White Pearl liveaboard review: The biggest diving liveaboard in the Maldives

This is my review of the White Pearl diving liveaboard in the Maldives. The Maldives, a nation known for its stunning atolls, vibrant marine life, and luxurious resorts, is a dream destination for many divers. As someone who’s been on over 30 liveaboards around the world and 5 in the Maldives, I recently had the opportunity to spend a week aboard the White Pearl, one of the newest boats in the Maldives. With its promise of luxury and high-end service, I was eager to see how it would compare to other vessels I’ve experienced. What I found was a liveaboard that delivered an elevated experience in many ways.

If you’re considering a diving liveaboard in the Maldives, this review will guide you through every detail, helping you decide if the White Pearl liveaboard is the right fit for your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or planning your first Maldives dive trip, this article will cover everything from how to get to the liveaboard and the boarding process to an in-depth review of the accommodations, diving organization, crew, and more. Read on for my review of the trip.

Arriving on the White Pearl Liveaboard

Flying to Male

Your journey to the White Pearl liveaboard begins with a flight to Malé International Airport, the gateway to the Maldives. Male is an easy place to fly to, as many international airlines fly there. For this trip, I flew with Batik Air in business class from Bali. It was a mixed experience; you can read my review of Batik Air’s business-class flight here.

If you’re considering Emirates, take a moment to read my review of the Emirates Business Class flight to the Maldives. Additionally, a new airline called Beond operates full business class planes to Male from Zurich, Milan, and Dubai. It’s a fantastic way to travel in style, and you can find my review of Beond here. It is an excellent airline for divers as they allow 40kg of luggage so that you can bring your dive gear with you.

Entering the Maldives

The landing formalities are easy. Don’t forget to complete the Maldives arrival form online before your arrival, as you will need to show your QR code to pass immigration.

Tip: It is not allowed to bring alcohol in the Maldives, so don’t get any at duty-free

Where should you stay in Male before or after your trip?

I arrived one day earlier and spent the night in Male. It is somewhat chaotic and polluted. Many small roads are not driveable by cars, and I ended up having to walk 150 meters with my luggage at midnight, which was not convenient.

I recommend staying in Hullumale instead. It is a 10-minute drive from the airport, and some hotels are located along a beautiful beach on the east side. While there are no real luxury hotels, you can find suites with a stunning sea view and a large terrace over the beach. A taxi from the airport to Hullumale costs 85 Maldivian Rufiah ( about 6 USD). I stayed at the Paralian hotel. It was clean and comfortable, and the 4th-floor suite had a fantastic sea view.

There are plenty of good beachfront restaurants within walking distance and small supermarkets if you want to stock up on snacks before the cruise.

Boarding the White Pearl Liveaboard

The meeting point with the White Pearl team was set for 1:30 pm at the airport.

Upon arrival at Male’s Velana International Airport, the transfer to the White Pearl was smooth and well-organized. Representatives from the White Pearl were waiting just outside the arrival area, easily identifiable with their uniforms and signs. They promptly took care of my luggage. We waited another 30 minutes for other passengers and were whisked away on a tender boat to the main boat.

The tender ride itself was brief. Upon boarding the White Pearl, we were welcomed with a cold towel and a refreshing mocktail and invited to relax for lunch. The staff took our suitcases at the airport and were waiting for us in the cabins, so it was all very seamless.

Tip: The boat stays in Male until the next morning, so even if you arrive on an evening flight, it is still possible to board on the same day.

We spent the afternoon discovering the boat, meeting the other passengers, and relaxing after the flight.

The boat and safety briefing was held after dinner.

Review of the White Pearl Liveaboard

Stepping aboard the White Pearl, I was immediately struck by its scale and elegance. At over 50 meters in length, it is the largest boat in the Maldives and significantly more spacious than other liveaboards I’ve been on. The décor is modern and tasteful, with a focus on creating a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere. Clearly, the White Pearl is designed to cater to divers who appreciate the finer things in life without compromising the quality of the diving experience.

