NORTH & HANIFARU ROUTE

Maldives

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The “North & Hanifaru” Route of the Maldives

Is a special and exclusive liveaboard itinerary designed for divers wanting to explore one of the least visited and most pristine regions of the archipelago.

The highlights of this itinerary include manta ray encounters, exploration of thilas (coral pinnacles rising from the seabed) filled with marine life, pristine reefs rich in hard and soft corals, and areas with a high probability of encounters with a wide range of sharks: grey reef, guitar, zebra, silvertip, blacktip, whitetip and even hammerhead sharks. With a bit of luck, whale shark sightings are also possible both day and night.

When conditions allow, guests will enjoy snorkeling in the world‑famous Hanifaru Bay—one of the best places on the planet to see manta rays—and an especially memorable night dive.

CRUISE PROGRAM

Day 1 (Saturday): MALÉ AIRPORT – MALDIVES BLUE FORCE ONE or 3

Arrival at Malé Airport, immigration formalities and transfer by dhoni to the boat. Boarding, general cruise briefing and accommodation. Afternoon navigation and dinner onboard.

 

Days 2 to 7 (Sunday to Friday): DIVING CRUISE – “NORTH & HANIFARU” ROUTE

During these days we will explore the atolls of North Malé, Kaashidhoo, Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani.

The final itinerary will be adapted daily according to weather, currents, manta activity in Hanifaru Bay, and the criteria of the captain and cruise director.

Dives include thilas full of marine life, coral gardens, manta cleaning stations, channels with grey reef and silvertip sharks, and possible whale shark encounters during the day or at night.

We may also enjoy manta snorkeling (if mantas are present in Hanifaru), BBQs on desert islands, paddle SUP, kayaking, sunset chillouts and visits to local islands.

 

Day 8 (Saturday): MALÉ AIRPORT

Breakfast. Disembarkation at 7:00 a.m. and transfer to the airport.

 

“EXTENDED NORTH & HANIFARU” ROUTE

  • 10‑night program: Saturday to Tuesday
  • 11‑night program: Tuesday to Saturday

 

 

CRUISE PROGRAM (10 and 11 nights)

Day 1 (Saturday or Tuesday): MALÉ AIRPORT – MALDIVES BLUE FORCE ONE or 3

Arrival, immigration, dhoni transfer to the boat, boarding, briefing and accommodation. Afternoon navigation and dinner onboard.

 

Days 2 to 10/11: DIVING CRUISE – “EXTENDED NORTH & HANIFARU” ROUTE

This extended program allows more time to explore the atolls of North Malé, Kaashidhoo, Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani and Noonu. Depending on conditions, we may also include iconic North Ari sites such as Fish Head, Maaya Thila and Rasdhoo.

The itinerary order will remain flexible and be decided daily according to currents, weather, wildlife and the criteria of the captain and cruise director.

Dives include manta cleaning stations, snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay (if mantas are present and Park restrictions allow), channels with pelagic action, thilas covered in soft and hard corals, multicolored walls and potential encounters with guitar sharks, leopard sharks, mantas, eagle rays and whale sharks’ day or night.

The program also includes BBQs on desert islands, paddle SUP, kayaking, sunset chillouts and visits to local islands.

Days 11 or 12 (Tuesday or Saturday): MALÉ AIRPORT

Breakfast. Disembarkation at 7:00 a.m. and transfer to the airport.

Included

  • Transfers airport – boat – airport.
  • Stay in double cabin sharing on MALDIVES BLUE FORCE ONE or 3 IN full board basis.
  • Water, tea, and coffee.
  • 18 dives including S80 tanks, weights, guides and diving boat (Dhoni).
  • Travel, diving, and cancellation insurance. (See covers in www.blueforcefleet.com).

Not included

  • Flights to Male.
  • Payments upon arrival onboard 2026: Maldives taxes 195$, Green tax 84$, Service tax 160$
  • OPTIONAL:
  • Internet access
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
  • “Day hotel ” in  Male (direct payment)
  • Rental equipment (it is possible to rent but it must be booked before the departure)
  • Nitrox: 90$ per person per week
  • Hannifaru bay taxes 30$ per snorkeler
  • Possible supplements due to significant currency devaluations, increases in fuel prices or on-board charges

 

Program is subject to GENERAL CONDITIONS and COVERS OF THE INSURANCE published in www.blueforcefleet.com
Rates and descriptions valid unless typographical errors and subject possible changes.

Important

It is recommended to have Advanced Open Water certification or similar and 50 certified dives.