Dive conditions are ideal in the Maldives year-round, with water temperatures averaging 80 to 86 F (27 to 30 C). Visibility often exceeds 100 feet (30 m). The abundance of plankton during the southwest monsoon season (August to November) may reduce visibility slightly, but it also attracts plankton-feeders like manta rays and whale sharks.
Guaranteeing 18 dives a week, Maldives Blue Force One typically offers three dives per day with one or two night dives during the 7-night trip. Open Water diver certification is the minimum requirement, although Advanced Open Water diver is recommended for some dives due to conditions. Guests can expect encounters with a diverse array of marine life.
Divers on Maldives Blue Force One will experience a mixture of wall dives, brimming with vibrant coral and cascading down sheer vertical drops; drift dives along channels; and shallow reefs with an abundance of hard and soft corals.
There are also wrecks and some sites with strong currents, which can mean both challenging diving and the chance to see large pelagics. Highlights include large numbers of mantas and, depending on the time of year, regular encounters with whale sharks and hammerheads.
The typical itinerary for the Maldives Blue Force One’s Central Atolls Classic Route includes 18 dives over seven nights and six diving days. The itinerary covers a variety of dive sites, including famous landmarks like Maaya Thila and Kuda Haa.
The Maldives is a photographer’s paradise, and there are opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography.
Diving on the Maldives Blue Force One is primarily done from a dedicated 60-foot (18 m) dive dhoni, a smaller boat that accompanies the Maldives Blue Force One. This maintains the atmosphere of quiet luxury on board and allows for greater flexibility to reach dive sites, particularly those in areas with limited access for larger vessels. Rental equipment is available on board and should be booked in advance.
Highlights:
- 18 dives per trip
- Large pelagics including mantas, whale sharks, and hammerheads
- Excellent photographic opportunities with abundant corals and marine life
- A selection of dive sites including reefs, wrecks, walls, and drifts