Review of the Main Deck on the White Pearl Liveaboard: Dining and Relaxation

The main deck of the White Pearl is where much of the action happens. This level houses a large indoor dining area, complete with a buffet that offers a wide variety of dishes throughout the day.

The dining room is spacious, with large windows providing panoramic views of the surrounding ocean.

It is indoors and air-conditioned. It has a large table for 10 people, which is great if you are traveling alone or want to dine with the other passengers. There is also a choice of 2 or 4-person tables if you prefer to eat within your group.

There is a buffet area where food is served.

The tea and coffee station is available 24 hours a day. The tea selection is good, but the coffee is instant. Complimentary specialty coffee is served during breakfast; other times, specialty coffee from the bar for an extra fee.

There is also a selection of snacks, including cookies, nuts, and candies. The sweet candy selection was impressive and great if you have a sweet tooth. If you like salty snacks, you’ll need to bring your own as they are not available.

The dining room has two large TVs that are used for dive briefings before each dive.

Adjacent to the dining area is a well-stocked bar and an outdoor seating area. This space quickly became a favorite spot for guests to gather after dives, enjoying the sea breeze with a drink in hand.

The bar area is especially noteworthy. It’s not just a small corner with a few bottles; this is a full-fledged bar equipped to serve a range of cocktails, beers, and spirits. The espresso machine was a hit, though it comes with an additional cost.

     

The bar area is equipped with a great sound system and a light show, offering some of the best sound quality I have seen on any ship. Passengers can enjoy dancing if they wish. However, on our trip, they kept playing loud techno music, which I found to be a weird choice given the passengers onboard.

With a wide selection of beverages, including fine wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, the bar offers something for every palate. The bartenders are skilled and friendly, ready to craft a cocktail that suits your mood. Beers were about 5- 7 USD, and cocktails 10-15 USD. Every day, a happy hour was before dinner with 2-for-1 cocktail offers. Soft drinks were 5 USD ( and you have to add about 20% taxes and service charges to all prices)

Next to the outdoor bar is a small boutique area to buy souvenirs

At the back of the boat is a 7-meter-long Jacuzzi, great for refreshing after a moment of lounging in the sun. The water in the jacuzzis is not heated.

     

 

The White Pearl boasts a dedicated spa room and a small gym area. This includes exercise equipment like a rowing machine, a bike, dumbbells, benches, and yoga mats. This is a rare feature on liveaboards and is perfect for guests who want to stay active between dives, but don’t work too hard if you dive as it can trigger decompression sickness.

 

The camera room is in the same space as the gym area. It has several stations for photographers to set up and recharge their cameras. It also has a few games

Top deck: Relaxation and Entertainment

The upper deck of the White Pearl is designed for relaxation. The entire space is open and airy, allowing guests to soak up the sun or relax in the shade as they prefer.

This is the largest sundeck I have seen on a liveaboard, and it is great. It has many sunbeds both in the sun and shaded areas. The White Pearl Liveaboard is so spacious that you can always find a quiet place to lounge around.

There is a bar up there. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, enjoy a quiet moment with a book, or socialize with fellow guests, the sun deck provides the perfect setting. It’s also an ideal place for evening stargazing, adding a magical touch to your Maldives liveaboard experience. Unfortunately, the weather was so bad during our trip that we didn’t get to use the sundeck as it was either wet or too windy, but I could see that area being a preferred area of the boat on “normal weather trips”

 

The Laundry room

Another great feature that is unique to the White Pearl is the laundry room. They have a room with 3 washing machines and 3 dryers available to guests, which is great if you are on an extended trip or don’t want to bring too much luggage. The dryers are also very convenient to dry your swimming suits in case of bad weather.

The boat is easy to get around with large stairs

Review of the Cabins  on the White Pearl Liveaboard

One aspect of the White Pearl that truly impressed me was the size and quality of the cabins. I stayed in a deluxe cabin, the cheapest cabin category onboard. The room was about twice the size of cabins I’ve had on other liveaboards, with plenty of space to move around, even with dive gear and luggage. The design was modern and sleek, with ample storage space and large windows that offered stunning views of the Maldivian seascape.

