Male - Laamu
MALDIVE: LAAMU, ON THE WAY SOUTH
A cruise among unspoilt atolls and a thrilling return flight over the archipelago with Island Aviation. For those who cannot afford to take long holidays, the one-week cruise leaves Male and touches the atolls of South Male, Felidhoo, Vattaru, Mulaku, Thaa and Laamu.
Dives
The best time for this cruise is undoubtedly during the winter months, this also being the best time for dives, as these will take place mainly in the passes on the eastern side of the atolls and at this time both tides and visibility are ideal and allow underwater photographers to take beautiful shots of the large pelagic species.
Felidhoo is typical of the Maldives: separated from the South Male atoll by the Fulidhoo channel, which is an expanse of water as big as the Elba island and one of the main destinations of diving cruises. During the north-eastern monsoons (December-May) diving conditions are excellent, as the water is very clear and therefore ideal for sightings of sharks and large pelagic species.
Vattaru’s pass is a great immersion site, thanks to splendid caves covered in sea fans and black coral. Leopard sharks can be seen on the sandy seabed, whereas higher up swim tuna fish, barracudas, trevallies, schools of fusilier fish, manta rays and turtles.
Mulaku’s passes are narrow and they slope sharply from 30 to 100 metres; on the walls are large sea fans, splendid madreporic formations of Acropora corals. The outer areas usually feature several cracks which provide the ideal place to stop and observe schools of barracuda, large tuna fish, sharks and, early in the morning, hammer sharks.
An interesting diving site of the Thaa atoll is the Olugiri pass, which is characterised by a very peculiar morphology, as the step is interrupted by a shoal teeming with sea life and, tide permitting, a beautiful slope towards the inner part of the atoll.
With dolphins playing in the sprays of the prow while beautiful islands slowly appear on the horizon and the sea is tinged with the red of astonishing sunsets, the cruise then continues towards Laamu.
This atoll is also out of the beaten path of tourists; each dive is therefore very special, always within passes but with different characteristics depending on the position. Some diving spots are therefore characterised by passing Carcharinus Albimarginatus, sea-eagles and trevallies, whereas inside the passes it is easy to meet leopard sharks and nurse sharks resting on the seabed or hiding under madreporic formations.
While crossing from the Thaa atoll to the Laamu atoll, large cetacean (sperm whales and whales) can sometimes be spotted, particularly if the sea is calm.
The thrilling return flight to Male over the beautiful atolls just visited is a suitable ending to an unforgettable holiday.
TRAVELLING OPTIONS
The Laamu cruise takes place all year round, although in terms of tides and visibility our winter is the best time of the year. There are two itineraries to choose from:
1) EASTERN route: departure from Malè towards Kadhdhoo (Laamu atoll) sailing through the atolls of South Male, Felidhoo, Vattaru, Mulaku, Thaa and Laamu then return to Male with domestic flight by Island Aviation
2) WESTERN route: departure from Malè towards Kadhdhoo (Laamu atoll) sailing through the atolls of South male, Ari, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu then return to Malè with domestic flight by Island Aviation |
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LAAMU : a cruise for everyone
Divers
Snorkel lovers
Sea lovers
Fishermen
THE BOATS
The stay on board our boats (motor yachts of superior-luxury category) will be in double en-suite cabins with air conditioning and will include full board with Italian cuisine comprising dishes of fish and pasta. On board you will be treated as exclusive guests by the friendly staff of Albatros Top Boat. The boats are always followed by our trusted diving dhoni and by the comfortable tender, both essential for the best organisation.
 M/Y Conte Max |
 M/Y Maavahi |
 M/SY Dhoni Stella |