Maldives Liveaboard “Shark and Rays Week”, Feb 2027
Explore the Maldives with Marine Biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski
Week 1: 30th January to 6th February 2027
Week 2: 6th to 13th February 2027
Sharks Special Diving Holiday, Maldives
If you fancy diving with lots of different sharks and rays in the stunning Maldives, then this trip is for you!
In association with her charity, the Red Sea Shark Trust, Elke will be taking her world-famous ‘Shark Week’ on tour to the Maldives in February 2027.
Elke will be hosting the trip on board the excellent value for money and comfortable liveaboard ‘Divescape Cruiser‘.
The Maldives is one of the best places on the planet to see an abundance of shark species in the marine protected waters of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives Shark Week
This liveaboard focuses on quality diving, comfort, and safety. A twin-engine motor yacht, with 12 en-suite cabins that can accommodate 24 divers, a restaurant serving delicious buffet food, a fully stocked bar with your favourite tipple, sundecks and an open-air hot tub. As well as Elke who will run the shark talks, the boat provides experienced guides to point out the vast array of large marine life.
A Typical Shark Week Onboard Includes
• Full Board Meal Plan
• 17 Dives included.
• Island Hopping (Subject to weather)
• BBQ on the island (Subject to weather)
• Airport Pick up and drop off back to the Airport
• Dive Dhoni and a Dinghy.
• Professional dive guides
‘Shark Week’ Itinerary
The liveaboard will be cruising the Central Atolls focusing on searching for large pelagics including the following sharks and rays:
- Schools of grey reef sharks
- Manta rays
- Whale sharks
- Scalloped hammerhead sharks
- Eagle rays
- Nurse sharks
- There is also a good chance of seeing Tiger, Bull, Giant Hammerhead, Spinner and other sharks too!
Shark Week, Maldives
Running across several evenings or afternoons, Elke will be conducting fun & interesting talks about shark & ray biology, how to interact safely with them, their conservation, and how you can get involved with her research.
Elke has been a marine biologist, scuba diver and environmentalist for over 20 years. She has an amazing ability to find the sharks in the area, and is referred to by many as “The Shark Lady”.
£300 OFF IF YOU BOOK BEFORE 30TH APRIL 2025
Price
The cost for 7 nights in a shared twin / double cabin is £2,450pp.
This includes 6 days diving, service tax, environmental tax*, free Nitrox (up to 32%), all meals, tea, coffee & water, 12ltr cylinder, weights, shark talks, wine with dinner, beach BBQ, snacks, towels, wifi transfers to/from the airport.
For an Upper Deck Double Cabin please add £150pp
Does not include flights, prices are available on request.
To book your space simply e-mail holidays@oysterdiving.com or complete the form before.
Payment Schedule
Deposit £500 on booking
Balance £1950 1st November 2026
Flights to be paid at time of booking. Depending on your flight times then you may require a day use of a local hotel which is currently $95pp including lunch, use of pool / changing facilities and towel.
*Environmental tax is currently $84 per person and is subject to change by the Maldivian Government. Any additional cost will be paid directly on board.
Experience the Ultimate Maldives Diving Liveaboard with Divescape Cruiser
Discover the magic of the Maldives with Divescape Cruiser, a premium liveaboard designed for unforgettable diving adventures. Refurbished in 2021, this comfortable vessel features 12 ensuite cabins with individual air conditioning, offering double, twin, and single options for a relaxing stay.
Unwind in the spacious indoor salon with a large TV, or soak up stunning ocean views from the outdoor saloon while enjoying a drink from the bar. For sun seekers, the expansive sun deck provides the perfect spot to bask in the Maldivian sunshine.
Explore the Maldives’ top dive sites, from the vibrant reefs of Ari and Vaavu Atolls to the manta-filled waters of North & South Malé. Encounter thriving marine life, spectacular Thilas, and breathtaking drift dives. Whether you’re chasing manta rays or immersing yourself in vibrant coral gardens, Divescape Cruiser promises the ultimate Maldives diving experience.
