In this period the clean ocean water flows in from the eastern side of the Maldives. That means currents running from Sumatra, Indonesia to the Maldives bring with them not just fantastic visibility up to 40m but also a variety of pelagic surprises coming to the reef for a quick feed.

The Channel dives of the eastern coast of the Maldives are the main order of the day. These Kandus, as they are known in the local language (Dhivehi), attract grey reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, and eagle rays as standard but look out into the blue and you never know what surprises await. The outer walls and corners of the channels in Vaavu and Meemu have the added bonus of beautiful overhangs draping in the blues, yellows, and pinks of the majestic soft coral.

After the adrenaline-pumping channel dives of eastern Maldives, we cross over to South Ari Atoll to look for the whale sharks and mantas at Maamagili and Rangali Madivaru (Dhivehi for Manta Place) among other great sites such as Kudarah Thila and Kudimaa Wreck known for its potential leaf fish and frogfish.

The first and last night of each trip is spent on board at the port.

Highlights:

• South Ari Atoll: Whalesharks, Beautiful Pinnacles.
• South Male Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Other Pelagics, Beautiful Macro Wreck.
• Vaavu Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Other Pelagics, Traditional Maldivian Channel Diving.
• Meemu Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Other Pelagics, Traditional Maldivian Channel Diving.

Note:

• Not suitable for beginner divers. We recommend 30 logged dives as there is a strong current 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.

Complimentary shared airport pick-up times are 12.00 and 16.00. Pickups can be arranged at other times from USD 15 per person.