 

Each cabin is equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant stay even in the tropical climate of the Maldives. The décor is elegant, with a soothing color palette, use of wood and natural stones.

The bed was large and comfortable, ensuring a good night’s sleep after a day of diving.

A few international plugs in the room and a few USB sockets allow you to charge your gadgets.

There are two glass water bottles for drinking water that are refilled daily.

The room’s lighting is quite sophisticated, with a mix of LED and strip lights that allow you to vary the mood. The air conditioning is adjustable individually. The climate control in the room was efficient, and I appreciated being able to adjust the temperature to my liking.

There is a huge smart TV. The TV is not connected to the internet or any other channels.

Tip: Download some movies on your phone in advance, and you can stream them on the TV.

The bathroom was another highlight—spacious, clean, and equipped with a large shower with excellent water pressure. The large panoramic window in the shower was delightful.

 

Everything about the cabin exuded luxury, making it a pleasant space to retreat to after a day’s adventures.

The room is cleaned once a day and is kept very clean.

The White Pearl also offers suite options, and based on the quality of the standard room, I can only imagine how spectacular those must be. Given the spaciousness and comfort of even the basic cabins, the higher-end rooms would be worth the splurge for those seeking the ultimate in luxury. It is, however, worth noting that the suites are located at the front of the boat, which is not ideal if you are prone to seasickness, as this is the part of the boat that moves the most.

Tip: If you want a suite, book it early because they were already fully booked during my trip

Tip: the master suite has 2 bunk beds which makes it great for families traveling together

Review of the dive organization on the White Pearl liveaboard in the Maldives

The diving experience aboard the White Pearl is well-organized and diverse. While the boat is super luxurious and almost feels like a hotel, it also offers great diving. We focused on popular and unique dive sites around the central atolls of the Maldives. Unfortunately, we encountered one of the worst storms of the year, negatively impacting the diving itinerary. Over the week, they still managed to offer 13 dives, even if we ended up spending five out of 7 nights of the trip in Male.

Flexible Dive Site Scheduling

The team aboard the White Pearl Liveaboard is passionate about diving and dedicated to providing the best possible underwater experience in the central Maldives. The diving manager is Alessia from Italy. I first dove with her on the Duke of York liveaboard; it was some of my best diving in the Maldives. She understands that a dive’s quality depends on factors such as tide conditions, weather, and the presence of other dive boats. Because of this, the dive schedule is adjusted throughout the day, always to find the best diving possible. She is also a great guide and has an instinct to be at the right place at the right time. She was also very good at taking a different direction from the other divers, so it wouldn’t feel too crowded underwater.

The White Pearl usually offers three dives daily: the first at 6:30 a.m., the second at 10:30 a.m., and the third around 2:30 p.m. A night dive is usually offered during the week, but the weather was so bad that it was not possible during our trip.

Diving Groups Organized by Experience Levels

During our trip, a team of four experienced divemasters led the dives. All guests were assigned to a specific diving group for the trip, with groups created based on diving experience levels. Group sizes ranged from four to six divers, and all dives were guided.

The white pearl liveaboard requires a minimum of 50 dives to join the trip, but this requirement was not enforced. A few guests onboard had just finished their open-water certification.

My group consisted of five divers, and the divemasters managed the group excellently. Two of the divers in my group had poor air consumption and sometimes had to finish the dive after 30 minutes. When the conditions were calm, she would allow them to surface together, and we would continue the dive.

