CALL01353 659999

Maldives Manta Ray Extravaganza

Join us for an incredible adventure exploring the northern atolls and immersing yourself amongst the manta rays of Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Conservationist and cameraman Danny Copeland will be on board leading our exclusive group trip to the Maldives for a manta ray extravaganza! Starting and ending in Malé, the 10 night liveaboard safari includes plenty of diving time around the Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani atolls, but the highlight is spending time snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay during the annual aggregation.

 

Aerial of boat and manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the Maldives. Image by Danny Copeland

Underwater photographer snorkelling with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the Maldives. Image by Danny Copeland

 

The trip is timed to take place around the time of the full moon when numbers of mantas and feeding activity are at their peak. In addition to mantas, we can also expect encounters with whale sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, reef fish and critters, with plenty of reefs and overhangs to explore too. 


A passionate advocate for our oceans, Danny Copeland has visited Hanifaru Bay during the annual aggregation on several occasions, some as a member of the Maldivian Manta Ray Project team. Working alongside world-leading marine scientists, Danny's experience and expertise lies in multimedia, creating digital content to aid marine conservation. A fantastic person to have on board, Danny will enthuse guests about the reef manta ray population of the Maldives as well as helping with photography and videography skills. You will be encouraged to get involved as citizen scientists by uploading images to IDtheManta, an online database created to aid the research and conservation of manta rays throughout the world.

 

Moonima liveaboard at sea in the Maldives

Danny Copeland

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Small group trip with exclusive dive itinerary
  • Close encounters with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay
  • Additional megafauna encounters during annual aggregation
  • Services and underwater photography tuition from Danny Copeland 

We stay on board the Moonima liveaboard, a traditional Maldivian boat which hosts up to 18 guests. The ten contemporary cabins are located on the upper and lower decks. All feature air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. Both double and twin bed configuration are available. There's plenty of space and places to relax on board the 30 metre long boat. 

 

Whilst in the northern atolls we enjoy 2-3 dives a day where we can photograph the underwater life of these seldom visited atolls. In the evenings Danny will host presentations on the ecology, behaviour and conservation of the reef manta rays found in the Maldives. Danny can also provide underwater photography guidance, and help prepare cameras for our encounters with Hanifaru Bay's manta rays.

 

DATES & PRICES

11 Sep 2024

From £3650 per person

 

INCLUDES

  • Return flights from the UK
  • 10 nights on Moonima liveaboard
  • Twin share/double cabin
  • All meals
  • 2-3 dives a day
  • Tanks and weights
  • Snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay
  • Services of expert Danny Copeland
  • Transfers in Malé

View all our Maldives diving holidays

×