There are liveaboards, and then there is the Scubaspa Yang. As she glides across the polished turquoise of a Maldivian atoll, this 50-metre vessel turns heads for good reason. Purpose-built to reconcile 2 worlds often kept separate - the adventure of scuba diving and the restorative calm of a luxury spa - the Scubaspa Yang offers a style of cruising that feels less like a dive trip and more like escaping aboard a private floating resort. Opting for a Scubaspa Yang liveaboard holiday means choosing a unique fusion of exhilaration and serenity. The design is crisp and contemporary, with open decks that invite you to linger, yet the layout ensures that finding a quiet corner to watch the sun slip below the Indian Ocean is never a challenge.
On board, the experience is defined by space and choice. The en-suite accommodation ranges from well-appointed Sea Star Cabins on the lower deck to the panoramic Manta and Dolphin Suites on the main deck, all featuring either king or queen-sized bedding. While the yacht can sleep up to 40 guests, the number of divers is capped at 26, preserving a sense of intimacy and ensuring groups remain small, the dive briefings personal, and the guiding attentive. Up top, the sundeck centres around an inviting hot tub, while a dedicated Thai pavilion offers a secluded spot for al fresco spa treatments by day or private dining under the stars come evening. Every corner of the Scubaspa Yang is designed for indulgence.
Diving operations are conducted with a quiet efficiency that speaks to years of experience in these waters. Rather than gearing up on the main vessel, you'll step onto a dedicated 19-metre dhoni, a traditional support boat that serves as your mobile dive centre. Here, compressors run without disturbing the peace of the mother ship, tanks are rinsed, cameras are prepped, and there is a warm shower waiting after your safety stop. The dive team, multilingual and typically seasoned in Maldivian currents, know precisely when to slip into a channel for grey reef sharks and when to linger on a cleaning station for mantas. As a PADI 5-Star resort, the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard also offers courses for those looking to advance their certifications between dives.
What sets this liveaboard apart, however, is the ability to tailor the week to how you feel each morning. The onboard spa spans 2 decks and employs 6 therapists trained in Ayurveda, Balinese massage, and beauty therapies. You might opt for the full dive package, racking up 17 dives across the week. Or perhaps the Scuba & Spa combination, which blends daily diving with 4 treatments, leaving ample time for yoga on the upper deck or simply reading in the shade as the atolls drift by. Remarkably, the pricing structure is the same regardless of which path you choose, removing the usual pressure to 'get your money's worth' out of every dive. This flexibility is what makes the Scubaspa Yang such a compelling choice for mixed-interest groups.
cruises follow the classic Saturday-to-Saturday routes through the central atolls - North and South Male, Ari, and Rasdhoo - with occasional forays south to Felidhoo for more experienced divers seeking stronger currents and shark-filled channels. Throughout the week, the crew layers in small touches: a beach barbecue on a deserted sandbank, freshly caught fish prepared by the kitchen, and a bar team that remembers how you take your coffee each morning. It is this blend of credible, well-run diving and genuine onboard hospitality that has earned the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard a loyal following among divers who appreciate comfort but refuse to compromise on the quality of their underwater encounters.
Maldives Central Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
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, Felidhoo, Ari atolls and Rasdhoo. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
After a swift transfer from Malé Airport, board the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard where the crew welcomes you with chilled towels and a refreshing drink. While your luggage is settled, unwind with a buffet lunch, then choose your perfect start - either indulge in a signature massage (think coconut-oil aromatherapy or deep-tissue rejuvenation), or unwind at the al fresco bar with a sunset cocktail.
As the yacht repositions on North Malé Atoll, join an evening briefing on safety and amenities, followed by a gourmet dinner under the stars.
Core Days
Each day onboard Scubaspa Yang offers a perfect harmony of thrilling underwater exploration and indulgent spa relaxation, designed to immerse you in the Maldives' most extraordinary experiences.
At Manta Point in South Ari Atoll, you'll have the unforgettable opportunity to observe graceful oceanic manta rays as they glide through their natural cleaning stations, often circling just inches above delighted divers. The currents of Kuramathi Kandu in Rasdhoo Atoll create ideal conditions for encountering hammerhead sharks patrolling the deep blue waters along the reef's edge.
