The Maldives host over 26 shark species and are one of the few remaining shark sanctuaries in the world. Join us for an unparalleled experience of the archipelago.
7 Nights Dive Package: Up to 17 Dives
7 Nights Dive & Spa Package: Up to 6 Dives and 4 Spa Treatments
Itinerary: Male - Vaavu - South Ari - North Ari - Male (no domestic flight required)
You'll gain an understanding of these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and learn ways to protect their ecosystem. There's no better way to dispel the stigma surrounding these magnificent fish than by diving in, getting up close, and learning about their patterns and behaviors.
In addition to daily dives and explorations with these elegant animals, you'll enjoy ocean talks from guest speakers from Shark Guardian, PADI Specialty courses, and entertainment. You'll arrive with a soft spot for sharks and leave with deep knowledge about them.
NOTE:
It is recommended that you are certified as an Advanced Open Water diver with experience in deep diving (up to 30m/ 100 ft) and night diving.
We also highly recommend that you are certified as an Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox). You can also take and complete your course during the trip.
This expedition focuses on channel dives alongside pelagic megafauna. April's currents aren't the strongest, providing thrilling experiences at shark cleaning stations and deep-water encounters. In the evenings, you'll dive with curious nurse sharks and stingrays at Alimatha Jetty. As we move further south, we will primarily dive in the blue waters on the eastern side of the atolls, offering encounters with hammerhead sharks. You'll spend a day in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, home to whale sharks and numerous manta cleaning stations. We finish the week with dives at must-see sites in North Ari Atoll before returning to Male.
Shark Talks by Liz Ward from Shark Guardian:
Brendon and Liz have been diving and researching sharks for over 20 years while achieving the highest instructor qualifications in the scuba diving industry. Liz and Brendon created Shark Guardian to share their knowledge, experience, and passion for sharks conservation.
Join a series of Shark Guardian presentations focused on shark conservation and the threats they face. You'll learn about the importance of stable shark populations for healthy marine ecosystems and discover personal actions you can take to protect them. The Shark Talks cover the theory portion of your PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course.
Whale Shark Night: Spend an evening learning about these majestic creatures and their conservation. As we discuss whale sharks, the stern platform will light up to attract them for a plankton feast.
Specialty courses included:
AWARE Shark Conservation: This course will ignite your interest in sharks. You'll learn about their value to marine ecosystems and economies and how to dispel misconceptions and protect them and their habitat. During two course dives, you'll demonstrate responsible diving practices to minimize environmental impact. (Must be at least 12 years old and certified as a minimum Junior Open Water Diver).
PADI Whale Shark Awareness: Dive into whale shark biology and behavior. You'll learn about monitoring programs, research, conservation efforts, and proper diving techniques for encountering these giants. During two course dives, you'll identify whale shark features and fine-tune your buoyancy for better ID photos. (Must be at least 10 years old and certified as a minimum Junior Open Water Diver).
Project AWARE: This interactive workshop teaches you how to protect dive sites you love. You'll learn simple diving ethics and how to make a difference while traveling, diving, taking photos, and more. This course only requires enthusiasm.
Ready to dive into thrilling adventures and make a lasting impact on shark conservation? We can't wait to welcome you aboard.
Movie Night:
From "Sharks: Monsters Of The Media," which follows scientists and activists combating media-driven fears, to "Sharkwater Extinction," documenting Rob Stewart's journey exposing the illegal shark fin industry and political corruption, our program offers insightful documentaries.
Shark Quiz:
Join us to celebrate your discoveries with a shark-themed cocktail and dinner. Test your knowledge with our Shark Knowledge Quiz during sunset cocktails. If quizzes aren't your thing, explore pictures of all 26 Maldivian shark species around the boat and enjoy other fun games with prizes.
You will be met at Male International Airport when you arrive and be transported directly to the Live aboard
Your choice of double, single or triple room accommodation on board with ensuite toilet and shower
5GB WiFi per cabin
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Free drinking water and water bottle provided
Scuba only option: Up to 17 dives
Scuba and Spa option: Up to 6 dives and 4 spa treatments
Participate in several Shark Guardian presentations by a shark expert
Learn about shark citizen science projects through Shark Guardian
Join other guest for an educational documentary about sharks and conservation
Test your knowledge and win prizes by participating in the Shark Guardian quiz night during cocktails
Shark Guardian Certificate of participation
Earn the PADI Aware, Shark Conservation and Whale Shark Specialty certifications
Explore pristine beaches, play volley ball and relax with cocktails
One evening dinner on the beach
Tank and weights
Mask, fins and snorkel is provided
Optional morning yoga and meditation session
10% Service charge
16% GST charge
USD 6.00 per person per night Green tax
Transfer from the live aboard to Male International Airport
Return flights to Male International Airport
Additional accommodation not already included in the package
The Scuba and Spa package includes 6 dives. If you choose to do more dives there will be an extra charge
Spa treatments not included in main package
Tank and weights are provided. BCD, regulator or wetsuits are available for rent
Adventure dives, Enriched air certification or learning materials is optional
After arriving to Male International Airport, clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met by the lovely ScubaSpa team in the arrivals hall.
Leaving the airport is as simple as crossing the road and boarding the ScubaSpa speed boat for a short ride to the main ScubaSpa Yin Live Aboard.
Refresh with welcome drinks and check into your cabin room after a short welcome briefing.
Attend the official welcome and orientation briefing followed by dinner
Each day starts with an optional yoga and meditation class
Dive 1 (Check dive - only for the first dive of the trip)
Breakfast
Dive 2
Lunch
Dive 3
Dinner ( 1 night beach BBQ Dinner)
Dive 4 (night dive on 1 evening during the trip)
Day 2:
Shark Guardian Introduction with Brendon Sing (Co-Director of Shark Guardian, shark expert and dive professional). Schedule of shark presentations and activities during the trip. Setting shark diving codes of conduct and ethical shark diving behavior.
Shark Guardian presentation on shark evolution, why sharks are important for marine ecosystems, understanding sharks, shark biology and how to identify Maldives sharks during dives.
Shark Documentary movie night
Day 3:
Whale shark and research presentation
Day 4:
Shark Citizen Science and Research presentation
Day 6:
Shark conservation presentation
:
Shark Quiz
Breakfast
Final briefings and farewell
Transfer to Male International Airport for departure
