International dive trip · Maldives
Liveaboard diving across the Male, Ari and Vaavu atolls: channels, drifts and pinnacles with mantas, whale sharks and reef sharks.
Get more infoThe Maldives is a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean where channels funnel nutrient-rich water, attracting manta rays, whale sharks and reef sharks. This liveaboard trip covers North Male, South Male and Ari atolls, with additional time at nearby Rasdhoo and Vaavu.
Diving is done by drift and from a separate dive boat, so entries and exits are precise. It suits experienced divers who want pelagic action and are comfortable with currents.
Most dives are drift dives in channels or around pinnacles, where sharks and rays gather. The itinerary includes 17 dives in total, including one night dive, spread over six days of diving.
Water is warm at about 28 to 30 degrees C. Currents can be strong and unpredictable, and some dives go deeper than 18 metres, so advanced experience is recommended. Each diver needs a dive computer, surface marker and drop line, and the cruise director may ask less experienced divers to sit out unsuitable dives.
Days follow a routine of early breakfast, multiple dives from the dive boat, meals and rest between outings, with afternoon snacks and a barbecue on a local island, depending on weather and route.
The vessel is a modern 30 m liveaboard for up to 20 guests, with air-conditioned en-suite cabins across several decks. Meals are provided, with tea, coffee and water included, and limited Wi-Fi is available.
Travel involves flights from South Africa via a Gulf hub to Male, with airport transfers to the vessel included. The route is flexible depending on conditions. International flights, airport taxes and insurance should be confirmed with us.
South African passport holders do not need a visa and receive a visitor permit on arrival. Passports must be valid for six months with a blank page.
| Destination | Maldives |
| Trip style | Liveaboard diving |
| Trip length | 10 days with 7 nights on the liveaboard and 17 dives, including one night dive. |
| Best season | Diving is possible year-round. The drier season, roughly December to April, usually brings calmer seas, while mantas and whale sharks can appear at different times. The source material gives no best season, so confirm with us. |
| Certification level | Advanced Open Water recommended because of strong currents and some dives deeper than 18 metres. Bring your certification card, logbook and dive insurance; no minimum number of logged dives is required. |
Pricing, dates and what is included are confirmed per departure. Send us your questions and we will come back to you.
Currents can be strong and some dives are deeper than 18 metres, so advanced experience is recommended. The cruise director may adjust dives for less experienced divers.
Tanks, weights and nitrox are provided. You need a dive computer, surface marker and drop line, and other hire gear is extra. A 3 mm or 5 mm suit is typically fine.
No, South African passport holders receive a visitor permit on arrival. Your passport must be valid for six months and have a blank page.