A DIVING SAFARI IN THE MALDIVES - DEEP SOUTH
THE MALDIVES - A PARADISE
Seven days cruising around this stunning and picturesque archipelago in search of amazing dive spots. All in the comfort of a beautiful yacht.
Lying in the Indian Ocean, south-west of India and Sri Lanka, the Republic of Maldives is a spectacular chain of 26 atolls containing 1,192 coral islands. These all sit atop a 960 km long submarine ridge that rises sharply from the depths of the ocean. With its highest point only 2.4 metres above sea level, this is the lowest country in the world, putting climate change foremost in the minds of the Maldivian people.
These mesmerizing islands, many with lagoons, are home to lush vegetation where bread trees and coconut palms are aplenty. You'll even find small groves of banana plants!
The white sandy beaches of the Maldives are famous, their striking contrast against the azure sea create a dream-like picture of paradise. As well as its scenic beauty, the ocean is home to the mainstay of the Maldivian economy – fishing, with tuna and mackerel abundant. It’s believed the original settlers of the islands came from Southern India and Sri Lanka; traders from Arabia, Malaya, Madagascar, Indonesia, and China also visited throughout the islands’ history. The inhabitants (and visitors!) enjoy a hot and humid equatorial climate with an average annual temperature of 30°C – perfect for swimming!
Although beautiful above sea-level, underwater is a whole new experience. Every dive throws up something new. From manta rays, turtles, and sharks to barracuda, tuna, and massive snapper. However, the king of these seas is the enormous but gentle whale shark, roaming the reefs in search of its next meal. There’s a good chance we’ll meet these magnificent beasts up close as we dive and snorkel. Some are as large as 3 metres (but not dangerous) and rubbing up against them is a truly remarkable experience, particularly during night dives when up to a dozen may accompanying us.
This diving safari is attractive not only to divers but also their companions. A very comfortable boat, superb cuisine, and an exciting fun-filled programme make sure of that.
WHAT HAVE WE GOT PLANNED?
Visit the islands - plenty of opportunities to get off the boat and set foot on some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Walk along the beach and feel the white sand underfoot, see local life, homes, temples, farmland, and pick-up a few souvenirs on the way.
Wild Island Party - a fun and unforgettable time spent on a small remote island: alfresco dining, fantastic Thai cuisine, live Sinhalese music, and a magical sunset beach walk.
Explore Malé - the last day is spent in the capital Malé. Time for shopping, maybe at the excellent local market, or just admire the stunning views!
Total relaxation - without a care in the world, take in stunning panoramas of the Maldivian setting as our yacht meanders slowly between picture-perfect islets.
Fascinating diving - visit sites abundant in underwater life including tiger sharks, hammerhead shark, manta rays, and many many other species that make the Indian Ocean their home!
Superb cuisine - experience the region's incredible food. Watch a local chef in action and learn to make tasty curries as well as prepare fresh fish. Try mouthwatering sashimi prepared from tuna straight out of the Maldivian seas. We also have a go at making sushi!
The Maldives from above - optionally, take a seaplane sightseeing flight over these paradise islands; breathtaking views!
DIVING WITH SHARKS - Experience a dive you didn't know before! If you've ever dreamed of an unforgettable dive with almost three meters tiger sharks (and not only), deep south is one of the best places to implement this venture! An amazing opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures fin-and-fin!
Fishing - enthusiasts will find nothing better than trolling for big fish as we sail from island to island. Tuna, mahi-mahi, barracuda, jackfish, and trevally are all ready to be caught!
Our home for this seven day SAFARI is the beautiful, recently renovated (July 2019) and very comfortable motor yacht Carina. She takes us on our search for awesome reefs through the many picturesque islands including Gaafu Alif Atol, Fuvahmulah and Addu Atol, both well-known as excellent dive sites.
There are three boats in total:
Carina - this is the main boat which we live on between dives. With 10 cabins and 35 metres long, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The lower deck contains 7 cabins. The middle deck includes a lounge with refreshments; this is where briefings are held and is a place to chill out on the sofas after diving. There are also two additional cabins, a restaurant and a kitchen on this level. The upper deck has a partly shaded seating area, the captain’s bridge and another cabin. Finally, the outside deck on top of the yacht is the ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxing! The boat can comfortably host 20.
Dhoni - this is a support boat used as our base for diving and where our equipment is kept. As well as providing divers with more precise water entry and exit, it keeps the noise that goes with diving away from guests relaxing on the main boat.
