July 2027
Maldives, Indian Ocean
Dates
July 2027
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Dives
17 dives (1 night dive)
Type
Scuba
Base
Liveaboard
Required Level
Advanced Open Water recommended
The Place
The central Maldivian atolls sit where the Indian Ocean channels through narrow passes between island groups, pushing nutrient-rich water up through the reef systems and concentrating marine life in numbers that are hard to find anywhere else. This itinerary covers North and South Ari Atolls, Vaavu Atoll, and North and South Male Atolls aboard the Emperor Serenity, a 40-metre liveaboard freshly rebuilt from the hull up with 13 ensuite cabins across three decks. Expect high-energy channel dives with grey reef, whitetip, blacktip, and nurse sharks, alongside excellent chances at manta rays and whale sharks. The route is optimised each day around weather and marine life, with a separate 24-metre diving dhoni and up to four dive guides handling the water operations so the days stay smooth and well-paced.
Advanced Open Water is recommended for this expedition. Many dives in the central atolls are below 18 metres and currents can be unpredictable and strong — comfort in current is more important than a minimum dive count. Divers who want to maximise the experience but do not yet have Advanced certification can complete the PADI Advanced Open Water course aboard. The cruise director will advise on site suitability day to day based on conditions and individual experience levels.
Highlights
- •Grey reef, whitetip reef, blacktip reef, and nurse sharks across the central atolls
- •Excellent chances at manta rays and whale sharks throughout the route
- •17 dives across 6 days, including 1 night dive, with a separate diving dhoni
- •15 to 30 metres visibility, 28 to 30°C water temperatures
- •40-metre luxury liveaboard with 13 ensuite cabins across three decks
- •Filmmaking and underwater storytelling coaching with Matthew and Audrey throughout
- •All meals, Nitrox, tanks, weights, and park fees included
Pricing & Logistics
Wildlife you may encounter
Trip Program
Day 1, Arrival in Male
Arranged transfers from Velana International Airport (MLE) to the Emperor Serenity at 12:00pm and 4:00pm. Meet the expedition team, settle into your cabin, safety briefing and crew introductions. First night moored in port. We recommend arriving the day prior to allow a buffer for flight delays.
Day 2, Check dive and depart
Check dive near Male, then depart and begin the central Maldives route. Afternoon diving.
Days 3 to 6, Diving the atolls
We move through North and South Ari Atolls, Vaavu Atoll, and North and South Male Atolls, optimising the route daily around conditions and marine life. Filmmaking and storytelling coaching with Matthew and Audrey runs throughout.
Day 7, Final dive and return to port
Final morning dive, then return to Male. Arrive in port at approximately 1:00pm, moored overnight. Optional shore visit in the afternoon.
Day 8, Departure
Transfer to Velana International Airport at 7:00am, arriving at approximately 7:30am. Book flights departing at 10:00am or later.
Accommodation
We sail aboard the Emperor Serenity, freshly rebuilt from the hull up and blending the style of its award-winning predecessor with a fully updated design. At 40 metres, the boat accommodates up to 26 travelers across 13 ensuite cabins on three decks — lower deck twins and main deck suites. Expect a relaxed, modern feel, excellent service, and multiple outdoor areas well suited to sunset watching. Diving operations run off a separate 24-metre dhoni for smooth, precise entry and exit at every site.
Expedition Leaders
Matthew David Kaplan
Founder & Expedition Leader
Matthew David Kaplan is an ocean filmmaker, dive expedition leader, and conservationist dedicated to sharing the underwater world with a global audience. A contributor for Discovery, Scubapro Global Dive Team member, and SurfEars Ambassador, based between New York and Indonesia.
Instagram: @matthewunderwater
Audrey Cox
Owner & Expedition Leader
Audrey Cox is a conservation photographer, PADI dive instructor, and environmental economist documenting the ocean's beauty and fragility through her lens. Former NOAA researcher, Nature Conservancy photo contest finalist, and founder of a California marine-conservation dive club, based in California.
Instagram: @earth2audge
Frequently Asked Questions
If this trip is calling you, reach out.
We review every inquiry personally and travel in small groups. Spots are limited.
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