Route Description - Best of Maldives
11 Days 10 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Maldives, exploring the vibrant atolls of Ari, Vaavu, and Malé. This round-trip itinerary from Malé offers world-class diving amid thriving coral reefs, abundant marine life, and some of the Indian Ocean’s most iconic underwater sites.
Highlights of the Route
Ari Atoll – Known for frequent sightings of whale sharks and manta rays, Ari also boasts dramatic pinnacles brimming with marine life.
Vaavu Atoll – Offers exhilarating drift dives through deep channels (Kandus) and unforgettable night dives with nurse sharks.
Malé Atoll – Combines colorful coral reefs with fascinating wreck dives, offering variety and adventure.
Sample Itinerary
Arrival Day
Guests are welcomed at Malé International Airport at 12:00 PM by the AMBA crew. For those arriving later, scheduled pickups are arranged. Onboard, a refreshing welcome drink and cool towel set the tone for the journey ahead. Following a brief orientation of the vessel, guests settle into their cabins and unwind.
From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, dive certifications and insurance documents are verified, and guests assemble their gear on the dive tender (Dhoni) with guidance from the dive team. Dinner is served around 6:00 PM, followed by crew introductions and a comprehensive safety briefing. The evening is spent at leisure, offering a chance to relax or socialize with fellow divers.
Diving Days
Each day features two to three dives, with three dives typically scheduled unless longer crossings are required. Dive briefings are conducted in English, German, and Spanish. One night dive is offered during the trip.
Guests explore a variety of dive environments, from coral gardens to thrilling encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and more. All dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams, with experienced guides accompanying the group to showcase the highlights of each site. Divers are expected to be proficient in independent ascents and the use of surface marker buoys when needed.
Final Dive & Farewell
The last dive of the trip takes place at 8:00 AM on the day before disembarkation. Afterwards, guests rinse and dry their equipment in preparation for packing. In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to explore the capital city of Malé. The farewell gathering is held in the evening, followed by a final dinner shared onboard.