses Kalhufahala Giri, a beautiful pinnacle with grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays often present. Olhugiri Kandu combines sharks, eagle rays, schools of snapper and jacks with overhangs covered in superb soft corals. Diyamigili Beyru, more exposed and open to the ocean, is especially sought after for the possibility of seeing hammerheads.
The final destinations are Laamu and Huvadhoo atolls. Laamu's Isdhoo Muli brings Napoleon wrasse, turtles, whitetip reef sharks, groupers, snapper and jacks together in a deep, lively site. Fushi Kandu is known for its squadrons of eagle rays, grey reef sharks and schools of bigeye trevally in an adrenaline-filled dive. In Huvadhoo, Viligilhi Kandu turns the dive into a pelagic spectacle with grey reef sharks, eagle rays and jacks riding the flow. Kooddoo Kandu offers a concentration of action with grey reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, barracuda, jacks and eagle rays. Kooddoo Ethere stands out for its rare encounters. Scuba divers come here hoping to see spinner sharks and, at times, bull sharks, in an emotionally intense dive.
Day 8
Your final morning begins with an early breakfast on board the Seafari Explorer 2. Following farewells to the crew and fellow divers, you will disembark and transfer to Kooddoo Airport on Gaafu Alifu, with a one-way domestic flight back to Male included in the package.
Note that the direction of the trip sometimes runs in reverse, so check specific end port details when booking.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls (Express)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, shark action, manta rays, turtles, 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: South Male Atoll: Cocoa Kandu & Kandhooma Thila, Guraidhoo Kandu; South Ari Atoll: Dhigga Thila. Kudarah Thila, Rangali Madivaru, Maamigili; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha, Fotteyo Kandu, Golden Wall: Meemu Atoll: Muli Corner, Muli Kandu, Vanhuravalhi Kandu, Kureli Kandu, Hakura Thila; Thaa Atoll: Kalhufahala Giri, Olhugiri Kandu, Kalhufahala House Reef
Day 1
This scuba expedition commences as you step aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport. Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch and dinner, and meet your fellow divers. A detailed boat and safety briefing from the tour leader and crew will ensure you are ready for the high-energy liveaboard diving that lies ahead in the Maldivian atolls.
Core Days
This focused Maldives Central and Southern Atolls diving tour with the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard is dedicated to divers seeking powerful channel drifts and reliable pelagic encounters across 5 major atolls. The voyage begins in South Male Atoll with its high-octane channel diving. Sites like Cocoa Kandu and Guraidhoo Kandu are celebrated for large fish schools and patrolling grey reef sharks, offering opportunities to hook into the reef to observe the current action.
The Seafari Explorer 2 then proceeds to South Ari Atoll, home to the Maldives' premier marine protected area for sighting the majestic whale shark. The areas around Kudarah Thila, Maamigili, and the Rangali Madivaru manta cleaning station offer frequent opportunities to find these filter feeders, a primary objective of this route. The emphasis here is on calm, awe-inspiring surface or sub-surface encounters, providing a contrast to the dynamic channels.
The trip moves to Felidhoo Atoll, which presents dramatic submerged topography. The current-swept Miyaru Kandu provides spectacular drifts alongside reef sharks. Fotteyo Kandu, featuring the stunning 'Golden Wall', is renowned for its cavern systems and overhangs draped in soft corals. Felidhoo also hosts the memorable Alimatha night dive, where large nurse sharks, giant trevallies, and sting rays gather in the lagoon shallows for a unique nocturnal spectacle.
Our exploration continues through Meemu and Thaa Atolls, regions celebrated for their sheer volume of fish. Meemu Atoll's channels, including Muli Corner, Muli Kandu, Vanhuravalhi Kandu, and Kureli Kandu - offer world-class drift dives typically accompanied by grey reef sharks and schooling pelagics. Finally, Thaa Atoll, with pinnacles like Kalhufahala Giri is an area of high biodiversity, often allowing for special night excursions to view feeding whale sharks. This express route provides a comprehensive big-fish experience that instils confidence in the depth of scuba diving offered by the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard.
