Carpe Diem – Deep South (Shark Route)
Travel period
Features
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Diving in the deep south of the Maldives.
Sharks, sharks, sharks! Do we have your attention? Are you a true shark lover? And do you also love wonderful tropical conditions? Then we have found the perfect liveaboard & itinerary for you. For years, the liveaboard the Carpe Diem has sailed several months a year to the Southern atolls of the Maldives. The place where you can meet lots of sharks.
The Deep South route is specifically designed for true diving & shark enthusiasts. During this trip you will dive the waters of Huvadhoo, Fuvahmulah & Addu Atolls. This remote area of the Maldives comes alive between January and April with incredible shark action and fascinating marine encounters. Here you will find the deepest secrets of the Indian Ocean, from imposing tiger sharks to the gentle giants, the whale sharks.
The Carpe Diem stands out not only for the great dive sites she visits, but also for what she has to offer on board. This boat has spacious, cozy cabins, a bar and a sun deck. Whether you want to chill out after scuba diving or enjoy eating what the cook makes, on the Carpe Diem every moment is special.
Best travel time: The best travel time for Deep South route is between January and April.
This trip describes the Deep South route, an 8-day itinerary focused on Huvadhoo – Fuvahmulah – Addu. It is also possible to do the“Southern Sharks” route, this route is more extensive. This is an 11 to 13-day itinerary that visits the following atolls: North Male – South Male – Vaavu – Meemu – Thaa – Laamu – Huvadhoo – Fuvahmulah – Addu. Starting price of this route is approx. €3599,- p.p. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for the Maldives
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Flight to the Maldives
Today you begin your journey toward the enchanting Maldives. Your adventure begins with an overnight flight that takes you to Malé, the bustling capital of the Maldives. Are you flying from Europe? There are interesting flights from europe. We are happy to advise you on the best departure airports based on your preferences and location.
The second day you will arrive in Malé. From Malé, fly on by small plane to Addu (GAN) or Huvadhu (GKK). In fact, the boat is already waiting for you at the southern atolls in the Maldives.
From 12:30 you are welcome to check in on the boat. The crew of the Carpe Diem will pick you up at the airport. Given regular flight arrival times, this often fits seamlessly. Of course, we take this into account when selecting flights for you.
Once on board, you can install yourself in your cabin, prepare your diving equipment and then relax. Take time to acclimate and enjoy the surroundings. Tomorrow you dive into the adventure!
Day 3 & 4 - Addu Atoll
There are two routes sailed during the Deep South, route 1 is from Addu via Fuvahmullah to Huvadhu. Route 2 is exactly the other way, from Huvadhu via to Fuvahmullah to Addu. The routes alternate, and are therefore the same. For this day’s program, we will assume Route 1, but you may therefore do it the other way around 😉
Diving in and around the Addu Atoll means diving at diverse dive sites and favorable conditions that appeal to both novice and experienced divers. One of the notable dive sites is the wreck of the British Loyalty, located at depths ranging from 16 to 33 meters. This intriguing wreck has two large swim-throughs that allow divers to go from one side to the other. With average visibility of about 20 meters, divers can explore the deck on which bluefin tuna swim in schools, while small reef fish frolic around the corals that have formed on the wreck.
Another location not to be missed is the Kandu Huraa region, particularly Shark Point. Located on the northeastern side of Addu, on the edge of Hulhumeedhoo, this spot offers breathtaking shark diving. As the outer reef descends from 5 to 30 meters, a sandy plateau about 30 meters wide is revealed. On this sandy plateau, divers can encounter enchanting gray reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks. For those who want to dive further into deeper waters, larger sharks can be observed in good visibility.
Manta Point is another enchanting dive site known for its cleaning station. Divers can witness graceful manta rays being cleaned, while sharks swimming by and a colorful array of reef fish offer a backdrop of marine diversity.
Day 5 & 6 - Fuvahmulah Atoll
The Fuvahmulah Plateau is reserved for experienced divers looking for an adrenaline rush. This dive site features a deep plateau where various marine animals can be found, including tiger sharks, swordfish, oceanic manta rays, hammerheads and silky sharks. The sheer excitement of diving alongside such impressive predators makes the Fuvahmulah Plateau a captivating and unforgettable dive site.
On the other hand, Fuvah Mulaku offers an advanced drift wall dive, with the opportunity to see a range of other marine animals. This dive site is known for its unpredictable currents, which adds an element of excitement and challenge for divers. As divers navigate the underwater terrain, they may encounter oceanic silvertip sharks, swordfish, tiger sharks, barracudas and yellowfin tuna. The rich biodiversity and dynamic currents make Fuvah Mulaku a popular dive site for experienced divers looking for action.
