- Speedy channel and drift dives
- Great for sharks and pelagics
- Dive the Kuda Giri wreck
- Superb viz
- Away from the crowds
Our South Central itinerary focuses on the channel drift dives in several of the atolls you will visit - here the current drift you in and out of the atoll systems so you can just go with the flow and watch the pelagics that are drawn in by the fast moving water. Vaavu is an excellent stop for channel diving as is the secluded Meemu and Laamu atolls. Manta, eagle rays, reef sharks, tuna, barracuda and even hammerheads... these are some of the bigger fish you can expect to see. Watch dolphin as they come in to feed at night time in Thaa atoll. Or feel the rush as sharks hunt on a night dive in Vaavu atoll. There is even a chance to squeeze in a wreck dive at the Kuda Giri wreck, famous for the rare black corals and superb macro life (can you find the resident frog fish?).
As there is a good amount of drift diving on the South Central itinerary it is best suited to more advanced divers. Some of the locations are remote so you must be comfortable on drift dives. The brilliant viz in the southern atolls makes it a great choice for photographers who fancy giving their wide angle lens a holiday (although there is also some phenomenal macro including ghost pipefish). If your log book could do with a fresh injection of outstanding sightings or you just want to see different bit of the Maldives, this is the itinerary to be on!
Quick Facts
- Average Water Temp: 27-29 C
- Average Air Temp: 28-30 C
- Average Visability: 10-25m
- Good for: sharks, pelagics, channel and drift dives
- Suitable for beginners: No
Highlights
- The Southern Central itinerary is an action packed pelagic adventure in the Maldives filled with speedy drift dives, manta, sharks and even a wreck dive in some of the Maldives least visited atolls.
Testimonials
This is a typical example of the South Central itinerary. The schedule is subject to change according to prevailing weather conditions and is only given as a example of what you would usually encounter during your holiday.
Scuba Travel run the South Central itinerary when the season is the best for the ultimate big fish sightings and best viz
Embarkation
Orion will alternate between starting the South Central itinerary is Male and Laamu.
Trip Duration
All of our South Central trips have 7 nights or 9 nights spent on board your liveaboard.
There are normally 3 dives a day apart from on your first and last day. There is usually an opportunity for a night dive during the week. There are around 17-18 dives on an average week but this can vary depending on local weather conditions.
Arrival
If your trip departs from Male you will be met on arrival from your international flight and taken directly to the boat.
If your trip departs from Laamu you will be taken to the domestic airport upon landing in Male to catch your flight to this northern most atoll. On arrival in your final destination you will be met and taken to the boat. Where possible we will try to ensure that your transfer times are kept to a minimum.
There will be a full welcome briefing on arrival and you can set your kit up. If you have prepaid any rental equipment this will be given to you on arrival. There is then your first dinner and you can settle in for the evening.
Depending on arrival times you may or may not dive on the arrival day.
A normal South Central itinerary will dive at the following areas but the exact dive sites and order will vary week by week depending on what people enjoy, where the best sightings have been and reflect diver experience levels.
North Male atoll
You will only dive in North Male normally for your check dive but this is an excellent taster for what is to come in the Maldives!
South Male
Kuda Giri is both a reef and a wreck dive in 1! The wreck itself is a fishing trawler that now sits upright on the seabed between 18-30m. You can make a basic penetration dive through the wreck or stay on the outside and watch the schooling fish swish about. Great for jack fish hunting, trigger fish and if you look closely you can even find frog fish. Look for the black coral too!
Vaavu atoll
Vaavu is otherwise known Felidhoo atoll and the reef here is the longest stretch of unbroken barrier reef. It is all about channel diving here as you zip along with the currents moving in and out of the atoll - great for drawing in sharks including reef sharks and even hammerheads. Fotteyo Kandu and Fotteyo Falhu are highlights here. Look out for eagle rays and manta to Bodu Miyaru Kandu.
The night dive here is action packed as sharks hunt out their dinner. Not to be missed!
Meemu atoll
The viz at Meemu is quite astonishing and you are virtually guaranteed to see manta on just about every dive! The cleaning station is prolific and you can even come across whalesharks. Medhufushi Thila is a channel dive ideal for sighting rays and sharks. Just go with the flow and let the pelagic action unfold before you. Tuna and barracuda just add to the action. And turtles can be found along the reef wall.
Thaa atoll
Jump in at Thaa atoll for a chance to see hammerheads and whalesharks. Head to to Olhurgiri Kandu for your pelagic fix. There are some splendid coral gardens at at the Gorgonian Gardens where the eagle eyed can find ghost pipefish. Dolphins are also seen here, especially at night time.
Laamu atoll
Laamu is an undisturbed atoll with only a handful of sites having been formally identified. The channels are packed with fish and you can watch the larger marine life hunt out their prey. Fushi Kandu and Munnafushee Kandu the perfect spots to find eagle rays and sharks for your final pelagic thrills.
Disembarkation
You will normally leave the boat after breakfast on your last day and be transferred to the airport to begin your journey home. Depending on which way the itinerary is running, you may return to either Male at the end of your liveaboard or need to catch a flight up from Laamu to Male. Please do speak to the travel consultant at the time of booking to confirm the exact last day arrangements.
Alternatively, why not add an extension at one of the many beautiful resorts in the Maldives or even a second liveaboard.
If you would like to add an extension, combine this with another product or tweak the itinerary give us a call so we can discuss your dream diving holiday.
Photos
Orion
MV Orion is the culmination of many years experience diving in the Maldives and has been designed with the diver in mind. The guides and crews are experts at diving the Maldives with literally thousands of dives between them. Toge...
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