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Emperor Explorer II

Emperor Explorer II Itinerary

Southern Shark Adventure (GAN - MLE)

15 days / 14 nights

About Emperor Explorer II

  • Flagship 44m liveaboard with four decks and spacious social areas
  • Dedicated 24m dive dhoni with compressors and safety gear
  • Air-conditioned ensuite cabins across lower, main and upper decks
  • Itineraries exploring best of the central and southern atoll

Emperor Explorer II is a modern Maldives liveaboard purpose-built for divers looking to explore the country’s exceptional diving without sacrificing on comfort. As Emperor’s flagship vessel, it suits divers who want a spacious liveaboard with plenty of room between dives, an experienced dive team and itineraries that explore the best of the Maldives’ classic dive sites. Between dives, guests can unwind across four generous decks, retreat to air-conditioned ensuite cabins, or relax in the lounge, bar and sundeck areas. And with a dedicated diving dhoni, free nitrox and seasonal itineraries that reach across the atolls, this liveaboard is the perfect for divers seeking a comfortable, dive-focused liveaboard adventure from the renowned Emperor fleet.

Learn more about Emperor Explorer II

Itinerary details

Length of trip 15 days / 14 nights
Number of dives 35
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 100 dives
Insurance Required

Highlights

  • Unique one-way itinerary, diving both above and below the equator
  • Less crowded dive sites with plenty of action
  • 14 nights to spend more time and visit more dive sites
  • Snorkel with whale sharks at night in Huvadhoo Atoll
  • Experience some of the best channel diving in the Maldives at Vaavu
  • Visit the remote island of Thaa and meet the many manta rays of Meemu
  • Dive into the current-swept channels of Laamu Atoll
  • Chance of threshers, oceanic mantas, tiger sharks, and more
  • Hammerheads, bull sharks, silky sharks, grey reef sharks and silvertips
  • Optional land visit in Addu Atoll, at the end of your trip
Day 1:
Once onboard, there will be a safety briefing, crew introduction, complete and check dive paperwork, cabin allocation, and boat orientation. Our boats moor in port on arrival day, departing early the next morning. The first dive is a check dive near port. 

Days 2-9:
December to March is the time to join us, as this is when the current in the channels—or Kandus—is largely incoming from the east. There are fewer boats, and we visit atolls that have very few resorts and lots of uninhabited islands. During the 14-night trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the best diving sites in the Maldives for shark species, including hammerheads, tiger sharks, and whale sharks, as well as manta rays, eagle rays, and other large pelagic fish.

The outer walls and corners of the channels in Vaavu and Meemu have the bonus of beautiful overhangs draping in the blues, yellows, and pinks of the majestic soft coral. Hammerheads can be found in Thaa as well as whale sharks who visit our boat at night attracted by the krill, which, in turn, are attracted by the lights. When the currents are running well, the channel dives here are outstanding. Abundant with schooling snappers, trevally, barracuda, white tips and greys, grouper, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, eagle rays, and more.

Laamu is an oval-shaped atoll that has some of the top dive sites in the world, such as Fushi Kandu & Maabaidhoo Kandu, while Huvadhu, one of the deepest lagoons in the Maldives, allows you to explore the not-to-be-missed Vilingilli Kandu. Moving on, we spend the next week away from the madding crowds and on the lookout for the Indian Ocean’s larger residents: tiger sharks, silvertips, grey reef sharks, whale sharks, and many, many more.

The kandus of Koodoo, Nilandhoo, and Mareehaa are some of the best on the planet, while in Fuvahmulah you can expect to meet tiger, silky, silvertip, and thresher sharks on the south plateaux.

Right in the deep south, Addu Atoll hosts the WWII wreck, HMS British Loyalty, as well as the popular majestic manta cleaning station Maa Kandu, along with a more relaxing dive at Demon Corner to either start or end the trip.

Day 14:
On the last diving day, 1 dive is available in the morning whilst observing the rule of no diving within 24 hours of reaching altitude. We return to port at approximately 13.00 and moor here overnight. There is the option of an afternoon land visit to stretch your legs and escape the boat whilst in port. Evening time, pack up diving equipment and settle any outstanding bills.

Day 15:
Check out after breakfast and depart for 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

12:00pm

Gan

Gan International Airport: GAN

Return

07:00am

Male

Male Velana International Airport: MLE

Choose your trip

07

Feb

2027

Southern Shark Adventure (GAN - MLE)

15 days / 14 nights
•
35 dives
from $6,716 /guest

Available

07Feb 27

Southern Shark Adventure (GAN - MLE)

15D / 14N
•
35 dives
from $6,716 /guest
Available

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/emperor-explorer-ii/itn-2305170808211-southern-shark-adventure-gan-mle-