At a colossal 56m in length, White Pearl holds a distinct place in the Maldives as one of the largest and most stable liveaboards afloat. Built in 2020, this steel-hulled superyacht was designed from the keel up with scuba divers in mind, offering a rare combination of genuine cruising speed (12–14 knots) and exceptional space. Whether you are crossing a channel between atolls or simply relaxing on deck, the sense of room to breathe is constant. With en-suite accommodation for just 26 guests across a mix of Master, Junior, and Deluxe sea-view cabins, the experience feels intimate, never crowded. Opting for a White Pearl liveaboard holiday means choosing this rare blend of space and intimacy.
The dive deck and its supporting infrastructure reveal the depth of thought behind White Pearl's layout. Uniquely in the Maldives, diving is conducted from 3 dedicated 7.5-metre aluminium tenders, each powered by twin 250 HP engines. These purpose-built craft get you to sites swiftly and comfortably, reducing surface intervals and maximising time underwater. Back on board, a generous indoor preparation area with personal lockers, warm showers, and a dedicated camera bay with charging stations means your gear is well looked after. Complimentary nitrox is available for those with EANx certification, via a membrane system that ensures high-quality blends throughout the trip. This meticulous attention to diving logistics is a hallmark of the White Pearl liveaboard experience.
The White Pearl cruise routes themselves are structured to showcase the full spectrum of Maldives scuba diving. From classic channels like Fish Head and Kudarah Thila to the possibility of hammerheads at Rasdhoo or whale shark encounters in South Ari, the diversity is considerable. Night dives, such as the famed Alimatha excursion with nurse sharks and rays, add another dimension. With 5 dive guides on hand for a maximum of 26 guests, groups are small, and briefings are thorough - a reflection of Pearl Fleet's emphasis on safety and personalised guidance. The 7-night and longer rotations allow you to settle into the rhythm of the Maldives atolls, whether you are exploring the central routes or venturing to the deeper south.
Beyond the diving, White Pearl offers a quality of life afloat that encourages genuine relaxation. The 6-metre pool and adjacent whirlpool are rare finds on a liveaboard, as is the well-equipped gym. The spa provides a quiet retreat after a day in the current, while the 360-degree top-deck lounge and bar is a natural gathering point for sundowners. Meals are served buffet-style in the sea-view restaurant, with variety and freshness to the fore. For non-diving companions, there is ample to occupy the days: stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, trips to sandbanks, or simply watching the horizon glide by from the sundeck. The amenities on the White Pearl liveaboard ensure that every moment above water is as enjoyable as those below.
Pearl Fleet's reputation in the Maldives is built on consistent, attentive service. The crew on White Pearl are long-standing professionals, many of whom have grown with the operation. From the engineering team ensuring the tenders are always ready, to the stewards who greet you with fresh fruit post-dive, there is a quiet competence throughout. For the certified diver seeking a liveaboard that balances genuine luxury with uncompromised diving logistics, this vessel sets a benchmark in the region.
White Pearl has 13 spacious seaview cabins for up to 26 guests, each with an ensuite. There is 1 Master Suite on the main deck with a large double bedroom, a lounge set, and bunk beds, perfect for a family or group of friends. There are 2 Junior Suites with a queen-size bed each, also on the main deck. And the upper deck there are10 Deluxe Cabins, of which 6 are convertible from twin beds to double beds.
All the cabins have:
- Air conditioning
- Seaview windows
- Private bathroom with toilet, hot water shower, hand basin
- Complimentary towels, soap, shampoo and toothpaste
- Daily housekeeping and turndown service
- TV, wi-fi and media centre
- Reading lights
- Safe deposit box
- Wardrobe, shelves & mirror
- Mains outlet 220 volts, 220V European type sockets - 24 hours per day
- Adaptors available
- Bedding & space for luggage
- Fire warning system
- Life jackets & fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water
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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay; North Male: HP Reef and Nassimo Thila
Day 1
This Northern Atolls adventure begins as you board the impressive 56m White Pearl motor yacht near Male International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, refreshments and dinner will be served as you settle in. The boat will remain anchored overnight, ready to depart for the northern cruising grounds the following morning.
Core Days
The main days are dedicated to North Male and Baa Atoll, focusing on world-famous sites renowned for large marine animal gatherings. Dive briefings are comprehensive, using maps to prepare you for the current-swept channels and vibrant reefs ahead. The maximum dive depth is 30m, and dive time is limited to 60 minutes.
A major highlight of this trip is visiting Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Here you will head to Hanifaru Bay, a globally recognised location where seasonal conditions (typically July to mid-November) see hundreds of manta rays gather, along with whale sharks, to feed. Note that diving is not permitted here; instead, you will experience the spectacular plankton feeding frenzy from the surface via snorkelling.