Diving from the Dhoni

Like most liveaboards in the Maldives, all diving activities were conducted from a large dhoni that accompanied the White Pearl. This traditional Maldivian dive boat was well-equipped, with plenty of space for gear and guests. The setup was efficient, with most dives starting with a 10-15-minute boat ride to the site. Given that the White Pearl is the biggest liveaboards in the Maldives, it needs a large dhoni. The dhoni is large, but with 22 divers, it sometimes felt cramped while trying to get ready as all the dive tanks are very close together, and the seating area is not very wide. It is worth noting that White Pearl have ordered a new Dhoni that will be operational in a few weeks. It will be the largest Dhoni in the Maldives, making the diving experience even better.

All our gear stayed on the Dhoni overnight, and the crew changed our tanks between each dive.

It is easy to jump out of the Dhoni for the dive. Coming back onboard the dhoni was through a ladder. The Dhony crew was helpful and attentive to get us back onto the boat safely

Tip: Beware of the ladder, as it is easy to get your hand stuck when there are big waves. A few passengers got their hands pinched when coming up on the Dhoni

.As there are over 20 divers onboard and only one ladder to come up, it sometimes requires a bit of patience to get everyone back on the boat.

Water is provided on the dhoni. You can use a plastic bottle or refill your own bottle from the water tank.

Tip: Bring your own refillable bottle to the Dhoni so you will not need to use a new plastic bottle. Using a new bottle on each dive means 17 extra plastic bottles that must be recycled or disposed of.

We were often welcomed back to the boat with a platter of delicious fresh fruits. We were also given a warm towel after each dive.

The camera room onboard the Pearl Liveaboard

There was also a camera station near the dining area, with compressed air for cleaning camera gear, though most of us used smaller setups like GoPros.

 

Nitrox, Tanks, and Gear

Nitrox is available on the White Pearl Liveaboard—and it is free! Nitrox is very useful when diving in the Maldives. Many of the dive sites involve pinnacles, where we spent considerable time at depths of 20 to 25 meters.

If you’re not yet Nitrox certified, you can complete the certification while onboard for an extra fee. The crew consistently checked the Nitrox content for us, maintaining levels between 31 and 34 percent. Tanks were always well-filled, typically between 200 and 210 bars.

I was on a long trip with many flights, so I chose to rent gear from the boat instead of bringing my own. All the diving gear was brand new and in excellent working condition. The BCD even had weight pockets, which are much more comfortable and uncommon for rental diving gear and can only be found in premium dive operations. I was delighted with the rental gear provided.

They also provide an SMB free of charge.

Tip: You will need a dive computer and reef hook, so bring them with you. If you surface alone, make sure you use your SMB, as there are many boats in the Maldives, which can be dangerous.

The water temperature during our trip was consistently between 29 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Tip: A 3-millimeter wetsuit or a rash guard will suffice for most divers. You might be tempted to dive without a wetsuit, but I recommend wearing at least a rash guard to protect against jellyfish and stinging plankton in the water.

Dive Briefings and Safety Protocols

Dive briefings on the White Pearl were thorough and professional. They featured detailed maps of the dive sites, clear plans, and guidance on the currents we would likely encounter. The briefings were conducted in English.

The maximum dive time was capped at 50 minutes (or until reaching 50 bars of air).  Maldivian regulations also mandate a maximum depth of 30 meters.

Overall, the diving experience on the White Pearl Liveaboard was well-organized.

The internet on the White Pearl liveaboard

The White Pearl Liveaboard offers free unlimited internet. It connects with 4G and 5G networks, so the signal quality varies during the trip.

It was good enough for email and phone calls most of the time. Only when we crossed between Atols did we lose the connection completely.

Tip: The White Pearl has a Starlink router on the sundeck that uses a different password. If you need more reliable internet, you can go to the sundeck and ask the crew for the password.

Non-Diving Activities and Amenities

The White Pearl is mostly a diving liveaboard; only one guest did not dive during our trip.

It is, however, larger and more comfortable than many other boats. This is a liveaboard that goes beyond the standard dive-eat-sleep-repeat routine, providing guests with plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy the Maldives above the waterline. The weather was so bad during our trip that none of the watersport activities or excursions could be organized, but I still list them below as regular trips have them.

