Which central atolls for land-based in early March?

[dumpsterpurrs]

I'm thinking of hopping over to the Maldives around end of Feb, perhaps spending 1-2 weeks there. Just want to do some pretty and fishy diving on an extreme budget. Where would you recommend me to go without taking domestic flights (so just public ferries and scheduled speed boats)? Land-based seems cheaper than LOB, all of which have prohibitive costs.

South Male Atoll: after landing in MLE, I can take the speed boat to Guraidhoo.
Vaavu Atoll: transfer from Guraidhoo by public ferries via Maafushi. to Fulidhoo.
North Ari Atoll: transfer from Guraidhoo via Male to Radshoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri.
South Ari Atoll: transfer from Guraidhoo via Male to Omadhoo.

I can do Guraidhoo + another local island, or Guraidhoo + a LOB, or a LOB + a different local island. Which ones would you recommend? Is there any LOB I can board after 9PM from Male?

 

[adamdivedate]

If you factor in the price of accommodation, domestic flights, food, and diving, it's honestly not that much cheaper. And you get so much more out of your trip by doing a liveaboard. We have a group going at the end of March for 7 nights for about $2k for the week. Not sure if that is in your budget but you could join us and then do a week in Fuvahmulah to see some tiger sharks.