In North Male Atoll, the White Pearl will take you to sites known for rich fish action and regular sightings of large pelagics and reef sharks. You will explore sites like HP Reef and Nassimo Thila, which are characterised by healthy coral gardens, submerged pinnacles, and strong currents that bring in large schools of fish and potentially manta rays. The cruise balances exhilarating drift diving with exploring colourful reefs and thilas (underwater islands) that shelter smaller fish from the current.
On the last full day, you will complete 2 morning dives before the White Pearl liveaboard sets course to return to Male.
Day 8
The final morning includes breakfast on board, followed by farewells and group pictures. Guests are then provided with a transfer back to Male International Airport.
Maldives Central & Southern Atolls
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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Huvadhoo: Villingili, Kooddoo Kandu, Kuredhoo Kandu, Nilhanhoo Kandu; Laamu: Fushi Kandu, Thaa: Olhugiri Kandu, Meemu: Muli Corner, Kurali Manta Point, Vanhuravalhi Kandu; Felidhoo: Fotteyo Kandu, Miyaru Kandu, Alimathaa; South Male: Cocoa Thila, Guraidhoo Corner; North Male: Miyaru Vani, Tiger Port
Day 1
Maldives diving safari begins as you board the spacious motor yacht, White Pearl liveaboard, near Male International Airport. Once settled, refreshments and dinner will be served as the vessel prepares for an early morning departure.
Core Days
The dive cruise begins by establishing a high-current pace across North and South Male Atolls. Dives at Miyaru Vani, Tiger Port, Cocoa Thila, and Guraidhoo Corner focus on high-current environments, which are known for attracting patrolling pelagics and grey reef sharks. Moving south, Felidhoo Atoll is home to channel passes like Fotteyo Kandu and Miyaru Kandu. The powerful water movement here attracts various reef sharks, tuna, and trevallies. Felidhoo also offers a notable night dive at Alimathaa, where nurse sharks and stingrays congregate near the illuminated jetty.
As the White Pearl travels further south, the diving becomes even more varied. Meemu Atoll offers Manta Point sightings (Kurali Manta Point), and beautiful soft coral formations alongside grey reef sharks and eagle rays at Muli Corner. Thaa Atoll, around Olhugiri Kandu, is known for hosting manta cleaning stations, whale sharks, and potential sightings of hammerheads. Laamu Atoll, with Fushi Kandu, provides another impressive, fishy channel dive.
The expedition culminates in Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the deepest and most fish-rich atolls in the world. Sites such as Villingili, Kooddoo Kandu, and Kuredhoo Kandu are noted for their vibrant reefs and deep channels. Huvadhoo diving offers frequent sightings of blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, large stingrays, and turtles. Spinner dolphins often accompany the White Pearl as it transits between locations.
The dive team monitors conditions closely to ensure optimal positioning for big fish viewing. The schedule includes 2 morning dives on the final full day to allow for decompression time.
Final Day
Following a final breakfast, guests will say their farewells and transfer from the vessel to Kooddoo Airport in Huvadhoo for their onward journey.
Note that the this cruise may run in reverse.
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: from Felidhoo: Devana Kandu, Miyaru Kandu, Alimathaa, Dhiggiri; Ari Atoll: Orimas Thila, Fish Head, Kudarah Thila, Maamagili, Kudhimaa Wreck, Madivaru; Rasdhoo Atoll, North Male: Lankan Manta Point, HP Reef, Tiger Port, Fish Tank; South Male: Kandooma Thila, Guraidhoo Corner, Kuda Giri Wreck. BBQ at Meerufenfushi Alikoi Rah.
Day 1
This Maldives diving safari begins when you board the majestic White Pearl near Male International Airport. Refreshments and dinner will be served as guests arrive and settle into their cabins. The yacht will remain at anchor overnight, departing the following morning for the first dive site.
Core Days
This trip spans the most iconic dive zones of the central Maldives, including North Male, South Male, Ari, Rasdhoo, and Felidhoo Atolls. The focus is on exhilarating wall and channel dives, where the nutrient-rich currents attract an impressive density of marine life. The adventure begins among the famed pinnacles and channels of the North and South Male atolls. Sites like Kandooma Thila and Guraidhoo Corner in South Male are renowned for strong currents and offer thrilling grey reef shark sightings, large schools of fish, and patrolling eagle rays. North Male features highlights such as Lankan Manta Point, a reliable cleaning station for majestic manta rays, and the colourful soft coral gardens of HP Reef. Wreck enthusiasts will appreciate dives at the Kuda Giri Wreck (South Male) and the Kudhimaa Wreck (Ari Atoll).
Further west, the White Pearl explores Rasdhoo Atoll and the legendary Ari Atoll. Rasdhoo Atoll offers deep dives where early morning sightings of hammerhead sharks are possible. Ari Atoll provides diverse experiences, from the submerged pinnacle Fish Head (also known as Shark Point), renowned for reef sharks, to Kudarah Thila, known for its intricate topography and rich macro life. Maamagili in South Ari Atoll is a marine protected area often frequented by whale sharks.
