MALDIVES 
ARI-BAA ATOLLS

Embark on an extraordinary in-depth journey through the Maldivian atolls of Malé, Rasdhoo, North Ari, and Baa—some of the Indian Ocean’s premier destinations for manta and whale shark encounters. This expedition offers divers a rare opportunity to swim alongside the ocean’s most graceful giants while actively contributing to ongoing conservation and research efforts.

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Our adventure begins in North Malé Atoll, where vibrant thilas rise from the depths and manta cleaning stations host mesmerising displays. Here you’ll visit the renowned Lankan Manta Point, one of the country’s most active cleaning stations, while also exploring spectacularly colourful dive sites such as Nassimo Thila and HP Reef—both rich with soft corals and schooling reef fish. It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of Maldivian marine life.

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The journey continues to one of the expedition’s key highlights: North Ari Atoll, where the diving becomes incredibly diverse. You’ll enjoy close encounters with grey reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and charismatic reef critters—octopuses, mantis shrimps, and moray eels—at celebrated sites like Maaya Thila, Moofushi Kandu, and Fish Head. This is also where you’ll experience the unforgettable thrill of diving with feeding mantas at night, an otherworldly display that leaves a lasting impression. Nearby Rasdhoo Atoll is home to the famous Rasdhoo Madivaru channel, a site that keeps divers in awe from start to finish with its friendly Napoleons, cruising eagle rays, patrolling grey reef sharks, and much more.

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Finally, venture into Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to the world-famous Hanifaru Bay. During the plankton-rich southwest monsoon, dozens of mantas gather here to feed in coordinated formations—chains, and at times full cyclones—often accompanied by whale sharks. Floating among these giants is a rare and humbling experience that captures the true magic of the Maldives. Baa Atoll also offers beautiful aquarium-style dive sites teeming with diverse and colourful marine life, from graceful turtles to endless schools of fusiliers and the Maldives’ wonderfully odd reef creatures.

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The weather in the Maldives at this time of the year is likely to be more changeable, the monsoonal conditions are exactly what create the planktonic blooms upon which the mantas and whale sharks aggregate to feed. Whilst we can never guarantee these natural events, we have put together an expedition that  maximises our chances of being in the right place at the right time, guided by the expertise of a Manta Trust scientist!

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Between dives, relax aboard the expedition vessel, share insights from your onboard manta expert, and contribute to photo-ID research programs. Every dive is a discovery, every encounter a connection: explore the home of home of gentle giants where lifetime memories are made.​

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Note: The inclusion of Hanifaru Bay is dependent on the time of year, the number of mantas in the bay (or lack thereof) as well as the availability of government-licensed guides and restrictions imposed by the rangers.