Dhangethi, Maldives Dive Expedition

24th April - 1st May 2027

Join us for a week of diving in South Ari Atoll of The Maldives! Darren and I have visited Dhangethi twice in the last year and we’ve fallen in love with the diving there. Think Manta Rays, Reef Sharks, Octopus, Turtles, vibrant reefs and so much more.

We’ve scoped out a lot of the dive sites so plan to tailor the trip to the best ones. There are some beautiful pinnacles and house reefs near Dhangethi, as well as some crazy channel dives where there’s a high chance of seeing Grey Reef Sharks and Eagle Rays. We’re also going to do a special trip to see the Manta Rays at night with a stop off at Fish Head dive site on the way!

Breakfast and lunch will be included in the price, as will snacks on the dive boat, and for dinner we’ll all go out to a local restaurant together. We will plan to dive every day for the first five days of the trip and the last day will be a snorkel or beach day for our no-fly time.

 A few general notes! The Maldives is a Muslim country so there will be no alcohol on the island. We also require you to be Advanced Open Water certified or higher to join this trip as some dives are quite current heavy. If you’re travelling solo but want to stay in a twin room, we will put you with someone of the same gender.

 We’re so excited about this trip and we really hope you’ll join us!

~Ella & Darren~

Diving in The Maldives

Discover the incredible underwater world of South Ari Atoll, with vibrant coral reefs, colourful reef fish, graceful turtles and eagle rays. We’ll explore some of the Maldives’ most exciting dive sites, including the famous Fish Head, known for its schools of fish and impressive reef life, and experience the magic of a manta night dive, watching these graceful giants glide through the water after dark.

From colourful reefs to manta cleaning stations, every dive offers something different. We believe the best wildlife encounters happen when animals are free to behave naturally, so responsible diving and respecting marine life are at the heart of our trip.

With currents that can be strong at some sites, we recommend a minimum Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent). Join us for an unforgettable adventure exploring some of the Maldives’ most beautiful underwater landscapes.

 Because of the likelihood of current on a lot of dives, you must be minimum Advanced open water certified (or equivalent) to join this trip. Don’t worry if you haven’t dived for a while though, we will start the trip with easier dives to make sure everyone is comfortable before we attempt some of the more challenging dives.

Meet your Hosts…

Ella Houston

PADI Staff Instructor & Underwater Photographer

Ella has worked in the Dive Industry for over three years, first as a Divemaster, and then as an Instructor at Bans Diving Resort. Over that time, she has nurtured her passion for underwater photography. She loves searching for new dive destinations to share with her audience and ex-students - these dive expeditions are the highlight of her year!

Darren Schlotter

PADI Platinum Course director at Bans Diving Resort

Darren has extensive experience in the Dive industry, having worked as an Instructor for over 12 years and risen to become the Senior Course Director at the biggest PADI dive centre in the world. Darren’s outgoing personality and natural ability with people make him a favourite among students and fun to be around both in and out of the water.

Perla Hotel

We will be staying at Perla hotel on Dhangethi for 7 nights on a half board basis meaning. you either have the option of getting your own room or opting to share with another guest. All the rooms have air con and Wifi. If you go for the shared option but are traveling solo, we will make sure you share with someone of the same gender. All the rooms have ensuite bathrooms.

Breakfast and lunch will be included in the package at the hotel, and for dinner, we will all go out to a local restaurant on the beachfront. Typically dinner will cost $10-$15. On the last night we’ll be having a BBQ on the beach!

  • Double room

  • Twin room

  • Ensuite bathroom

  • Restaurant

  • Pool

  • Double room

  • Garden

Itinerary

Day 1 - 24th April

3pm - Speedboat from Male to Dhangethi

6pm - Check in and welcome

7pm - Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2 - 25th April

7am - Breakfast

7.30am - 2 dives including the check dive

1pm - Return to Dhangethi

1.30pm - Lunch at Perla

3pm - Photography/ action cam workshop (optional)

6pm - sunset on the beach

7pm - Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3 - 26th April

7am - Breakfast

7.30am - 3 dives

2pm - return to Dhangethi

2.30pm - Lunch at Perla

7pm - Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4 - 27th April

Breakfast at leisure

11am - Editing workshop (optional)

2pm - 2 dives including fish head and Manta night dive

7pm - packed dinner on boat

9pm - Return to Dhangethi

Day 5 - 28th April

7am- Breakfast

7.30am - 2 dives

1pm - Return to Dhangethi

1.30pm - Lunch at Perla

3pm - Beach trip (optional)

7pm - Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6 - 29th April

7am - Breakfast

7.30am - 3 dives

2pm - Return to Dhangethi

2.30pm - Lunch at Perla

5pm - Sunset dolphin cruise

7pm - Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 7 - 30th April

Breakfast at leisure

Beach or snorkel day

6pm - Beach BBQ

Day 8 - 1st May

7am - Speedboat to Male

9am - Arrival in Male and goodbyes!

