DUNE Black Manta · Maldives · 10 nights
Join the DUNE Black Manta liveaboard for an unforgettable diving journey across the South Atolls of the Maldives. Starting in North Malé, South Malé, and Vaavu Atolls, this itinerary introduces a variety of marine life including sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and abundant reef gardens. The adventure continues through Thaa and Laamu Atolls, offering vibrant reefs and large schools of fish. Experience a perfect blend of adventure and comfort aboard the Black Manta.
A DUNE representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the boat. Once onboard, you'll receive a comprehensive briefing about the cruise, the ship's organization, and the details of your adventure. The first night is spent in the Hulhumalé marina, with dinner served on board and check-in at 3:00 PM.
The journey begins by exploring the long reefs of North Malé Atoll. Corals are abundant here, providing an exceptional home for many fish and smaller creatures. Afterward, the vessel sails to Vaavu Atoll to get straight into the heart of the adventure, where there's nothing more exciting than watching sharks and jacks.
In addition to the exceptional topography and marine life, Vaavu Atoll also offers excellent channel diving. The area is known for current-swept channels and overhangs covered in soft corals. Expect encounters with grey sharks, whitetip sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse.
Today's journey continues south, exploring the diverse topography of channels and thilas. These areas often feature vibrant coral gardens and dramatic overhangs. Divers commonly encounter reef sharks, schools of jack fish, and eagle rays, and there's a possibility of encountering a whale shark during night dives in Thaa Atoll.
Laamu Atoll is characterized by dynamic drift dives and deep channels that often attract sharks, rays, and jack crevalle. Divers can also discover intact caves and spectacular drop-offs. The central lagoon is known for hosting large schools of parrotfish, triggerfish, and turtles.
North Gaafu Atoll, the largest atoll in the south of the Maldives, is a true paradise for shark enthusiasts. The area is known for encounters with grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and silver tip sharks. Specific channels like Viilingili Kandu and Khoodoo Kandu are among the most famous for shark encounters in this atoll.
After a final dive in Viilingili Kandu, the journey continues south, exploring the distinct channels of Gaafu Atoll. These channels are known for offering exciting drift dives and showcasing beautiful coral gardens. The day promises dynamic encounters and vibrant reef ecosystems.
The south of Gaafu Atoll offers a wide array of channels and rich coral life, providing exceptional diving experiences. The area is known for frequent encounters with dolphins and opportunities to spot various shark species during drift dives in Mareecha Channel. The day concludes with an overnight navigation to Fuvahmulah.
Fuvahmulah is an isolated island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, making it a hotspot for large pelagic species. Divers have the unique opportunity to encounter tiger sharks, oceanic manta rays, and more. Expect a full day of three unforgettable dives in this dynamic and rich environment.
Depending on local regulations, the day includes 2 to 3 dives in the Addu Atoll. This region offers a chance to encounter manta rays and explore a well-preserved wreck. It provides a unique blend of marine life encounters and historical exploration.
The final day of the trip involves arranging transfer back to the airport according to your flight schedule. Guests will have breakfast on board before disembarkation. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.