 

The Pool / Jacuzzi

The White Pearl has a 7-meter jacuzzi, which is great for refreshing yourself while onboard. There are also plenty of sunbeds and lounge chairs all around the boat.

Watersports

The white pearl is equipped with Kayaks and standup paddleboards. There is even a JetSki onboard. Watersport activities were offered twice during the trip. ( none during our trip due to weather)

The Spa Experience

Speaking of massages, the White Pearl’s dedicated spa room takes relaxation to another level. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try the massage, so I can’t report on its quality.

Excursions and Special Events

The Whitepearl also organizes island visits and top deck barbecues when the weather allows it.

Review of the Food on the white pearl liveaboard

While you can’t expect gastronomic food on a liveaboard, the dining experience on the White Pearl is very good. Each meal used simple ingredients but was very well-cooked. The three chefs onboard clearly put a lot of effort into each meal. They offered various options and were great at catering to different dietary preferences.

Every meal always had a massive plate of fruit, and they were delicious.

The chef was very attentive to dietary requirements and preferences

Breakfast

Breakfast was served buffet-style, with various options to start the day. In addition to the usual offerings of bread, pastries, and fruit, there was a live egg station where you could order eggs in any style. The dish selection changed daily, from traditional Maldivian dishes to croissants, smoked salmon, hash browns, and sausages…

 

Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinner were served buffet-style, featuring an impressive array of dishes at each meal. There was always a selection of salads and vegetables and several main courses, typically including both meat and fish options. The variety of dishes was appreciated, ranging from European to local Maldivian cuisine, including fresh fish, lobsters, beef tenderloin, curries, and pizzas. Approximately half of the passengers in our group were from China, and they also enjoyed unique Chinese dishes such as hotpots and noodles.

Drinks and Beverages

The White Pearl offers a range of drinks, from basic tea and coffee to a full bar selection. The espresso machine was a nice touch, though it came with an additional charge. For those who prefer something stronger, the bartenders were more than capable of mixing up various cocktails. Alcoholic beverages and sodas were not included in the trip price, but there was a good selection of wines, beers, and spirits available for purchase, and the price was not excessive for the Maldives. A beer was between 5 and 7 USD and cocktails were 10-15 USD ( you need to approximately 20$ % taxes and services)

Tea and instant coffee were provided for free throughout the day. A great selection of snacks was always available. I especially liked the candy corner—great for those with a sweet tooth!

The passengers on the white pearl liveaboard

We were 22 passengers on board for this trip. About half of the group came from China, as the boat is Chinese-owned, and half is from Europe. All the dive briefings and communications were done in English.

A few families were on board, couples were on honeymoon, and people were traveling alone. The age ranged from 10 to over 70. It was a fun and diverse group. The time spent onboard while waiting for the bad weather to pass probably brought us closer together, as we had lots of time to chat while looking at the rain.

Overview of the itinerary during our White Pearl Liveaboard cruise in the central Maldives

I made the trip during the second week of August, and to say we were unlucky with the weather was an understatement. It rained all day, every day, with strong winds and often heavy waves. We were very unlucky with the weather. The central Maldives was placed on orange alerts, and a month’s worth of rain fell in three days, creating flooding and other problems on the island. We saw the sun for about 5 hours over the whole week! The strong waves prevented us from diving for some days, made reaching some of the best dive sites difficult, and reduced the visibility underwater.

Even though August is considered the rainy season, I have done five cruises in the Maldives in the past in August and September; while we would get occasional rain, we never got weather as bad as this, so I don’t want to discourage anyone from traveling to the Maldives in August. I want to explain the situation so that you can see the itinerary I describe below is not typical.

Despite this, the White Pearl team did a great job of taking us diving. It was challenging, as the dhoni had to jump through waves to reach the dive site. While many boats would have canceled the dives, the White Pearl team worked extra hard to make diving possible and canceled only dives when the conditions were too extreme.

