Question Where to go for 1 week before central atolls liveaboard

[OctopusLover]

As stated in the title, I'll be in Maldives in December, have a liveaboard already booked that starts/ends in Male ("Best of Maldives classic"). I have another week before and after, would like to do more diving the week before and relax the week after. I've read a lot about Fuvahmulah, I'm open to it but also not super thrilled to spend a week watching sharks being fed. Open to any suggestions, but avoid resorts and expensive areas.

 

[JustSurfaceInterval]

Oh.. that my open the can of worms... Any hint re budget?
Anyway... if you don't mind the domestic flight and seeing again Whale Sharks and Mantas, have a look at Dhigurah (Boutique Beach) or perhaps Rasdhoo (Speed boat transfer).
Saying that, i know that these may duplicate some of your dives you already have on our LOB itinary. But, is there something like too many Whale Sharks?

 

[scubajasonr]

I have a week booked on Fuildhoo prior to a liveaboard later this year. I haven't been before, but feedback I have read seems good, the price for accommodation and diving is pretty reasonable and comms with the dive shop have been very professional.

 

[Jay_Remi]

I would recommend that you stay in a local island, in South Ari (Dhigurah- very popular with tourists, so more expensive than its closeby island Dhangheti. The long beach in Dhigurah is out of this world.
In this area (Sout Ari atoll), you have access to very nice dive sites. (some of which you will have done with your LOB.

Another solid option is Ukulhas (located in North Ari). It is close to really great dive sites. Very nice homestays and B&B there. Both North and South Ari are 2/3 hours away by speedboats. Very easy to reach.

I would skip Fuvahmulah, diving there is hit or miss, and there is the questionable tiger zoo there.

Another option is North Male atoll: Thulusdhoo is a good option and close to some nice dive sites (less spectacular than Ari though)

You can also go to South Male atoll. If partying and mingling with lots of tourists is your thing: Maafushi would be an obvious choice. It's close to one of my favorite dive site: Kandooma thila. If more laid back: Gulhi. But it's really quiet island.

FInally, you have Vaavu atoll, which has some good options. Fulidhoo. is quite popular with divers. It's a quiet local island though.

If you want to splurge a little bit, I would warmly recommend Plumeria resort in Thinadhoo. The quality of food and rooms is really the best I have seen in a local island. Diving in this area is very nice too.