Beta

• Learn about the biology and behavior of sharks and manta rays within the Maldives collecting data and species identification

• Learn about globally endangered marine species and what we can do as divers to ensure their protection

• Identify specific manta ray individuals which directly contributes to Manta Trust research

• Experience potential close encounters with sharks, manta rays and whale sharks

• During this trip, you will be able to play a part in adding to valuable research efforts by the 'Manta Trust' who work towards the conservation of manta rays worldwide.

• Throughout the week, you will record your sightings for identification and submit them to existing Maldivian marine life charities, including The Manta Trust.

• Our planned dive guide for this trip is Dr Elke Bojanowski. However, if for any reason Elke is unavailable to host this trip due to circumstances outside of our control, we will provide you with an alternative, suitably qualified and experienced dive guide.

• For the avoidance of doubt, any change in dive guide does not give you the right to amend, change or cancel your holiday, and any changes made will be subject to our normal terms and conditions."

• This exciting trip cruises between Malé and the far south of the Maldives - taking in the finest dive areas along the way.

• The far south offers the opportunity to swim with hundreds of schooling sharks, vast schools of fish and squadrons of eagle rays - on top of this, the incredible hard coral reefs packed with color and critters. And don't worry - we've found manta and whale shark points!

• The far south offers exciting diving for experienced divers with adventure in mind. This is a stunning trip so expect some amazing scenery and varied diving.

• The week will involve close encounters with sharks, manta rays and whale sharks (although these sightings cannot be guaranteed!) with the possibility to observe them in their natural habitat and donate vital information to local Maldivian marine research organisations.

​

   Dive Sites 

• Huvadhoo Atoll is the second largest of the Maldivian atolls and the second largest in the world (in terms of overall surface area), Huvadhoo has an outer reef dotted with deep passages connecting the open waters of the Indian Ocean with those of the interior lagoon, making for some fantastic diving and marine life sightings! It is well known for its large populations of grey reef sharks, and whale sharks feeding at night. It is also possible to see scalloped hammerheads, tiger sharks and silkies, while other dive sites have a high likelihood of zebra sharks and shovelnose guitarfish.

• Fushi Kandu - Laamu Atoll is one of the most popular channel dives; although relatively shallow and whitetip reef sharks are frequent visitors. So too are schools of jacks, as they surge in among tuna and eagle rays.

• Olhugiri Kandu - Thaa Atoll schooling fish and jacks attract large numbers of white tip reef sharks. Tuna and eagle rays wait for the leftovers and the occasional large Napoleon wrasse can be seen nibbling on corals.

• Guraidhoo Corner - Thaa Atoll is best done as an early morning dive in the hopes of spotting scalloped hammerhead sharks.

• Mulaku Kandu - Meemu Atoll the north east is peppered with submerged pinnacles covered predominantly in soft corals, whilst the west will see you surrounded by jacks and snappers. Keep an eye open for whitetip and grey reef sharks!

• Guraidhoo Kandu - South Malé Atoll large predatory fish can regularly be spotted here. This site is famous for sightings of grey and whitetip reef sharks, schools of eagle rays and the occasional sail fish and hammerheads. The best condition to do the dive is when the current is flowing into the atoll. Most of the pelagic species can be observed on the eastern side, where the reef drops off into the deep ocean. At the end of the dive in the channel, along the reef you can find overhangs with plenty of soft coral growth and small fish.