Sharktastic is a special itinerary packed with sharks, manta and whalesharks. Focusing on Male as well as Vaavu, Meemu and South Ari atolls, this seasonal itinerary has been designed with plenty of big fish action as you visit the Maldives' famous channel and wall dives. Hop your way through these picture perfect atolls, diving with pelagics all the way.
The adventure starts in Male with a check dive and then the channels await. These are fast moving drift dives. Descend, hook in and watch the sharks swirl around you. Keep your eyes peeled as you never know what kind of shark will pass. Grey reef and white tips are plentiful but hammerheads often make an appearance... divine! Once the dive is over simply let go and drift through the channel. Many have stunning soft corals. Our favourites include Raakeedho, Golden Wall, Miyaru Kandu and Fotteyo around North, South Male and Vaavu. There are even a couple of wreck dives! The boat then moves into Meemu, where the manta come to play. The Maldives are famed for their manta cleaning stations and watching these graceful rays swoop in to be cleaned is an experience to treasure. The pelagic sightings are not over yet though! The boat's final stop is at whaleshark central, Maamagili in South Ari. The best encounters are snorkeling so grab your gear and come face to face with the world's biggest sharks.
This is a diverse itinerary with plenty to keep pelagic lovers happy. 30 dives is the suggested minimum number of dives for this route, and you should be comfortable with drift diving. It is also a wonderful way to see more of the many of the Maldives' most famous inhabitants, but without the travelling involved in some of the southern itineraries. So if you are hankering for a itinerary that is extra special, set sail on the Five Atolls!
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
Carpe Vita is a well loved and popular liveaboard with divers and snorkelers, combing great value with on board expertise. At a generous 38m of living space, 20 guests can enjoy the best the Maldives has to offer with a crew that ... Learn more about Carpe Vita
Launched in the Autumn of 2019, Emperor Explorer sees 2 world class fleets combine their knowledge and expertise into one stunning liveaboard. Offering contemporary and spacious accommodation, she will wow with the excellent servi... Learn more about Emperor Explorer
Leo is light and bright Maldives liveaboard that runs weekly departures to dive the classic Best of the Maldives. She's a popular choice for those looking for a great, affordable liveaboard. Free nitrox is just one of the reasons ... Learn more about Emperor Leo
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, o... Learn more about Emperor Virgo
The Sharktastic itinerary only runs when the shark sightings are at their seasonal best - book today to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited.
Embarkation
Emperor fleet will embark for the sharktastic from Male to include typically South Ari, South Male, Vaavu and Meemu atols
Carpe Fleet will typically dive North Male, Ari, South Male, Vaavu and Meemu atols
Trip Duration
All of our Sharktastic trips run for 7 nights with 7 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. This is a short boat transfer and takes approx 20 mins.
Seasonal changes
This is a seasonal itinerary run only when the shark sightings are at their best.
Male
Channel dives in the Maldives are made for shark spotting. Here the key dive sites include Fotteyo, Raakeedhoo, Miyaru Kandu and Golden Wall. Hook in and watch the sharks until the time comes to let go and fly with the current. There is also wreck dives at Kufa Giri and Macchafusi wrecks.
Vaavu and Meemu
Continue shark spotting at Meemu shark channel. But the focus in Meemu switches from the channel dives to manta! Here you will find cleaning stations so simply sit back and relax as the manta swoop in. Highlights include Rangali manta point Vavuu Alimatha jetty is also becoming a hot spot for a night dive due to the nurse sharks that can be found here.
South Ari
South Ari is best known for the whalesharks that congregate around Maamagili. The best and closest encounters are snorkeling.
Experience levels
Not suitable for beginner divers. We recommend 30 logged dives as there is a strong current on drift diving. On some 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. 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.
We would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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