Maldives Legend Zen · Maldives · 8D/7N
Explore the central atolls of the Maldives on an expedition combining the renowned Hanifaru Bay with the vibrant North Ari Atoll. This itinerary focuses on manta ray encounters and healthy reef systems, offering a diverse array of dive sites. Expect channel dives, colorful thilas, and outer reef slopes where pelagics are often sighted. The route provides opportunities to observe a variety of marine life, from reef fish to larger open-ocean species, within generally clear and warm waters.
Maldives Legend Airport staff will welcome you at Velana International Airport on arrival and take you to the boat for boarding. Refreshments are served while you get checked in followed by general boat briefing. Today is a day of relaxation and preparation for your check dive tomorrow. 14: 00 – Check In & Boat Briefing followed by Lunch 16:00 - Crossing to Baa Atoll and overview of the Manta Conservation Program 18:00 - Evening presentation on “Understanding Manta Behavior & Ecology.” 19:30 – Dinner
07:30 - Dive 1 at Angafaru - Check Dive 08:30 – Breakfast 10:00 – Dive 2 at Nelivaru Thilall 12:00 – Lunch 14:30 – Dive 3 at Dhigali Thila or Snorkel at Hanifaru Bay 18:00 - Photography workshop on lighting and composition by dive professionals. 19:30 – Dinner DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Angafaru: All sorts of marine life can be seen while drifting along the reef. Turtles, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays and Sharks can be seen Nelivaru Thila: A fairly large Thila (pinnacle) compared to the rest. Site features Manta Rays that come for cleaning and schools of fish.
07:00 – Dive 4 Dharavandhoo Thila 08:30 – Breakfast 10:30 – Dive 5 Dhigu Thila 12:00 – Lunch 14:30 – Dive 6 Snorkeling at Hanifaru Bay 19:30 – BBQ Dinner and open Q&A with Dive leaders & crew. DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Dharavandhoo Thila: Dharavandhoo Thila is a great spot for macro lovers and photographers, there is also a manta ray cleaning station between May and November. Hanifaru Bay: The globally known marine protected area where Scuba Diving is banned. You will get to snorkel or freedive here if lucky with 100s of Manta Rays and at times whale sharks.
06:30 – Dive 7 Dhonfan Thila 08:00 – Breakfast 09:00 – Dive 8 Goidhoo Kandu 15:30 – Dive 9 Rasdhoo Madivaru 18:00: Manta ID & Citizen Science session with marine biologist; guests submit photo IDs. 19:30 – Dinner DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Dhonfan Thila: This dive site is well-known for manta rays (during the moonsoon). Dhonfan Thila is full of cleaner wrasses, fusiliers, triggerfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, hawkfish, sharks, etc. Rasdhoo Madivaru: In addition to huge sharks, Rasdhoo Madivaru has eagle rays, tuna, barracudas, mackerel, and grouper. Chances of seeing hammerheads
06:30 – Dive 10 Rasdhoo Madivaru Hammerhead Point 08:30 – Breakfast 10:30 – Dive 11 Maya Thila 12:00 – Lunch 14:00 – Dive 12 Fesdhoo Wreck 16:00 - Visit a local island and short community talk on reef conservation. 18:30 – Dive 13 Fesdhoo Lagoon (Manta Night Dive) 20:30 – Dinner DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Rasdhoo Hammerhead Point: Good chance of sighting Hammehard Sharks Fesdhoo Lagoon: Famous manta site with high possibility of manta feed sighting outside the atoll.
07:00 – Dive 14 Fish Head 08:30 – Breakfast (Cruise to South Male’ Atoll) 10:30 – Dive 15 Guraidhoo Corner 12:00 – Lunch 14:30 – Dive 16 Kandooma Thila 17:00 - Presentation on sustainable dive tourism and marine protection. 19:30 – Dinner DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Fish Head:< Marine life thrives at Fish Head. You'll spot gray and white reef sharks, schools of fusiliers, mackerel and tuna, turtles, snappers, and surgeonfish. Kandooma Thila: The many species to discover and encounter which include big schools of eagle rays, white tip sharks, barracudas green turtles and grey reef sharks.
06:30 – Dive 17 Hulhumale Neru or Fish Tank 08:30 – Breakfast 12:00 – Lunch 14:30 – Fish Tank Snorkeling trip or Male’ City Tour 16:30 - Option to choose different Spa treatments offered by Footrest 19:30 - Evening: Farewell dinner and Ocean Guardian Certificate Ceremony. Guests share their best photos and conservation takeaways. DIVE HIGHLIGHTS: Hulhumale Neru: This could be one of the main highlights of you trip. The Dive here can attract a huge variety of marine life. From fevers of stingrays to tiger sharks, hammer head sharks, bull sharks and variety of colorful fishes.
07:30 - Breakfast 10:00 - Checkout from Boat 10:30 - Dropoff to airport Dedicated staff assists guests with cleaning and washing dive equipment. Staff also assists with packing, if required. The Team takes care of guests until departure from the Maldives. Guests have a safe journey home. Maldives Legend looks forward to welcoming guests again! Maldives Legend thanks guests for choosing it as their liveaboard operator for the Hanifaru Itinerary. The above itinerary is subject to changes depending on weather, current, and monsoon. This presents how a typical Hanifaru + Ari itinerary takes place.