Final Day
After one last breakfast onboard, you will exchange final pleasantries with the crew and your diving group before disembarking and transferring to Male 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 Atoll: Lankan Manta Point, Sunlight Thila, Nassimo Thila, Back Faru; South Male Atoll: Cocoa Kandu & Kandhooma Thila, Guraidhoo Kandu, Emboodoo Kandu; North Ari Atoll: Maaya Thila, Fesdu Wreck, Fish Head, Fesdu Lagoon, Moofushi Kandu Ou Corner; South Ari Atoll: Dhigga Thila. Kudarah Thila, 5 Rocks, Kahambu Thila, Rangali Madivaru, Maamigili; Felidhoo Atoll: Miyaru Kandu, Alimatha, Fotteyo Kandu, Golden Wall
Day 1
Your diving adventure commences as you step aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport, with boarding available any time after 11 am. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy lunch and dinner served on the vessel. The tour leader and crew will provide the essential introductory boat and safety briefing, a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow guests and prepare for your week of exhilarating Maldives liveaboard diving.
Core Days
The classic Central Atolls route of the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard is specifically crafted for divers seeking high-octane encounters across North and South Male, Ari, and Felidhoo Atolls. It targets seasonal appearances of whale sharks and manta rays, focusing on the thrilling 'kandu' (channel) and 'thila' (pinnacle) dives that define Maldives diving.
The exploration begins in North Male Atoll, introducing you to prolific reefs and current-swept drop-offs. At Lankan Manta Point, you'll be strategically placed to observe the majestic manta rays frequenting the cleaning stations. Thilas such as Nassimo and Sunlight, alongside the channel dive at Back Faru, offer exciting drift opportunities where you may encounter Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, tuna, and patrolling grey reef sharks. Moving south, the Seafari Explorer 2 navigates to South Male Atoll, known for its high volume of pelagics and large schools of fish. Key dive sites include the dynamic channels of Cocoa Kandu & Kandhooma Thila, Guraidhoo Kandu, and Emboodoo Kandu. This area is also home to intriguing cave systems and a very good wreck site.
A significant focus of the cruise is Ari Atoll, particularly its marine protected areas, which are globally celebrated as a consistent habitat for the mighty whale shark. North Ari is a hotspot for big-fish action; you’ll explore legendary dive sites like Maaya Thila (a nocturnal shark haven), the Fesdu Wreck, and the renowned Fish Head. These underwater features, along with Fesdu Lagoon and Moofushi Kandu Ou Corner, are known to attract hammerhead sharks and squadrons of manta rays. Further south in Ari Atoll, the quest for large pelagics continues at Dhigga Thila, Kudarah Thila, and the Rangali Madivaru cleaning station, focusing on the whale shark migration route around Maamigili.
The experience culminates in Felidhoo Atoll, where the topography is dramatic and the currents are powerful. Miyaru Kandu, the ‘Shark Channel’, provides a fast-paced drift dive where you can observe an impressive patrol of grey reef sharks from sheltered overhangs. The spectacular wall at Fotteyo Kandu is breathtaking, showcasing caverns and swim-throughs draped in colourful soft and black corals. A unique night dive at Alimatha, near the Golden Wall, is a definite highlight, allowing you to get close to dozens of nurse sharks, sting rays, and giant trevallies commonly congregate. The Seafari Explorer 2 ensures optimal access to these high-adrenaline dive spots.
Final Day
On your final morning, awake to the aroma of a last Maldivian breakfast. Take a moment for final farewells and photos with your new diving companions. You will then disembark and transfer to Male airport, concluding your time on the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard.
Maldives Central, Southern & Deep South Atolls (15 Days / 14 Nights - 32 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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu, Thaa, Laamu, Huvadhoo atolls, Fuvahmulah, Addu
Day 1
This extensive diving adventure commences as you step aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy lunch and dinner, using the time to meet your fellow certified divers. The tour leader and crew will provide the essential introductory safety briefing, preparing you for the challenging and rewarding liveaboard diving ahead.
