Discover the Deep South Atolls
The Deep South stretches from Huvadhoo, one of the world’s largest atolls, across the equator to Fuvahmulah, a remote single-island atoll, and Addu, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives. Across six departures, two distinct routes explore this dynamique region, known for its deep channels, open-ocean diving and encounters with large pelagic species.
Highlights
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Up to 17 dives
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8 departures a year
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Domestic flights required
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Advanced channel dives
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Multiple shark species
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Whale shark night snorkeling
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Yoga class every morning
Available Routes
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Deep South | Via Malé
- Starts: Malé
- Ends: Kooddoo
- Jan 16 – 23, 2027
- Starts: Kooddoo
- Ends: Malé
- Mar 6 – 13, 2027
This opening and closing leg links the Central Atolls with the Deep South, combining colourful pinnacles, reef and night dives with manta cleaning stations and encounters with nurse sharks and stingrays. As the route continues toward Huvadhoo, the diving shifts to exciting channels known for their shark encounters.
View route map
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Deep South | Via Gan
- Starts: Kooddoo
- Ends: Gan
- Jan 23 – 30, 2027
- Starts: Gan
- Ends: Kooddoo
- Jan 30 – Feb 6, 2027
- Starts: Kooddoo
- Ends: Gan
- Feb 6 – 13, 2027
- Starts: Gan
- Ends: Kooddoo
- Feb 13 – 20, 2027
- Starts: Kooddoo
- Ends: Gan
- Feb 20 – 27, 2027
- Starts: Gan
- Ends: Koodoo
- Feb 27 – Mar 6, 2027
The core of our Deep South Expedition, exploring Huvadhoo’s shark-filled channels, the thrilling pelagic encounters of Fuvahmulah, and Addu’s manta cleaning stations, vibrant coral reefs and historic British Loyalty wreck. From bull sharks and hammerheads to tiger and thresher sharks, this route delivers some of the Maldives’ most exciting diving.
View route map
Day-to-Day Schedule in the Deep South
During this week aboard, the diving is demanding, so the time between dives matters just as much. Mornings start with yoga on deck to loosen up before the first dive, while the breaks between afternoon dives on Yin and Yang are made for recovery, whether that’s a spa treatment, water sports, or a stop on a secluded island. On selected nights, the rhythm shifts from boat to island, with dinner served on the beach under the stars.
- 05:45
- Sunrise Yoga Start the day with a stretch
- 06:30
- Dive
- 08:00
- Breakfast Live cooking station
- 10:30
- Dive / Snorkeling
- 12:30
- Lunch
- 14:30
- Dive / Snorkeling Watersports, island visit
- 15:30
- Activity of the Day Watersports, island visit
- 19:00
- Dinner Themed buffet or beach BBQ
Diving Details
From January to March, the northeast monsoon pushes water in from the open ocean, bringing clear blue water and consistent currents through the southern channels. Expect drift dives through high-current channels, reef corners, and submerged pinnacles, with deeper profiles averaging 20–30 meters and frequent blue-water entries. Dive sites are selected daily based on tides and conditions.
The Huvadhoo channel systems are a defining part of the experience, with sites that may include Vilingili Kandu, Kooddoo Kandu, Nilandhoo Kandu, and Mareehaa Kandu. Here, strong tidal exchanges attract grey reef sharks, silvertips, hammerheads, bull sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of fish. Further south, Fuvahmulah is world-famous for its tiger sharks. Evening whale shark snorkeling may also be offered when conditions and sightings allow.
Practical information for diving in the Deep South
- Water temperature: 27–30°C (81–86°F)
- Dive experience: Advanced certification and a minimum of 100 logged dives required.
- Currents: Strong currents and advanced channel and drift dives are a defining feature of the Deep South.
- Blue-water and oceanic dives may involve deeper profiles and demanding conditions.
- Wetsuit recommendation: 3 mm shorty or full suit. Water remains warm, but multiple dives a day and stronger currents can lead to getting chilled.
Rates & Dates
16 – 23 Jan
Deep South
Malé to Kooddoo
From $5,005
23 – 30 Jan
Deep South
Kooddoo to Gan
From $5,005
30 Jan – 06 Feb
Deep South
Gan to Kooddoo
From $5,005
06 – 13 Feb
- Last two suites
Deep South
Kooddoo to Gan
From $5,005
13 – 20 Feb
- Last suite
Deep South
Gan to Kooddoo
From $5,005
20 – 27 Feb
Deep South
Kooddoo to Gan
From $5,005
27 Feb – 06 Mar
Deep South
Gan to Kooddoo
From $5,005
06 – 13 Mar
Deep South
Kooddoo to Malé
From $5,005
Far North
August 21 – September 25, 2027
Our Far North itinerary includes a visit to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for seasonal manta gatherings and exploration of the remote northern atolls.
Central Atolls (Best of the Maldives)
Available year-round
From manta rays and whale sharks to channel dives with shark action, discover many of the reasons to fall in love with the Maldives.