This remote area of the Maldives has only recently started to be explored by dive liveaboards. It is being said that diving this area of the archipelago is like stepping back in time to when the Maldives dive scene first began. The diving on the Deep South itinerary is quite simply, the best itinerary for pelagic animals. Highlights of the area include Tiger sharks (100% guaranteed), reef sharks, Whale sharks, hammerheads, Thresher sharks, schooling jack, Black Oceanic mantas, and Eagle rays. Colorful reefs with schools of fish and macro subjects are also quite common on these atolls reefs.
Pelagic marine animals are what diving the Maldives is all about. Drop-offs, channels and pinnacle dives are common on this itinerary. Strong currents bring in food and our experienced dive guides will set dive times to catch the best action. Because it is necessary to schedule dives around these tides, we will be doing 2-3 dives per day (approx 24-26 total). Some dives will be exhilarating drifts with reef sharks, schooling barracuda and Napoleon wrasse. While other times we will use reef hooks at the mouth of the channel and just hang on and watch the show. Veterans of current diving, Peter and I will gladly go over this skill set with you to allow you to fully enjoy the experience. There will also be dives where we just relax and look at the reef or a manta cleaning station and marvel at the sea life around us. You know Kristine can’t stop herself from looking for small marine animals; so on these dives we’ll hunt for mantis shrimp, cuttlefish, turtles and other reef critters. Oceanic Mantas arrive to mate between February and May; who knows maybe we’ll get lucky and witness the madness of a mating Manta train! But just seeing these gentle giants is awe-inspiring. Tiger sharks are guaranteed 100% at the nursery in Fuvahmulah, known as the “Galapagos of the Maldives“. Warm water temperatures and reliably good visibility await us on this epic 10 night Deep South itinerary.
The Ship
Deluxe
Upper
Standard
MV Eco Blue is a steel hulled 32m motor vessel that was completely remodeled in 2017. Well equipped for divers, Eco Blue is spacious with 3 decks and numerous seating areas. Relax on the sun deck or in the air-conditioned lounge. Cabins are spacious, well appointed, and also air-conditioned. Choose from standard, deluxe or upper with a small surcharge for deluxe and upper. Single supplements are available for a small fee. Charging stations and storage for photographers is available. Buffet meals, coffee, tea, snacks and water are included. Beer, wine and cocktails are additional. Eco Blues Dhoni (dive platform) is designed for divers to get to sites comfortably and effortlessly. Nitrox is available for a small fee. Dive groups are small offering a guest to guide ratio of 6:1. Wifi is intermittently available. Gorgeous white sand beaches, local villages and a beach BBQ’s will be on the schedule between dives.
