Emperor Virgo Itinerary
Sharktastic (MLE)8 days / 7 nights
About Emperor Virgo
- Dive the Maldives’ world-famous manta ray sites and healthy reefs
- Affordable luxury and comfort with excellent onboard facilities
- Great for non-diving partners with snorkeling, excursions and beach BBQs
- Free nitrox and a large, well-equipped dive dhoni for convenience
Emperor Virgo liveaboard was built for comfortable cruising and ease of diving, promising affordable luxury with its cosy cabins, chic lounges and a stunning sun deck. Exploring the Maldives’ vibrant reefs and manta ray sites has never been so affordable. Plus fantastic excursions and special experiences on every trip make for very happy non-divers. So look no further for an epic - yet affordable - Maldives liveaboard holiday.
Itinerary details
Length of trip 8 days / 7 nights
Number of dives 17
Experience Advanced Open Water - Minimum 30 dives
Insurance Required
Highlights
- Circular trip combining popular central and south central atolls
- High chance of snorkelling or diving with whale sharks
- Experience some of the best channel diving in the Maldives at Vaavu
- Meet the many manta rays of Meemu Atoll
- Dive among dozens of grey reef sharks, possibly at night
- Optional land visit in Male, the capital of the Maldives
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.
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.
Days 2-6:
The first dive is a check dive near port. Following the first dive, we depart from Male port and commence the Sharktastic itinerary.
In this period the clean ocean water flows in from the eastern side of the Maldives. This means currents running from Sumatra, Indonesia, to the Maldives bring with them not just fantastic visibility up to 40m but also a mass of nutrients for fish to feed on, which in turn attracts an array of pelagic marine life.
The first dive is a check dive near port. Following the first dive, we depart from Male port and commence the Sharktastic itinerary.
In this period the clean ocean water flows in from the eastern side of the Maldives. This means currents running from Sumatra, Indonesia, to the Maldives bring with them not just fantastic visibility up to 40m but also a mass of nutrients for fish to feed on, which in turn attracts an array of pelagic marine life.
The Channel Dives of the eastern coast of the Maldives are the main order of the day. These Kandus, as they are known in the local language (Dhivehi), attract grey reef sharks, dog tooth tuna and eagle rays as standard but look out into the blue, and you never know what surprises await. 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.
After the adrenaline-pumping channel dives of the eastern Maldives, we cross over to South Ari Atoll to look for the whale sharks around the Maamagili area and mantas at Rangali Madivaru (Dhivehi for Manta Place), among other great sites such as Kudarah Thila and Kudimaa Wreck.
Day 7:
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.
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 8:
Depart for the airport at 7:00 the following morning.
Depart for the airport at 7:00 the following morning.
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
01:00pm
Male
Male Velana International Airport: MLE
Return
07:00am
Male
Male Velana International Airport: MLE
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/emperor-virgo/itn-2502050652171-sharktastic-mle-