Les Amis Des Maldives

Based in Malé, Les Amis des Maldives has been operating since 2009, providing structured diving cruises across the equatorial atolls. The operation is built around the Ocean One, a large liveaboard vessel that allows you to reach remote sites that day-trippers simply cannot access.

The itineraries are strategically planned to follow the seasonal movements of pelagic species. Whether you are navigating the wilder northern atolls or the deep oceanic walls of the south, the focus remains on high-quality underwater encounters and respect for the local marine environment.

The centre is led by Christophe Manesse and Barbara, maintaining a professional atmosphere with an international crew. While the team is experienced in managing large-scale cruises, they offer a French-speaking service that provides a familiar touch for Francophone divers.

Instruction is provided through the PADI system, ensuring that all training meets global standards. The crew manages everything from dive logistics to onboard hospitality, allowing you to focus entirely on your underwater time.

The centre offers a full range of PADI courses to suit your progression. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their skills can enrol in the Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, or Nitrox courses.

Training is conducted on the move, allowing you to apply your new skills immediately in the diverse environments of the Maldives, from reef flats to deeper walls.

The Ocean One is a 37-metre liveaboard vessel, 12 metres wide, designed to accommodate guests in comfort while navigating between atolls. It features 21 cabins, including six double/twin cabins with sea views on the upper deck, two panoramic suites on the main deck, and seven lower-deck cabins with portholes. All cabins are equipped with private bathrooms and air conditioning.

On board, you will find a sun deck, lounge areas with a bar, a jacuzzi, and a dining area serving local and European cuisine. For relaxation between dives, there are hammocks, sun loungers, and even water sports equipment such as kayaks, paddles, and canoes. A dedicated dhoni is used to support the diving operations, ensuring smooth transfers to and from the dive sites.

Full equipment hire is available on board, covering all the essentials for a tropical diving trip. For those preferring to bring their own kit, the vessel is well-equipped to handle diving logistics, including a complete pharmacy and an oxygen therapy kit for safety.

Nitrox is available for use on all cruises, allowing for extended bottom times on multi-dive days. The boat also carries a speedboat and a tender (annexe) to ensure efficient movement between the liveaboard and the dive sites.

The Maldives offers an incredible array of pelagic life. Depending on the atoll, you can encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), Whale shark (Rhincodon typus), and various sharks including Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and silvertip sharks. In the southern atolls, the chances of seeing Hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and Tiger shark increase.

The reef structure itself is a vibrant landscape of Soft coral (Alcyonacea) and Hard coral (Scleractinia), decorated with Sea fan (Gorgoniidae) and various anemones. You will regularly see schooling fish such as Fusilier (Caesio), Jack (Carangidae), and various species of Snapper (Lutjanus) moving across the reef.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include diverse species such as Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various species of Wrasse (Labridae), and Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). You may also spot cleaner wrasses, Moray eel (Muraenidae), and various species of Crab (Brachyura) amongst the coral heads.

Seasonal highlights include the presence of Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in the Hanifaru Bay from May to November.

Diving conditions are influenced by the seasonal winds and currents, which guide the cruise itineraries. The cruises are designed to take advantage of these patterns to ensure the best possible encounters.

In the North, the best period is from May to November, while the South is most productive from December to April. For those seeking the most isolated experiences, the months of July to September offer the lowest diver density in many areas.