It is also worth noting that if you have to be on a boat during a storm, the White Pearl is probably the best boat to be on. It is the largest boat in the Maldives, and it felt very stable. In addition, the cabin with the large panoramic windows makes it more bearable to be stuck inside all day when all the dives are canceled, and you can’t step outside.

Day 1: Boarding and discovering the boat

The first day was very lazy, as there was no diving. We just spent the day discovering the boat, getting our gear ready, and meeting other passengers. The boat stayed anchored near the airport overnight.

Day 2 – The best check dive in the world? – Tiger, Bull, Spinner, guitar, black oceanic, and nurse sharks all in one day!

Neru Mati Dive Site

We kicked off our adventure with a check dive at Neru Mati, and let me tell you, this might qualify as the best check dive in the world! Nestled just outside the harbor entrance, this unique site has some history—local fishermen used to clean their catches here after returning from the sea. As a result, the area is now teeming with life, making it a diver’s paradise.

The dive begins at the harbor seawall, where the reef slopes gently from 5 meters down to around 18 meters before giving way to a soft, sandy bottom. While you wouldn’t come here for the coral quality, the sheer abundance of marine life more than makes up for it. Picture this: vibrant butterflyfish darting among schools of surgeonfish and blue triggerfish, filling the water with bursts of color and motion.

We descended through a swirling mass of stingrays and marble rays—nearly 100 of them—gliding effortlessly alongside swift trevallies. It was a mesmerizing start to the dive, and it only got better as we made our way deeper into the sandy expanse, pushing toward the open blue.

As if the scene wasn’t surreal enough, we soon spotted a few guitar sharks patrolling the area, their distinctive shapes moving gracefully over the seabed. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more thrilling, a tiger shark appeared from the depths, its powerful silhouette passing close by. Our excitement reached new heights as a giant bull shark joined the action, followed by the elegant spirals of spinner sharks.

But the true highlight was still to come—a jaw-dropping school of around 20 oceanic blacktip sharks. They moved as a collective force, effortlessly cutting through the water. It was a sight that will be etched in our memories for a lifetime.

What a dive! From abundant marine life to exhilarating encounters with apex predators, Neru Mati delivered an unforgettable experience.

The second dive was at Guraidhoo Manta Point, a site where mantas often hang out. Unfortunately, they were not there today, and the strong wind and waves made the visibility bad.

Alimata is a dive site defined by its impressive channel, known locally as a “Kandoo.” It’s famous for a large jetty where, for years, the resort restaurant would toss fish scraps into the water to attract sharks. This practice led to a thriving colony of nurse sharks, drawn to the easy feeding ground. However, when the resort closed during the COVID pandemic, some sharks dispersed, but many remained, making it a spectacular site for shark encounters.

The reef begins at a shallow 4 or 5 meters before gradually dropping to about 17 meters, offering a smooth descent for divers. Nurse sharks are nocturnal predators; during the day, they often rest under the shadow of the jetty. Our dive started around 5 PM, just as these gentle giants began to stir. As we drifted along the reef, we passed a school of over 30 nurse sharks lazily swimming through the channel.

The visibility that day wasn’t ideal—at times, it was reduced to just 4 or 5 meters, which added an extra element of thrill. The murky water made for an unpredictable dive, as these enormous sharks would suddenly emerge from the gloom, often much closer than expected. At one point, I was completely startled when a large nurse shark surged up behind me and brushed against me—it was both exhilarating and unnerving!

Throughout the entire dive, nurse sharks were our constant companions. The sheer number of them and their proximity made it an unforgettable experience, even with the limited visibility.

There was quite a lot of coral bleaching since my last trip to the Maldives 2 years ago, and all sites seemed to have been affected. Hopefully,  the water temperature goes down and they can recover quickly

Tip: If you’re staying here at night, check the water around the back of your boat after dinner. Nurse sharks are known to congregate there, using the boat’s lights to hunt for fish—a spectacular sight you won’t want to miss.

