DUNE Black Manta
Liveaboard · Maldives
The 2024-built Dune Black Manta offers Maldivian dive expeditions with adaptable boarding schedules for 28 guests.
About This Vessel
DUNE Black Manta is a liveaboard cruising the Maldives region. It hosts up to 28 divers on board.
A diving safari boat exploring the Maldivian archipelago's rich marine environment, featuring adaptable check-in times and early daybreak departures. The Maldivian chain of atolls, shaped by prevailing Indian Ocean currents, forms a complex underwater environment characterized by an intricate network of coral reefs, submerged thilas, and deep channels. This geological setting supports a high dens…
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures…
Onboard Amenities
Dining & Beverages
Onboard meals combine international and local culinary styles. Full-board service is provided. Buffet and sit-down options are available.
Dive Equipment & Setup
Dive Area & Sites
The Maldives offers a truly extraordinary underwater world spread across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, with crystal-clear waters and visibility frequently exceeding 30 meters. Divers are drawn here for reliable encounters with manta rays at famous cleaning stations like Hanifaru Bay and Lankan Reef, as well as whale sharks that cruise through the channels year-round. The atolls feature distinctive underwater topography including thilas (submerged pinnacles), kandus (channels), and overhangs draped in soft corals. Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse are common sightings, while the nutrient-rich currents attract large schools of fusiliers, trevally, and barracuda. Night dives reveal nurse sharks resting on sandy bottoms and bioluminescent plankton glowing in the darkness.
Important Information
What's Included
All daily catering · Nitrox provided free to certified guests
Not Included & Local Fees
Additional fees for gear rental · Spa and Massage Treatments
Airport Transfers
Shuttles from Malé Airport are timed to match specific boarding windows. A complimentary 03:00 PM interval is provided. Alternatively, reaching the boat at 10:00 AM costs an extra USD 50 per traveler, and a 06:00 PM check-in involves a USD 80 charge. Hotel pickups are not offered. Guests must vacate the vessel by 08:00 AM on the final day.
Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.
Rental Gear
- Adult non-diver/non-snorkeler: -10% · - Repeater diver discount: -10%
Accommodation
Superior Cabin (# 11,12,15)
Twin • Upper Deck
These inviting cabins are thoughtfully appointed with flexible sleeping arrangements, featuring twin beds that can be effortlessly transformed into a comfortable double bed. Each cabin ensures a pleasant stay with its own climate control system, a private bathroom for your convenience, and expansive panoramic windows that offer stunning views.
Standard Cabin (# 1,2,5,6,7,8)
Twin • Lower Deck
Discover comfort on the lower deck in these inviting cabins. Each space features a versatile bed, easily transforming from a twin setup to a cozy double, catering to your preference. Enjoy personalized comfort with an individual air conditioning system, and refresh yourself in the convenience of a private en-suite bathroom.
Premium Cabin (# 9,10)
Double • Main Deck
Each inviting cabin is thoughtfully appointed, featuring a comfortable double bed for restful nights. Guests will appreciate the convenience of an individual air-conditioning system, allowing for personalized climate settings. A private en-suite bathroom ensures comfort and privacy, while expansive panoramic windows offer stunning views, enhancing your liveaboard experience.
Deluxe Cabin (# 13,14)
Twin • Upper Deck
Discover the deluxe seaview cabins, situated on the vessel's upper deck. These inviting accommodations feature twin beds that offer the flexibility of converting into a comfortable double bed. Each cabin is thoughtfully appointed with its own climate control system and a private, attached bathroom for your convenience.
Standard Single Cabin ( # 3)
Single • Lower Deck
Nestled on the lower deck, this cabin offers flexible sleeping arrangements with a twin bed that effortlessly converts into a double. Guests will appreciate the comfort of an air conditioning system and the convenience of a private en-suite bathroom. Designed for solo adventurers, this cabin is available for single occupancy, though a supplement applies. Please note that the single-cabin surcharge is not eligible for discounts; only the standard cabin rate may be discounted.
Superior Single Cabin (# 16)
Convertible Twin/Double • Upper Deck
Discover this inviting cabin situated on the vessel's upper deck, offering a versatile sleeping arrangement with a twin bed that effortlessly transforms into a comfortable double. Guests will appreciate the convenience of a personal air conditioning system and a private, well-appointed en-suite bathroom. This accommodation is perfectly suited for solo adventurers, though a single-occupancy supplement applies. Please note that this specific surcharge is not eligible for discounts; only the standard cabin rate may be subject to promotional offers.
Booking & Travel FAQ
How does the booking process work?
Select a cabin and departure on DUNE Black Manta, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.
When do I need to pay?
A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.
What documents will I receive?
After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.
How do I get to the boat?
Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.
What certifications do I need?
A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.
Vessel Technical Overview
Vessel Specifications
Navigation & Safety Systems
What guests say online
How is this overall rating calculated?
The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.
Guests consistently praise the DUNE Black Manta for its excellent organization, friendly crew, and high-quality diving experiences in the Maldives. Many reviewers express a strong desire to return.
- +Excellent organization and service
- +Incredibly friendly and experienced crew
- +Luxury accommodation with private bathrooms and AC
- +Delicious food with catered dietary requirements
Based on approximately 2046 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.
All routes of this liveaboard
- Full on South - All About Sharks (Gan - Kooddoo) · 7 nights
- Deep South | All the Way To The Equator (Malé - Gan) · 10 nights
- Full on South - All About Sharks (Kooddoo - Gan) · 7 nights
- Central and South Atolls | A Taste of the South (Male - Male) · 10 nights
- Deep South, All The Way to The Equator - 10 Nights (Malé, 12D11N) · 12D11N
- Deep South | All the Way To The Equator (Malé - Gan) · 10 nights
- North Discovery, Manta Madness (Male - Male) · 10N
- Full on South - All About Sharks (Kooddoo - Gan) · 7 nights
- Central Atolls (Male - Male) · 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Route 102949 · 9 nights
Ready to Experience Luxury?
Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the DUNE Black Manta