Diving Itinerary

Best of Maldives & Hanifaru [7 Nights]

Atolls Visited: North Male - South Male – North Ari – Baa Atoll

Key Highlights

24-25 Dives

Popular Itinerary

Manta Rays

Whale Sharks

Suitable for All level of divers

Wreck Dives

Channel Dives

Pinnacle Dives

About The Itinerary

Dive into the heart of the Indian Ocean and explore one of the most spectacular underwater realms on earth with our Best of Maldives diving itinerary. Designed for avid divers seeking variety and adventure, this journey promises a perfect balance of thrill, beauty, and serenity. From your very first descent into the warm, crystal-clear waters, you’ll encounter dazzling reef fish, majestic manta rays at their cleaning stations, and the gentle giants of the sea—whale sharks—cruising over coral-draped pinnacles. Each dive unveils something extraordinary: dramatic topography, high-adrenaline channels, or tranquil drifts across vibrant coral gardens teeming with life.

This curated route spans the central atolls and the renowned Baa Atoll, celebrated for its biodiversity and vibrant reef systems. Between dives, relax aboard a premium liveaboard equipped with all the comforts you need, expert dive guides, warm hospitality, and stunning views that change with every nautical mile.

The adventure peaks in Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where nature delivers one of its most unforgettable performances. Timed with the southwest monsoon, typically in August or September, this is your chance to witness the legendary manta ray feeding frenzy in Hanifaru Bay. As nutrient-rich waters surge in with the full moon tides, they spark a dense plankton bloom that draws dozens of reef manta rays—and occasionally whale sharks—into a breathtaking cyclone-feeding spectacle. Watch in awe as these graceful giants spiral and swoop through the water in synchronized barrel rolls, feeding in a choreographed ballet of nature at its most mesmerizing.

Arrival: Malé, Velana International Airport

Departure: Malé, Velana International Airport

Atolls, Map & Itinerary

North Male Atoll

Diving in North Male’ Atoll – Gateway to Maldives

Just minutes from the capital, North Malé Atoll is home to some of the Maldives’ most renowned dive sites. This vibrant region teems with marine life, making it a paradise for divers of all levels. Expect unforgettable encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, tiger sharks, great hammerheads, bull sharks, spinner sharks, turtles, and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, North Malé offers an unparalleled underwater adventure.

Gallery in North Male

South Male Atoll

Diving in South Malé Atoll – Adventure in the Currents

South Malé Atoll is a diver’s dream, renowned for its exhilarating drift dives, vibrant coral formations, and encounters with large marine species. Located just south of the capital, it offers a slightly more adventurous experience than its northern counterpart, with stronger currents and deeper channels. Divers can expect to spot reef sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, and an abundance of pelagic life as they ride the currents through dramatic underwater topography. Ideal for more experienced divers, South Malé delivers both excitement and beauty beneath the waves.

Gallery in South Male Atoll

Travels Through the Hidden World of Sharks

North Ari Atoll

Diving in North Ari Atoll – The Heart of Maldivian Marine Life.

North Ari Atoll is a top diving destination in the Maldives, known for its rich biodiversity, stunning pinnacles (thilas), and regular encounters with sharks, manta rays, and schools of barracuda. Highlights include Maaya Thila, a renowned site for day and night diving, and Fish Head, where strong currents bring in grey reef sharks and dense marine life. With excellent visibility and a variety of dive sites for all experience levels, North Ari offers a perfect balance of adventure and beauty. Rasdhoo Madivaru also offers spectacular encounters with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling jackfish, all set against stunning coral slopes and drop-offs. Calm lagoons and vibrant reefs make it suitable for a range of divers, with excellent visibility and consistent massive fish action.

Gallery in North Ari

Baa Atoll

Diving in Baa Atoll – Life in Bloom – Dive into the Marine Richness

Welcome to Baa Atoll, a jewel in the Maldives and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Famed for its thriving coral ecosystems and unmatched biodiversity, Baa is best known for the legendary Hanifaru Bay, a seasonal gathering place for manta rays and whale sharks, especially during the rainy (Southwest) monsoon. From lush coral gardens to thilas teeming with life, Baa Atoll delivers world-class diving with a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular marine events on Earth.

Gallery in Baa Atoll

Hanifaru Bay, a manta feeding hotspot in Baa Atoll

Midjourney_ Vibrant yellow fish with dark spots in turquoise water_

Click the image to view the full version.