Day 3 – Storm and Wreck

The weather on Day 3 continued to be rough, with strong winds and heavy rain battering the boat. Unfortunately, the conditions were too harsh for our scheduled morning dive, forcing us to cancel. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely morning on board as we made our way toward Ari Atoll. Despite the stormy skies outside, the spacious panoramic windows in the cabins made the journey surprisingly pleasant. The natural light still filtered through, keeping the rooms bright and inviting, even amidst the dreariness of the weather.

By 11:30 AM, we reached Ari Atoll, and the weather had calmed enough for us to gear up for our first dive of the day. We headed straight to the Machafushi Wreck, where the MV Kudhimaa, one of the largest wrecks in the Maldives, lies submerged. This wreck lies on a sandy bottom, with the bottom resting at depths of around 30 to 35 meters, while the upper structure sits at approximately 18 meters.

Diving into the wreck is a thrilling experience, but a word of advice: if you plan to explore its shadowy interior, a torch is essential. The deeper sections are dark, with narrow passageways that are best navigated with a beam of light. Near the propellers, we were treated to sightings of ribbon eels weaving gracefully through the water. This site is also good for macro enthusiasts; with a keen eye, you can spot nudibranchs and well-camouflaged stonefish nestled among the wreckage. The wreck itself is adorned with stunning soft corals in beautiful pastel hues, creating an otherworldly scene.

Later in the day, we embarked on our final dive at Digurah Arch, a site known for occasional manta ray sightings. Although luck wasn’t on our side this time, and no mantas made an appearance, we were still greeted by the charming sight of a few baby sharks casually patrolling the bottom.

Day 4 – One nice dive with tons of fish before the storms strengthen again

We awoke on Day 4 to a glorious sight—sunshine! After three days of battling stormy weather, the warmth of the sun felt like a gift, instantly lifting our spirits and bringing renewed excitement for the day ahead.

Our morning dive took us to Kudarah Thila dive site, a spectacular site that showcases the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives. In diving terms, a “Thila” refers to a submerged pinnacle, with its top resting below 5 meters of water. If the pinnacle rises higher, closer to the surface, it’s known as a “Giri.” At Kudarah Thila, the pinnacle’s peak lies at a depth of around 15 meters, making it a perfect spot for intermediate divers to explore.

Descending to around 18 meters, we encountered a series of massive stone blocks that seemed to naturally connect the structure of the reef. The coral here is incredibly colorful, with bright and thriving colonies decorating the entire site. There has been quite a lot of bleaching in the Maldives this year, but it seems Kurarah Thila resisted a bit better than other dive sites.  As we ventured deeper to around 30 meters, we were greeted by large, graceful sea fans swaying gently with the current, adding a sense of grandeur to the dive.

Kudarah Thila is also renowned for its beautiful overhangs, entirely blanketed in soft corals of various shades. These formations provide shelter to countless species. The most impressive is the massive school of bright yellow snappers swirling in schools around us. As we continued exploring, we watched tunas and jackfish hunting in the early morning light—a dynamic spectacle of speed and precision.

Unfortunately, the sunshine didn’t last long. By the afternoon, the weather had turned once again, and the deteriorating conditions forced us to cancel our remaining dives. While disappointing, the brief respite of sunshine was enough to make the morning dive feel like a complete success.

As the day ended, we were treated to a fleeting glimpse of a sunset peeking through the clouds. And, to top it all off, a rainbow arched across the sky—a hopeful reminder that even amidst the unpredictable weather, moments of beauty are never far away.

Day 5: navigating through the storm

The storm was getting worse, and the team decided to cancel all the dives for the day and navigate back to Male while the weather still allowed it.

It was a rough trip, with things flying left and right and many broken glasses and moving furniture.

Tip: If rough weather is expected, secure everything in your cabins, as bigger waves can be unexpected.

I was glad to be on the White Pearl, as it is much more stable than many of the smaller liveaboards in the Maldives. We spent the day indoors, as it rained the whole day, and I enjoyed the view from the panoramic windows of my cabin.