As night falls at Alimatha House Reef in Felidhoo Atoll, your torchlight will reveal dozens of nurse sharks emerging from the shadows to hunt among the coral's fluorescent glow, creating one of the Maldives' most iconic night diving experiences. During daylight hours, the stunning coral tunnels of Maaya Thila in North Ari Atoll provide the perfect arena for drift diving alongside majestic eagle rays soaring through the clear waters.
The itinerary includes a full-day whale shark safari in South Ari Atoll, where you'll snorkel alongside these gentle giants in one of the world's most reliable whale shark habitats. As an added bonus, the legendary Fish Head offers adrenaline-pumping dives along pinnacles where grey reef sharks and white tips patrol in impressive numbers.
Meanwhile the onboard spa specialists invite you to choose from over 14 rejuvenating treatments, ranging from traditional Maldivian coconut-oil massages to therapeutic hot-stone therapies and authentic Ayurvedic rituals. Each morning begins with the option to join sunrise yoga sessions on the sundeck or guided meditation to centre your mind before the day's adventures.
To deepen your connection with the marine environment, the special Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme presentation offers fascinating insights into ongoing conservation efforts and the biology of these magnificent creatures you'll encounter during your safari.
Day 8
Your last chance to taste a Scubaspa meal, with a light breakfast served before disembarking from the luxurious yacht and being transferred to Male Airport.
Maldives Central Atolls (New Year's Special) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Ari atolls and Rasdhoo. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
The Scubaspa Yang crew greets you near Malé Airport onboard the liveaboard with chilled towels and a refreshing welcome drink for this Special New Year adventure. As your luggage is settled into your cabin, enjoy a lavish buffet lunch featuring both international cuisine and Maldivian specialities. Choose your perfect afternoon - indulge in a signature coconut-oil aromatherapy massage or relax at the al fresco bar with a sunset cocktail in hand. During our evening cruise to North Malé Atoll, attend the important safety briefing followed by a gourmet starlit dinner, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers for this special New Year's journey.
Core Days
Each morning begins with optional sunrise yoga on deck or a leisurely breakfast before the daily diving adventures. Explore the famous Banana Reef in North Malé, a site teeming with colourful coral formations and schools of bannerfish. Drift through coral canyons at Kudarah Thila in South Malé where grey reef sharks patrol the blue. Experience the magical night dive with dozens of nurse sharks, sting rays and giant trevally at Alimatha House Reef in Felidhoo Atoll. Visit Fish Head in Ari Atoll for adrenaline-pumping dives along shark-packed pinnacles. There will also be a full-day whale shark excursion at Maamagili to swim with these gentle giants.
Between dives, rejuvenate with any of the spa's 14+ treatment options or join the onboard marine biologist's presentation on whale shark conservation. Evenings feature special pre-New Year activities such as sunset cocktail parties on deserted sandbanks, stargazing sessions with an onboard astronomer, 'Resolution Writing' workshops to plan your best year ahead!
Spend your final full day with the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard diving at Manta Point before preparing for a spectacular NYE celebration. As the sun sets, you'll anchor at a private island where you can dance barefoot in the sand to the live DJ's tropical beats, enjoy a gourmet beach barbecue under the stars, toast midnight with premium champagne as fireworks light up the Maldivian sky, and take part in a special 'Ocean Blessing' ceremony to welcome in the new year.
Day 8
After a light New Year's Day breakfast, the crew will transfer you to Malé Airport, sending you home with incredible memories of both world-class diving and the most exclusive New Year's celebration imaginable. Start the year renewed, refreshed, and ready for whatever adventures it may bring.
Maldives Central Atolls (Xmas Special) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, manta rays, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, very popular, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: North Male, South Male, Felidhoo, Ari atolls and Rasdhoo. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
The Scubaspa Yang crew welcomes you onboard this Christmas Special liveaboard cruise with chilled towels and a refreshing tropical drink as you step off your transfer from Malé Airport. While your luggage is being delivered to your cabin, you can enjoy a lavish buffet lunch featuring both international cuisine and local Maldivian flavours. After lunch, you may choose to book one of the signature spa treatments like a coconut-oil aromatherapy massage or simply relax at the al fresco bar with a sunset cocktail in hand. As the yacht begins cruising toward North Malé Atoll, you'll attend an important safety briefing followed by your first gourmet dinner under a canopy of stars, where the gentle ocean breeze carries hints of the holiday season.