ARRIVAL : Malé, Velana International Airport

DEPARTURE: Malé, Velana International Airport

7 Nights, Approx. 17 Dives

Description

The ultimate scuba diving adventure with our classic Best of Maldives & Hanifaru a 7 Nights year-round itinerary, showcasing the breathtaking underwater wonders of the Maldives. This immersive journey spans 17 dives and promises a mesmerizing exploration of the pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and captivating atolls that define this tropical paradise.

View Schedule

Trip Preview

• Arrival - Airport Pickup and Check-in
• Dive 1: Kurumba Faru – North Male Atoll (Check Dive)

• Dive 2: Hulhumale Shark Point - North Male Atoll
• Dive 3: Lankan Manta Point - North Male Atoll

• Dive 4: Dhonfan Gaa – Baa Atoll
• Dive 5: Dhonfan Thila – Baa Atoll
• Dive 6: Dharavandhoo Thila - Baa Atoll

• Dive 7: Dhigu Thila - Baa Atoll
• Dive 8: Rasdhoo Manta Point - North Ari Atoll

• Dive 9: Rashdhoo Madivaru Kandu - North Ari atoll
• Dive 10: Maya Thila - North Ari Atoll
• Dive 11: Fasdhoo Wreck - North Ari Atoll
• Dive 12: Fasdhoo Lagoon (Night Manta Dive) – North Ari Atoll

• Dive 13: Fish Head - North Ari Atoll
• Dive 14: Guraidhoo Manta Point - South Male Atoll
• Dive 15: Villivaru Giri - South Male Atoll

• Dive 16: Kandoomaa Thila – South Male Atoll
• Dive 17: Kuda Giri Wreck – South Male Atoll

• Departure - Airport drop and Check-out

Note:

Itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions and ocean currents to ensure safety and optimal diving experiences.

ARRIVAL : Malé, Velana International Airport

DEPARTURE: Malé, Velana International Airport

7 Nights

Approx. 17 Dives

Description

Day 1

• Arrival - Airport Pickup and Check-in
• Dive 1: Kurumba Faru – North Male Atoll (Check Dive)

Day 2

• Dive 2: Hulhumale Shark Point - North Male Atoll
• Dive 3: Lankan Manta Point - North Male Atoll

Day 3

• Dive 4: Dhonfan Gaa – Baa Atoll
• Dive 5: Dhonfan Thila – Baa Atoll
• Dive 6: Dharavandhoo Thila - Baa Atoll

Day 4

• Dive 7: Dhigu Thila - Baa Atoll
• Dive 8: Rasdhoo Manta Point - North Ari Atoll

Day 5

Day 6

• Dive 13: Fish Head - North Ari Atoll
• Dive 14: Guraidhoo Manta Point - South Male Atoll
• Dive 15: Villivaru Giri - South Male Atoll

Day 7

• Dive 16: Kandoomaa Thila – South Male Atoll
• Dive 17: Kuda Giri Wreck – South Male Atoll

Day 8

• Departure - Airport drop and Check-out

View Schedule

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Customer Reviews

Take a look at what our customers have said about our liveaboard in the Maldives

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Uncle D What's Next? 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing crew, amazing food, amazing dive locations. Best live aboard I have been on.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Serena Cowell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The boat was lovely and spacious as there were only fourteen of us instead of twenty one. Staff friendly, efficient and very helpful. Nice variety of food throughout the trip. Good dive sites with lots of sharks, rays and the usual suspects. Slightly spoiled by people not adhering to the underwater rules....
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   hpe283 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Die bisher beste Tauchsafari bisher. Tour Down South to Male. Top Boot und sehr gute Crew. Perfekt 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hugo HAAS 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super équipage, super sympas, et a l'écoute des demandes... Super séjour plongée...
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Loredana Manushaqa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We spent a week on the Adora boat! It was spectacular! The service is immaculate, the food is really good and tasty, the crew is just going beyond of their duty every time. Such kind, helpful & professional people making you feel comfortable & taken care of. The cruise manager Jessica literally rocks, she’s an amazing instructor & dive guide. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelly Curtin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience.  Amazing diving, crew and food.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Helene Van Zyl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The trip on Adora with Moon Tours could not have been better. All expectations exceeded! The food was amazing, it was very well planned (also for us non-surfers) and the crew were excellent! I can highly recommend the Adora and the Sup Tour.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Fox 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing Crew, great surf and great food.
Accomodation was fantastic with big rooms and full ensuite.  Great fishing as well.  Naanu was a great surf guide. We had 12 on the boat and had the best holiday.
Cheers 🦊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Phiangrawee Dumnernsawat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best liveaboard experience ever!!!
The boat is clean and beautiful. Crews are very nice, friendly and helpful. Food is great.
I’d come again for sure!!!