All cabins have the following facilities;
- Remote Control air-conditioning
- Private Bathroom
- Hot/cold water
- Hand Basin, soap, towels
- Bath Tub
- Minibar
- Bedside cabinet
- Reading Lights
- Security Safe
- Wardrobe, Shelf and Mirror
- Bedding & Luggage space
- Smoke Detector, life jackets and Fire Extinguisher
- Daily Housekeeping
- Euro style outlets 220V/AC 50Hz – 24 Hours
- Portholes (Lower Deck)
- Windows (Main & Upper Deck)
- Desk and Chair
Boat Specification
- Vessel: Tualong timber monohull Motor Yacht polished with fiberglass coating
- Year Renovated: 2021
- Overall Length: 36.58m
- Overall Breadth: 10.32m
- Number of Guest Cabins: 14
- Number of Bathrooms: 15
- Max guests: 24
- Propulsion: 2 x Doosan 360 PS
- Fuel Capacity: 9,000 Ltrs
- Desalination: 1 x Aqua Reef RO Desalination Plant – 30 cbm/day (UV Sterilized)
Navigation & Safety
- Raymarine Radome Radar
- Satellite Phone
- Fire Alarm System
- SeaTel 5004 European Quad Radome
- GPS
- Lighting Protection System
- Remote Controlled Search Light
- 2 x Life Rafts
- Depth Echo Sounder
- Engine room CCTV
- First Aid Kits
- Life Vests
- Radio VHF/DSC/SSB Fishfinder
Boat Features
- Spacious Cabins
- Warm Water Showers Bar En-Suite bathrooms
- TV in cabins
- Bath Tub
- Individually Controlled AC Cabin
- Seaview Cabins
- Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
- Paid Internet
- Sun Deck
- Audio & video entertainment
- Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
- Indoor Saloon with AC
- Leisure Deck
- Custom built for diving
- Charging stations
- Available for Charter
- Daily housekeeping
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Non-Smoking Rooms
- Observation Deck Leisure Deck
Intinerary
North Male Atoll
Fish Head: This marine protected site is renowned for its impressive biodiversity. Explore a medium-sized pinnacle teeming with life, including resident turtles, large schools of fusiliers, and trevally hunting in the blue. Grey reef sharks patrol the area, and the overhangs and large schools of blue line snapper create a dynamic and captivating dive experience.
Miyaru Kandu: A dramatic channel dive with strong currents, this site is perfect for spotting large pelagic species such as sharks and rays. The underwater topography is impressive, featuring walls, swim-throughs, and vibrant coral formations.
South Male Atoll
Kandooma Corner: A premier dive site known for its exciting shark action. Strong currents bring in schools of pelagic fish, including grey reef sharks and sometimes hammerheads. The vibrant coral and abundant marine life make for a thrilling dive.
Rasdhoo Atoll: Explore the impressive channels of Rasdhoo Atoll, where strong currents attract large schools of fish and several species of sharks. The site is also known for occasional manta ray sightings.
Ari Atoll
Maaya Thila: A popular night dive site, Maaya Thila offers an exhilarating experience with its vibrant marine life, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and an array of macro critters. The site is renowned for its action-packed night dives and rich biodiversity.
Dhigurah Corner: Known for its consistent encounters with whale sharks, this site is a must-visit. Besides whale sharks, you’ll find a variety of reef sharks and colorful coral formations.
Vaavu Atoll
Fotteyo Kandu: This site features a dramatic channel with strong currents, attracting large pelagic species like hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The dive includes stunning coral gardens and a diverse array of marine life.
Alimatha Kandu: A famous dive site known for its night dives with nurse sharks and large schools of fish. During the day, enjoy sightings of reef sharks, rays, and a colorful underwater landscape.
Itinerary Highlights
Cleaning Stations: Get close to cleaning stations where mantas and sharks come for grooming. Observe these magnificent creatures up close without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Macro Life: Discover a wealth of macro life, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and small reef fish, adding an extra layer of fascination to your dives.
Pelagic Encounters: Dive in channels and pinnacles where you may encounter schools of sharks, eagle rays, and even the elusive hammerhead shark.
Night Dives: Experience the excitement of night diving with nurse sharks and other nocturnal marine life, adding a unique dimension to your dive holiday.
