The Central Maldives is by far the most popular route for liveaboards, as it offers great diving, easy accessibility from Male, and can be dived year round in all weather conditions. Most of the diving in the central atolls is characterised by amazing drift diving along reefs and through channels full of big fish. Pinnacle (Thilas) diving is also common in the central Maldives, where you can drop in and hang on the front of the rock watching the show, and then finish the dive in the lee while being surround by a profuse amount marine life.
Mantas and whale sharks are always a highlight of trips to the central atolls, with the best sightings at North Male and Laamu Atolls. Mantas are frequently seen at dive sites on Ari and Vaavu Atolls, with the possibility of them showing up almost anywhere in the area at any time. Eagle rays and grey reef sharks, along with Napoleon wrasse, turtles, and a plethora of smaller fish are seen on every dive. And hammerheads are often spotted on both Vaavu and Ari Atolls just nearby many of the manta cleaning stations. The central region is a fantastic destination and ultra accessible directly from Male.
As the boats typically depart Male by mid-afternoon, it is possible to fly in directly the day of the cruise; but it is better to stay at least one night on land before departure. There are many hotels nearby the airport or in Male proper. Transfers from the airport to the boat are always included. It is prohibited to bring any alcohol into the country, but the boats are well stocked with a good variety on-board.