Core Days
Each morning begins with the option to join our sunrise yoga sessions on deck or sleep in before another day of adventure. You'll experience some of the Maldives' most spectacular dive sites, including Manta Point in South Ari Atoll where mantas perform their cleaning rituals just inches away from delighted divers. The currents at Kuramathi Kandu in Rasdhoo Atoll create the perfect conditions to spot schools of hammerhead sharks patrolling the deep blue waters along the reef's edge.
As night falls at Alimatha House Reef in Felidhoo Atoll, your dive lights will reveal dozens of nurse sharks emerging from the shadows to hunt among the coral's fluorescent glow. During daylight hours, you'll fin around the stunning coral pinnacle of Maaya Thila in North Ari Atoll alongside majestic eagle rays. A full-day whale shark safari in South Ari Atoll offers the chance to snorkel with these gentle giants in one of the world's best whale shark habitats, while the legendary Fish Head dive site thrills with its shark-packed pinnacles.
Between dives, the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard spa specialists offer over 14 rejuvenating treatments ranging from traditional Maldivian massages to therapeutic hot-stone therapies. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme presentation provides fascinating insights into conservation efforts for these magnificent creatures.
The holiday spirit comes alive with special Christmas activities including sandman building contests on uninhabited islands, gingerbread house decorating with the onboard international chefs, and cosy movie nights under the stars watching Christmas classics. The festive highlight is the Christmas Eve beach BBQ on a deserted island, where you'll feast on fresh seafood and holiday treats with your toes in the sand under the moonlight.
Day 8
Your final morning begins with a light breakfast on the liveaboard yacht in Malé, giving you one last chance to savour Scubaspa's renowned hospitality before transferring to the airport with memories of both incredible diving and magical holiday moments that will last a lifetime.
Maldives Deep South & Southern Atolls (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, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: South Male Atoll: Kuda Giri wreck or Kandooma Thila, Felidhoo Atoll: Alimatha, Miyaru Kandu; Meemu Atoll: Kureli Manta Point, Muli, Olhugiri; Thaa Atoll: Dhiyamigili Hammerhead Point, Fahala Giri; Laamu Atoll: Ziyaarai Fushi and Fushi Kandu; Huvadhoo Atoll: Viligili Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Kooddoo Jetty, Kuredhoo Kandu; Kondey: Nilandhoo Kandu and Kondey Kandu; Gemanafushi: Beyru, Lonudhoo Thila. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
Your Maldivian adventure begins outside Malé International Airport, where our Scubaspa Yang staff warmly greet you for short transfer to the liveaboard. Keep your eyes peeled - playful dolphins often escort our dhoni during this scenic journey! Upon boarding, the crew whisks your luggage away while you refresh with a chilled towel and welcome drink. Settle in with a lavish buffet lunch, then choose your perfect afternoon: indulge in one of our signature spa treatments or relax at the well-stocked main deck bar with a tropical cocktail. As the sun sets, your cruise director will conduct a comprehensive safety briefing and introduce our professional crew. We set sail toward South Malé Atoll during your first gourmet dinner in our elegant al fresco restaurant.
Core Days
Venture into the Maldives' spectacular southern reaches where uncrowded dive sites reveal breathtaking marine encounters at every turn. At Felidhoo Atoll, you'll experience 2 extraordinary dive sites - begin with the legendary night dive at Alimatha where dozens of nurse sharks and giant sting rays emerge from the shadows to hunt among the jetty's glow, then drift through Miyaru Kandu's thrilling channel the next day as grey reef sharks and eagle rays patrol the strong currents. Further south at Meemu Atoll's Kureli Manta Point, you'll have front-row seats to watch graceful mantas perform their elegant cleaning loops just inches above your head.
