August - October

Please note:  We recommend that you are a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent to get the most out of this trip but you do not need a minimum number of dives to join. You should be comfortable with drift dives. Currents can be strong. All your diving is made from a zodiac to give precise entry and exits points. Please note: the maximum depth for diving in the Maldives is 30m.

This special itinerary has been chosen to run when the manta are most prolific between August and October. Flying from Male to the northern atoll of Baa (Hanifaru Bay) we head south to Ari Atoll, returning to Male.

Baa Atoll is home to Hanifaru Lagoon where you can snorkel with the manta and whalesharks that come to feed on the plankton in this shallow lagoon. Of course, sightings can't be guaranteed but joining us at this time of year means your chances are really high! Baa Atoll is also home to many pinnacles, overhangs and alternative manta sites.
Rasdhoo and Maya Thila promise some memorable diving with hammerheads, grey reefs and white tip sharks. And be sure to do the night dive on this trip!

You can combine this itinerary with our Manta, Whaleshark & Wrecks - North, which is the outward trip but calling at different sites, making an exciting two week safari covering eight atolls.

Itinerary Highlights

Baa Atoll: Hanifaru Bay and other great dive sites

Thodhoo Atoll: Oceanic dive

Rasdhoo Atoll: Hammerhead Dive, Beautiful Reef with Pelagics

North Ari Atoll: Grey Reef Sharks, Maaya Thila Night Dive, Multiple Manta Cleaning Stations

South Ari Atoll: Whalesharks, Beautiful Pinnacles

Please note: This itinerary is at the Cruise Director's discretion based on the weather and current conditions to ensure you get the most possible interactions with manta and whalesharks.