
Duration
7 days
Cabins left
4 / 4
Capacity
29 divers
Operator
Maldives Legend
Included
Mandatory surcharges
Optional extras
Certification
OWD or equivalent
Check-in
14:00–14:00
Check-out
10:00–10:00
From July to October each year, hundreds of majestic manta rays gather at Hanifaru Bay, one of the world's most renowned Marine Protected Areas, located in the Maldives. While scuba diving is prohibited within Hanifaru Bay itself, the surrounding area features numerous manta cleaning stations and dive sites where you can experience diving alongside these graceful creatures. On the Hanifaru + North itinerary, in addition to mantas, you'll encounter a diverse array of large marine species and vibrant underwater life, offering an unforgettable diving adventure.

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 Our dedicated staff will assist you in cleaning and washing your dive equipment. They will also assist you in packing, if required. Our Team will always take care of you until you leave from the Maldives. Have Safe Journey home. Looking forward to welcome you again! Thank you for choosing Maldives Legend to be your liveaboard operator for your Hanifaru Itinerary On this opportunity we would also like to highlight that the above itinerary is subject to changes depending on weather, current and monsoon. We have presented you how a typical Hanifaru + Ari itinerary would take place.
Price per person
$2,845
All taxes included
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No payment charged until confirmed.