Best of Central Atolls

11 Days -10 Nights Sample Itinerary in the Central Atolls of Maldives

This itinerary takes you to the best dive sites in the central part of the Maldives. You will get to visit the best dive sites around some of the following atolls: North and South Male, Vaavu Atoll, South and North Ari, Rasdhoo. Please note that this itinerary will involve diving in currents.

Recommendation on Diver’s Qualifications

Please note that this itinerary will involve diving in currents. We recommend that our guests have:

  • A minimum of 100 logged dives

  • Nitrox certification

  • Experience with diving in currents

Disclaimer

We wish to show you the best diving possible; however, a number of factors determine which route the Cruise Director and Captain  will choose and which dive sites we visit. Weather conditions, tides, currents and the number of other dive vessels at a particular site all play a part in where the boat is heading to. While we attempt to ensure the number of dives we have scheduled is fulfilled, bad weather can hinder the yacht’s ability to reach a specific dive site in our scheduled time. The safety of all on board is paramount and we always do our best to offer diving at alternative sites, should we be unable to visit the sites listed below.

A Typical Day

The diving day has a typical schedule as follows:

  • 06:00

    Wake-up call

  • 06:30 — 07:00

    Light breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1

  • 08:30

    Full breakfast, relaxation period

  • 10:30

    Briefing and Dive 2

  • 12:30

    Lunch, relaxation period

  • 14:30

    Briefing and Dive 3

  • 16:00

    Snack, relaxation period

  • 19:00

    Dinner (if we offer a sunset or night-dive, the schedule will be slightly amended)

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Itineraries

The following is a description of some of the dive sites we may visit during your liveaboard safari on board M/Y White Pearl.

Day 1

Arrival in Male

After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by a representative of M/Y White Pearl and transferred from the airport to the boat at the scheduled time.

Early arrivals: We recommend taking the Courtesy Bus (located outside the arrivals hall) to the Hulhule Airport Hotel to relax and have dinner before going back to the airport to meet other passengers. The hotel will charge approximately USD65 per person for use of the pool, luggage storage and use of showers.

We embark on our Dhoni (a tender to M/Y White Pearl) to be transferred to M/Y White Pearl for your check-in in the cabin and start diving the next day.

Day 2

North Male Atoll

The North Male Atoll in the Maldives is home to some of the most stunning dive sites in the world. One of the most popular sites is Banana Reef, which boasts an abundance of marine life, including schools of colorful fish, moray eels, and sea turtles. Another popular spot is HP Reef, which is known for its underwater caves, vibrant coral formations, and frequent sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays. Other notable sites include Lankan Manta Point, where divers can swim with manta rays, and Okobe Thila, where you can see colorful soft corals and schools of fish. The North Male Atoll has something for everyone, from shallow dives suitable for beginners to challenging deep dives for more experienced divers.

Day 3

South Male

Today, you will embark on a boat trip to South Male, where you will dive at some of the most famous dive sites such as Kuda Giri Wreck and Kandooma Thila.

Day 4

Vaavu Atoll

Today, you will embark on a boat trip to Vaavu Atoll where you will dive at some of the most famous dive sites such as Miyaru Kandu, and Alimathaa House Reef. Enjoy the chance to see sharks, manta rays, and a variety of marine life.

Experience the thrill of a dusk dive and witness the reef come to life after dark. You may spot nurse sharks, stingrays, blacktip sharks, trevallies and other nocturnal creatures.

Day 5

Ari Atoll

Today, you will head out on a boat trip to Ari Atoll, where you can dive at some of the best dive sites in the region, including Maaya Thila, Kudarah Thila, and Fish Head. These dive sites are famous for their beautiful coral formations and diverse marine life.

Day 6

Ari Atoll

Today, we shall travel further up North where we will take you to the manta cleaning station. A manta night dive may be added to the 3 dives already scheduled. As you descend in the dark ocean, you’ll feel a sense of anticipation as you wait for the majestic manta rays to appear. As the dive lights illuminate the waters, and the manta’s gracefully glide towards you, creating an otherworldly experience. These gentle giants feed on plankton and swim in mesmerising patterns, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 7

Ari Atoll

Enjoy the last day of diving in Ari Atoll, before we head out to Rasdhoo Atoll.

Day 8

Rasdhoo Atoll

Embark on a boat trip to Rasdhoo Atoll, where you can dive at the famous dive site, Rasdhoo Madivaru, and Kuramathi Kandu.

Day 9

North Male Atoll

Return to North Male Atoll to dive at the well-known dive sites, such as Lankan and Fish Tank.

Day 10

North Male

Today is the final dive day of your liveaboard cruise and although it is bittersweet, we are excited to offer you one last chance to explore the incredible underwater world of the Central Atolls of Maldives. Our Divemaster leads you on the 2 last dives where you will see vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish and other marine creatures. 

While the boat returns to Male, you can relax and enjoy a cocktail on the sundeck, dream away while having a massage in our Spa, or cool down in our whirlpool on the back-deck.

Day 11

Departure

Before check-out we will serve you with a light breakfast. Check-out is at 07:00 AM and you will be at the airport at 07:30 AM.

Unleash your inner adventurer and book your scuba diving vacation with Pearl Fleet's luxurious liveaboards.

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