The routes

The Maldive archipiélago has 1200 islands with a land occupied surface of 298km2 and are located in the heart of the Indian Ocean.A tropical paradise with nature and exotism.

Quality of dive sites and abundant fauna makes the Maldives a Top Dive Destination!

Leading the safaries, Marilen and Marc, running OCTOPUS Safaris since 1999, they know the country, the people, language, and, off course, dive sites with its conditons and how to dive them better. As well during the trip you'll be visiting local inhabitted islands, uninhabitted island with gorgeous beaches and if you wish some of the nearly 100 resorts open till date in the country.

After diving activities on board are varied and interesting for all: slide and movie shows, UW biology and photography talks, relax on the sundeck, bubbles on the jacuzzi, snorkel on the closests reef, barbecue on a desert island.

For the 2010-11 season and after 14 consecutive years we will be offering you weekly departures between October and May to dive around the country on the best dive spots of the following routes:

 

CLASSIC ROUTE

This is the most popular and well knonw route, wich we dive succesfully for 14 years now.

  • 7 night, 7 diving days, arrival and departure from Male.
  • Visited atolls: North and South Male, Rashdoo and Ari, south and/or north.
  • Goals: Mantas and Whaleshark in Ari, pelagics in South Male chanels submersed pinnacles "thilas" with abundant and colourful fish life in Ari.
  • 2 week trips available adding this route with the South/North Route.
 

"5 ATOLLS SOUTH" ROUTE

A diferent route for the ones who did alredy the classic route and prefer to get away from the crowded zones in the high season (march and april).

  • 7 night, 6 diving days, arrival and departure from Male.
  • Visited atolls: North and South Male, Felidhoo, Meemu and Ari.
  • Goals: Mantas and Whaleshark in Ari, pelágics in South Male, Félido and Meemu, hammerheads in Fotteyo chanel.
 

 

DEEP SOUTH EXPEDITION

Once again we will sail south ; February and March,this time,in 2 rotations, for 4 weeks each of them, 2 on the way down and 2 on the way up, making it perfect for those who would like to join the "Best of Maldives" trip by joining for 2 weeks.

The route goes from Male through the southern hemisphere atolls and back diving and sailing the "Maldives 25 years ago". Untouched reefs, busy channels, pelagic action, pristine beaches.

Week 1 Mantas & Whalesahrk in ARI, channels in Meemu and Laamu.
Week 2 Channels in Laamu and Gaaf, mantas and wreck in Addu.
Week 3 Mantas and wreck in Addu, channels in Gaaf and Laamu.
Week 4 Laamu,Nilandho and Ari,back to Male.

"STRONGLY RECOMMENDED A 2 WEEK TRIP ON BOTH DEEP SOUTH AND NORTH TRIPS TO ENJOY BETTER THE LONG SAILING EXPERIENCE".

 

CLASSIC + NORTH ROUTE

From Male to Baa Atoll,then down to Rasdhoo and North of Ari,ending in Male.

North Male atoll for mantas and thilas,ARI atoll the northern thilas,RASDHOO for the magic hammerhead early morning dive,BAA and RAA for the reefs,thilas and mantas and whaleshark.

Optional Noonu for some thilas and pelagic action and LHAVIYANI for the pelagics in the channel and wreck diing in Felivaru,instead of Rasdhoo and North Ari.

 

Travel details (example of ordinary trip)

Day 1,
Aarrival  to the Male Intl. Airport and transfer to the Maldivian Dream by our staff, welcome drink and accommodation; general diving briefing and dive boat preparation.

Day 2 to 7
Depending on route heading north or south with daily 3 dives (at least 1 night dive in the week) ,fullboard 3/5 meals on double Cabin (sharing), visits and after dive activities.

Day 8
Sailing to Male Atoll or nearby local airport (DEEP South/North routes), after Lunch, capital Visit, transfer to airport,end of the services provided.