Carpe Novo · Maldives · 10 nights
This Manta Madness itinerary explores the diverse atolls of the Maldives, famed for their rich pelagic life and vibrant reef formations. The journey focuses on key dive regions including Ari, South Male, Rasdhoo, Vaavu, Raa, and Baa Atolls, offering opportunities to encounter manta rays, whale sharks, and various pelagic species. Divers will experience a mix of thila and channel dives, with potential for thrilling night dives and unique marine encounters throughout the trip.
Guests arrive at Dharavandhoo domestic airport, where they receive a warm welcome, briefing, and necessary documents. Check-out dives may be possible today, depending on the timings of domestic flights and arrival.
Today's dives focus on the renowned Baa Atoll, particularly Hanifaru Bay, which is famous for large gatherings of manta rays and occasional whale sharks, particularly during the summertime. The area is characterized by coral-rich reefs and channels, where nutrient-rich waters attract abundant marine life. Divers can expect drift dives with good visibility and potential pelagic sightings.
Dive sites: Hanifaru Bay
Continuing exploration of the Raa and Baa Atolls, divers will experience varied dive sites known for pelagic species and distinctive reef formations. The region often features vibrant coral gardens and dramatic underwater landscapes, providing habitats for a wide array of reef fish and larger marine animals. Currents can be moderate, offering opportunities for exciting drift dives along the channels.
The day is dedicated to Rasdhoo Atoll, specifically sites like Rasdhoo-Madivaru, which are celebrated for their pelagic encounters and beautifully structured reef formations. This area typically offers strong currents that attract schooling fish and larger predators, making for dynamic dives. Visibility is generally excellent, enhancing the experience of spotting sharks and other pelagic life.
Dive sites: Rasdhoo-Madivaru
Today's diving explores North Ari Atoll, particularly focusing on the impressive thilas, which are underwater pinnacles teeming with marine life. These thilas are often exposed to currents, attracting schools of reef fish and various pelagic species. The topography includes vibrant coral growth, making for picturesque and diverse dive experiences. Visibility is typically very good, allowing for clear views of the busy underwater ecosystems.
Dive sites: Thila
The expedition continues to South Ari Atoll, an area renowned for snorkeling and diving with whale sharks throughout the year. The calm waters often feature channels and reef edges where these majestic creatures feed. The day may also include a famous night dive at Alimatha, offering an incredible opportunity to observe numerous nurse sharks in their natural habitat.
Dive sites: Alimatha
On this penultimate day, the route moves through Vaavu Atoll and towards South Male Atoll, with a focus on exhilarating channel dives. These channels are known for strong currents that attract abundant pelagic life, including various shark species and schooling fish. Divers can expect dynamic conditions and potential encounters with larger marine fauna as the trip approaches its conclusion.
m. in Male. This early departure is necessary to prepare the vessel for its next cruise. Divers are recommended to adhere to a 24-hour no-fly period after their last dive.
Continuing the journey through Vaavu Atoll and towards South Male Atoll, the dives today will focus on exhilarating channel dives. These channels are known for strong currents that attract abundant pelagic life, including various shark species and schooling fish. Divers can expect dynamic conditions and potential encounters with larger marine fauna. Today's diving continues in Vaavu Atoll and South Male Atoll, focusing on their famed channel dives. These sites are characterized by strong currents, which are ideal for spotting various pelagic species and large schools of fish. Expect vibrant coral ecosystems and opportunities for exciting drift dives.
Continuing the journey through Vaavu Atoll and towards South Male Atoll, the dives today will focus on exhilarating channel dives. These channels are known for strong currents that attract abundant pelagic life, including various shark species and schooling fish. Divers can expect dynamic conditions and potential encounters with larger marine fauna. Today's diving continues in Vaavu Atoll and South Male Atoll, focusing on their famed channel dives. These sites are characterized by strong currents, which are ideal for spotting various pelagic species and large schools of fish. Expect vibrant coral ecosystems and opportunities for exciting drift dives.
After breakfast, guests prepare to leave the vessel in Male, Maldives with disembarkation Check out at 8 am. The crew assists with departure arrangements and onward airport transfers where applicable.