Maldives
November 7–14, 2027. Seven nights aboard the Maldives Aggressor II on the Best of the Maldives route: manta rays, whale sharks and reef sharks in warm, clear water.
Twenty-six atolls in the Indian Ocean, and channels where mantas, sharks and whale sharks come in on the current.
The Maldives is one of the best places on Earth to see big animals. We live on the yacht for the week and dive from a dedicated 60 ft dive boat that follows it, so all we have to do between dives is eat, rest and talk about what we just saw. The group is ten divers, led by Scuba Network Fort Lauderdale.
- Dates
- November 7–14, 2027, Sunday to Sunday
- Boat
- Maldives Aggressor II, from Malé
- Diving
- Up to 20 dives, including night dives
- Cabins
- Private bath and A/C in every stateroom
- Level
- Open Water + 10 logged dives
- Price
- From $4,135
What we're diving for
Big animals, healthy reefs and water around 80–84°F.
Manta rays
Mantas are in the Maldives year-round. They come in to cleaning stations on the reef and circle overhead while small fish pick them clean.
Whale sharks
November is one of the peak months for whale sharks in the Maldives. No sighting is ever guaranteed, but this is the right time of year to look.
Sharks on the current
Channel dives put you at the mouth of an atoll as the current pushes in, where reef sharks, eagle rays and schooling fish gather. A reef hook lets you hold on and watch.
Life aboard
Seven nights on the Maldives Aggressor II. All diving is from a 60 ft dive dhoni that travels with the yacht, so tanks and gear stay off the main boat. Every stateroom has its own bathroom and A/C.
- Cooked-to-order breakfast, buffet lunch and plated dinner, with snacks between dives
- Soft drinks, juice, coffee, local beer and wine included
- Private bathroom and A/C in every stateroom
- Airport transfers on the first and last day
What it costs
Pricing is per person. The lower price applies when you pay by cash or Zelle.
Twin StateroomShared with a roommate
Single StateroomA stateroom to yourself
Included
- 7 nights on the Maldives Aggressor II
- All meals and snacks on board, soft drinks, beer and wine
- Up to 20 dives, including night dives
- Tanks (80 cu ft)
- Airport transfers on charter days
- A Scuba Network instructor with the group throughout
Not included
- Flights
- Scuba gear
- Hotel the night before (arriving a day early is strongly recommended)
- Port fees and green tax ($340) and fuel surcharge ($200), paid on board
- Nitrox (extra fee, paid on board)
- Last-night dinner ashore in Malé (about $35)
- Tips for the crew
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Get trip-ready
Log your 10 dives
RequiredYou need Open Water certification and at least 10 logged dives to join this trip. Short on dives? Our other 2027 trips are a good way to get there. See all trips
Get Nitrox certified
RecommendedWith several dives a day, Nitrox makes a real difference. It's available on the boat for an extra fee, and you need the certification to use it. See Fort Lauderdale classes
Not sure it's for you?
Free consultAsk a trip instructor about the diving, the boat or whether your experience is a fit.
Reserve your spot
Your $1,000 deposit holds your spot. Questions first?
Talk to a trip instructor
Ask about the diving, the boat, staterooms or anything else.
Questions
Who is in the group?
Divers from the Scuba Network community, traveling with a Scuba Network Fort Lauderdale instructor who is with the group throughout.
How many people go?
Ten divers. It's a small group.
What experience do I need?
Open Water certification and at least 10 logged dives. Maldives law also requires every diver to carry a dive computer, a surface marker buoy (safety sausage), a whistle or Dive Alert, and a signaling device on every dive.
Is it okay to travel solo?
Absolutely. Twin staterooms are shared, and we'll pair you with a roommate we think you'll be a good fit with. If you'd rather have a room to yourself, book the single stateroom.
When should I fly in?
Plan to arrive in Malé (MLE) the day before. On November 7 the group meets at the airport at 3:30pm for the 4pm water taxi to the yacht. The trip ends back in Malé on Sunday, November 14.
How warm is the water?
Around 80–84°F. A 3mm wetsuit is enough for most divers.
Do I need a visa?
US citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival. You need a return ticket and proof of accommodation; your booking confirmation counts.