Northern Heart of Maldives (North of Male’ & Ari Atoll)
DAY ONE (1)
Upon arrival to Male’ International Airport you will be met & greeted at the airport by our representative you will be assisted to embark to your chosen Safari Boat. Enjoy your welcome drink and take your time to discover your room and unpack. Relax in the restaurant before we come together for our Safety Briefing. After chilling out and setting in we anchor outside Kurumba. Now it’s time to get into the water for our Check Dive at KURUMBA HOUSE REEF or BACK FARU to get comfortable in the waters of Maldives. While we are cruising towards Himmafushi, you have time to explore the Boat.
DAY TWO (2)
You will wake up in the South East of North Male Atoll where we will be anchored at Himmafushi Island. We will conduct 3 dives for today. Our early morning dive is conducted at DEVILS CORNER or HP REEF, one of the best dive sites in the Maldives with coral blocks, caves and overhangs. After breakfast you have the choice between NASSIMO THILA with its scattered pinnacles going down to 30m or OKOBE THILA which comprises three large coral heads and where you can see Eagle Rays, Jacks and Napoleon Wrasses. During lunch we move to Rasfari on the West side of North Male Atoll where we stop at BODU HITHI THILA. Its many holes and crevices surprise you with colorful Sea Slugs, Flatworms, Cleaner Shrimps and Morays. Between December and April you can see groups of giant-winged Mantas coming for the cleaner stations.
DAY THREE (3)
After early morning tea & coffee our first dive is planned at RASFARI THILA, announced as one of the many marine protected areas in the Maldives. This outer reef is famous for good drift dive with large sloping walls, dropping down to 90m. Most likely you will see Gray Reef Sharks, Silver Tip and White Tip Reef Sharks as well as Eagle Rays in the current.We will be cruising about 3.5hrs to North Ari Atoll. Our dive spot MADIVARU CORNER, one of the dive site highlights in the Atoll, is located at the entrance of the Madivaru Channel. Beside spectacular overhangs between 25-30m that come before a breathtaking drop-off, you get impressed by the variety of species, such as Hammerhead Sharks, Dolphins, Dogtooth Tuna and Barracudas. For our last dive we move back to Rasdhoo to anchor at RASDHOO REEF/ HOLI FARU where the photographers amongst you have the chance to get active.
DAY FOUR (4)
Our absolute highlight is the early morning dive with Hammerhead Sharks at BIG BLUE. The second dive is planned at BATHALAA MAAGAA, a long, narrow reef about 20m width with 2 small caves at the Northern end. Explore the reef top, covered in a variety of Sponge Balls and Sea Anemones, housing Fusiliers, Sweetlips and Unicorn fish. Our next stop is BODU THILA or BATHALAA THILA, an outside reef falling down to 30m with small caves. Here you can find sleeping Nurse Sharks on the reef top or if you are lucky you will see the largest Stonefish “of the sea”. After cruising back to Ari Atoll we anchor at Maaya Fushi to go to MAAYA THILA, always a great spot for an action packed night dive. Octopus and Stonefish can be found on the top reef and deeper you experience the hunting White Tip Reef Sharks, while Moray Eels dare leaving their shelter and swimming freely.
DAY FIVE (5)
This day brings us to HAFSA THILA, a circular reef of 80m in diameter with plenty of overhangs and soft corals on the cliff faces. Let’s hope for a strong current to watch the great Barracudas, Clown Triggerfish and Grey Reef Sharks. Our second dive takes place at MAALHOS THILA, recommended for advanced divers, starting at a depth of 25m. Large hard coral heads on the reef top and a variety of great marine life want to be discovered. We head for DHONKALO THILA also known as Manta Ray Car Wash as it is one of the most famous dive sites for spotting Manta Rays. And the best thing is, these graceful giants are around all year.
DAY SIX (6)
Anchored in Himendhoo we have a big time ahead. SIRRU THILA is well known for its beautiful coral life and is an attraction for Pellatics. While the North Eastern side slopes down to 30m the Western side falls down steep. Fun to venture a wreck? FESDU WRECK is a 30m fishing boat, sunk at the Southwest coast of Fesdu Island ( W Retreat & Spa Maldives ) . Every inch is encrusted with beautiful Sponges, soft and hard corals and plays home to small fish such as Anthias, Batfish and Lionfish. On our third dive we take you to every diver’s favorite at FISH HEAD, one of the most prominent dive sites in Maldives. The fish life in this marine protected area is excellent and populates Grey Reef Sharks, White Tip Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse and many more. The night will take us to a desert Island for a traditional Beach BBQ to enjoy the typical island life.
DAY SEVEN (7)
In the early morning, while you were still dreaming, the boat moved back to Male’ Atoll. If you are lucky and your return flight is more than 24hrs ahead, you will join us for a last dive on this cruise. We either go for another dive at FISH HEAD or discover KANDHOLHUDHOO, a small reef where seldom seen Stonefish and Scorpion Fish are abundant. The perfect dive to complete your Safari. To discover as well the land site of the Maldives as well we take you for a roundtrip to the capital Male’. Explore the way of local living and go for some souvenir shopping to keep your memories from this island paradise.
DAY EIGHT (8)
After breakfast your crew will transfer you to Male’ International Airport.
The above Itinerary is just to give you an idea of the routes we follow and dive sites. The route will be discussed on your arrival, we will consider your preferences, weather and seasons to offer you an unforgettable diving experience.
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