October 28 - November 4, 2026

The Maldives

Embark on a 7-night Heart of the Maldives adventure exploring the vibrant central atolls that have always captivated divers. The Heart of the Maldives itinerary offers a mix of thrilling shark dives, scenic coral gardens, and everything in between. Enjoy Manta cleaning stations, blue & yellow soft coral caves, pinnacles teaming with life and favorite whale shark and hammerhead sites. We also enjoy exhilarating night dives where we often encounter sharks and mantas. Just so much to see, you’ll not be disappointed.

The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean near the equator with India to the North and just East is Sri Lanka. The Maldives is organized into 26 natural atolls. The average temperature is 77 to 86 degrees and there is a dryer Northeast monsoon and wetter Southwest monsoon season. Located in the monsoon belt of the Northern Indian Ocean and can sometimes experience quite a complex weather pattern. 

From May to November the prevailing winds are from the Southwest and can bring an average of 215mm of rainfall and 208 hours of sunshine per month. Around mid-December the winds veer to the Northeast and, with the change in direction, bring a much drier climate with rainfall averaging 75mm per month and average sunshine 256 hours. Maldivian days are hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures of about 25-30 C and humidity at 70-80%. 

Flights arrive into HulHule Island (Male). MLE Airport. No domestic flight transfers will be required. Transfers from the airport to the boat will be at 3pm and upon checkout will be transferred to the airport by 8am. If staying in the Maldives we are able to assist you in those transfers as well. 

Local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Money can be exchanged at the airport upon arrival. The exchange rate is around $15MVR to $1USD. *ONLY LICENSED SHOPS ARE ALLOWED TO ACCEPT FOREIGN CURRENCY AND USD ARE THE MOST ACCEPTED.

The Diving

The diving here can be more advanced as there are stronger currents that set the Maldives apart from other diving destinations. This is because the currents bring in nutrients and plankton which fosters a thriving underwater ecosystem of fish and marine life. The other benefit these currents bring is cleaner water which allows you to see all there is to see and have better encounters with marine life than in other places. The visibility, depending on the season can be between 60ft to 100ft. As a rule, in the months from May to November the winds and the currents are from the southwest and therefore the diving with the best visibility is going to be on the west side of the atolls, marine animals that like to feed on plankton will be found on the east. Different dive sites in the Maldives may offer varying visibility depending on their location, depth, and proximity to currents. Sites closer to channels or oceanic drop-offs might have stronger currents but are also likely to have clearer water. 

Prepare to encounter a wide variety of vibrant marine life! From small to large they have it all. Discover manta ray cleaning stations for an up close and personal encounter with one of the most majestic and largest creatures in the underwater world. Manta rays can have a wingspan of anywhere from 20-30ft, however the average is around 22ft in length, these graceful giants gather at these cleaning stations to be cleaned by smaller fish, if you breath slow consistent bubbles the mantas could swim right over you as they enjoy the feeling on their tummy. The best time to see them is August through November.

Another notable gentle giant of the ocean is the Whale Shark, on of the biggest fish in the ocean and they are frequently seen in the Maldives. The best time to see them is August through November. Along with whale sharks other sharks can be seen throughout the voyage such as reef sharks (black tip & white tip), the occasional hammerhead, and leopard sharks. 

Additionally, the diverse coral reefs come to life with an incredible array of colorful reef fish such as, butterfly fish, angelfish, parrotfish, and even triggerfish. Anemone fish can be spotted along with moray eels, barracuda, large groupers, lionfish Eagle rays also frequent the Maldives throughout the year so there is a high chance of an encounter. A couple turtle species as well can be spotted while diving as well such as the hawksbill turtle and the loggerhead turtle. Dolphins as well are a common sight to see. You'll find hard and soft corals galore which provide as an amazing habitat for all these species of fish. 

The average water temps range in the low to mid-80s and therefore anywhere from a skinsuit to a 5mm depending on how cold you get. A full-length suit is recommended. 

All guests participating in Scuba activities MUST be equipped with a dive computer, SMB, and reef hooks for every dive and a torch for night dives.

The Vessel - Spirit of Maldives

The Spirit of Maldives is a brand new vessel built with the latest standards of comfort and design. At 131ft in length the Spirit has 13 cabins - 7 Standard (Lower Deck), 2 Suites (Main Deck), 2 Standard (Upper Deck), and 2 Upper Deck Suites. Equipped with the ultimate safety features such as; firefighting equipment AED, fire & smoke detectors, CO2 monitors, fire alarms, auto & manual extinguishers, fire blankets, life jackets, life rafts, and night watch. Electric is UK 3 pin electrical sockets using 220 volts AC 50Hz. 

