“THE NORTH ITINERARY” Malè-Kashidhoo- Lhaviyani Atolls
Unforgettable Diving in the Northern Maldives
This Cruise Can Be an Extension of the North Malé – Baa – Raa Itinerary, Depending on Cruise Duration
3 Dives per Day / Guided Snorkeling – Free Nitrox – Excursions – Underwater Scooters on Board
We begin our cruise heading north, and depending on the season, we will moor for the night on either the eastern or western edge of the atoll.
North Malé Atoll offers stunning dives on “thilas,” covered with soft corals and home to large schools of reef fish in a dazzling array of species. Depending on the seasonal monsoon, both sides of the atoll provide excellent manta points, where manta rays can often be seen at cleaning stations throughout the year.
The cruise continues toward Lhaviyani Atoll, passing through the small Gaafaru Atoll, famous for its wrecks (Lady Christine, Erlangen, SS Seagull). Lhaviyani’s unique shape and location create oceanic channel dives on both the east and west sides, giving us the chance to dive with “incoming currents” during both monsoon seasons and encounter a wide variety of pelagic species, including grey reef sharks.
During the summer, the beautiful marine protected area of Fushifaru Thilas becomes a hotspot for manta rays. We will also stop at pristine local fishing villages, offering a chance to experience the authentic rhythm of Maldivian life. On the penultimate day, upon returning to North Malé, guests will have the opportunity to visit the city of Malé.
RECOMMENDED PERIOD: ALL YEAR ROUND
FROM JULY TO NOVEMBERif isan Extension of the North Malé – Baa – Raa Itinerary
PERFECT FOR SNORKELING ENTHUSIASTS
This cruise offers incredible opportunities to encounter some of the Maldives’ most spectacular marine life. With water temperatures around 28–30°C year-round, the sea is ideal for long, leisurely swims. Even in the shallower channels, snorkeling can bring thrilling encounters with large pelagic species.
Explore vibrant coral gardens, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, and discover an amazing diversity of reef fish. It’s a true paradise for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to experience the wonders of marine life up close.
TOP DIVE SITES IN THE CENTRAL ATOLLS OF THE MALDIVES
Nerumathi (Malè north Atoll)
Also known as “Shark Tank,” is a popular dive site located at the entrance of Hulhumalé harbor, near the capital. It’s particularly famous for close encounters with various species of sharks, including TIGER sharks, BLACKTIP oceanic, HAMMERHEAD, Bull Shark, Lemon, SPINNER shark and Guitarfish. The dive depth ranges from about 8 meters to over 30 meters and the visibility is usually good, especially during the dry season. In addition to the thrilling shark encounters, Nerumathi offers another truly spectacular sight: the high concentration of stingrays passing through the area. Divers are often treated to the breathtaking view of dozens—sometimes even hundreds—of rays gliding gracefully in the currents, creating an unforgettable underwater ballet
Lankan / Paradise (Malè north Atoll)
Lankan Manta Point is one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives, known for being a key cleaning station for manta rays. Located at depths of 10 to 18 meters, it features a large coral block where mantas arrive during the southwest monsoon and outgoing currents to be cleaned by wrasse. While mantas are the main attraction, divers may also spot whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and lobsters. This diverse marine life, along with the stunning underwater scenery, makes each dive at Lankan Manta Point an unforgettable experience.
Helengeli Thila (Malè north Atoll) Description: dive site consisting of a large thila oriented on a southwest-northeast axis. Each side of the formation is a sloping wall, except the west side, which is a nice steep wall with overhangs and corals. The upper reef is about 10 meters deep and the thila is surrounded by a sandy bottom 35 meters deep. At the southern end is an anchor believed to have come from a ship "the Swiss" sunk in 1890. during the northeast monsoon and many species can be encountered, including sharks and sea eagles, while during the monsoon opposite it can become a cleaning station for manta rays.
Gaafaru Express (Gaafaru atoll)
Gafaru Atoll: a hidden gem for divers, with vibrant marine life, and thrilling encounters with sharks, mantas, and turtles.
Gafaru Express is an exciting dive site in Gaafaru Atoll, with a narrow channel between two islands. Strong currents attract pelagic fish like grey reef sharks, tuna, barracuda, and sometimes manta rays. Soft corals and pinnacles provide shelter for reef fish, and diving in the current lets you glide over the reef with ease.
Kaashidhoo Kandu (Kaashidhoo atoll)
This drift dive along the outer reef of Kaashidhoo Island, in the heart of the Kardiva Channel, offers a stunning underwater landscape. As you descend, vibrant coral walls greet you, with schools of fusiliers, snapper, and unicornfish, while occasional giant trevally patrol the reef.The currents make this dive ideal for experienced divers seeking pelagic encounters, including grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and mantas. A highlight is the coral garden at 20 meters, full of nudibranchs and colorful shrimps, perfect for underwater photography. The dive ends over a sandy slope, where green turtles and schools of fusiliers create a peaceful finale
Kuredu Express (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Kuredu Express is one of the most famous dive sites in Lhaviyani Atoll. Express gets its name from the strong currents that can flow here. There is a sandy channel that leads to the corner of the reef, where there are terraces at different depths - a great place to stop and watch the action unfold around you. Gray reef sharks, sea eagles, great tuna, napoleons, stingrays and barracudas are all found here along with a huge school of trevally. Along the reef there are 2 large bays in the reef which have some brightly colored soft corals, many collared butterflyfish and schools of humpback snappers. The dive is completed by a leaf fish near the upper reef.
Two Wrecks at the Shipyard (Lhaviyani Atoll)
The Shipyard is one of the Maldives’ most popular wreck dives, featuring two sunken vessels that have lain underwater for around forty years. Both wrecks are now covered in vibrant soft and hard corals, creating thriving artificial reefs that attract a wide variety of marine life.
Skipjack 1 rests on its side at 20–30 metres, while Skipjack 2 lies nearby with its bow often visible above the sand. Divers can explore around and inside the wrecks, encountering thousands of glassfish, butterflyfish, wrasse, and other reef species. Larger animals, including nurse sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and a resident green sea turtle, are frequent visitors. Excellent visibility and rich biodiversity make The Shipyard a must-visit for both intermediate and advanced divers.
ALSO PERFECT FOR SNORKELING LOVERS
This cruise is not just for divers—snorkelers will also find incredible opportunities to explore the vibrant underwater world of the northern Maldives.
Even along the edges of the channels and around the “thilas,” snorkeling can bring thrilling encounters with large pelagic species, colorful reef fish, and graceful sea turtles.
Whether drifting over lively reefs or observing mantas at cleaning stations, this cruise is a paradise for anyone who loves the sea and wants to experience the rich marine life of the Maldives up close.
AND IN THE END…….
All cruises departing from and returning to Malé, the capital city, may also include, at the end of the journey, an optional visit to the island of Villingili, known for its strong commitment to sustainability.
Here, guests can visit the Save the Beach Centre and the coral restoration site. They will also have the opportunity to snorkel and witness firsthand the important work carried out by scientists and the local community to protect and restore the Villingili reef, accompanied by a Marine Biologist who will provide detailed insights into the ongoing projects.
WE INVITE YOU to check the SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITIES of our Yachts, where you will also find the various ITINERARIES.
