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Duke of York

Duke of York Itinerary

Pelagic Paradise Expedition: 500 Miles Journey (GAN - MLE)

15 days / 14 nights

About Duke of York

  • Meticulously designed to deliver comfortable adventure in the Maldives
  • Itineraries and facilities suited to both divers and non-divers
  • Theme cruises for photography, freediving, wellness, rebreathers, and more
  • Discover the art of relaxation with yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic massage

The Duke of York liveaboard is a world-class motor yacht designed and built to cater to discerning divers and their non-diving companions, combining meticulous attention to detail with sophisticated, first-class comfort. As a result, this vessel is an ideal choice for guests wishing to mix relaxing ocean escapes with explorative underwater adventures, coming equipped with a diverse range of premium extras including nitrox, rebreather support, and Ayurvedic treatments. And, with a choice of expertly-organised itineraries, including themed cruises, the Duke of York delivers one-of-a-kind experiences full of diving, snorkelling, fishing, and enriching land activities.

Learn more about Duke of York

Itinerary details

Length of trip 15 days / 14 nights
Number of dives Up to 38
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Visit 11 of the 26 Maldivian atolls and experience the best diving the country 
  • Timed this expedition to coincide with the arrival of the giant oceanic mantas in Fuvahmulah
  • Chances of encountering over 10 different species of sharks in a single trip
  • Meet the schools of dozens of grey reef sharks, tiger sharks, the occasional thresher and hammerhead shark
  • Swim with whale sharks by night, a magical experience that will leave you breathless
  • Encounter cleaning reef manta rays at a number of different central Maldives sites
​Day 1:
The team will welcome you at the airport upon arrival. Transfer to the vessel from 2pm. Vessel & Safety briefing. Depending on guest arrival times, check-dive.

Days 2-13:
2-3 dives daily. Workshops & presentations by onboard Manta experts.

On this manta expedition we will visit 11 of the 26 Maldivian atolls, experiencing the best diving the country has to offer on a journey of well over 500 miles! Starting at the southernmost point of the Maldives, we timed this expedition to coincide with the arrival of the giant oceanic mantas in Fuvahmulah, a small island that acts as a magnet to many other large pelagic species such as whale sharks, tiger sharks, thresher sharks and more!
 
The far south of the Maldives is shark territory, and here we will have the opportunity to dive in some of the most shark-populated channels, where schools of dozens of grey reef sharks are typical! Tiger sharks, whale sharks by night, the occasional thresher and hammerhead shark, schooling eagle rays and resting turtles are just some of the many other attractions we are likely to encounter on this unique expedition.
 
As we move north into Huvadhoo atoll, we will have the unique opportunity to swim with whale sharks by night, a magical experience that will leave you breathless! Huvadhoo and the other southern atolls are also renowned for their stunning channel dives...where we will encounter large schools of patrolling grey reef sharks, eagle rays, resting turtles and maybe the occasional hammerhead too!
 
Moving further north into Laamu, Meemu and Ari atolls, we will also get the chance to encounter cleaning reef manta rays at a number of different sites. Vaavu atoll will offer us some spectacular dives on reefs covered in colourful soft corals, further chances to encounter hammerhead sharks and an amazing night dive with dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays. Ari and South Male atolls will finally provide a more diverse diving experience, as we will dive some famous sites with breathtaking landscapes and high fish diversity.
 
With this 14-night expedition, we have put together a trip which will offer us the chance of encountering both species of manta rays and experience some of the most spectacular dive sites the Maldives has to offer.

Day 14: 
Check-out (8am latest). Transfer to the airport.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations. 

Transfer details

Departure

02:00pm

Gan

Gan International Airport: GAN

Return

08:00am

Male

Male Velana International Airport: MLE

Choose your trip

04

Apr

2027

Pelagic Paradise Expedition: 500 Miles Journey (GAN - MLE)

15 days / 14 nights
•
Up to 38 dives
from $4,750 /guest

Sold out

04Apr 27

Pelagic Paradise Expedition: 500 Miles Journey (GAN - MLE)

15D / 14N
•
Up to 38 dives
from $4,750 /guest
Sold out

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/duke-of-york/itn-2610130717581-pelagic-paradise-expedition-500-miles-journey-gan-mle-