DUNE Black Manta · Maldives · 10 nights
Embark on an unforgettable diving journey through the Southern Atolls of the Maldives aboard the DUNE Black Manta. This route, starting from Malé and concluding in Gan, explores a diverse range of marine environments, from vibrant reefs and peaceful dive sites to thrilling encounters in dynamic channels. Expect a balance between exciting currents and rich pelagic action, with opportunities to spot sharks, manta rays, and other large species. The journey offers a blend of adventure and comfort, featuring onboard massages and a jacuzzi.
Upon arrival in Malé, a DUNE representative will meet guests at the airport and transfer them to the boat. After setting up in cabins, a welcome briefing will be held, followed by dinner. Check-in is available from 3:00 PM, with an optional airport pickup service.
The journey begins by exploring the extensive reefs of North Malé Atoll, renowned for their vibrant corals and diverse smaller marine life. Heading south, the expedition transitions to Vaavu Atoll, an area celebrated for its rich currents that attract a variety of pelagic species. Divers can anticipate exciting drift dives and encounters with sharks, rays, and jacks.
Continuing through the central Atolls, this day focuses on the unique topography of Vaavu and Meemu Atolls. The dive sites in these areas often feature sheer walls, exhilarating overhangs, and swim-throughs adorned with soft corals. These conditions are conducive to encountering a great variety of marine life, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and schooling snappers.
The expedition progresses southward into the channels and thilas of Meemu and Thaa Atolls, known for their abundant hard and soft corals. These rich environments provide ideal habitats for a variety of reef fish and offer chances to spot pelagic species such as grey reef sharks, jackfish, and eagle rays. Thaa Atoll is particularly noted for its potential encounters with hammerhead sharks.
The journey continues south, traversing Thaa, Laamu, and into the northern part of Gaafu Atoll. Laamu Atoll is characterized by dynamic drift dives through deep channels and vibrant coral gardens, attracting various pelagic species like sharks, jacks, and tunas. Intact caves and drop-offs are often explored, providing diverse topographic features. The central lagoon is also known to host large schools of triggerfish and parrotfish.
Gaafu Atoll, one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, is a prime destination for shark enthusiasts. Divers can expect encounters with a variety of shark species, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, silver tip sharks, and black tip sharks. Specific channels like Viligili Kandu and Khoodoo Kandu are particularly renowned for their shark populations. Following an exciting dive in Viligili Kandu, the expedition continues its southern trajectory, exploring more of Gaafu Atoll's diverse channels. These drift dives offer opportunities to admire beautiful coral gardens and encounter thrilling marine life. The area is known for its strong currents which attract a wide array of pelagic fish and reef inhabitants.
Dive sites: Viligili Kandu, Khoodoo Kandu
Gaafu Atoll, one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, is a prime destination for shark enthusiasts. Divers can expect encounters with a variety of shark species, including grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, silver tip sharks, and black tip sharks. Specific channels like Viligili Kandu and Khoodoo Kandu are particularly renowned for their shark populations. Following an exciting dive in Viligili Kandu, the expedition continues its southern trajectory, exploring more of Gaafu Atoll's diverse channels. These drift dives offer opportunities to admire beautiful coral gardens and encounter thrilling marine life. The area is known for its strong currents which attract a wide array of pelagic fish and reef inhabitants.
Dive sites: Viligili Kandu, Khoodoo Kandu
The southern part of Gaafu Atoll offers a rich array of channels and vibrant coral reefs, providing excellent opportunities for varied diving experiences. Divers may have strong chances of encountering dolphins and sailfish, particularly during drift dives in Mareeha Channel. After exploring the southern reaches of Gaafu, the boat will proceed towards Fuvahmulah.
Dive sites: Mareeha Channel
Fuvahmulah, an isolated atoll in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its exceptional pelagic encounters. It is one of the few places where divers can reliably encounter tiger sharks, oceanic manta rays, and other large open-ocean species. A full day is dedicated to exploring this unique and thrilling destination.
On the penultimate day, the expedition arrives at Addu Atoll. This atoll offers diverse dive opportunities, including encounters with manta rays and exploration of local wrecks. Depending on flight schedules, two to three dives will be conducted to maximize the chances of unique sightings.
The trip concludes in Gan. Our crew will arrange transfers to the airport according to individual flight schedules. Guests will enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking the vessel. Check-out is typically by 8:00 AM.
No departures scheduled for this route right now.