Spirit of Maldives

Between 60 and 140 miles south of Male lies a group of five major atolls made up of countless islands, reefs, sandbars and thilas that offer a multitude of superb dive sites. The channels with their sharks, eagle rays and huge schools of snapper and jack fish are a thrilling feature of this area. The Deep South trips boast flexible itineraries designed to showcase the best of the central atolls on the journey down and back up to Male as well as fantastic vibrant corals in Thaa Atoll and Laamu Atolls and the manta cleaning stations of Meemu Atoll.

Despite the wealth of exploration over the years, there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered, promising endless opportunities for adventure.

These itineraries are available year-round upon request, with the optimal experience achieved through a 10-night trip, ensuring ample time to immerse yourself fully in the extraordinary beauty of the Maldives' southern realms.

Embark on a 10-night Heart of the Maldives Adventure exploring the vibrant central atolls that have always captivated divers. The Heart of the Maldives itinerary offers a mix of thrilling shark dives, scenic coral gardens, and everything in between. Enjoy Manta cleaning stations, blue & yellow soft coral caves, and pinnacles teaming with life and favorite whaleshark and hammerhead sites. Also, enjoy exhilarating night dives where often encounter sharks and mantas. Just so much to see, you’ll not be disappointed.

The10+ night Heart of the Maldives adventure offers more flexibility in routing, and like to go a bit further afield as have more time to dive & explore. If the conditions allow, a Heart of the Maldives Itinerary may also include Baa Atoll where, from May to October there is the amazing opportunity to snorkel in the UNESCO Hanifaru lagoon where mantas and whalesharks can be found in huge numbers.

Embark on one-way expedition to or from the northernmost reaches of the Maldives, nestled some 180 miles north of Male, where the reefs of Shaviyani and Haa Alifu Atolls await. Venturing into these lesser dived waters promises exhilarating encounters as we explore the hidden gems of reefs and thilas. Rest assured, knowing this area well and can show you some wonderful shark and manta points. On a visit to this remote area you'll find yourself immersed in a world untouched by the crowds, with only your diving buddy for company.

These Far Northern Atolls are the oldest atolls of the Maldives and bear testament to the ancient history, dating back some 65 million years. Beyond lies the vast expanse of the Eight Degree Channel, separating the continental shelf of India and Sri Lanka from the tip of the Maldives. In the tranquil months of the northeast season, from March to April, the venture into these deep ocean waters, offering a rare opportunity to encounter the majestic giants of the sea—blue whales and sperm whales—in their natural habitat.

This itinerary involves a 50 minute one-way flight from either Male to Hanimandhoo or Hanimandhoo to Male. Whichever route you choose, whether northbound or southbound on the Spirit of Maldives, Far North trips epitomize the spirit of adventure, promising an unforgettable journey off the beaten path.

Embark on a 7-night Heart of the Maldives adventure exploring the vibrant central atolls that have always captivated divers. The Heart of the Maldives itinerary offers a mix of thrilling shark dives, scenic coral gardens, and everything in between.

Enjoy Manta cleaning stations, blue & yellow soft coral caves, pinnacles teaming with life and favourite whaleshark and hammerhead sites. Also enjoy exhilarating night dives where often encounter sharks and mantas. Just so much to see, you’ll not be disappointed.

Journey and dive through North Male Atoll and cross the mighty Karshidu Channel to the Northern Atolls. These atolls boast their own unique charm and beauty and are renowned for their spectacular dive sites and diverse marine life.

While see mantas throughout the year on this itinerary, from May to October offers a slight variation. Baa Atoll is home to Hanifaru Lagoon which is a UNESCO Marine Reserve and during south west season (May to October) it is known for large numbers of manta rays and whale sharks congregating to feed on the plankton swept in by the prevailing current, this is a mesmerizing spectacle. Only Snorkelling is allowed in Hanifaru, but the experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

The 7 night Wonders of the Northern Atolls trips focus on Baa Atoll, whilst the 10 night itineraries venture on through the Northern Atolls to unveil a plethora of remarkable dive sites including the Shark Nursery, Horobadhoo Thila, Shipwreck Graveyard and Christmas Rock, to name but a few. Each dive reflects the Maldives' natural beauty and rich marine biodiversity. Would visit manta cleaning stations throughout the year which are an absolute highlight of diving in the Maldives.

