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Looking for underwater encounters with big marine life in the Maldives? This is the perfect itinerary for you!

The South Ari Atoll is one of the most popular locations for divers to visit in the Maldives throughout the year and is renowned for its BIG marine life at some of the most renowned dive sites. The protected area of Maamigili is the most famous. It’s here that encounters with whale sharks are a regular occurrence with the season from October to March the most popular. 

Divers can also expect squadrons of eagle rays, big schools of large pelagic species, green turtles, grey reef sharks, grouper and manta rays when staying at Boutique Beach Resort.

Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart the UK for Malé

  2. Day 2: Arrive and transfer to resort

    You will be met on arrival in Malé and transferred by domestic flight and speedboat to Boutique Beach Hotel in the South Ari Atoll. Rest of the day at leisure.

  3. Days 3-7 : BIG animal encounters

    Maamigili, famous for whale sharks year round, is located here and there's a popular manta cleaning station nearby.

    Diving is conducted by boat each day, offering up to three dives per day plus night dives. With 60 dive sites to choose from, and over 350 recorded whale shark individuals in the area, each dive offers a unique experience. Your dive pack includes two dives per day, excluding arrival and departure day. Nitrox is available free of charge to certified divers, and additional dives can be paid for in resort.

  4. Day 8: Depart

    Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. 
  5. Day 9: Arrive UK

Please note: Third dive per day and night dives are paid for locally. High season is Oct-Mar. If you want to stay longer or at an alternative resort, just let us know.

Key info

Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 9 days from £3,345 pp
  • When to go: Oct-Mar
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Flights from the UK
    • 7 nights resort
    • Half board meal plan
    • 10 boat dives
    • Tanks & weights
    • Transfers (domestic flight & speedboat)
Featured location:

Central Atolls

The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Boutique Beach

Ideally located at the southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this intimate dive resort of just six rooms is a great option for those looking for excellent diving with a local twist. It's in a perfect spot for whale shark encounters. Find Out More about Boutique Beach