Central Route 10 Nights

Cruising in Maldives, the paradise on earth and experience the pristine emerald lagoons and the stunning underwater panoramic scenery. Through the Central Route, you will discover a variety of coral gardens, falling walls, drifting with the current between atolls, and searching a few wrecks. The marine enthusiasts will have the remarkable chance to fulfill their eyes or even their lens with macro critters to wide manta rays and whale sharks. A dream week in the heart of the pelagic that you will not get tired of.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 Hulhumalé

    Hulhumalé Dune’s staff will pick up at Malé International Airport and bring you to Soleil 2 for boarding. Refreshments are offered while getting information you need from our Cruise Director. Dinner will be served in the evening. As soon as all the guests are on board and settled in, we will set sail to the first dive site.

  • Day 2 North Malé Atoll > South Malé Atoll

    North Malé Atoll > South Malé Atoll The trip will start with discovering the dazzling long reefs or manta point (during season May to Nov only) in North Malé Atoll. Corals are abundant here, giving home to plenty of reef fish and macro species including frogfish, leaffish, nudibranchs, and flatworms. Plunge in and meet the napoleon wrasses, schools of oriental sweetlips and fusiliers swirling around the astonishing pinnacles.

  • Day 3 South Malé Atoll > Vaavu Atoll

    South Malé Atoll > Vaavu Atoll In addition to the exceptional topography and marine life, you will also encounter patrolling grey reef sharks, eagle rays, as well as jacks, tunas, and groupers in the channels of South Malé Atoll. After the day, we will cruise to Vaavu Atoll for the action packed night dive you cannot miss. There are no other experience alike as to join the nurse sharks, sting rays, and jacks in their feeding frenzy.

  • Day 4 Vaavu Atoll > Faafu Atoll

    Vaavu Atoll > Faafu Atoll Small caves, large overhangs, drop-off walls, and sloping reefs covered with corals can be found in Vaavu Atoll. Titan triggerfish are common. Larger marine life such as grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, tunas, and barracudas are also found here. During the channel dives, keep looking in the blue as it brings chances of meeting the spectacular hammerhead sharks.

  • Day 5 Faafu Atoll > South Ari Atoll

    Faafu Atoll > South Ari Atoll Cruising to the seldom visited atolls in the west, brings you the memorable sensation of the pristine water with great visibility. You can find more grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasses, and various schools of reef fish in the channels. Moving north to the South Ari Atoll, you will encounter beautiful pinnacles and bigger marine life. Dive into the aquarium of mother nature, finally meeting the stars of the trip.

  • Day 6 South Ari Atoll

    South Ari Atoll In the marine protected areas, our first star, the mighty whale sharks regularly show their appearances. Our crew will search for their presence and allow you a chance to snorkel or even scuba with them. Lucky or not, there are also many thilas and some wrecks in South Ari Atoll. Grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, moray eels, scorpionfish are to be found. Exploring to the most, diving in and also setting foot on the paradise. Our crew will lead a visit to the nearby local island just before dinner.

  • Day 7 South Ari Atoll > North Ari Atoll

    South Ari Atoll > North Ari Atoll Cruising never stops, moving up to the North Ari Atoll while taking the last chance to get up close easily with whale sharks. In the north, channels are wider and water is deeper, we will meet some more of the stars here. The currents attracts many grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and even other large pelagic fish. When night falls, you will be invited to go ashore again and indulge yourself in the barbecue dinner on nearby desert island prepared by our crew.

  • Day 8 North Ari Atoll

    North Ari Atoll Multiple manta cleaning stations, extraordinary thilas and wreck with rich marine life are what you will dive in here. Apart from the above mentioned, you will also find eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, napoleon wrasse, school of blue-stripe snapper, batfish, and fusiliers here. The day will end with a manta night dive. Spectating the enormous manta rays feeding right in front your torch.

  • Day 9 North Ari Atoll > Rasdhoo Atoll

    North Ari Atoll > Rasdhoo Atoll The combination of pelagic life and remarkable underwater landscape of North Ari Atoll is irresistible. Yet you may also find the beautiful reefs in Rasdhoo Atoll along with the magnificent manta rays and hammerhead sharks encounter fascinating. Drifting with schools of fish while still keep an eye on the pelagic stars.

  • Day 10 Rasdhoo Atoll > North Malé Atoll

    Rasdhoo Atoll > North Malé Atoll Dive in once more in Rasdhoo Atoll with the pelagic life and the cruise will head back to North Malé Atoll. Here you will find stunning long reefs, small caves, colourful corals with prolific marine and reef life. Take a closer look at the squirrelfish, bannerfish, oriental sweetlips, frogfish, and nudibranchs. Meanwhile, the trip is arriving at the end. Sad to say goodbye but we all hope to see you again at Dune.

