December to March is the time to join us as this is when the current in the channels – or Kandus – is largely incoming from the east. There are fewer boats and we visit atolls that have very few resorts and lots of uninhabited islands.

During the 14-night trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the best diving sites in the Maldives with shark species, including hammerheads, tiger sharks, and whale sharks, as well as manta rays, eagle rays, and other large pelagic fish.

The outer walls and corners of the channels in Vaavu and Meemu have the bonus of beautiful overhangs draping in the blues, yellows, and pinks of the majestic soft coral. Hammerheads can be found in Thaa as well as whale sharks who visit our boat at night attracted by the krill, which, in turn, are attracted by the lights.

When the currents are running well, the channel dives here are outstanding. Abundant with schooling snappers, trevally, barracuda, white tips and greys, grouper, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, eagle rays, and more.

Itinerary Highlights:

• Fuvahmulah Atoll: Tiger sharks, oceanic manta, and thresher sharks. Oceanic Island with incredible visibility.
• Huvadhoo Atoll: Whale sharks at night, silver tips, grey reef sharks, and many, many more.
• Addu Atoll: WWII wreck HMS British Loyalty, majestic manta cleaning stations, and tiger sharks.
• Laamu Atoll: Beautiful fish-filled channels with great shark encounters. Only on the Male to Addu trips.
• Thaa Atoll: Grey reef & white tip reef sharks plus the chance of Whale sharks at night
• Meemu Atoll: Enchanting channels with pelagic action, sharks, Eagle rays, and beautiful soft coral. Manta cleaning station
• Vaavu Atoll: A sunset/night dive at Alimatha, Vaavu atoll is a must to have a memorable experience with the resident nurse shark
• South Male Atoll: Grey reef sharks and eagle rays at the famous Kandooma Thila, a highlight on any trip

Please note: At Emperor, we believe in providing as authentic an experience with nature as possible. We do not believe it is appropriate to chum/bait for, nor feed, sharks and therefore will not dive or promote the experience known as “Tiger Zoo” in Fuvahmulah Atoll. We dive into Fuvahmulah and regularly encounter Tiger Sharks there, as well as at other spots on our itineraries, and we believe these offer a far more natural experience.

These suit experienced divers with a minimum of 100 dives as there is a strong focus on drift diving.

On some dives, the recommended depth is below 18m therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised.

Unpredictable and strong currents are to be expected in certain areas. If the Cruise Director feels some dives are too challenging, you may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives.

All diving is from Dhonis to give precise entry and exit points.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics and are at the Captain’s discretion.