It is worth noting that everyone stayed calm despite the bad conditions. The chefs even managed to cook us a delicious lunch upon our arrival back in Male.

 

Day 6 – Stuck in Male with More Shark Action and Mantas!

We found ourselves again in Male, spending five out of our seven-day cruise near the capital. By now, the weather’s unpredictability had become a familiar challenge. We woke up at 6:30 AM, but the plan for the day was still unclear, as strong winds and evolving conditions kept everyone on edge.

Despite the uncertainty, the crew seized the opportunity for a dive and organized a trip to Neru Mati dive site ,the same site where we had done the fantastic check dive on the first day. Once again, this dive site did not disappoint—it was packed with adrenaline and action from start to finish. We encountered several guitar sharks gracefully patrolling the area and spinner sharks darting through the blue. One of the sharks, however, was particularly agitated and came a little too close for comfort, giving us a real rush!

Thankfully, the weather held steady, and we were able to move on to our second dive at Lankan Beyru Manta Point, located on the southern tip of the island. The reef here is dotted with overhangs and caves that line the slope. The reef starts shallow, at around 2 or 3 meters, before sloping down to a depth of about 20 meters, where a broad plateau stretches into deeper waters.

At around 20 meters, we found numerous coral bommies that serve as cleaning stations for the mantas. These bommies were buzzing with life, including swarms of yellow snappers hanging around the cleaning areas, waiting for their turn. We were fortunate on this dive—the mantas appeared almost immediately and stayed with us throughout the entire dive. It was an incredible experience to watch these majestic creatures gliding effortlessly above us, circling back time and time again.

 

While diving, I noticed several people stepping on the coral. It’s important to remember that even if it’s a young coral in a rocky area, it’s still trying to grow. Given the ongoing coral bleaching, it’s crucial to give them the best chance to regrow and avoid stepping on them.

Unfortunately, the day took a turn for the worse for me after this magical encounter. Shortly after surfacing, I began to feel the telltale signs of decompression sickness. I went to the hospital in Male, where I spent the next three days undergoing treatment in and out of the decompression chamber. My decompression sickness accident had nothing to do with the White Pearl team, as all our dives were very safe, following the recommended limits and safety stops. My dive guide, Alexia, was very professional and even accompanied me to the hospital. This accident meant I had to miss the last day of diving, but I was grateful to be in good hands and on the road to recovery. I was due to join the Sachika liveaboard for a week, but unfortunately, I had to cancel the trip to spend time in the decompression chamber.

Day 7 – More sharks and mantas in Male

While I was in the decompression chamber, the team continued to dive around Male. On the last day, they dove Nerumati twice and the Manta point one more time.

Day 8 – Disembarkation and departure

The disembarkation was at 7:30 am. After a full breakfast, we all made our way to the Dhoni to get to the airport.

Tip: You want to get a flight in the morning because the Male airport doesn’t allow you to check in more than 3 hours before your flight, and there isn’t really a nice place to wait at the airport.

If you have a night flight, I recommend getting a room in the Hullumale area, which allows you to drop your bags and enjoy the Hullumale beach for the day.

Final Thoughts: The White Pearl Liveaboard Experience

 

In conclusion, my week aboard the White Pearl was full of adventure. The White Pearl sets a new standard for liveaboard experiences in the Maldives. It offers unparalleled luxury and comfort service, making it one of the best options for those looking to explore the Maldives in style.

The White Pearl is ideal for divers who want to enjoy more than just the underwater world. With its spa, fitness facilities, and numerous non-diving activities, it’s an excellent option for those who want a well-rounded vacation. Despite the large group size, diving is well-organized and showcases the best of what the Maldives offers.

To book your adventure on the White Pearl, visit their website here.

If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives and want to explore other liveaboard options, check out my reviews of the ScubaSpa, Duke of York liveaboard, and the Blueforce One liveaboard.

The Maafushivaru resort offers a luxurious retreat after a week of diving for those looking to extend their stay on land. Explore our list of Popular Diving Hotels for the ultimate underwater getaway.