The Scubaspa Yang liveaboard adventure continues at Thaa Atoll's Dhiyamigili Hammerhead Point, where you'll descend along a dramatic wall that serves as a highway for schools of hammerheads patrolling the deep blue. Laamu Atoll offers the exhilarating Fushi Kandu channel dive, where pelagic action reaches its peak with everything from hunting tuna to reef sharks racing through the current. Huvadhoo Atoll presents 2 world-class deep water channel dives at Viligili and Kuredhoo Kandu, where strong currents attract massive fish action and create some of the most adrenaline-pumping dives in the Maldives.
For a change of pace, Kondey's Nilandhoo Kandu offers pristine soft coral gardens full of life and regular shark encounters, while at the thila of Gemanafushi Beyru keen-eyed divers can spot everything from tiny macro creatures to patrolling predators circling the reef. Each of these spectacular dive sites reveals a different facet of the Southern Atolls' remarkable underwater world, promising unforgettable encounters beneath the Indian Ocean's surface.
Between dives, the 300 sqm luxurious spa awaits with 14+ treatments in 4 serene spaces, including a couples' room. Daily yoga and meditation sessions enhance your relaxation while the liveaboard's marine experts share fascinating insights about these extraordinary ecosystems.
Day 8
Savour a final gourmet breakfast as we arrive at Kooddoo Airport, where you'll disembark with unforgettable memories of the Maldives' southern wonders.
Note: Itinerary may operate in reverse; please verify embarkation/disembarkation ports.
Maldives Deep South Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 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: Addu Atoll: British Royalty wreck, Addu Manta Point; Fuvahmulah: Fuvahmulah Thila, Tiger Zoo; Huvadhoo Atoll: Gemanafushi Kandu, Maarehaa Point; Kondey: Nilandhoo Kandu, Dhoregalaa and Kondey Kandu; Huvadhoo Atoll: Kuredhoo Hammerhead Point, Viligili Kandu; Laamu Atoll: Kooddoo Kandu, Kooddoo Jetty. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
Your Maldives adventure begins as you land at Gan International Airport in the southernmost Addu Atoll, where the Scubaspa Yang staff warmly greet you for transfer to this luxury liveaboard. Upon boarding, the attentive crew immediately takes your luggage to your well-appointed cabin while you refresh yourself with chilled aromatic towels and sip a delicious tropical welcome drink. You'll then enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch featuring both international cuisine and Maldivian specialities to fuel your afternoon. As you settle in, you may choose to book one of the signature spa treatments or simply relax at our al fresco bar with a handcrafted cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon. After a gourmet dinner under the stars in the open-air restaurant, the cruise director will provide a comprehensive safety briefing and introduce you to the professional crew who will make this Scubaspa Yang liveaboard voyage extraordinary, as you set sail into the Maldivian night.
Core Days
Over the next 6 days, the liveaboard ventures into the most pristine and untouched region of the Maldives - the legendary Deep South, often called 'The Galapagos of the Maldives' for its remarkable megafauna encounters. This remote area offers some of the most thrilling shark encounters on Earth, where you could encounter up to 10 different shark species in their natural habitat. Each day brings new underwater adventures at world-class sites that few divers ever experience.
The cruise may begin in Addu with an exploration of the magnificent British Royalty wreck, a perfectly intact WWII vessel now blanketed in colourful soft corals and home to schools of giant trevally. Nearby at Addu Manta Point, you'll witness the breathtaking spectacle of oceanic manta rays performing their elegant cleaning rituals at dedicated stations. As the Scubaspa cruises northward, Fuvahmulah presents 2 extraordinary sites: the famous Tiger Zoo where massive tiger sharks patrol the waters, and Fuvahmulah Thila where you'll experience exhilarating drift dives through clouds of fusiliers with thresher sharks and mola mola in the blue.
The adventure continues in Huvadhoo Atoll with 3 phenomenal sites. At dawn, you'll dive Kuredhoo Hammerhead Point where schools of hammerhead sharks cruise along the walls. The channels at Gemanafushi and Viligili Kandu offer heart-pounding drift dives where strong currents attract massive gatherings of grey reef sharks. Nearby Maarehaa Point features a stunning seamount where silky sharks patrol the deep blue waters.
In Laamu Atoll, Kooddoo Kandu presents spectacular channel diving while the Kooddoo Jetty offers fascinating night dives to observe rare frogfish and hunting octopus. Finally, the thilas of Nilandhoo and Kondey Kandu have coral formations constantly circled by patrolling reef sharks.