Core Days
This comprehensive dive cruise with the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard is explicitly designed for experienced divers, traversing the Maldivian archipelago from the popular Central Atolls to the pelagic-rich waters of the extreme south. The voyage initiates with classic channel and thila diving in North and South Male Atolls, providing an excellent introduction to the Maldives' high-current action and prolific reef life. South Male features sites like Guraidhoo Kandu, where schools of jacks and tuna attract patrolling grey reef sharks, offering a thrilling start to the expedition.
As the vessel proceeds south, the diving intensifies. In Felidhoo Atoll, you will encounter iconic sites such as Miyaru Kandu, famous for fast drift dives alongside reef sharks. Fotteyo Kandu is renowned for its immense wall, showcasing caverns and overhangs festooned with stunning soft corals. Further south, Meemu, Thaa, and Laamu Atolls are dedicated to advanced channel exploration. Meemu focuses on powerful currents bringing in pelagics and eagle rays, while the remote channels of Thaa and Laamu offer high-density shark encounters and clearer waters, occasionally providing glimpses of oceanic mantas or opportunities to spot whale sharks feeding at night.
The Seafari Explorer 2 then reaches the Deep South, where the diving becomes truly world-class. Huvadhoo Atoll is globally recognised for its massive channels, which act as highways for silvertip and grey reef sharks, presenting truly unforgettable big-fish encounters. This area is pure, high-octane kandu diving.
The ultimate destination is the Extreme South, encompassing the isolated oceanic island of Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll. Fuvahmulah is famous for its powerful currents that draw in apex predators, offering the chance to observe tiger sharks, mola mola, sailfish, and the majestic thresher sharks. The trip concludes at Addu Atoll, which provides a unique historical contrast with its calm lagoons and the fascinating WWII-era wreck, the British Loyalty wreck. This extensive route ensures every diver gains unparalleled knowledge of the Maldives' most challenging and rewarding dive sites, all from the comfort of the Seafari Explorer 2.
Day 15
After your final breakfast in the early morning, you will say your farewells and take your last group photos. Due to the extreme distance covered, you will disembark and transfer to Gan airport in Addu, requiring a domestic connection back to Male (note: this trip sometimes operates in reverse, so check exact port details).
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: Laamu Atoll: Isdhoo Muli, Fushi Kandu, Khadhdho Thila, Hithadhoo Corner, Huvadhoo Atoll: Kuredhoo Corner, Viligilhi Kandu, Nilandhoo Beru, Hitaadhoo, Vaadhoo Thila; Fuvahmulah, Addu Atoll: Kottey Corner, Gan Inside, Maa Kandu, British Loyalty
Day 1
Your Deep South Maldives adventure begins at Gan International Airport on Addu Atoll. From late morning onwards, you’ll step aboard the Seafari Explorer 2, a superb motor yacht designed for the ultimate liveaboard experience. After lunch and dinner on board, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and get to know the group. Before setting off for some exciting days of world-class diving, the dive crew and tour leader will conduct an essential vessel and safety briefing.
Core Days
The Maldives Deep South Atolls are the domain of the strong current, creating exhilarating channel diving and unmatched pelagic action. The first leg focuses on Laamu Atoll, where dive sites such as Fushi Kandu, Isdhoo Muli, Khadhdho Thila, and Hithadhoo Corner are characterised by deep channels and powerful water flow. These conditions serve as a natural magnet, regularly attracting diverse shark species, majestic manta rays, and large schools of trevallies and tuna.
Continuing your descent south, you will explore the wide-open expanse of Huvadhoo Atoll. This region is famed for its vibrant barrier reefs, sheer oceanic drop-offs, walls, and sweeping deep channels. Diving at locations like Kuredhoo Corner, Viligilhi Kandu, and Nilandhoo Beru, often brings rewarding encounters with turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, and thresher sharks. The water column here is also patrolled by blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, spinner dolphins, sailfish, marlin, manta rays, and the occasional hammerhead shark.
For many advanced divers, the ultimate draw of the Deep South is the isolated Fuvahmulah Island. This geological marvel is a magnet for apex predators. Prepare for awe-inspiring dives with oceanic whitetips, thresher sharks, and the legendary tiger sharks. The local abundance of schooling fish attracts a variety of other large hunters, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, mola mola (ocean sunfish), tuna, and sailfish.