Please note: Days 2-7 is a rough itinerary and may be subject to change depending on dive conditions

Pricing and Inclusions

Double/Twin room - £1350 pp

Single room - £1560 pp

You must be minimum Advanced open water certified by the time of the trip.

A £600 deposit is due at the time of booking which is non-refundable after 2 weeks.

The rest of the payment can be processed at a later date with the full amount due by the 28th February latest.

By booking this trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to all Terms & Conditions listed below.

12 spots available - Apply Now

What’s included

  • Return speedboat transfers from Male - Dhangethi

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation

  • Ensuite room

  • 12 dives including a Manta night dive

  • Dive equipment rental

  • Sunset dolphin cruise

  • Photography & editing workshops

  • Professional photography package

  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks, juice, tea & coffee

  • Beach BBQ

What’s NOT included

  • International flights to and from Male

  • Travel Insurance

  • Dive Insurance (mandatory)- we recommend DAN Europe/worldwide

  • Tips for the crew

  • Dinner each night ($10-15 per meal)

  • Additional courses such as Nitrox

  • Perfect Weather!

FAQs

Do I need to be Scuba certified for this trip?

  • You should be Advanced open water certified for this trip but there is the option to join as an open water diver as long as you complete the advanced cours before the trip.

How do I secure my spot?

  • Either fill out the application form or message Ella or Darren directly and they will give you the bank details to send your £600 deposit. Only once you’ve paid your deposit is your spot secured. The rest of the payment is due before the 28th February, 2027.

Can I come solo?

  • Absolutely! This is the perfect trip to do as a solo traveller, group of friends or a couple! Darren and Ella always work extra hard to make sure everyone feels included and will make friends quickly:)

Do I need to be a photographer?

  • No you don’t, Ella will be taking lots of photos for you to have as souvenirs anyway!

  • But, if you’re wanting to learn more about underwater photography then this is the perfect opportunity. Ella will be running workshops throughout the trip, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced but obviously these are all completely optional.

Cancellation Policy

  • If you change your mind within 14 days of paying the initial deposit, it will be returned in full.

  • After 14 days the initial deposit and subsequent payments become non-refundable.

  • The full amount must be paid by the 28th February 2027.

  • In the unlikely event that Ella and Darren are unable to host the trip, they will endeavour to find someone of similar experience to replace them.

  • In the unlikely event of cancellation either by you or by Ella & Darren, you are responsible for any costs or losses associated with international travel and it is recommended that you obtain travel insurance.

  • If the trip is cancelled by the operator, you will receive a full refund or credit towards a future trip.

Terms and conditions

  • No refunds shall be made for any services or activities that the participant has chosen not to partake in during the trip.

  • Spot reservation fee is non-transferrable.

  • The itinerary may be altered due to weather, sea conditions, current strength, safety concerns, government regulations, or operational decisions.

  • Ella and Darren are not liable for any delays, program changes, natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdowns, weather conditions, park closures or other unforeseen incidents.

  • Ella and Darren reserve the right to publish content on social media and their website featuring participants unless a guest opts out in writing.

  • The trip requires 8 paid participants to run, if the minimum is not reached, Ella and Darren reserve the right to cancel the trip and issue full refunds.

  • Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet the Maldives passport, visa and entry requirements.

  • Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights, travel to the departure port, accommodations before/after the trip and any required transit arrangements.

  • No refunds are issued for missed flights, missed embarkation or late arrival.

  • All divers must hold a valid certification appropriate for the planned dive depths.

  • Ella and Darren recommend a minimum of 20 logged dives as certain sites will require more experience.

  • Divers must be medically fit to dive. A dive medical may be required if you answer “yes” to any items on the diver medical questionnaire.

  • Dive accident insurance is mandatory for diving with us.

  • Guests participate in diving and all trip activities at their own risk.

  • Participants agree to adhere to all safety briefings, dive plans, and instructions from guides and crew.

  • Guests are responsible for bringing properly functioning gear or borrowing Oi Dives gear.

  • Diving, boating and travel in remote areas carry inherent risks. By joining the trip, participants acknowledge and accept these risks.

  • There is no guarantee of specific wildlife sightings or dive conditions.

  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, baggage, and medical emergencies is strongly reccommended.

  • Participants must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their safety during the trip.

  • Emergency evacuation from remote areas may take time and involve significant cost. These costs are the guest’s responsibility unless covered by insurance.

  • Disruptive, unsafe, or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from the trip without refund.

  • Participants must follow local marine park rules, avoid touching marine life, and respect reef-safe diving practices.

  • Guests may be required to sign a liability release from the dive operator and Ella & Darren as a condition of joining the trip.

  • Participants agree to indemnify the organisers against claims arising from personal actions, negligence, or failure to follow safety instructions.