Day 7 & 8 - Huvadhoo Atoll
One of the unmissable dive sites in Huvadhu Atoll is Maarehaa. This location features beautiful coral formations. Divers can explore intricate passages, encounter colorful reef fish and possibly even spot larger species such as eagle rays and reef sharks.
Kondey Coral Gardens is an oasis of beauty and tranquility. The crystal clear waters are full of vibrant coral gardens, offering a breathtaking sight. Ideal for photographers! The spot is known for its gentle currents, making it perfect for relaxed drift diving. Keep your eyes open for turtles.
Gemana Fushi is a popular dive site in Huvadhu Atoll, known for its good visibility. Napoleon fish and even manta rays visit this place.
The exciting drift dive site Villigili Kandu is characterized by strong currents that attract an impressive array of marine life. Divers may encounter schools of pelagic fish, reef sharks and even the occasional whale shark.
Day 9 & 10 - Return home
The beautiful diving trip in the Maldives is over. Don’t you want to go home yet? Then be sure to check out the options for extending your stay at a resort. Or maybe you’ll still go south to the tiger sharks?
Are you flying early in the morning? Then you probably land in Europe on day 9 as well. Are you flying late afternoon/evening today? Then you may be home a day later. In that case, we can also definitely look at a day hotel, so you won’t be waiting too long at the airport.
The liveaboard
The boat and cabins
Liveaboard Carpe Diem
The Carpe Diem is a beautiful 35-meter-long yacht that can accommodate up to 20 passengers. The liveaboard sails several routes through the Maldives. At the beginning of the year, she sails in the Southern atolls and the remaining months the boat sails in the Central atolls.
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Upper Deck: Here you will find a Suite and a Deluxe Suite, which are the most luxurious cabins on board. This deck also features an outdoor restaurant and bar, the bridge and an office.
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Main Deck: The main deck contains two Double Cabins, as well as the lounge and dive briefing room (with air conditioning), a room for dive equipment and a common outdoor area.
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Lower Deck: The lower deck has six standard cabins and also provides accommodation for the crew.
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Sun Deck: For those who want to relax in the sun, there is a sun deck equipped with an outdoor area and lounge chairs.
In total, the Carpe Diem offers 10 comfortable cabins spread across its three decks. Each cabin is designed with comfort in mind and equipped with modern conveniences.
In addition, the Carpe Diem has a dedicated dive dhoni (boat), fully equipped with first-class diving equipment, including a Nitrox compressor. The crew ensures with care and dedication that all equipment remains in top condition, guaranteeing safe and unforgettable diving experiences.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €2379 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €2379, p.p.
- 7 Nights in a standard cabin lower deck
- Accommodation on full board basis & beach BBQ
- Return transfers airport - liveaboard
- Dive package consisting of approximately 17 dives
- Free Nitrox Upgrade if certified
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Outbound- and return flight to Malé
- Flight from or to Addu (GAN)
- Flight from or to Huvadhu (GKK)
- Green Tax $6.00 p.p.p.n.
- Dive insurance (mandatory in the Maldives)
- from €700,- p.p.
- on demand
- on demand
- $42.00 p.p.
Optional
- Surcharge Main Deck Double Cabin
- Surcharge Upper Deck Double Deluxe Cabin
- Surcharge Upper Deck Double Suite
- WiFi on board
- Diving equipment
- Soft Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages
- approx. €100, - p.p.
- approx. €300 p.p.
- approx. €400 p.p.
- approx. $25,-
- on demand
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
You will dive from the Dhoni, the small dive boat that sails with the liveaboard. Among other things, you will make drift dives.
The liveaboard sails as close as possible to the dive sites. Then you sail the last few minutes (often really 1 to 5 minutes) to the dive site.
Except for the arrival and departure day, you will make 3 dives per day + 1 or 2 night dives.
Yes indeed, including the manta night dive is fantastic.
Diving equipment
There are 11.5L and 13.5L tanks
Diving with Nitrox is free, but only possible for certified divers.
Yes, you can rent equipment. Price upon request.
Liveaboard
Yes, cost approx. 25/30 USD
Generally yes, it is possible to book a cabin for just yourself for an additional charge. The supplement for the Lower Deck standard room is approx. €1300,- p.p. Feel free to ask us about the possibilities.
The dives are from the Dhoni.
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