The itinerary culminates in Addu Atoll, which offers a change of pace with stunning reef dives at Kottey Corner and Maa Kandu. Addu is also the final resting place of the British Loyalty, a massive World War Two oil tanker and the largest shipwreck in the Maldives. This final deep south dive will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time on the Seafari Explorer 2.
Final Day
Your Deep South adventure concludes after an early final breakfast. After saying goodbye to the crew and fellow divers, you will disembark and transfer to Kadhdhoo airport on Laamu Atoll for your onward travels.
Note that the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard may occasionally run this trip in reverse or use alternative ports.
Maldives Northern Atolls (15 Days / 14 Nights - 34 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, Baa, Hanifaru Bay, Lhaviyani, Noonu, Shaviyani, Raa atolls
Day 1
Board the super Seafari Explorer liveaboard yacht next to Male International Airport and settle into your new home for the next 2 weeks. A delicious lunch and dinner will be served as you arrive, offering the opportunity to mingle with your fellow divers and begin forging new friendships. Once all guests are on board, the warm and professional crew will welcome you with an introductory briefing, covering everything from the vessel's amenities to essential safety procedures. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, the air fills with anticipation - you're about to embark on an unforgettable adventure of world-class diving, exploration, and pure excitement in the breathtaking Maldives.
Core Days
Prepare to journey into the heart of the Maldives' northern frontier, a pristine wilderness where the ocean's magic feels untouched. The Seafari Explorer route navigates 6 distinct atolls, each a chapter in an epic underwater saga. From the famed manta gatherings of Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay to the uncharted walls of Shaviyani, every site offers a fresh perspective on marine grandeur. You will immerse yourself in thriving coral ecosystems, encounter phenomenal megafauna, and collect moments that will define your diving story. Each descent promises the thrill of the unknown.
Begin in North Malé's dynamic waters, where serene lagoons meet thriving currents. Encounter turtles, soft corals, and reef sharks in this vibrant introduction to the Maldives. Discover tranquility in Lhaviyani's sheltered coral gardens, alive with colourful fish. For a thrill, explore channels where eagle rays and reef sharks appear from the deep. Experience Noonu Atoll's wild, clear waters with dramatic drift dives and sheltered lagoons. Encounter large schools of jacks, napoleon wrasse, and rays on the sandy floors. Find solitude in Shaviyani, a hidden gem for macro life like nudibranchs and scorpionfish. Witness the graceful dance of manta rays at peaceful cleaning stations. Raa Atoll offers incredible diversity, from barracuda tornadoes to tiny ghost pipefish. Every dive brings surprises like mantas, turtles, and octopuses on its vibrant reefs.
The liveaboard expedition peaks in UNESCO Baa Atoll. The highlight is the potential to observe the oceanic ballet at Hanifaru Bay, where seasonal currents funnel plankton, creating a feeding frenzy for dozens of mantas and even whale sharks.
Day 15
On your final morning, awaken to the rich aroma of a freshly prepared breakfast. Savour these last moments with your crew and fellow divers, exchanging contact information and taking a final group photo to commemorate the adventure.
Maldives Northern Atolls (Express)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male Atoll: Lankan Manta Point, Nassimo Thila, Bodu Hiti; Baa Atoll: Dharavandhoo Thila, Dhonfanu Thila, Nelivaru Thila, Hanifaru Bay; Lhaviyani Atoll: Kuredu Express, Kuredu Caves, Shipyard
Day 1
This diving expedition begins as you board the Seafari Explorer 2 near Male International Airport. After settling in, lunch and dinner will be served, providing the first opportunity to meet your fellow guests. The tour leader and crew will deliver an introductory boat and safety briefing once all guests are onboard, setting the stage for an exciting trip of liveaboard diving in the Maldives.
