Dive the Maldives with Global Dive, 9 to 16 October 2028

We have been taking divers to the Maldives for over 15 years, and it is still one of the most popular trips we run. Our September 2026 trip aboard Spirit of Maldives was such a hit that we have chartered the whole boat again for 2028. Seven nights, up to 17 dives, and the kind of manta ray encounters that keep our divers coming back.

Why the Maldives?

The Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls and around 1,200 low-lying coral islands in the warm Indian Ocean, south-west of Sri Lanka. It stretches almost 900 kilometres from north to south across the equator, and the water sits at around 29°C.

There is diving here for everyone: coral reefs, pinnacles (known locally as thilas and giris) and exciting drift dives through the channels. Expect beautiful hard and soft corals, plus the chance to dive with manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, barracuda, jacks and tuna.

Manta rays up close

For many of our divers, the mantas are the highlight. This itinerary visits manta cleaning stations, where you can settle in and watch them glide overhead, and includes night dives where mantas and sharks often turn up. Nothing is guaranteed with wildlife, but the manta interactions on our Maldives trips have been amazing.

The itinerary: Heart of the Maldives

This central atolls route starts and finishes in Malé and takes in the best sites of North Malé, Rasdhoo, Ari, Felidhoo and South Malé Atolls. It is a mix of shark dives, coral gardens, manta cleaning stations, soft coral caves, pinnacles packed with life and well-known whale shark sites. There is also an island visit and a BBQ dinner on a local island (weather allowing).

Your boat: Spirit of Maldives

Spirit of Maldives is a 40 metre liveaboard launched in December 2024. She takes just 26 guests in 13 air-conditioned ensuite cabins across three decks, and we have the whole boat to ourselves.

• Spacious lounge, dining area and bar
• Sundeck with jacuzzi
• Dedicated camera area for charging and setting up
• 20 metre dive dhoni that carries the dive gear, keeping the main boat clear
• Free Nitrox for certified divers

What is included

• 7 nights on board in a lower deck cabin, twin share
• Up to 17 dives, including tanks, weights and dive guides
• Nitrox for Nitrox certified divers
• 3 meals a day, afternoon snacks and a BBQ dinner on a local island
• Unlimited drinking water, tea and coffee
• 1 house beer or wine per day
• Island visit
• All fees: fuel surcharge, green tax, government tax, port and marine park fees
• Airport meet and greet, and return airport transfers

Prices (NZD per person)

• Lower deck cabin, twin share: $5,250
• Main and upper deck cabins and suites, twin share: $5,999
• Lower deck cabin, single: $8,599
• Main and upper deck, single: $10,250
• Non-divers: 10% off the twin share price

Not included: flights, travel and dive insurance, gratuities, rental gear, Wi-Fi and drinks from the bar.

Who is this trip for?

This trip suits divers qualified as Advanced Open Water and above. The itinerary involves diving in currents, so we recommend a minimum of 50 logged dives. A dive computer is compulsory, and every diver needs an SMB, a reef hook and a torch for night dives. Rental gear is available on board at extra cost.

Non-diving partners are welcome too, with snorkelling, island visits and plenty of deck space to relax on.

Not quite there yet? With two years to go, there is plenty of time to get the training and experience you need. We run Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Nitrox and other courses throughout the year.

Why we keep going back

Warm, clear water, big animals, and a boat and crew that look after you so well that all you have to do is eat, dive, sleep and repeat. It is a long way from an October dive in the Hauraki Gulf, and after more than 15 years of running Maldives trips we still come home buzzing. Our trips are led by Global Dive crew, with amazing local guides, so you are diving with people you know from the first briefing to the last night on board.

DAN Diver Emergency Insurance

All of our overseas trips require Diver Emergency insurance, and we recommend DAN World for this. Their Worldwide packages start at US$100 per year. Use our Business link to support Global Dive.

Documents

Maldives 2028 Flyer and T's & C's

Booking Form

How to book

Spaces are limited to 26 and our Maldives trips fill fast. Contact us at info@globaldive.net or phone +64 9 920 5200 to secure your cabin. The booking form and Flyer with terms and conditions is located above in the documents section.