The Deep North itinerary soaks up remote dive sites in the northern most atolls in the Maldives. Spend your time onboard diving with a diverse range of marinelife. Manta, sharks, turtles and channel dives await, including possible snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay (Unesco world heritage site). Only available in September, October and March.
One of main attractions to the Deep North itinerary is the sheer diversity of the diving. There are several thila dives, where you descend onto a submerged reef, hook in and watch the action unfold. Dive with Sharks and Turtles in Lhavinyani or try spotting some Mantas and Whalesharks in Baa Atol. As well as the bigger pelagics you'll also get to explore diverse marine ecosystems teeming with colourful fish and vibrant corals. Spend time in Shaviyani discovering a variety of dive sites including caves, channels and thilas. Haa Dhaalu offers exhilarating channels and breathtaking thilas as well as exploring tranquil coral gardens. Haa Alifu is located in the northernmost atoll of the Maldives archipelaago and boasts an array of marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Divers can encounter graceful manta rays and if you're lucky, spot majestic whalesharks.
Carpe flee offers two types of Deep North itinerary. Route 1 is usually a 10 night trip visiting Baa, Raa, Haa Dhaalu, Haa Halifu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Lhavinyani and North Male. A domestic flight will be needed either at the beginning or end of your trip which is included.
Route 2 ranges between 10 - 12 nights and visits North Male, Baa, Raa, Haa Dhaalu, Haa Alifu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Lhavinyani and North Male. A domestic flight is not needed for this route. Please see individual trip details for more information.
Currents at some dive sites can be strong. The Deep North itinerary is suitable for Advanced divers qualified to 30 meters with at least 50 dives. Nitrox is recommend. Courses can be provided on board.
Carpe Diem combines superb service, exceptional diving and on board comfort at affordable prices. If it's mantas, whalesharks and speedy drift dives you are looking for, then jump aboard Carpe Diem for a voyage through the beautif... Learn more about Carpe Diem
Carpe Novo is a luxury liveaboard built by divers for divers. From the moment you step on board, you know you're in for an incredible trip, where your every whim is catered for. Lovingly crafted, no detail has been overlooked. ... Learn more about Carpe Novo
Deep North runs in September, October and March to get the best chance of encountering the best marine life the north has to offer.
Minimum 50 dives, qualified to 30 meters and experience of drift diving is needed for this itinerary.
Embarkation
Depending on the route, if your starting in Male, you'll be transferred by Dhoni over to the main boat which takes around 20 minutes. If you have a domestic flight, you will be taken over to the domestic terminal ready for check in. Please check your exact start and end points for each individual trip at the time of booking.
Trip Duration
The duration of the Deep North trips are between 10 - 12 nights. You will be on the liveaboard for the duration of your trip. There are normally 3 dives a day apart from on your first and last day. There is at least 1 night dive available weather and route depending. The exact number of dives can vary depending on local weather conditions.
Arrival
On arrival into Male a representative will assist you to the dhoni transfer or domestic terminal. 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. If you have booked a domestic flight at the end of your trip, these arrangements will be made in reverse.
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. Get ready for your first dinner then relax and settle in for the evening.
Depending on arrival times you may or may not dive on the arrival day.
Depending on the route, you will normally dive 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
North Male is a great place to get your toes wet at Beautiful Pinnacles. Mantas and sharks usually frequent this atoll.
Baa atoll
The aim of the day is to look for the massive manta congregations. Due to the thick plankton, this is also a great chance to find whalesharks.
There is a local charge for snorkelling at Hanifaru - the park fee of 20 USD pp for 45 minutes of snorkelling (diving is not allowed), which must be paid directly to the park rangers
If the lagoons do not have the big fish, there is great diving on the local thilas and very good chances that the manta will be found on these reefs instead.
Lhaviyani atoll
The diving is Lhaviyani is diverse. The Kuredu Express is a famous site, and when the current is running, it can be an exhilarating and speedy drift dive. Kuredu Caves is a hang out site for turtles, who swim on and off the many ledges and over hangs that pepper the wall. Fushivaru Thila can be another great location for manta, but also home to large schools of snappers, sweet lips and butterfly fish.
Haa Dhaalu
This atoll offers a variety of different diving opportunities. Here you can spot turtles and reef sharks and experience thrilling drift dives. As well as this, you'll also have the chance to explorer tranquil coral gardens.
Haa Alifu
Divers can explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with colourful fish life. Encounter Mantas or even the possibility of whalesharks.
Shaviyani
Best known for its variety of dive sites including caves, channels and thilas.
Noonu
Noonu boasts vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, turtles and rays. The atoll is full of captivating underwater landscapes such as dramatic drop offs, caves and overhangs.
Experience levels
Advanced divers qualified to 30 meters with 50 dives. On most dives the recommended depth is below 18m therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised. Unpredictable and strong currents are to be expected in certain areas. If the Cruise Director feels some dives are too challenging, you may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives. All diving is from dhonis to give precise entry and exit points.
Disembarkation
You will normally leave the boat after breakfast on your last day and be transferred to the airport to begin your journey home.
If you have a domestic flight at the end of your trip, you will need to catch a flight down from Dharavandhoo to Male (or visa versa). Please do speak to the travel consultant at the time of booking to confirm the exact last day arrangements.
We would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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