CENTRAL &
BAA ATOLL

This expedition has been specifically timed to coincide with the most productive monsoon winds and lunar currents, which strongly influence the movements and feeding habits of reef manta rays. The aim of this trip is to use the knowledge of Manta Trust experts to find these feeding aggregations and allow the guests to experience the wonder of immersing yourself among a feeding frenzy of these gentle giants.

On this expedition we will visit six atolls including the ones with the largest manta population of the Maldives. Baa Atoll is off the main route for the majority of dive liveaboards, we will venture into this more northern atoll specifically to seek out the feeding mantas that can be encountered in this region and hopefully a few whale sharks as well. To see several of the world's largest fish feeding among dozens of the world's largest rays is something you will never forget. Baa Atoll offers much more with beautiful thilas covered with fish life such as Nelivaru Thila and plenty of interesting critters!

Moving south we will stop in Rasdhu Atoll to dive the famous channel of Rasdhoo Madivaru, a Marine Protected Area where patrolling grey reef sharks, dogtooth tunas, eagle rays and Napoleon wrasses are only a few of its amazing underwater wonders! We will then venture into Ari Atoll where we will dive some of the Maldives most famous sites such as Maayafushi Thila and enjoy a stunning diversity of marine life! Here is also where we will have the chance to dive with night feeding mantas... undoubtedly an highlight of the trip!

The expedition will then enter into Vaavu and South Male Atolls, famous for their shark filled channel dives, where we will have the chance to dive with dozens nurse sharks. Finally we will experience the great variety that diving in North Male Atoll has to offer, including the well-known manta cleaning station of Lankan Beyru and some beautiful, colorful sites such as Nassimo Thila!

While the weather in the Maldives at this time of the year is likely to be more changeable, these 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 a trip 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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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.