  • Day 11

The peculiarity of Dune Maldives is to build the course according to your expectations. The sites and atolls visited are therefore defined according to your preferences, while also taking into account the weather conditions and tides. 

Dates & prices

Departures for French-speaking groups:

From To Price / pers. Boat Places Options Booking
€2,485 Theia 18 / 20 1 Book now!
€3,550 Theia 1 / 20 2 Book now!
€3,550 Theia 9 / 20 Book now!
€2,595 Theia 20 / 20 Book now!
€2,595 Theia 20 / 20 Book now!

Departures for English-speaking groups:

From To Price / pers. Boat Places Options Booking
€3,195 NORAYA 28 / 28 Book now!
€3,195 NORAYA 28 / 28 Book now!
€3,195 NORAYA 28 / 28 Book now!
€3,195 NORAYA 28 / 28 Book now!

Departures for Chinese-speaking groups:

No departure for now

Trip code: 117

Included

Cruise services begin on Saturday at the evening meal at 7pm. The marina departure takes place on Sunday morning. Boats return to the marina the following Friday during the early afternoon. Disembarking from the boat can be done anywhere between Friday evening and Saturday morning at 8am.

  • Transfers from the airport to the boat and to and from the marina. 
  • 2 to 4 on-board guides (a dive master and instructors) accredited by government authorities. 
  • 12 liter aluminum cylinders + DIN/Int, and diving weights. 
  • 8 to 10 experienced professional crew members on-board, taking good care of their passengers. · Three meals a day. · Sheets and blanket (depending on the boat).
  • Bath towels are changed at least once during the trip, depending on the duration of the cruise. 
  • One evening dedicated to celebrating birthdays, newlyweds or dive anniversaries. · The selected sea route will take into consideration the passengers' wishes. 
  • A map to note down the route taken. · Nitrox (for certified diver only).
  • Soft drinks 
  • Green Tax 
  • Maldivian Government Tourist Tax.

Please note: 
  • The dive package will be adjusted according to the number of days in case of a staggered departure and arrival. 
  • If the diver does not take part in all the proposed dives for whatever reason - weather, air, or personal reasons, no refund will be made by DUNE France or DUNE Maldives.
  • According to logistical possibilities or passenger wishes, it may be possible to make more dives than those proposed in the planned package. Optional additional dives cost extra.

10-night cruises (9 days on board)
  • 9 days of cruise with full board, including unlimited tea, coffee and water. 
  • 10 nights on board in a shared twin cabin - single cabins cost extra. 
  • Package includes 21 dives spread from Sunday to the fllowing Sunday, along with a night dive.



Not included


International flights to and from Malé.
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance. 
  • For beverages such as beer, wine, etc., see the bar prices in the annex. 
  • Transfers by speed boat, airplane or seaplane depending on special routes or unscheduled arrivals and departures. (If a passenger wants to take a particular international flight, any extra cost related to the latter will be at the customer's expense).
  • Training, optional dives, rentals and on-board services
  • Tips for the crew, recommended at $10 per person per day spent on board, could be given at the end of the stay before leaving.
  • The supplement for a single cabin.


Notes

Price List
Valid from 01 January 2016 to 12 January 2018

Services included in the cruise

  • Cruise services begin on Saturday at the evening meal at 7pm. The marina departure takes place on Sunday morning. Boats return to the marina the following Friday during the early afternoon. Disembarking from the boat can be done anywhere between Friday evening and Saturday morning at 8am.
  • Transfers from the airport to the boat and to and from the marina.
  • 2 to 3 on-board guides (a dive master and instructors) accredited by government authorities.
  • 12 liter aluminum cylinders + DIN/Int, and diving weights.
  • 8 to 10 experienced professional crew members on-board, taking good care of their passengers.
  • Three meals a day.
  • Sheets and blanket (depending on the boat).
  • Bath towels are changed at least once during the trip, depending on the duration of the cruise.
  • One evening dedicated to celebrating birthdays, newlyweds or dive anniversaries.
  • The selected sea route will take into consideration the passengers' wishes.
  • A map to note down the route taken.
  • Maldivian Government Tourist Tax.

