Southern Hemisphere, Maldives Diving and Eco Expedition 2026

Feb 27 - Mar 7 (Maldives duration; add minimum 2 days prior if departing from USA, and add 1 day after for traveling back to USA)

Mar 7 - 11 Malaysia Extension (Kuala Lumpur - Ipoh - Peneng)

The southern hemisphere route takes us to the most remote region in Maldives. Due to the weather, there is only a small window between January to March when the conditions can be optimal for diving. The route is unique and off the beaten track. The attractions include the beautiful atolls with amazing coral reefs, big-life encounters with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, tiger sharks, etc., and the biggest shipwreck in Maldives, British Loyalty, in the Addu Atoll.

Blue Force One is rated as the best liveaboard in Maldives and rated top 10 liveaboard in the world.   Details such as an outdoor jacuzzi, solariums with sun loungers, an outdoor bar, a large lounge, and modern cabins make it an ideal boat for enjoying diving vacation without sacrificing comfort. Furthermore, all diving and equipment are on Dhoni, the 75-ft support vessel!

360 degrees Virtual Tour 

Expedition Itinerary:

Feb 27 (Fri): Arrive Male, check into hotel, rest and free program after international traveling

Feb 28 (Sat): 1.5-hour flight from Male to Gan (Addu). Depart around noon and arrive mid-afternoon. Collect baggage and transfer by auxiliary boat, Dhoni, to the MALDIVES BLUE FORCE ONE. Cabin assignment, briefing about the boat, diving, itinerary… and start of the cruise.

Mar. 1 to 6 (Sun~Fri): Diving in Addu, Gaafhu Alifu & Ghaafu Dhaalu, Fuvahmulah. 3 dives per day, plus 1 to 2 night dives per week.  Shore visits in the afternoon (if no night dive is scheduled). After dinner, various communal activities or simply relaxing on board

Mar 7 (Sat): Farewell to Blue Force One in the early morning. Depart from Kooddoo to Male, 1hour flight. Arrival at Male airport. Depending on the international flight schedule, there may be time to visit Male, explore the capital and do some last-minute shopping. Fly back to home sweet home. 

 

Expedition Includes:

Airport-boat-Airport transfers

8 days, 7 nights full onboard accommodation in double/twin cabin aboard the best liveaboard in Maldives

All meals/water coffee tea on board

18+ dives in the southern atolls of Maldives 

Max 6:1 DM to divers ratio

Tanks and weights

Beaches and atolls shore visit and Island BBQ

Escort by Ocean Safari professional dive leaders/photographers with unparalleled service.

Exclusions:

International and domestic flights

Hotels in Male

Onboard telecommunications

Onboard soft drinks and Alcohol

Nitrox: $80

Cruise tax, green tax and service tax:  $412

Fuvahmulah dive fee: $30

Steel 100 tanks

Travel and dive insurance

Crew Gratuities

 

Mandatory Diver Qualifications:

Minimum 100 dives and Nitrox certified (all divers must dive on Nitrox during this trip)

 

Costs: (based on Double Occupancy):

Deluxe cabin: $3298 

Master cabin: $3398 

Junior suite: $3498 

Master suite: $3598 

 

Payment:

PAYMENT SCHEDULE    

 AMOUNT                    

PAYMENT DUE DATE      

1st Deposit

$1200

Upon Reservation

2nd Deposit

$1200

Jan 28, 2025

Final Payment

Balance Remaining

Before Oct 28, 2025

* For credit card payment please add 4%         

        

Cancellation Policy:

Before Jan 28, 2025, 1st deposit forfeited, No refund on first deposit.
After Jan 28, 2025, 1st and 2nd deposit forfeited (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only).
After Oct 28, 2025, no refund (unless replacement can be found then 1st deposit forfeited only)

 

Malaysia Extension (Kuala Lumpur - Ipoh - Penang)

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is located in the western part of the Malay Penninsula, about 16 miles (25km) from the coast. It was founded around 1857 and became the capital of Malaysia in 1963. Ipoh, located nearly 120 miles (200km) north of Kuala Lumpur, is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Perak. The city is known for the colonial-era architecture, natural attractions, and diverse cuisine Penang, known as the "Pearl of the Orient," is an UNESCO heritage destination with a blend of colonial charm, Chinese culture, and vibrant street life. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey through Malaysia’s culture, cuisine, and natural wonders. 

 

Extension Trip Itinerary:

Mar 7 (Sat): Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, private transfer to Grand Hyatt. Free program for the rest of the day.

Mar 8 (Sun): Discovering Kuala Lumpur. Museum visit, enjoy refined Cantonese cuisine lunch at Yun House, walking tour through Kuala Lumpur's most vibrant districts in the afternoon, dinner at De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan. For those who wish to continue the night, enjoy a drink at Bar Trigona, ranked among Asia's 50 Best Bars.

Mar 9 (Mon): After breakfast, check out and enjoy a scenic private transfer to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat in Ipoh, with lunch served at the resort's restaurant upom arrival. Relax in your private villa with geothermal hot spring plunge pool in the afternoon. Dinner at the legendary Jeff's Cellar, one of the world's most unique dining venues. Enjoy multi-course gourmet dinner with welcome cocktail or mocktail.

Mar 10 (Tue): Check out from Banjaran and transfer by provate bus transfer to Penang, known as the "Pearl of the Orient." Enjoy goumet light lunch inspired by legendary Penang street food. Dinner at Seven Terraces' Nyonya Restaurant, serving traditional Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine. Spend the night at the Seven Terraces Heritage Hotel. 

Mar 11 (Wed): Farewell to Malaysia. After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy your private transfer to Peneng International Airport. 

 

Price: $1788 USD per person

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