The Maldives among sharks
Sharks are among the largest and most feared fish in the world; yet meeting them is not dangerous and for diving enthusiasts this is undoubtedly one of their most thrilling occasions.
For this reason we have created an itinerary which will allows us to go in search of these sea creatures, as well as all the other wondered offered by the Maldivian seabed.
Albatros Top Boat proposes a cruise to the Rasdhoo Atolls and above all to the northern part of Ari, where sharks are present all year round, although the period spring/summer/autumn of particularly clear waters is the best.
The cruise is on board our fantastic boats of both superior and luxury category, which have been designed according to the highest quality standards in the Maldives to satisfy the requirements of élite customers. Our programmes include two dives a day plus one night dive a week; all dives will take place in the company of two or three instructors/dive masters. As well as snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, excursions, fishing and canoeing. Both diving and the other activities will take place with the help of our trusted diving dhoni and a very comfortable tender.
The cruise leaves from Male and will take place mostly in the northern part of the Ari atoll, then in the South Male atoll where we will dive in the wonderful passes of this area.
Suggested period: spring/summer/autumn
1st day – Arrival at Male, brief sailing inside the atoll of North Male, towards the island of Rasfari. In the afternoon, first dive at Rasfari on the island’s external reef, a protected marine reserve. The reef slopes gently to 20/25 m, the sea is full of reef fish and it’s easy to spot whitetip reef sharks and blacktip reef sharks resting on the bottom and sometimes also sandbar sharks, sea-eagles and large tuna fish.
2nd day – Departure at dawn for the Rasdhoo atoll.
After about 3.5 hours west sailing we will enjoy our first dive of the day in the very special pass of Rasdhoo-Madivaru, where the colour and life of the barrier are the background to vast amounts of pelagic fish species.
We will moor near the pass, close to a beautiful sand strip. For the second dive we will move with the diving dhoni to the pass of Kuramathi nearby, where the west corner offers a wonderful show of colour and life. To end the day one can either disembark on the island of Rasdhoo for a spot of shopping or stay on the boat’s sundeck to admire the sunset while enjoying a good aperitif.
3rd day – Just before dawn the most experienced divers can enjoy their first dive; the pass of Rashoo-Madivaru is also well-known for the sightings of hammer sharks. A dive in the blue, just a few metres away from the reed, and then we’ll trust in luck. Back on board, we will have a good breakfast and then we’ll set sail again towards the atoll of Ari. The second dive will take place in the narrow, long pass of Gangehi, on the western side of the atoll. During the south-west monsoon, thanks to the in-tides, this pass is teeming with whitetip reef sharks, sandbar sharks and a few leopard sharks. The boat will then moor close to the Nika Resort.
4th day – The first dive of the day will take place at Nika Thila, a wonderful shoal close to the homonymous island; we will then sail inside the atoll until we reach a large circular reef, close to which we will enjoy our second dive of the day by the shoal of Angothi. At dusk we will moor close to the wonderful island of Mayafushi; those who are not yet tired can enjoy another wonderful dive at night at Maya Thila.
5th day – First dive on the well-known Maya Thila, a marine protected reservation and shark point par excellence within the atoll of Ari. This area includes cracks, small caves, big boulders lying on the seabed and vertical crags and is teeming with life: sea fans, whip coral, coloured Dendronephthya, many reef fish, amberjacks, tuna fish and barracuda, sea eels and, naturally, sharks.
In the afternoon another spectacular dive at Maalos Thila, this time characterised by the colours. Situated in the large pass of Maalhohu and constantly exposed to tides, this is one of the most beautiful and colourful shoals of the atoll. Not to mention the top area, at only 10 metres, which is an explosion of marine life. We will then set sail again and will reach a wonderful deserted island where we can relax by swimming in the turquoise lagoon and enjoy dinner on the beach under the stars.
6th day – Before breakfast we will dive in another well-known shark point of many names, the Maldivian being Mushimasmingili Thila, although it is best known as Fish Head as they say that the shallows have a shape reminiscent of the outline of a fish’s head. Divers will be followed by a rather large completely unafraid Napoleon wrasse. We will then head to the South Male atoll and upon arrival we will enjoy the 2nd dive in one of the wonderful passes of the Guraidhoo area, teeming with sharks and sea-eagle: this is the Maldives’ ‘golden triangle’.
Those wishing to engage in a bit of shopping or simply visit another Maldivian island, can disembark at Guraidhoo, the atoll’s administrative capital.
7th day – In the morning, last dive in the ‘golden triangle’. We will then move to a dazzling strip of white sand for a swim and some sunbathing.
After lunch we will set sail towards Male where, upon arrival, we will be able to visit the world’s smallest capital city, covering only 2 km by 2.5 km, although highly populated with its 69 thousand inhabitants! We will be able to enjoy the traditional fish, spices and fruit market and grab the last few souvenirs. The night will be spent on board.