Additionally, spend your time between dives relaxing in the hot tub, soak up some Sun on the sundeck or even watch the stars, checking out the entertainment system, or even get a massage. Indulge in ultimate relaxation with our onboard massage therapist, ready to rejuvenate you after an exciting day of diving If you prefer, soothe your muscles in our hot tub or simply find a quiet corner to relax in the comfortable lounge where there is a library of books, movies, and documentaries. Conservation lectures onboard promote education and marine awareness for those who want to learn more about how to protect our oceans. Spirit of Maldives offers ample space for guests to find their own serene moments, perfect for both relaxing and socializing. There is even a dedicated camera room for charging and storage. 

Indulging in a delicious culinary experience is an essential part of a perfect holiday. Our major meals feature à la carte dining, adding a personal touch and elegance to your culinary journey. Our dedicated and skilled chefs ensure every dish is a masterpiece.  We also can accommodate vegetarian and selective non-meat diets. Enjoy a beachside BBQ while watching the sunset and savoring delicious grilled dishes in a breathtaking setting. Furthermore, immerse yourself in authentic island life with guided nature walks in local villages, discovering the essence of Maldivian culture, traditions, and people. Enjoy the nights at sea when the sky comes alive with countless stars. 

Along with there being not just one but two dive support boats, which is unique operational standard in the Maldives. One is a 60ft spacious and well equipped dive "dhoni" ensuring seamless dive operations, providing ample space for gear storage and preparation. The second, is a smaller 24ft rigid inflatable which allows for safer and more efficient diver pick-up and gives greater flexibility to navigate and further explore the pristine and less-travelled regions of the Maldives. 

High-quality diving equipment is available for rent, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe diving experience. Nitrox is also available for certified divers, enhancing safety and bottom time for those unforgettable underwater encounters. There is an additional charge for the hire of equipment and Nitrox. Cash is USD or EUR is accepted along with Visa, MaterCard, and American Express. 

The Itinerary

North Male Atoll 

Rasdhu Atoll 

Ari Atoll 

Felidhu Atoll 

South Male

What is Included: 

• Meet & Greet at the airport (at pre-arranged times). 
• Transfers to the boat.
• 3 Daily Dives with Night upon request.
  • Average of 17 dives on a 7-night trip. 
• 3 Meals a day & afternoon snack.
• Unlimited drinking water, tea, coffee, & ONE house beer/wine per day. 
• A BBQ dinner on a local island (weather permitting). 
• Local Island Visit
• Government & bed taxes are included. 

Medical Services

The Maldives maintains a network of medical facilities that cater to both residents and tourists, including those involved in scuba diving emergencies. While the remoteness of some islands means that access to comprehensive medical care can vary, the resorts and inhabited islands with tourism infrastructure generally have medical clinics or health centers that can be accessed to handle minor injuries and illnesses. In the event of a scuba diving emergency, particularly decompression sickness (DCS), Spirit Liveaboards are equipped with basic first aid equipment and oxygen therapy. Our Cruise Directors are trained to provide initial stabilization and arrange for medical evacuation to medical facilities in Malé, or the nearest medical centre as appropriate. There are currently five hyperbaric chambers operational in the Maldives. It is essential for scuba divers to ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers scuba diving-related incidents, including medical evacuation if needed.

Conservation Information

Practice responsible diving by ensuring you have proper buoyancy control at all times to avoid damaging the coral reefs and kicking up sediment that can harm marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen that is low in oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens instead, like Stream2Sea. Do not take shells, corals, or any marine life as souvenirs. Leave natural items in their environment to support the ecosystem. Dispose of trash properly and never throw your rubbish overboard. Minimize the use of flash photography, especially near sensitive marine life like nocturnal animals.

To enter the Maldives you will need a passport with at least six months validity, a complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets and a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel or liveaboard. On arrival you will be issued a free 30 day tourist visa. A Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form needs to be submitted electronically via IMUGA. 

Wifi is available via a Starlink Satellite Connection for an additional charge. 

*MUST BE ADVANCED OPEN WATER CERTIFIED. If you are not please reach out as we can assist you in getting your certification and some dives in before we embark on this adventure of a lifetime!

Dive Insurance is MANDATORY. Trip insurance is highly recommended.