Hammerhead & Whale Shark Encounters: EcoPro Seascape, Deep South Liveaboard 04–15 Feb 2026
- Alexandra Brandt
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of leaving Male behind and setting a course for Gan. This February, 28 of us gathered on the EcoPro Seascape for an 11-day journey through the best channels the Maldives have to offer.
From the first afternoon, the deck was buzzing. Between guests getting their tanks ready and others stepping into Nitrox courses to prep for the southern waters, the excitement for the trip ahead was real.
Hammerheads & Grey Reef Shark Walls: Fotteyo, Viligili, Kooddoo
Our first big highlight happened early on at Fotteyo. Dropping into the deep blue and watching the distinctive shapes of hammerhead sharks emerge from the shadows is a moment that never gets old. It’s the kind of experience that has everyone talking at once as soon as we’re back on the boat.
As we pushed further south, the action only got better. At Viligili and Kooddoo, we spent our dives watching a massive "wall" of grey reef sharks hanging effortlessly in the current. To top it off, a group of about 20 eagle rays glided past us with total grace. With the visibility being so clear, it felt like we had a front-row seat to the best show in the Indian Ocean.
Whale Shark Night Sighting & Manta Magic: Fahala & Muli Corner
One of the best things about a Maldives Deep South Liveaboard trip is the unexpected visitors. While we were anchored at Fahala, we kept the lights on at the back of the boat, hoping for a whale shark. When one finally cruised into the light, the whole group was up on deck, mesmerized.
The "gentle giants" didn't stop there. At Muli Corner, four manta rays spent a good chunk of the dive with us. It was a nice change of pace from the high-energy channel drifts – just us, the mantas, and a few stingrays hanging out in the blue.
Beach Breaks & Group Fun: Volleyball and Island Celebrations
While the diving was world-class, the time we spent on land was just as much fun.
We made the most of the remote islands along the route to Gan. One afternoon, we headed to a stretch of white sand for a proper beach break. We got a serious game of beach volleyball going. It was the perfect way to burn off some energy after dives and share a few laughs away from the dive deck.
We also took the chance to celebrate a guest's birthday under the stars, which really brought the whole group of 28 together. By the time we reached Gan, we weren't just a group of divers; we were a crew of friends.
Sustainable Deep South Diving: Zero Plastic, Ocean Respect
Throughout the journey, we kept our focus on sustainable liveaboard diving. Whether it was chatting about why the local fish factories attract so many sharks or making sure we kept our plastic footprint to zero, we wanted to make sure we left these southern atolls exactly as we found them. It’s about more than just the "big stuff" – it’s about respecting the ocean that gives us these incredible experiences.
Ready for the ultimate southern crossing? If you’re looking for big fish action, a great community, and a crew that loves the ocean as much as you do, the EcoPro Maldives Liveaboard is the place to be.
Join us for our next trip in Maldives!
We'll be glad to welcome you aboard with us.
Your EcoProDivers Team
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