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Liveaboard diving boat in Ari Atoll Maldives

Maldives Liveaboard Diving Package – 7 Nights in Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll, Maldives
7 Nights / 8 Days
4.9 (127 reviews)
Advanced Open Water

Overview

Experience the ultimate Maldives liveaboard diving adventure in Ari Atoll, one of the world's premier diving destinations. This 7-night package offers 18 spectacular dives across pristine coral reefs, dramatic channel sites, and famous whale shark aggregation points. Aboard our luxurious traditional dhoni, you'll enjoy comfortable en-suite cabins, gourmet meals, and expert dive guidance while exploring the rich marine biodiversity of South and North Ari Atoll.

Ari Atoll is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings, making this the perfect trip for those seeking encounters with the ocean's gentle giants. Our experienced crew knows the best spots and timing to maximize your chances of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures.

Dive Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Male, transfer to liveaboard, check-in dive at house reef
  • Day 2: Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila) – shark action, Maaya Thila – night dive
  • Day 3: South Ari whale shark search, Maamigili Beyru, sunset reef dive
  • Day 4: Rangali Madivaru manta point, Vilamendhoo Thila, night dive
  • Day 5: Kudarah Thila – one of Maldives' best thilas, Dhigurah whale shark area
  • Day 6: Broken Rock channel dive, Orimas Thila hammerhead search
  • Day 7: Final morning dives at Halaveli Wreck, afternoon departure to Male

Marine Life Expected

Ari Atoll offers exceptional biodiversity and is particularly famous for pelagic encounters:

  • Whale sharks (year-round, peak: December to May)
  • Reef manta rays at cleaning stations
  • Grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks
  • Eagle rays, marble rays, sting rays
  • Napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, barracuda schools
  • Turtles, moray eels, octopus, nudibranchs

Accommodation Details

Our 35-meter luxury safari vessel offers comfort and convenience for discerning divers:

  • 10 air-conditioned en-suite cabins (double/twin configuration)
  • Spacious dive deck with camera rinse stations
  • Sun deck with loungers and jacuzzi
  • Indoor air-conditioned lounge and dining area
  • Nitrox available (additional charge)

What's Included

  • 7 nights full-board accommodation
  • 18 guided dives with tanks and weights
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
  • Tea, coffee, water, soft drinks
  • Male airport transfers
  • Dive guide and boat crew

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Dive equipment rental ($150/week)
  • Nitrox fills ($8/tank)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Crew gratuities

Best Season

The Maldives offers year-round diving, but conditions vary by season:

  • December - April (Northeast Monsoon): Best visibility (30-50m), calm seas, ideal conditions
  • May - November (Southwest Monsoon): More plankton, better manta encounters, occasional rain
  • Whale sharks: Year-round in South Ari, peak December - May

Requirements

  • PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent
  • Minimum 30 logged dives recommended
  • Dive insurance mandatory
  • Medical fitness to dive

Watch the Experience

Get a glimpse of what your diving adventure will be like.

Diving video thumbnail

Dive Locations

Explore the dive sites included in this itinerary across Ari Atoll.

Maaya Thila Fish Head Maamigili Whale Sharks Kudarah Thila Broken Rock Halaveli Wreck Dive Site Whale Sharks Route

Ari Atoll Highlights

  • Maaya Thila

    Night dive paradise with hunting sharks and morays

  • Fish Head

    Action-packed thila with grey reef shark action

  • Maamigili Beyru

    Year-round whale shark encounters

  • Kudarah Thila

    One of the Maldives' most beautiful thilas

Guest Reviews

4.9 out of 5
MK

Michael K.

Germany - February 2024

Absolutely incredible experience! We saw 4 whale sharks on our trip and the crew was fantastic. The boat was comfortable and the food was amazing. Fish Head was the highlight - so many sharks! Will definitely book again.

SL

Sarah L.

UK - January 2024

This was my 3rd liveaboard in the Maldives and by far the best. The dive guides knew exactly where to find the marine life. Maaya Thila night dive was magical - saw hunting sharks and huge moray eels. Highly recommend!

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