Discover the southernmost realms of the Maldives as we venture into the Equatorial zone, where
Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah Atoll, and Addu Atoll await. Crossing the Equator, it's customary to pay
homage to Neptune, marking the transition with reverence. Despite their southern location, these atolls
are well-connected to the capital, Male, just 300 miles to the north and this itinerary requires a 60-
minute return domestic flight to/from Kooddoo and Gan airports.

Huvadhoo Atoll is a deep atoll swept by the ocean currents. Here, the channel diving is spectacular and
adrenalin-filled with huge schools of pelagic fish, sharks and rays. Reef hook on the corner and watch
the show, then drift in with the currents as you are bombarded by the kaleidoscope of colorful reef fish.
Enjoy the tranquil shallow reefs inside the atoll with beautiful coral formations and macro life. At the
other end of the extreme, we often have whale sharks coming to the back of the boat at night, attracted
by the lights – such a privilege to see these amazing animals.

South of Huvadhoo Atoll lies Fuvahmulah, where the ocean floor rises 2000 meters to meet the atoll
reef. Here, at a plateau around 100 feet (30 meters) deep, lies a renowned dive site offering thrilling
drift dives. Keep your eyes peeled for hammerheads, threshers, silver tips, grey reefs, and the majestic
tiger shark—frequent visitors to these waters.

Further south again, is Addu Atoll which is home to the historic island of Gan. Once a vital bunkering
port for the British Navy and later a British airbase during the Maldives' time as a British protectorate,
Gan holds a wealth of underwater treasures. Explore the depths to discover the wreckage of the British
Loyalty, a poignant reminder of wartime history now transformed into a thriving reef. The eastern
channels of Addu offer exhilarating drift dives, while to the north lies a mesmerizing manta cleaning
station, where giant mantas glide gracefully as tiny cleaner wrasse attend to their needs.

Discover the southernmost realms of the Maldives as we venture into the Equatorial zone, where Huvadhoo Atoll, Fuvahmulah Atoll, and Addu Atoll await. Crossing the Equator, it's customary to pay homage to Neptune, marking the transition with reverence. Despite their southern location, these atolls are well-connected to the capital, Male, just 300 miles to the north and this itinerary requires a 60-minute return domestic flight to/from Kooddoo and Gan airports.

Huvadhoo Atoll is a deep atoll swept by the ocean currents. Here, the channel diving is spectacular and adrenalin filled with huge schools of pelagic fish, sharks and rays. Reef hook on the corner and watch the show, then drift in with the currents as you are bombarded by the kaleidoscope of colorful reef fish. Enjoy the tranquil shallow reefs inside the atoll with beautiful coral formations and macro life. At the other end of the extreme, we often have whalesharks coming to the back of the boat at night, attracted by the lights – such a privilege to see these amazing animals.

South of Huvadhoo Atoll lies Fuvahmulah, where the ocean floor rises 2000 meters to meet the atoll reef. Here, at a plateau around 100 feet (30 meters) deep, lies a renowned dive site offering thrilling drift dives. Keep your eyes peeled for hammerheads, threshers, silver tips, grey reefs, and the majestic tiger shark—frequent visitors to these waters.

Further south again, is Addu Atoll which is home to the historic island of Gan. Once a vital bunkering port for the British Navy and later a British airbase during the Maldives' time as a British protectorate, Gan holds a wealth of underwater treasures. Explore the depths to discover the wreckage of the British Loyalty, a poignant reminder of wartime history now transformed into a thriving reef. The eastern channels of Addu offer exhilarating drift dives, while to the north lies a mesmerizing manta cleaning station, where giant mantas glide gracefully as tiny cleaner wrasse attend to their needs.