Island Safari

The Island Safari is deliberately designed for small groups of 14 to a maximum of 16 people – a clear advantage that is no longer a given in the Maldives. The tours offer everything divers need for a successful safari: challenging diving, relaxed procedures, and good organization.

The boat is deliberately functional and kept comparatively simple, yet it offers everything that belongs to a classic liveaboard in the Maldives. The boat is made of wood, and the interior is also beautifully crafted with Maldivian woodwork and well-maintained.

Ship & Facilities

Separate dhoni for all diving operations
• Spacious deck areas for relaxation between dives
• Salon and lounge areas
• Sun deck
• Dining area with international cuisine

Cabins

Comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms
• Air conditioning, storage space
• Double and twin occupancy
• Limited single occupancy possible (surcharge)

Safety Equipment (Excerpt):

• Standard navigation and safety systems according to Maldivian regulations
• Oxygen & first aid equipment
• Life jackets
• Dinghies / dhoni for diving operations

Diving Operations

• Diving is done exclusively from the dhoni, where the diving equipment remains throughout the entire trip
• 16–17 dives per week
• Sunday: 1 check dive (for arrivals by 1:00 PM at the latest)
• Monday–Friday: 3 dives each, including at least one night dive
• Saturday: 1 morning dive
• Return on Saturday around 2:00–3:00 PM in Hulhumalé
• Optional visit to the capital, Malé

Requirements:
• Minimum Advanced Open Water or equivalent
• Recommendation: at least 30 logged dives
• No beginner courses
• AOWD courses available on request

Equipment:
• Own complete diving equipment required
• Limited rental equipment available for exceptional cases

Requirements for Divers

Mandatory:
• Valid passport
• Visa / e-VOA if applicable
• Valid diving certification (min. AOWD recommended)
• Logbook with current diving experience
• Valid diving insurance

Recommended:
• Experience with drift dives
• Reef hook
• Dive light for night & twilight dives

Routes & Diving Areas

The port of departure and arrival is usually Velana International Airport / Hulhumalé.
The actual route taken depends on the date & season (see Dates & Prices).

Central Atolls

Central – Best of Maldives (Malé, Ari, Vaavu)
The most popular route with classic Maldivian diving: channels, thilas, mantas, sharks, and diverse reefs, suitable year-round.

South Central Channels (Malé, Vaavu, Meemu)
Famous for strong currents, abundance of fish, and reliable shark encounters.

South Central Channels + Whale Shark at Night (Malé, Vaavu, Meemu, Thaa)
In addition to impressive channels, this route offers very good chances for a whale shark night dive.

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Northern Atolls

Far North (Malé to Hanimadhoo, one way)
Pristine thilas, large schools of fish, and regular manta encounters.

Northern Channels & Thilas + Hanifaru Bay
Combination of channels and thilas. Visit to Hanifaru Bay if conditions are suitable.

Northern Thilas + Hanifaru Bay
Focus on manta cleaning stations and thila dives.

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Themed Safaris

Family & Friends – Diving Safari
Adapted route based on the Central Best of route. Ideal for divers, snorkelers, and companions.

Far North + Manta Trust Foundation
Exclusive expedition route to the far north, accompanied by a Manta Trust scientist.
Focus on research, manta hotspots, and remote atolls.

Scope of Services

Included Services:
• Accommodation on board in the booked cabin category
• Full board
• Drinking water, tea & coffee
• Guided dives according to the program
• Tanks & weights
• Transfers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation (defined points)

Services Not Included:
• International & national flights
• Travel & diving insurance (highly recommended)
• Single occupancy surcharge
• Nitrox (if offered, for an extra charge)
• Rental equipment, courses
• Alcoholic drinks & soft drinks
• Tips & personal expenses