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Emperor Virgo
Northern Highlights
27 Mar 2027 · 10 nights · Indian Ocean, Maldives
£3050 *
8+ available
Virgo sleeps only 18 divers over 35m, which has made her popular with those that prefer smaller groups on board. All diving is from the 17m support dhoni. Cruise the heavenly atolls of Male and Ari without it costing the earth, on a liveaboard dedic ...
Virgo sleeps only 18 divers over 35m, which has made her popular with those that prefer smaller groups on board. All diving is from the 17m support dhoni. Cruise the heavenly atolls of Male and Ari without it costing the earth, on a liveaboard dedicated to your diving satisfaction.
Virgo has a total of 9 cabins on board for 18 divers - there are 4 lower deck twin/double cabins and a 5th cabin with a double plus single bed. On the main deck you will find 2 twin/double cabins and 2 sea view upper deck cabins, which can be a twin or double beds. All have en suite bathrooms with shampoo and shower gel. The upper deck cabins have large windows to let all that Maldivian sunshine in.
The light wood decor continues throughout the vessel. On the main deck there is a large air conditioned saloon with welcoming sofas. Meals are served buffet style and seated at a large table. This is a fun, social boat to be on! The upper deck bar on board is fully licensed so you can enjoy your favourite tipple as the sun sinks over the horizon. The upper deck is a hub for most people in between dives, with loungers to relax on and enjoy the Maldives drifting by. Wifi access can be purchased on board and is limited by signal coverage in each area.
Click here for more details about Emperor Virgo This link contains lots of the information you need, pictures, reviews, and other FAQ information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on +44(0)1483 411590.
Northern Highlights is timed carefully with the new moon phases for the best chances to see Mantas feeding at Hanifaru Bay.
Discover a diverse marine mix of reef animals, hard and soft corals, abundant macro life, turtles, manta rays and various sharks on this seasonal Northern Highlights itinerary, which combines some of the best and most famous dives sites from Emperor's Best of Maldives and Hanifaru & North itineraries.
Visit North Male which offers the renowned Lankan Manta point, Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory) as well as Fish Head in North Ari. Rasdhoo in North Ari is where you will find a plethora of grey reef shark sightings. These 10 night rips also include the best chances for Whaleshark and Manta encounters in South Ari Atoll.
The goal of this itinerary is to follow the plankton streams, which are at their most dense around the new moons. This will hopefully bring you closer to the famous manta and whalesharks that visit the reefs Thanks to the currents that sweep plankton into the shallow lagoons, mantas follow in vast numbers to feed. Although diving is not permitted in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hanifaru Bay (local fee applies) you are allowed to snorkel with these beautiful beasts in the lagoon.
After a manta has had its feed it needs to get cleaned, which means dives at the known manta cleaning stations in both North Male, Lhaviyani and Baa Atoll can also be perfect places for additional sightings, as they loop and hover overhead. Of course, sightings can't be guaranteed but this itinerary is structured to try to optimise your chances.
Dive the famous drift at Kuredu Express, and come face to face with turtles at Kuredu Caves. As well as mantas, you can get close to turtles, grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks. The thila dives are beautiful, with clouds of butterfly fish, red tooth trigger fish and banner fish. The colourful soft corals are nestled between sea fans. Travellay and barracuda zip along the reef, feasting on the smaller fish.
Dive sites and areas mentioned on our itineraries are not guaranteed. They are subject to change based on weather conditions and are at the discretion of the cruise director/captain. This is to ensure you are provided the best sightings and activities possible during your dive experience while also prioritising safety.
Suitable for all experience levels. No minimum number of dives needed to join this trip but you should be comfortable diving in currents as they can be unpredictable and strong. Many dives are below 18 meters therefore it's required having advanced experience and qualified to 30 meters. Divers may find some dives challenging and maybe asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. Diving is from a Dhoni to give precise entry and exit points.
Click here for more details about Northern Highlights contains all the detailed information you need, a full day by day itinerary, pictures, videos, reviews, and other practical information. Or call one of our diving holiday experts on +44(0)1483 411590.
Dive north Male atoll in the Maldives as well as the northern atolls on Baa and Lhaviyani on a single itinerary, with an average of 24 dives (including 1 night dive). Your liveaboard package is on a full board basis (twin/double share cabin) - upper deck cabin upgrades available. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine with dinner. All trips are fully guided with expert guides and include 12lt tank and weights, as well as free recreational nitrox. To pay on board are alcoholic drinks, fruit juice, fizzy drinks, additional kit hire and any on board souvenirs. Do let us know if you would like to prebook any courses or kit hire on board, or have any dietary requirements.
You have booked a holiday excluding international flights, with return Male airport transfers. We are able to add flights with a wide range of airlines, including regional departures. Flights will incur small booking fee. Please ask your consultant for competitive quote for any flight option. Do not book any flights until your boat space is confirmed by Scuba Travel. Transfers operate at fixed times.
* prices are subject to change according to availability at the time of booking
Please DO NOT book any connecting flights, insurance, or additional parts to this holiday as your trip is subject to availability and will NOT be confirmed until you have spoken with our operators. If you have any requests beyond our normal itineraries please note them in the comments and we will discuss these with you when we call to arrange your holiday.
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All holidays sold for customers with a postal address outside the EU or UK are not financially protected. It is your responsibility to ensure you have insurance in place to protect your holiday in the event of our insolvency. The holidays are covered under their own specific terms and conditions, which are issued on the booking/payment confirmation.