The Maldives "Hanifaru & North" route is a special and exclusive cruise proposal designed for divers who want to discover one of the least visited and most pristine areas of the archipelago.

The main attractions of this itinerary are encounters with manta rays, the exploration of thilas (coral pinnacles that emerge from the seabed) teeming with life, pristine reefs with abundant soft and hard corals, and areas with a high probability of encountering a variety of sharks: grey reef sharks, guitarfish, zebra sharks, silvertip sharks, blacktip sharks, whitetip sharks, and even hammerhead sharks. Furthermore, with a bit of luck, we may enjoy whale shark sightings both day and night.

To enjoy this paradise even more, conditions permitting, we will snorkel in Hanifaru Bay (considered one of the best places on the planet to see manta rays) and also do some particularly memorable night dives.

We will visit and dive the atolls of North Malé, Kaashidhoo, Baa, Raa, and Lhaviyani.

NORTH MALÉ ATOLL & KAASHIDHOO ATOLL: These routes begin in the north of Malé Atoll, a vibrant area perfect for acclimating to diving in the Maldives. Sites like Helengeli Thila offer encounters with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and manta rays at their cleaning stations. Further west, Finger Point is known for the consistent presence of eagle rays and reef sharks. Continuing north, you'll find the less-visited Kaashidhoo Atoll, offering spectacular drift dives, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life: green turtles, large schools of fish, dolphins, and even whale sharks in season. Napoleon wrasse and giant groupers appear among coral terraces and overhangs. On the main island, you'll find the remains of 6th-century Buddhist temples built from coral.

BAA ATOLL & HANIFARU BAY: The Baa Atoll is home to the iconic Hanifaru Bay (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), where, in season, dozens or even hundreds of reef manta rays congregate, and occasionally, a whale shark. Its thilas and cleaning stations, such as Dhonfanu Thila, Kihaadhuffaru Thila, and Golden Wall, are home to grey reef sharks, schools of jacks, turtles, and soft corals. At night, there is a high chance that a whale shark will approach the stern of the boat.

LHAVIYANI ATOLL is famous for its variety: shipwrecks, channels, and colorful reefs. Shipyard Wreck, with two sunken vessels resting side-by-side amidst corals and sponges, creates one of the most photogenic scenes in the region. In Kuredu Express and Madivaru Channel, the currents attract grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks, eagle rays, and turtles. For a more relaxed dive, Kuredu Caves offers overhangs where green turtles rest.

RAA ATOLL: Remote and relatively unexplored, Raa offers nearly pristine reefs teeming with hard and soft corals, fusiliers, trevally, snappers, and batfish. Its spectacular thilas, such as Vaadhoo, Beriyan, Labyrinth, and Anemone Thila, feature impressive schools of glassfish that encircle the reef. Manta ray cleaning stations like Kottefaru Corner allow for long, peaceful dives, ideal for photographers. Reef sharks and eagle rays can be seen in its channels.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: MALE AIRPORT (Saturday)

Arrival at Malé airport, customs formalities, and transfer by dhoni to the ship. Embarkation, general cruise briefing, and accommodation. Free afternoon for sailing and dinner on board.

Day 2-7: DIVING CRUISE "HANIFARU & NORTH" (Sunday to Friday)

During these days, we will explore the atolls of North Malé, Kaashidhoo, Baa, Raa, and Lhaviyani. The final itinerary will be adjusted daily based on weather conditions, currents, the presence of manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, and the judgment of the captain and cruise director. Dives will include thilas teeming with marine life, coral gardens, manta ray cleaning stations, channels with grey reef and silvertip sharks, and possible whale shark encounters by day or night. We will also enjoy snorkeling with manta rays (if present in Hanifaru), BBQs on deserted islands, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, sunset chillout, and visits to local islands.

Day 8: MALE AIRPORT (Saturday)

Breakfast. Disembarkation at 7:00 AM and transfer to Male Airport.

Clear, plankton-rich waters support thriving reef communities and attract species such as manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, schools of jacks, and the occasional whale shark.

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.

(*) The itinerary description is provided by the boat operator. Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only, and the exact route and sites visited may change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics at the Captain’s discretion.