The Central Atolls experience culminates with unforgettable dives in Felidhoo Atoll at sites like Devana Kandu and Miyaru Kandu, which are famous for their sheer walls and encounters with reef sharks. A special highlight is the famous night dive at Alimathaa, where nurse sharks, stingrays, and jacks gather.
Between dives, you can make use of the boat's amenities, such as kayaks and paddleboards. The week also includes a memorable BBQ dinner on the beach at Meerufenfushi Alikoi Rah.
Final Day
After enjoying the final breakfast of your safari, you will exchange contact details with your new friends and bid farewell to the crew. A transfer will take you from the White Pearl to Male airport for your onward travel.
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: Vilingilli, Koodoo, Nilandhoo Kandu, Mareehaa; South Plateau; Fuvahmulah: Plateau and Tiger Zoo; Addu Atoll: British Loyalty wreck, Maa Kandu, Demon Corner
Day 1
Your diving expedition begins near Gan International Airport, where you step aboard the impressive motor yacht, the White Pearl liveaboard. Enjoy welcome refreshments and your first evening meal as you settle in and meet your dive team. The vessel will spend the night safely in harbour, departing the following morning for the Maldives Deep South.
Core Days
This special cruise is designed for experienced divers seeking high-adrenaline oceanic and channel diving across Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah, and Addu Atolls. Huvadhoo Atoll is your entry point to a remote underwater world, offering pristine reefs, channels, and walls. At specific dive sites like Vilingilli, Koodoo, Mareehaa, and the South Plateau, you will encounter stingrays, turtles, and a healthy population of sharks. Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, nurse sharks, spinner dolphins, manta rays, and thresher sharks are frequent visitors in these waters, with the occasional sighting of hammerhead sharks.
For those drawn to large pelagics, Fuvahmulah Island is often cited as the ultimate highlight. The region is celebrated for its reliable proximity to apex predators. Prepare for compelling action at the Plateau and the famous Tiger Zoo, a location renowned for its resident tiger sharks. As the oceanic currents push nutrient-rich water past this isolated island, you can also anticipate sightings of thresher sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, mola mola, sailfish, grey reef sharks, and schools of tuna.
The voyage aboard the White Pearl concludes in Addu Atoll. Your final major dive is the incredible British Loyalty wreck, a 134-metre WWII tanker that remains the biggest shipwreck in the Maldives. This extensive site, along with challenging drift dives at Maa Kandu and Demon Corner, offers a spectacular close to your Deep South adventure.
When you are not in the water, the White Pearl offers amenities like kayaks, a paddleboard, and a water slide to enjoy during surface intervals.
Final Day
Your Maldives dive safari aboard the White Pearl concludes with a final breakfast. After sharing contact details and final group pictures with your new friends, a transfer will take you to Huvadhoo airport for your domestic flight connection back to Male.
Please note this itinerary sometimes operates in reverse; kindly check the exact port details for your specific sailing.
[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 White Pearl liveaboard, the rhythm is set by genuinely good food, comfortable spaces to relax, and a crew who understand that a well-fed diver is a happy diver.
The day usually begins before the sun is high. Early risers can find light snacks, coffee, and tea laid out in the restaurant area. The first dive briefing of the day is at 7 am, setting the stage for the morning's exploration. After a 60-minute dive (the maximum time allowed, respecting both safety and bottom time), you'll surface to a full breakfast. Think less of a continental nibble and more of a hearty meal: eggs cooked to your liking, pancakes, baked beans, fresh chapati, cereals, yoghurt, and plenty of fresh fruit and juice to refuel. This attention to detail is what defines the White Pearl experience.
A surface interval is spent uploading images, relaxing on the sun deck, or taking advantage of the water toys, perhaps a spin on a kayak or a slide from the top deck into the turquoise water. The 10 am dive briefing follows, then lunch. Afternoon brings the third briefing and dive around 2 pm. On most days, a night dive is offered after dinner, revealing the reef's nocturnal hunters.
The hours between dives are intentionally flexible; this is your time. You might find a quiet spot in the spacious seaview restaurant with a book, or chat with fellow divers in one of the 2 bars. The crew keep the snacks coming 24-hours a day: expect things like date cake, shortbread, or doughnuts to appear, because diving does burn a surprising number of calories. For coffee enthusiasts, the barista-made espresso, cappuccino, and latte are a welcome ritual. The hospitality aboard the White Pearl liveaboard ensures you're always well looked after.
Dining onboard is a social, buffet-style affair in the dedicated restaurant, with panoramic views. The kitchen draws from South Asian traditions and international comfort food, creating real variety across a week-long trip. One evening you might find a rich Massaman curry or a fragrant Nasi Goreng, the next a hearty lasagne or roast beef. Seafood is a highlight, often simply grilled to let it speak for itself. Desserts are a treat too: a zesty ginger and lime cheesecake or a classic apple crumble make frequent appearances.