Best of Central Atolls
The "Best of Maldives" because they include a beautiful mix of everything and the greatest diversity: as well as Sharks and Rays Rays you are likely to have encounters with Napoleon Wrasse, Soft and Hard Corals, sometimes Mantas at Night, Whaleshark, an exciting wreck dive... BBQ on island. You will love it because it offers a beautiful mix of Maldivian highlights.
Example itinerary
A Typical Day Onboard (Scheduled Times)
DAY 1
14:00 – First Transfer to Main Vessel
15:00 – Last Transfer to Main Vessel
15:30 – Completion of registration and cabin allocation
16:00 – Boat & Crew introduction tour and Safety Briefing
19:00 – Welcome Dinner
DAY 2
06:00 – Departure to Check Dive site
06:00 – 1st Dive at Fish Tank dive site.
08:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – 2nd Dive at Lankan Finolhu Manta Point.
12:00 – Buffet Lunch
13:00 – Departure to Alifu Alifu Atoll
14:30 – 3rd Dive at Rasdhoo Channel
19:00 – Dinner
DAY 3
06:00 – 4th Dive at Mayaa Thila / Batha Thila / Point 53 (Alifu Alifu Atoll).
08:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – 5th Dive at Fish Head Manta Point (Alifu Alifu Atoll).
13:00 – Buffet Lunch
15:30 – 6th Dive (Night) at Fesdhoo Manta Point
19:00 – Dinner
DAY 4
06:00 – 7th Dive at Fesdhoo Wreck / Blue Caves (Alifu Alifu Atoll).
10:30 – 8th Dive at Moofushi Corner (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll).
13:00 – Buffet Lunch
18:00 – 9th Dive at Lhameeru Gaa (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll).
19:00 – Beach BBQ Dinner
DAY 5
06:00 – 13:00 10th Dive at First Whale Shark Search Trip (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll).
08:00 – Breakfast
13:00 – Buffet Lunch
14:30 – 17:00 11th & 12th Dive at Second Whale Shark Search Trip (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll).
18:00 – Night Snorkle at Mirihi Whale Shark Point
19:00 – Asian Dinner
DAY 6
06:00 – 13th Dive at Kuda Rah Thila / Machchan Fushi Wreck.
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Departure to Vaavu Atoll
10:30 – 14th Dive at Dhevana Kandu (Vaalu Atoll)
12:30 – Departure to Vaavu Atoll
13:00 – Buffet Lunch
15:30 – Snorkelling, Water Sports , Sandbank Visit
18:00 – 15th Dive at Dhigigiri Nashark Point.
19:00 – Dinner
DAY 7
06:00 – 16th Dive at Kandoomaa Thila
08:00 – Breakfast
09:00 – Set Sail to Hulhumale (Home Port)
10:00 – 17th Dive at Hulhumale Kandimma
13:00 – Buffet Lunch
14:30 – Local Island visit experience / Male (Capital) Shopping
19:00 – Farewell Dinner
DAY 8
06:30 – Breakfast
07:00 – Start Check-out
07:00 – First Transfer to Velana Internation Airport or transfer to local hotel
09:00 – Last Transfer to Velana International Airport / Dismemberment
The exact route and dive sites are subject to change on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, and are at the Captain’s discretion. This is to ensure we provide the best sightings and activities possible during your dive experience while also prioritizing your safety.
Cost includes
- VAT
- 10% service charge
- Port fees
- Transfer
- Water
- Tea & Coffee
- Wine with dinner
- Beach BBQ
- All meals
- Snacks
- Up to 17 dives
- 11.1 ltr tank and weights
- Towels
Cost excludes
- Alcohol and soft drinks
- International and Domestic flights (Applicable on the routes that require the domestic flights). Male region does not require domestic flights
- Visas if required
- Diving and travel insurance (mandatory)
- Green tax 12USD per night to be paid on board
- Any courses or equipment rental
How experienced do I need to be?
To make the most of the trip we recommend that you are a minimum of Advanced Open Water diver with at least 35 dives fairly recently.
Are there any dangerous sharks?
Most sharks are not dangerous to divers and there are very few incidents worldwide each year. Most of the time these are due to human error such as baiting or feeding the sharks. Most of the sharks we plan to see this week are very shy and are more scared of you then them.