Services not included in the cruise

  • International flights to and from Malé.
  • Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
  • The Green Tax (as of 11/01/2015) US$6 per person per night.
  • For beverages such as soft drinks, beer, wine, etc., see the bar prices in the annex.
  • Transfers by speed boat, airplane or seaplane depending on special routes or unscheduled arrivals and departures. (If a passenger wants to take a particular international flight, any extra cost related to the latter will be at the customer's expense).
  • Training, optional dives, rentals and on-board services.
  • Nitrox (package and fillings per unit).
  • Tips for the crew, recommended at $10 per person per day spent on board, could be given at the end of the stay before leaving.
  • The supplement for a single cabin. 


Extra to book before departure:

  • Early Check-in: $45 (Access on board and Saturday noon lunch)
  • Late Check-out: $45 (stay on board till 1:30 PM, lunch)
  • Travelling Pack (Buoyancy Jacket, Regulator, Wet Suit): $18 / person / Day
  • Nitrox course (without manual): $190 (certification: $60 to pay on site)
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course: $300 (certification: $60 to pay on site)

For more information, please visit our "Terms and Conditions" page:

Do not hesitate to contact us for any further questions: contact@dune-maldives.com


Terms and conditions

Cancellation Policy 


Cancellation fees apply to transfers, diving services and hotel reservations. 
All cancellations must be sent in writing by mail, fax or email. The reception date of your cancellation will determine the amount of charges. 
The following cancellations will be invoiced. 

Cancellation policy for individual registrations
  • Cancellations from 60 to 31 days before the date of the boat's departure: 25% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations from 30 to 21 days before the date of the boat's departure: 50% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations from 20 to 15 days before the date of the boat's departure: 75% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations 14 days before the date of the boat's departure: 100% of the total cost of the cruise.

Cancellation policy for group registrations (from 10 participants) 
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days before the date of the boat's departure: 30% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations from 60 to 31 days before the date of the boat's departure: 50% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations from 30 to 15 days before the date of the boat's departure: 75% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations 14 days before the date of the boat's departure: 100% of the total cost of the cruise.

Cancellation policy for charters 
  • Cancellations from 90 to 61 days before the date of the boat's departure: 30% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations from 60 to 31 days before the date of the boat's departure: 50% of the total cost of the cruise. 
  • Cancellations 30 days before the date of the boat's departure: 100% of the total cost of the cruise.

The minimum number of participants required to ensure the departure of a cruise depends on the total capacity of the vessel: 

Boats from 16 to 20 seats: Minimum of 10 participants 
Boats from 20 to 22 seats: Minimum of 14 participants 
Boat with 22 places and more: Minimum of 16 participants

  • At over 30 days from departure, Dune reserves the right to cancel a cruise without compensation if the number of participants is insufficient. 
  • Reservations can still be made up to 4 days before departure. · 
  • At the latest, clients must arrive at the airport the night before their cruise departs. The cruise departure cannot be deferred due to a flight delay causing clients to arrive after 6 am, except in the case of a charter. In this case, the return date of the cruise will remain as originally planned. The dive package will be adjusted to reflect the number of days on board. Customers should be covered thereafter by their agency or by the airline.

Payment - Reimbursement - Litigation 

  • A minimum 30% deposit must be paid by the customer in order to confirm his reservation. · 
  • The balance is due 30 days prior to departure for an individual booking and 45 days before departure for groups and charters. 
  • On-board payments must be made in cash or check (except tips). · Failure to follow a route does not result in compensation or reimbursement of taxes.
  •  Failure to follow the program does not result in compensation (e.g.: not completing 15 dives due to poor weather or insufficient diving level...) 
  • Changes made to the boat or selected marinas do not give rise to compensation.
  • A possible Nitrox malfunction does not give rise to compensation. 
 Customers are individually responsible for all their personal effects. Damage to personal belongings due to negligence or omission shall not give rise to any claim against Dune. 
  • No refunds will be provided if a customer fails to make all the proposed dives, either on his own accord or due to a temporary restriction from the dive instructor in charge of the boat. 
  •  Flight delays: DUNE France and DUNE Maldives cannot be responsible for flight delays. DUNE does not provide meals or extra nights caused by delays or schedule advances made by charters or scheduled airlines.

Cruise Cancellations and Force Majeure 

Dune reserves the right to cancel a stay or cruise for reasons of force majeure such as natural disasters, epidemics, war, strikes, and riots, etc ... 

Dune declines all responsibility during these events such as injuries, death or destruction of personal property due to acts of war, insurrection, military action, revolution or exceptional meteorological or seismic events that are beyond its control. Any unforeseeable insurmountable event beyond Dune's control is considered a case of force majeure. If a force majeure event occurs, the customer will be notified as soon as possible. If the trip or stay is canceled or shortened due to natural disasters, revolutions, wars, or governmental decisions, the customer cannot claim any compensation. This also goes for anything that may limit benefiting from certain services. 