Between your thrilling dives, the luxurious spa facilities await your relaxation. Choose from over 14 indulgent treatments in our 4 serene therapy rooms, including a romantic couples suite. Each morning begins with optional sunrise yoga sessions on the sundeck to 'centre' yourself before the day's adventures. The onboard marine experts will host informative briefings about the incredible shark species you're encountering, and evenings often feature stargazing sessions on the observation deck under the brilliant southern hemisphere sky.
Day 8
On your final morning, enjoy one last opportunity to savour Scubaspa's renowned culinary creations during a leisurely breakfast before disembarking in Kooddoo. With your logbook filled with extraordinary shark encounters and your spirit rejuvenated by both adventure and relaxation, you'll leave with unforgettable memories of the Maldives' most spectacular underwater wilderness.
Important note: This expedition may operate in reverse depending on logistical considerations. We ask guests to carefully verify their specific embarkation and disembarkation ports when booking.
Maldives Northern Atolls (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 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: Baa Atoll: Anga Faru, Hanifaru Bay (snorkelling), Dhonfan Thila, Hirundhoo, Dhaandhoo Thila, Labyrinth; Raa Atoll: Milaidhoo Caves, Kuda Thulhadhoo Thila, Vaadhoo Thila, Beriyan Thila; Noonu Atoll: Orimas Thila, Miyaru Thila, Christmas Rock, Raafushi Caves; Lhaviyani Atoll: Turtle Caves, Shipyard, Naifaru Kandu. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
Embark on a cruise that blends world-class diving with unparalleled relaxation. The Scubaspa Yang liveaboard charts a course through the pristine Northern Atolls of the Maldives - Baa, Raa, Noonu, and Lhaviyani - offering a unique dual-path adventure. Here, the days are yours to design: choose between an active diving schedule, a restorative programme of spa treatments, or a balance of both. This is not just a dive safari; it’s a wellness expedition at sea.
Core Days
Your liveaboard tour explores a celebrated circuit of atolls, each offering distinct underwater landscapes and marine encounters. In the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the visit is timed with seasonal plankton blooms. While diving is prohibited within the bay itself, the scheduled snorkelling excursion at Hanifaru Bay presents a remarkable opportunity to observe congregations of mantas and, occasionally, whale sharks engaging in filter-feeding behaviours. The atoll’s submerged pinnacles, like Dhonfan Thila and Dhaandhoo Thila, are thriving hubs of activity. Expect strong currents funnelling pelagic life past walls adorned with soft corals, where grey reef sharks patrol and schools of jack and barracuda swirl in the blue.
Navigating with Scubaspa Yang north to Raa and Noonu Atolls, the topography shifts to intricate thilas (pinnacles) and dramatic channels. Sites such as Miyaru Thila, aptly named Shark Thila, consistently deliver encounters with resting white tip reefs sharks and patrolling grey reefs. The nutrient-rich currents at channels like Orimas Thila attract vibrant fish life, including massive schools of blue-striped snapper, fusiliers, and hunting trevally. For a change of pace, the labyrinthine swim-throughs of Raafushi Caves offer a serene, current-free exploration adorned with colourful crinoids and sleeping bats.
The liveaboard explores Lhaviyani Atoll as well, known for its iconic wreck dives and robust reefs. The Shipyard site, featuring 2 historic wrecks, has become an artificial reef teeming with juvenile fish, moray eels, and ornate ghost pipefish. Meanwhile, the aptly named Turtle Caves at Haa Alifu Corner provide a unique geological dive, with overhangs and caverns serving as a known resting spot for green turtles. Each day concludes back on the Scubaspa Yang, where the choice is yours: recount the day’s sightings on the sundeck or surrender to a bespoke massage as the Indian Ocean horizon swallows the sun.
Day 8
Awake to a final panorama of Maldivian waters and enjoy a light, leisurely breakfast. After settling any incidental accounts, you will disembark the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard with transfers provided to the local airport.
Note: embarkation and disembarkation ports for this route may include Male, Dharavandhoo, or Hanimaadhoo. Specific port details are available in our schedule for your departure date.
