Route Description - Central Atolls - The best of Maldives
8 Days 7 Nights
Guests aboard the Black Manta are invited to explore the awe-inspiring Central Atolls of the Maldives on a 7-night liveaboard expedition. This immersive journey showcases the vibrant marine life and pristine waters of North Malé, South Malé, Vaavu, and Ari Atolls. With the chance to dive with manta rays, sharks, and even whale sharks, and enjoy cultural visits to local islands and beachside barbecues, this voyage seamlessly blends underwater adventure with Maldivian charm.
Day 1: Arrival – Hulhumalé
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, guests are welcomed by a Dune representative and transferred to the DUNE Black Manta. After a refreshing drink and a cruise briefing by the Cruise Manager, dinner is served on board. The night is spent moored at Hulhumalé Marina.
Day 2: South Malé Atoll to Vaavu Atoll
The first diving day begins in North and South Malé Atolls, where guests explore long, coral-rich reefs and, seasonally (May–November), a manta point. The journey then continues to Vaavu Atoll, where the evening features an unforgettable night dive among nurse sharks, stingrays, and hunting jacks.
Day 3: Vaavu Atoll to South Ari Atoll
Diving continues around Vaavu Atoll’s dramatic underwater landscapes, which include caves, overhangs, and walls. Marine life in this area includes titan triggerfish, grey reef sharks, tunas, and barracudas. The cruise then heads west to South Ari Atoll for dives around pinnacles known for sightings of larger pelagic species.
Day 4: South Ari Atoll
The vessel anchors in a marine protected area where whale sharks are often seen. The crew assists guests in snorkeling or scuba diving alongside these gentle giants. Dives at nearby thilas and wrecks reveal abundant marine life such as moray eels, scorpionfish, and napoleon wrasse. If time permits, the day concludes with a visit to a local island before dinner.
Day 5: South Ari Atoll to North Ari Atoll
The cruise moves northward with one final opportunity to encounter whale sharks. In North Ari Atoll, the deeper channels and stronger currents attract grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, and other large pelagic species. In the evening, guests are treated to a beach barbecue on a nearby desert island or a Maldivian-themed night on board.
Day 6: North Ari Atoll
Diving in North Ari Atoll focuses on manta cleaning stations, vibrant thilas, and a wreck teeming with life. Encounters may include eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, schools of snapper, batfish, and fusiliers. The day ends with a thrilling night dive where manta rays feed under the dive lights.
Day 7: North Ari Atoll to North Malé Atoll
After a final dive in North Ari, the vessel returns to North Malé Atoll. The last dives offer sights of small caves, colorful coral gardens, and reef fish such as oriental sweetlips, nudibranchs, and frogfish. In the afternoon, the boat returns to Hulhumalé Marina for the final overnight stay.
Day 8: Departure – Hulhumalé
Following breakfast, the crew arranges guest transfers to the airport. Assistance is also available for those with late departures or extended stays. Guests disembark with lasting memories of the Maldives’ underwater splendor.