Core Days
This Northern Atolls tour aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard is an ideal option, particularly between July and mid-November, when the southwest monsoon draws massive concentrations of plankton into these northern waters, creating spectacular wildlife gatherings. The cruise focuses on the thriving reefs of North Male, Baa, and Lhaviyani Atolls. The voyage starts in North Male Atoll, featuring nutrient-rich drop-offs and reefs that attract large pelagics, including manta rays. You will explore notable sites like Lankan Manta Point and Nassimo Thila, alongside pinnacles such as Bodu Hiti, where you may encounter Napoleon wrasse, hawksbill turtles, giant trevallies, barracudas, and large schools of other fish.
The expedition then ventures to Baa Atoll, a renowned UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Here, the main highlight is the visit to the world-famous Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed in a magnificent frenzy. While diving is prohibited here, you will be able to snorkel to watch them barrel roll as they scoop up nourishing plankton. Although Hanifaru Bay is the star attraction, the surrounding sites in Baa Atoll, such as Dhonfanu Thila, and Nelivaru Thila, are diverse, featuring complex pinnacles and plateaus rich in hard and soft corals that shelter abundant marine life from the currents.
Finally, the Seafari Explorer 2 moves on to Lhaviyani Atoll, known for its diverse channels and captivating wrecks. Channels like Kuredu Express are magnet sites that attract significant marine life, including grey reef sharks, and feature plenty of colourful soft corals. Divers will visit the famous wreck site known as Shipyard, consisting of 2 vessels resting close together at different depths (one shallow, one at 30m), both of which are surrounded by an abundance of fish life. For a contrast, sites like Kuredu Caves offer quiet overhangs where green turtles are frequently found resting. This Northern Atolls route on the Seafari Explorer 2 offers a fantastic mix of large pelagic encounters and rewarding reef dives.
Final Day
Your Northern Atolls adventure concludes on the final morning. Wake up to a last breakfast before saying your farewells, taking final group pictures, and disembarking for your transfer to Male airport.
[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].
On the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard, days settle into a comfortable, easy flow, designed to keep you focused on the diving while ensuring you're well-fed and well-rested. Your day typically begins before sunrise. A pot of tea or coffee is waiting in the indoor lounge for the early risers, a quiet moment to wake up as the boat navigates towards the first site. This first dive is often the most magical, the low light filtering through the water as the reef comes to life.
By the time you’ve rinsed your gear and found a spot on the dive deck, a proper breakfast is laid out in the dining area. Expect a spread that blends continental staples - fresh breads, pastries, cereals - with local Maldivian touches. You might find warming mashuni (a traditional mix of shredded smoked tuna, coconut, and chilli) with freshly baked roshi flatbreads, a perfect way to start a day of scuba diving.
The morning unfolds with either navigation to the next atoll or a second dive, depending on the itinerary. By 12.30 pm, the aroma from the galley signals lunch. Meals are a genuine highlight, a place where the crew’s care for their guests is most evident. You can expect a vibrant buffet featuring the day’s fresh catch, perhaps grilled reef fish or tuna steaks, alongside fragrant rice, fresh vegetable curries, and a bounty of tropical fruit. The cooking reflects the Maldives’ position as a crossroads, offering both local specialities and familiar international dishes. The hospitality aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 is as memorable as the diving.
The afternoon is yours. It might hold another dive, a chance to explore a thila or channel. Or, it could be time for a slower pace. You might join an excursion to a local island for a brief walk and a glimpse of island life, or simply claim a spot on one of the sun decks. Many guests use this quiet time to review their photos, read, or chat with fellow divers about the morning’s encounters.
As the sun begins its swift tropical descent towards the horizon, the bar on the outdoor lounge opens. It’s a welcome ritual, a time to gather with a cold drink and swap stories as the sky puts on a show. Dinner, served around 8 pm, is another relaxed, sociable affair. The chef might present a Maldivian fish curry one night, a grilled lobster or a pasta dish the next.
Once a week, the the Seafari Explorer 2 liveaboard schedule includes a night dive, offering a completely different perspective on the reef. On other evenings, the crew might set up a screen on the upper deck for a presentation on Indian Ocean marine life, adding context to the dives you’ve just experienced.
Life aboard the Seafari Explorer 2 is uncomplicated in the best way. It’s a pattern of immersion, exploration, good food, and genuine rest, all set against the endless blue of the Maldivian ocean.
