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Rare Ocean Expeditions around the World
SECRETS OF SOUTH ARI
Dhangethi, Maldives
INR 96,000
1 Oct-5 Oct,2025
4 Nights / 5 Days
8 Dives (Including a night dive)
Welcome to Dhangethi
Home to Maldives' top rated dive sites
In the heart of South Ari Atoll, Dhangethi is a friendly island where turquoise lagoons meet Maldivian hospitality. Just under a kilometre long, it’s best explored on foot—through sandy streets lined with palms, pastel houses, and the distant beat of bodu beru drums.
Life here flows at an easy island pace: locals share hedika at tea shops, fishermen mend nets by the harbour, and children play barefoot in the streets. With its traditional mosque, community gatherings, and seasonal festivals, Dhangethi offers an authentic glimpse into Maldivian culture—where every smile makes visitors feel at home.
While the pace is tranquil on land, the surrounding waters are a different story—alive with colour, movement, and full of surprises.
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Diving in Dhangethi
Where every dive tells a different story
South Ari’s underwater stage is made up of four main dive types:
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Kandu (Channel Dives): Drift through natural sea gateways and watch pelagics glide past.
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Thila (Pinnacle) Dives: Coral-covered seamounts alive with fish, colourful overhangs, and saddles.
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Beyru (Outer Reef) Drifts: Gentle wall dives along the atoll’s edge, with turtles, rays, and open-ocean visitors.
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Caverns & Swim-throughs: Explore arches and coral-framed passages, always mindful of delicate soft corals.
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Manta Cleaning Stations: Active from August to November — the ultimate South Ari highlight.
Conditions in October: Good visibility, water temps around 28–29°C, and currents manageable for confident beginners and above. High chance of spotting mantas due to the Southwest Monsoon.
Popular Dive Sites
Iconic dives and some hidden treasures
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Kudarah Thila (MPA): Pinnacle, 12–30m, mild–strong current. Soft corals, sea fans, fusiliers, snapper, white-tip reef sharks, grey reef sharks. 20–25 mins away.
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Broken Rock: Canyon split thila, 12–30m, mid-strong current. Sea fans, turtles, napoleon wrasse, anthias. 25–30 mins away.
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Five Rocks: Pinnacle maze, 12–30m, mild–strong current. Sweetlips, barracuda, eagle rays, nudibranchs. 25–30 mins away.
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Dhangethi Corner/Beyru: Outer reef drift, 8–25m, mild–strong current. Batfish, turtles, trevally, napoleon. 5–10 mins away.
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Vilamendhoo Thila: Large pinnacle, 8–30m, mild–strong current. Snapper, fusiliers, sharks, eagle rays. 15–20 mins away.
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Lily Manta Point: Manta cleaning station, 12–20m.
Best time to Dive
Aug - Nov
Required level
Open Water SCUBA Diver
Forecast
Sun & Mild to Medium
currents
Difficulty
Medium
Highlight
Manta Rays, Big Schools,
Sharks, Macro Life
Dhangethi Island
Raw. Authentic. Untouched
A Living Tradition of Craftsmanship & Community:
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Maritime heritage: Dhangethi is famed for handcrafted dhonis and fishing boats built with coconut timber and age-old skills.
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Local crafts: Artisans turn coconuts, shells, coral, and palm leaves into bowls, vases, and ornaments reflecting island life.
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Community spirit: Active NGOs host cultural events, youth programs, and training that keep traditions alive.
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Education: Home to the atoll’s 3rd largest school, showcasing a deep commitment to learning.
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Tourism with heart: Family-run guesthouses and home-cooked meals offer authentic connections beyond resort life.
Accommodation
Beachfront stay, island style
Our cozy, locally run guesthouse sits right on the beach — with sea views and a sun terrace made for sunrise coffee or sunset unwinding. Amenities include:
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Air-conditioned twin/double rooms with storage.
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Attached washrooms with hot water & toiletries.
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Mini fridge, tea/coffee facilities.
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Towels, safe, TV & free Wi-Fi.
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Drinking water refills + power converters provided.
Here, you’re not just staying — you’re becoming part of the island.
Itinerary
Detailed day-wise plan
1 October 2025 • 3:45 PM – Meet at Malé International Airport • 4:00 PM – Speedboat transfer to Dhangethi (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours) • Hotel check-in, meet-and-greet with the team • Welcome dinner hosted by Oceaon. Meet at Malé Airport in the afternoon and transfer by speedboat to the island. Settle into your guesthouse, meet the Oceaon team, and enjoy a warm welcome dinner together.
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Inclusions:
8 Guided Dives (inc a night dive)
4 Nights Stay (twin/double sharing)
Meals
Airport speedboat pickup and drop off
Plenty extras
Exclusions:
Flights
Taxes : 5% GST and TCS as applicable
Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
Nationals of India traveling as tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. They must have a hotel reservation confirmation. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 60 days.
What makes us Excellent?
Safety First
Prioritizing your well-being, we adhere to the highest safety standards, ensuring a secure and worry-free diving experience
Top Accommodation
Our carefully selected accommodations and boat offer a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, all while maintaining the highest level of service
Led by Experts
Dive into the depths with confidence, guided by our team of seasoned professionals who bring years of expertise and passion
Attention to Detail
From itinerary planning to personalized services, we pride ourselves on the little things that make a big difference, ensuring your journey is seamless
Founder's Note
Hello, I am Nishi and I’m a SCUBA diver, freediver, and entrepreneur. I used to be a data scientist but the call of Mother Ocean is bigger than us all. Few key life events and hours of introspection led me to quit the corporate world and I found myself sitting on the beach with a life jacket (yes, I did not know how to swim back then)! Over the last few years I’ve been grateful to have the opportunity to launch and grow our Maldives vertical, Mad over Maldives. Me and my team are humbled by the love and support we’ve received from our wonderful customers. Oceaon is now expanding boundaries and I am elated to host you in iconic dive destinations across the world.
Nishi Srivastava
Founder - Oceaon & Mad Over Maldives ,
Rescue Diver ,
Shark Enthusiast ,
Minimalist
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About Oceaon
Oceaon, a company founded by the same team behind Mad Over Maldives, renowned leaders in underwater expeditions in the Maldives. Oceaon specializes in organizing ocean expeditions and dive retreats globally.
Committed to the protection and conservation of the Earth's most invaluable resource—the Ocean—we aspire to inspire change by raising awareness and promoting education about the enchanting marine world.
When you book a trip with Oceaon,
You make a difference
A percentage of your booking will go to Marine conservation projects led by Oceaon's partner organisations.
100% CARBON NEUTRAL
Oceaon offsets 100% of its carbon emissions.
