Manta Madness, Diving in the Maldives
Hanifaru Bay is truly Manta madness diving in the Maldives. A bay where up to a few hundred manta rays and sometimes whale sharks come during parts of the year to feast on plankton. An absolutely incredible experience and rare to experience. It's only snorkeling with these magical animals. Diving trips with this ride only run a few times each year and only by a few liveaboard so book in time
Baa Atoll: Diving in Hanifaru Bay with manta rays plus several other beautiful dive sites
Rasdhoo Atoll: Dive with hammerhead sharks, beautiful reefs with pelagic species
North Ari Atoll: Gray reef sharks, Maya Thila night dives, several dive sites with manta rays
South Male Atoll: Diving with gray reef sharks, eagle rays, other pelagic species, macro
North Male Atoll: Beautiful pinnacles
please note: For this safari we recommend you and all divers to be Advanced Open Water divers and have around 30 logged dives. You should be comfortable diving in flowing water. Currents in the Maldives can be strong. All dives are from dhonis or zodiacs to be able to leave you in a more precise location for the dive and more easily pick you and your partner up after the dive. Experienced divers are allowed to dive in pairs without a guide.
What is included in a liveaboard package?
- Flight
- Transfers airport - boat t/r
- Part in double cabin with private bathroom
- All meals, snacks, drinks (no alcohol)
- Diving with 3-4 dives per day and guide
- 12L bottle, weights and weight belt
- All marine park fees and taxes
Highlights
This diving safari runs when the manta rays are most active in the Maldives at one location. Between August and October and at full moon. The safari goes from Malé to the northern Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) and then back. Apart from lots of manta rays, you get to experience worthj, hammerhead sharks and reef sharks, often at very close range. However, the main attraction is the manta rays and diving at this time of year gives you a greater chance of encountering them.
Hungry manta rays and whale sharks arrive in large numbers thanks to the currents that sweep plankton into the shallow lagoon. Manta Point and Gangethi are two other well-known dive sites. They are so-called "cleaning stations". Manta rays come here year after year to "wash" themselves and be polished. Dive sites Rasdhoo and Maya Thila will offer even more amazing dives. Hopefully together with hammerhead shark, gray reef shark and whitetip reef shark. Of course, we cannot guarantee that you will see these magnificent animals, but at this time of year you have a very good chance of experiencing this unforgettable adventure.