Maldives Northern Atolls (Manta Ray Special) (8 Days / 7 Nights - 17 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, onboard experts on sharks and manta rays
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Baa Atoll: Anga Faru, Hanifaru Bay (snorkelling), Dhonfan Thila, Hirundhoo, Dhaandhoo Thila, Labyrinth; Raa Atoll: Milaidhoo Caves, Kuda Thulhadhoo Thila, Vaadhoo Thila, Beriyan Thila; Noonu Atoll: Orimas Thila, Miyaru Thila, Christmas Rock, Raafushi Caves; Lhaviyani Atoll: Turtle Caves, Shipyard, Naifaru Kandu. Choose between 15-17 dives or 8 spa treatments (or 6 dives and 4 spa treatments).
Day 1
A staff member escorts you to the Scubaspa Yang liveaboard at Male International Airport. As you settle in, your luggage is taken to your cabin while you accept a welcome drink and cool towel on deck. There is time for a buffet lunch, followed by the chance to book your first spa treatment or simply relax with a drink from the bar. Later in the afternoon, the tour leader provides a detailed safety briefing and introduces the crew. The vessel repositions toward North Male Atoll as guests gather for dinner in the Al Fresco restaurant.
Core Days
This is a cruise into the beating heart of manta season. The Scubaspa Yang takes you through the Maldives northern atolls - Baa, Raa, Noonu, and Lhaviyani - to explore the coral reef equivalent of an onboard spa: the manta ray cleaning stations. This tour is timed to align with seasonal plankton blooms between May and November, placing you in prime position to observe these highly intelligent rays in their natural habitat.
Baa Atoll holds the centrepiece: Hanifaru Bay. This protected marine area is a snorkelling-only site where mantas and occasionally whale sharks congregate to feed in nutrient-rich waters. The Scubaspa Yang schedules time here for in-water observation, giving you a front-row view as these large filter-feeders glide in tight spirals just below the surface. Beyond Hanifaru, Baa offers notable dive sites. Anga Faru is a channel known for grey reef sharks and schools of eagle rays. Dhonfan Thila and Hirundhoo provide cleaning stations where mantas often visit, while Labyrinth lives up to its name with a complex network of crevices and overhangs teeming with reef fish.
Raa Atoll delivers a different character. Sites such as Milaidhoo Caves feature swim-throughs and shaded ledges where white-tip reef sharks rest during the day. Beriyan Thila is a classic Maldivian pinnacle, its current-swept sides attracting large schools of snapper, fusiliers, and barracuda. Kuda Thulhadhoo Thila and Vaadhoo Thila offer consistent action with grey reef sharks patrolling the outer reef edges.
Further north, Noonu Atoll introduces more dramatic topography. Orimas Thila and Miyaru Thila are both known for strong currents and the pelagic life they attract, including dogtooth tuna and schools of giant trevally. Christmas Rock is a smaller formation that punches above its weight, with soft coral coverage and frequent shark sightings. Raafushi Caves provides an interesting change of pace, with swim-throughs that open into sheltered chambers.
Lhaviyani Atoll rounds out the route. Turtle Caves lives up to its name, with hawksbill turtles often found resting in the crevices. Shipyard features a collection of small wrecks and metal structures that have become artificial reefs, now encrusted with corals and home to frogfish and scorpionfish. Naifaru Kandu is a broad channel where currents deliver nutrients, supporting healthy soft coral growth and drawing in schooling fish.
Throughout the week, the onboard experience extends beyond diving. Guest speakers from local NGOs lead ocean talks, covering manta anatomy, behaviour, and conservation status. You can take part in PADI AWARE Specialty courses, including Manta Awareness and Dive Against Debris, with the Project AWARE Specialty theory session included. Evening movie nights on the spa deck feature documentaries such as 'Andrea: Queen of Mantas' and 'Majestic Mantas', offering deeper insight into the lives of these creatures and the threats they face. A manta-themed dinner and an underwater photo contest add to the sense of shared purpose and camaraderie.
Day 8
A light breakfast is served before final farewells. Guests disembark and are transferred to Male Airport, taking with them not only memories of exceptional manta encounters but also a deeper understanding of how to contribute to the protection of these threatened 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].