Dinghy (motorised) - for taking us ashore to local beaches.
Our group will be accompanied by two local guides and a highly-trained boat crew.
Important information:
Divers must have a dive computer.
Each dive pair must have a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) which is deployed before each ascent.
Cylinders are 12-litre INT/DIN; 15-litre available on request.
There are no mandatory vaccinations.
Bringing alcohol to the Maldives is forbidden.
Diving insurance is compulsory – this can be purchased through us.
ITINERARY
10th February 2021
• Flight from Warsaw to Malé (with a change).
11th February 2021
• Arrival at Airport (depends on local fligh schedule) where you will be received by one of our team members.
• From Male, we take you to Huvadhoo by plane to join your liveaboard - or from Huvadhoo to Male depending on how you have chosen to dive it.
• Presentation of the crew and the route. Dinner on board.
11th February - 17th February 2021
• Sunrise: Tea, coffee and the first dive (depending on the tide and the site)
• 8:30: Continental & local breakfast
• 9.30-10.30: Navigation
• 10:30: Some days the first or second dive
• 12:30 Lunch: with fresh fish, vegetables, rice, fruit, local or international food
• 14:00: Navigation or second dive
• 16h00: island hoping or well-deserved rest.
• At sunset: Night Dive (1 day / week)
• 6:30 p.m. Relaxing. Bar opening.
• 20h00: Dinner: usually fresh fish and traditional Maldivian cooking and international cuisine
18th February 2021
• We disembark from our boat and (unfortunately) start our journey home.
19th February 2021
• Touchdown in Warsaw.
DIVING PLAN:
Day 1 to day 4 - Gaafu Alif Atoll
• Koodoo out reef
Out reef dive for easy start for check dive
• Villingili kandu
Channel dive (one of the best Chanel dive in gaafu alif )
• Koodoo kandu
Channel dive for sharks and rays
• Koodoo fish factory
Feeding for spinner sharks
• Kuredhoo Kandu
Channel dive
• Nilandhoo kandu
Usually very strong current some times school of silky sharks and group of eagle rays .
• Vodamulah kandu
Channel dive for pelagic
• Coral garden
One of the best place to see hard coral life … easy shallow dive
• Gemanafushi Beyru
Early morning dive for hammer head depending on guest and weather
• Maarehaa kandu
A famous channel dive usually two dives .
• Eagle ray garden
A long reef with sandy slop where eagle rays feed and lots of turtles
• Kondey kandu
Channel dive for sharks and some times dolphin
• If possible bbq on one island & will be Stoping at different reefs for night whaleshark. (Night cross to Fuvahmulah …. Around 5 to 6 hrs)
Day 4 and day 6 - Fuvahmulah
• Plato
Blue water dive for pelagic huge whale sharks and oceanic mantas possible to see
Thresher sharks and tiger sharks possible to see
(Usually more than three dives ideal to do since each dive is different with different big fish life)
• Tiger ZOO
(Tiger sharks feeding with a dive shop and depending on guest how many dives)
• West corner
Ideal nice place for shallow dive like jack fish school some wine tip reef sharks and some oceanic mantas
(Fuvahmulah location makes that place a unique place to dive for palagics and on blue water dives its about luck)
Day 6 & 7 - Addu atoll
• Maakandu manta point
Manata cleaning station
• World War II wreck dive
• Begin our return to Male.
PLEASE NOTE! The itinerary above is a guide only. Arrival and departure logistics, weather and other factors beyond our control may impact the plan.
PRICE PER PERSON:
USD 1950/pp. + flights - standard cabin, lower deck.
USD 2170/pp. + flights - deluxe cabin, upper deck, large windows.
double cabin yacht accommodation.
full board while on our yacht, including water and juices. Carbonated drinks are an extra USD 2.00 per bottle.
transfers to and from lokal airport.
three dives a day except for the first and last dive days (logistical considerations).
insurance: medical expenses (EUR 30,000), personal accident (EUR 4,000), baggage (EUR 300).
return flights from your departing location to Malé. Price depends on the timing of your reservation and departing location. For logistical reasons, these should be purchased through our office.
tips – about USD 60/pp.
environmental tax – USD 62/pp.
personal expenses.
diving equipment.
optional seaplane tour (about 130 USD per person).
optional extension in Sri Lanka (please contact us).
