DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS – MALDIVES MANTA EXPEDITION

Maldives

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The best trip for Manta Rays diving

From August to October, we propose a special cruise called MANTA EXPEDITION. Some years ago, a group of scientists discovered a place where, during a specific frame of time and related to the tiles and currents, a large amount of plankton is blocked inside Hanifaru Bay. This situation induces an uncountable number of manta rays to stay there feeding in big groups for a long time. After a long time of observing this behavior from the locals, the hotels and diving operators started to prepare special trips for this timeframe to visit the bay and diving with manta rays.

Our route for manta ray diving

Our Manta Expedition route allows us to combine a large part of the classic route, the best known in the Maldives, with the Baa Atoll, North of the central atolls. In this route we explore the North Male and South Male atolls, visiting the first manta cleaning stations and some thilas to see sharks, such as Kandooma and Guraidhoo. Crossing to the Ari Atoll where we will look for the whale shark and dive with mantas at night, and diving in Rasdhoo, where the pelagics await us. Completing the cruise sailing to the North already in Baa, in the Dharavandhoo area, next to Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) where we will try to enjoy the manta ray diving and snorkeling. As you can see, this route represents the most famous diving areas of the Northern Atolls of the Maldives.

Diving with manta rays

Manta ray diving is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in a scuba diver’s life. Diving with tanks or just snorkeling, the sensation of being in the water with these awesome animals is incredible. The chance to be in front of them feeding the plankton is something amazing. How they open the mouth to filter the water and start swimming on the surface like interpreting a choreography, dancing, swimming, and feeding is something very special.

FIND AND BOOK YOUR CRUISE

The best option to visit Hanifaru Bay:

Day 1: MALE – CLASSICAL ROUTE & BAA ROUTE Arrival in Male, customs process. A MALDIVES BLUE FORCE Fleet staff representative welcome at the airport. Transfer by dhoni to the diving boat. Welcome cocktail. Accommodation. Team and cruise General Presentation.
Days 2-6: CLASSICAL ROUTE & BAA ROUTE The planned route goes over the North Male, South Male, Ari, Rasdhoo & Baa atolls. During the cruise, a 20-dive program for certified divers is developed (day and night dives & snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay) together with visits to pristine beaches and inhabited islands, snorkeling for non-divers, Kayak, paddle SUP.
Day 7: MALE Disembark at the airport at 7.00 am. Optional day hotel booking (room not included. Including shower, pool, and lunch). Depending on the scheduled flight booking, free time to visit Male, the Capital of Maldives.

Included

  • Transfers airport – boat – airport.
  • Liveaboard in double cabin sharing on a full board basis.
  • Water, Tea, and coffee.
  • 18 dives with S80 tanks, weights, diving guides, and Dhoni.
  • Travel, diving, and cancellation insurance. (See covers in www.blueforcefleet.com).

Not included

  • Flights to Male.
  • Payments onboard: Maldives taxes 185$, Green tax 42$, Service tax 130$.
  • Internet access
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks.
  • “Day hotel ” inĀ  Male (direct payment).
  • Rental equipment (it is possible to rent but it must be booked before the departure)
  • Nitrox per person per week: 70$
  • Hannifaru bay taxes USD 25 per person
  • Possible increases in fuel or currency exchanges.