MANTA TRUST x
FINS ATTACHED

Guided by world-renowned shark and manta experts, you’ll dive into some of the most iconic Maldivian atolls — North Ari, Rasdhoo, Baa, Raa, and Lhaviyani — each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.​

​​

Starting in North Ari Atoll, renowned for its thrilling dive sites like Maaya Thila. This pinnacle reef is a magnet for grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks, often seen circling in dramatic hunting displays. The combination of thrilling shark encounters and stunning coral gardens makes North Ari a must-experience destination for every diver. It is here that you will also get the chance to experience the mystic manta ray night dive, undoubtedly one of the highlights of this trip!

​

Moving north you will visit Rasdhoo Atoll, famed for its dramatic channel dives and steep reef walls, offering encounters with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, schools of jacks, to name a few, all set against a backdrop of vibrant corals and overhangs teeming with reef life.

​

Next venture into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, home to the world-famous Hanifaru Bay for what will hopefully be the most unforgettable experience of this expedition. This shallow lagoon becomes a feeding frenzy hotspot during this season, where dozens of mantas gather to feast on plankton blooms which occasionally also attracts the ocean's gentlest giant, the whale shark. The calm, protected waters offer mesmerizing encounters with these majestic creatures as they circle and dance in graceful loops. Baa Atoll’s diverse reef systems also offer encounters with turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant schools of reef fish, making every dive a spectacular display of ocean life.

Moving to Raa Atoll, which offers a breathtaking blend of flourishing marine life and striking underwater landscapes, set in one of the Maldives’ more remote and less-traveled regions. Located just north of Baa Atoll, Raa is known for its dramatic topography, featuring steep drop-offs, coral-covered walls, anemone gardens, and lush pinnacles surrounded by schools of reef fish. Raa is also home to a large manta population, with cleaning stations being particularly active at this time of the year and offering close up encounters with these gentle giants. With its healthy reefs and fewer crowds, Raa Atoll offers divers an immersive experience in a truly untouched corner of the Maldives.

​

Finally, the expedition leads us to Lhaviyani Atoll, which offers pristine cleaning stations where manta rays pause to have parasites removed by cleaner wrasse. The strong currents here attract large numbers of pelagic species, offering spectacular shark filled channel and drift dives along steep walls adorned with soft corals and sponges. As you glide with the current, you’ll witness the incredible biodiversity of the Maldives!

​

Throughout this expedition, you will not only immerse you in the Maldives’ underwater beauty but also contribute to ongoing research projects. Through photo-identification, behavior monitoring, and data collection, you become a vital part of the effort to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats. Join us on this unique expedition and help us making a meaningful impact for the future of sharks, mantas, and the ocean itself.

​

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.