The closing of roads, airports, railway stations, marinas or the suspension or removal of a train, plane, or boat... due to carrier or administrative decision... are not covered by Dune and do not give rise to compensation.

Practical info

Transportation


Airport pick up 

Passengers are greeted at the airport by a DUNE Maldives correspondent, holding up a "DUNE" sign or a sign indicating the name of the chartered DUNE ship. This local correspondent will generally be waiting just outside the arrival hall after the baggage claim and customs clearance area. 2. 

Transfers 

For cruises arriving and departing from Malé, passengers are transferred to the DUNE Maldives chartered boats via the diving Dhoni leaving from the marina of Malé International Airport (duration: approximately 20 minutes). The Maldives cruise services begin on Saturday at the evening meal (7pm), and last until breakfast the following Saturday morning (8am). Guests arriving and departing on international flights, therefore, must book their airplane tickets on the two Saturdays before and after the cruise.

  • Those arriving on Saturday morning should book a "Day-Use" hotel room at their expense, according to their requirements and the availability of partner hotels. If the boat is available upon arrival on Saturday morning, guests will each be asked to pay a participation price of $45. This price covers the costs of the half-day on board and lunch. · 
  • Depending on return flight schedules, guests should reserve a "Day-Use" or an extra night at their expense, according to their requirements and the availability of partner hotels. If the boat is still available up to your flight departure, guests will each be asked to pay a participation price of $45. This price covers the costs of the half-day on board and lunch. (We recommend that you book before departure.)

Round-trip transfers, included in the cruise price, only go from the airport to the DUNE Maldives chartered boats. Transfers to or from hotels are at the client's expense and organized by either themselves, their tour operator, or their hotel. Guests or the tour operator should call the Maldives contact person (Laurent at +960 955 69 65 or Sean at +960 777 65 69) the day before the cruise to confirm the meeting for the next day. Nevertheless, it is also preferable to have the customer's phone number on record at DUNE (online booking) as well as the name and number of the hotel where the guest will be staying. 

DUNE France and DUNE Maldives are not responsible for the days before or after the dive cruise.

Vital equipment


Compulsory equipment (per diver)
  • A dive computer. 
  • A surface marker buoy, SMB. 
  • An emergency sound or visual signaling system.


Helpful equipment


Highly recommended :
  • A lamp or flashlight. 
  • A second emergency lamp. 
  • A reef hook. A weighted belt or pockets.

Passport

Dune's planning and organization


  • Boats listed on our planning schedule can be changed without notice and replaced by an identical category of boat. ·
  • Departure and return marinas may change without notice according to Dune's scheduling and other constraints.

Information and documents required for customer registration:


  •  A passport with a minimum six month validity after the return date is mandatory and must be shown when passing through customs. 
  •  The full name of each passenger. · The passport number. 
  •  The diver's level and his number of dives. 
  •  Details of flight arrivals and departures.
  •  A passport photocopy for booking domestic flights. 
Any special instructions involving reserving cabins, courses, Nitrox, or the rental of diving equipment...

NON-DIVER ACCOMPANYING PERSONS 

Activities for non-divers accompanying the diving and snorkeling cruises such as initial dives, courses, snorkeling (PMT) or island visits and other activities are subject to the availability of the guides, logistical constraints and the diving activities. 

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR PASSENGERS AND NON-DIVERS

Participants in swimming, snorkeling or first dives should make sure they are in good physical condition and able to participate in such water activities and swimming. A swimming test is mandatory at the beginning of the stay. If necessary, the guides may require specific snorkeling training and/or the wearing of a snorkel vest or a shorty to ensure participant safety (minimum age of 8 yrs old is recommended). Guided snorkeling activities not included in the program cost an extra $25 per 45- minute session. A private guide may be imposed by decision of the monitors on board on any participant whose technical level is not sufficient for his own safety. For the same reasons, the monitors on board can prohibit certain activities they deem too difficult (without compensation).

Weather


Water temperature fluctuates between 27°C and 29°C throughout the year. Wet season : June to December.

Electricity


220V with international adaptors in living room and cabins.  

Sustainable tourism


Dune Maldives est membre de l'association Longitude 181.Des actions de nettoyage de plage sont organisées sur les îles désertes. Une bouteille d'eau nominative en verre est fournie à bord.

Book this trip
Destination
Central Cruises
Activity
BEST-OF From December to May Liveaboard Manta Rays
Duration
11 days
Group
16 to 28 people
Code
117
Price
From €3,550
Level
4/5
Comfort
5/5
Language(s)
French / English / Chinese

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