DUNE Black Manta · Maldives · 8 Days / 7 Nights
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with DUNE Black Manta Liveaboard, exploring the breathtaking Central Atolls of the Maldives. This journey offers a spectacular blend of diving and cultural immersion. Guests will explore vibrant coral reefs, encountering diverse marine life such as manta rays and sharks, and have the chance to discover the natural beauty of the Maldivian culture and its rich traditions. The trip balances thrilling underwater encounters with topside relaxation and discovery, including daily yoga sessions and local island visits.
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, a DUNE representative will transfer guests to the liveaboard. After settling into cabins, a welcome briefing will be provided by the Cruise Manager. Dinner is served on board, and the vessel remains docked at Hulhumalé marina for the first night.
The voyage begins with exciting dives in either North or South Malé Atoll, exploring vibrant long reefs teeming with corals and diverse reef fish. Throughout the months of May to November, there's an opportunity to encounter manta rays. The boat then cruises to Vaavu Atoll for a memorable night dive, where divers can witness the thrilling feeding frenzy of nurse sharks, stingrays, and jacks.
Diving in Vaavu Atoll reveals a diverse underwater landscape characterized by small caves, extensive overhangs, and coral-covered walls. This area is frequently visited by titan triggerfish, grey reef sharks, tunas, and barracudas. The journey then continues west towards South Ari Atoll, known for its beautiful pinnacles and opportunities to encounter larger marine species.
This day focuses on the marine protected area of South Ari Atoll, a renowned aggregation site for whale sharks. The crew actively searches for these gentle giants, offering guests the chance to snorkel or dive alongside them. The atoll also features numerous 'thilas' (pinnacles) and wrecks, providing habitats for grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and moray eels. Depending on conditions, a visit to a local island may be arranged before dinner.
The cruise heads north, offering one last opportunity to spot whale sharks before entering North Ari Atoll. This region is characterized by wider channels and deeper waters, attracting grey and whitetip reef sharks. The evening provides a special experience, either a barbecue dinner on a deserted island or a themed Maldivian night aboard the vessel.
North Ari Atoll is celebrated for its many manta ray cleaning stations, dramatic pinnacles, and vibrant wrecks. Among the diverse marine life, divers may encounter eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and impressive aggregations of snappers and batfish. The day culminates in an extraordinary manta night dive, offering a chance to witness these massive rays feeding under the illumination of the divers' lights.
After a final dive in North Ari Atoll, the ship retraces its course to North Malé Atoll. This region features stunning long reefs, small caves, and colorful corals, supporting prolific pelagic and reef life. Divers can look for smaller treasures like squirrelfish, bannerfish, oriental sweetlips, frogfish, and nudibranchs. In the afternoon, the vessel returns to the marina for the last night on board.
The trip concludes on the final morning. Following breakfast, the crew will arrange for guests' transfers to the airport for their journey home, filled with wonderful memories of their Maldivian adventure. The team is also available to assist with planning for any onward travel or activities.