Extended Maldives Explorer 8 Nights: Liveaboard Dive & Island Discovery | 8 Nights and 9 Days Maldives Package
- Transfer Included
- Stay Included
- Meals Included
- Sightseeing Included
Overview
Itinerary
Arrival in Malé & Transfer to Hotel
Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé). Meet-and-greet with transfer to your hotel on Malé / Hulhumalé. After check-in, enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the capital: visit Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), Sultan Park, and the local fish market. Evening welcome briefing about the liveaboard schedule and diving plan. Tip: Keep your dive certification card and passport handy for liveaboard check-in tomorrow.
Embark Liveaboard & Introductory Dives
Transfer to the pier and board your liveaboard vessel mid-morning. Safety briefing and gear setup followed by an afternoon shallow reef dive or snorkel excursion to acclimatize. Evening navigation towards the first dive region. Onboard chef serves fresh Maldivian cuisine. Note: Debrief with your DM about dive profiles and night-dive preferences.
Diving for Pelagics & Manta Cleaning Stations
Full day of diving at top manta cleaning stations and pelagic-rich channels (seasonal). Expect drift dives over steep coral walls and chances to see manta rays and schooling tuna. Afternoon surface interval on a secluded sandbank for snorkeling and sunbathing. Remember: manta sightings are seasonal—your itinerary may be optimized based on current reports.
Shark & Shark Cleaning Station Dives
Explore famed reef pinnacles known for reef sharks, white-tip and grey reef sharks, and abundant macro life. Optional photography-focused dive to capture vivid corals and schooling fish. Evening night dive for nocturnal species (for certified night divers). Ensure dive torches and backup lights are charged.
Ari Atoll Classics: Maaya Thila & Fish Head
Day dedicated to iconic sites such as Maaya Thila and Fish Head (codename for prime pelagic spots) — renowned for encounters with tuna, napoleon wrasse, and bigger pelagics. Surface intervals include reef-top snorkeling and onboard conservation talk about reef protection. Non-divers can join guided snorkel trips.
Island Discovery & Turtles Encounter
Morning dives followed by an island excursion to a local island for a cultural walk and shopping of local crafts. Afternoon snorkeling at lush coral gardens with high probability of seeing turtles and colorful reef fish. Evening onboard barbecue on a private sandbank (weather permitting).
Final Liveaboard Dives & Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Last full day of scheduled dives—targeting any missed highlights and favorite sites. After disembarkation preparations, enjoy a sunset dolphin cruise while the crew repositions toward the main atolls. Farewell dinner onboard with a slideshow of expedition photos. Tip: Back up underwater photos before disembarkation.
Disembark & Island Resort Stay
Disembark in the morning and transfer to a nearby island resort or local island (e.g., Maafushi) for a relaxing day on the beach. Enjoy island activities: kayaking, optional spa, or a guided island-hopping trip to nearby inhabited islands. Evening free to explore local cafes or enjoy resort amenities.
Departure via Malé — End of Tour
Leisurely breakfast and morning at the resort. Transfer back to Velana International Airport (Malé) according to your flight schedule. Final souvenir shopping if time permits. Important: Check domestic transfer and international flight timings; seaplane transfers often operate only during daylight hours.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 1 night in Malé/hotel, 6 nights aboard the liveaboard, 1 night at an island resort/local island.
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner on liveaboard and specified meals on land days.
- Transfers: Airport–hotel–pier transfers and all liveaboard transfers. (Seaplane/speedboat charges included when specified).
- Diving: Up to 3 guided dives per day (as per itinerary) for certified divers, tanks & weights included.
- Snorkeling gear, life jackets, and guided island visits.
- Park fees, local taxes, and onboard Wi-Fi (where available).
- Guided cultural walk on a local island and a sunset dolphin cruise.
Note: Dive equipment rental (BC, regulators) may be extra unless pre-booked; advanced bookings recommended.
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Malé.
- Dive insurance (compulsory for divers) and personal travel insurance.
- Nitrox, specialty dives, and equipment rental (unless pre-booked).
- Alcoholic beverages on liveaboard/resort (unless package states 'all-inclusive') and premium drinks.
- Optional spa treatments, personal expenses, and gratuities.
- Government arrival visa fees (if applicable) and any optional excursions not listed.
Important: Excess baggage charges on domestic transfers and seaplane weight limits are not included.
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