Wonder from the surface

from $2,559

Join

Location Central Maldives

Duration 7 nights

Vessel MV Felicity

Level Snorkeller

Manta Expert Announced shortly

SNORKEL CRUISE

MANTA

Dates

Vessel

MV FELICITY

9 - 16th August 2026

24 - 31st October 2026

MV FELICITY

UPCOMING DEPARTURES

18 - 25th August 2025

LAST SPACES

4 - 11th October 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the world of manta rays from the surface, no experience required

Small group of no more than 12 people, perfect for couples, solo travelers and friends

Collaboration between the award winning, responsible and sustainable tour company Secret Paradise & the Manta Trust

Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Maldives, its amazing marine life, friendly local communities

Learn from your dedicated Manta Trust expert

Timed to coincide with the most productive marine conditions, attracting large number of manta rays

Manta feeding aggregations

Hawksbill Turtles

Cleaning mantas

Arrive in the Maldives and meet your Tour Leader at Male International Airport. Board MV Felicity and cruise through North Male Atoll. Enjoy your first snorkeling session, and get a briefing on responsible practices. In the evening, a Manta Trust expert will share their vital work in manta ray conservation.

Cruise to Baa Atoll and discover the Olive Ridley turtle conservation efforts. Snorkel at Dhonfanu to meet these incredible creatures, then head to Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and swim alongside mantas. Enjoy an evening talk on manta ray biology and research.

Return to Hanifaru Bay for more manta ray encounters or snorkel at Anga Faru. In the afternoon, visit the island of Huraa Faru for a beach clean-up, leaving a positive impact. As you head to Veyofushi, learn about the biology and behavior or whale sharks.

Snorkel with manta rays in Veyofushi and Reethi Beach lagoons. Continue to Kottefaru for possible feeding manta encounters, and explore the impact of climate change on the Maldives' biodiversity. End the day with a focus on local climate resilience projects.

Snorkel at Dhikkuredhdhoo Finolhu, Boduhaiykodi, and Madivaafaru, contributing to ongoing manta research. Learn about shark conservation from NGO Miyaru and how the Maldives protects its shark populations. Wrap up the day with a BBQ dinner on the beach at Dhorangali.

Visit Kamadhoo, an island that focuses on sustainability and waste reduction, then snorkel at Dhaandhoo Reef. Discover the delicate balance of marine life and learn how human activities threaten ecosystems.

Cruise back to North Male Atoll, reviewing your trip’s data, and stop at Huraa to explore a mangrove lake and learn about its role in ecosystem protection. Taste local fish delicacies and enjoy a final snorkel at Banana Reef, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the Maldives’ marine world.

After an unforgettable week of marine adventures and conservation efforts, depart from Male International Airport with lasting memories and a renewed passion for ocean preservation.

Your package includes:

7 nights accommodation in twin/double cabin with en-suite bathroom
Full board meal plan, 3 meals per day
Daily morning and afternoon snacks
Airport and transfer assistance
Return transfer of guests from the airport to boat – airport
Welcome drinks on arrival
Unlimited house tea and coffee
Unlimited drinking water – bring a reusable water bottle
Snorkeling activities
Local island tours
Entry to Hanifaru Bay
Dingy or dhoni transfer to snorkeling points and islands
Services of English-Speaking Secret Paradise Tour Leader
Manta Trust Researcher
All Local Tax (10% Service Charge, 17% GST and $12 Green Tax per person per night)

Cabin Supplements:

Single Occupancy: USD 1000 supplement

Good to know:

Onboard payments are possible in cash only (USD & MVR)

ALL PAYMENTS and SERVICES MADE ON BOARD are subject to a 10% Service Charge and a 17% GST TAX

MV Felicity

A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet complete with sails, the MV Felicity has two decks with 3 twins and 3 double cabins and can comfortably accommodate 12 passengers. All cabins are airconditioned with en-suite bathroom with shower, small wardrobe, drawer and storage facilities. Comfortable but not luxurious is how we would describe Felicity. There is an outdoor dining area and an indoor area just in case of rain! The indoor saloon area is furnished with dining table and seating plus banquette seating and is equipped with a TVDVD-Stereo area and an equipment charging area. The communal open-air deck space is furnished with sun mats and banquette seating.

A TYPICAL ITINERARY

Day 1:

The team will welcome you at airport upon arrival

Transfer to the vessel at 11am

Sail to North Male Atoll and first snorkeling session, followed by a manta ray conservation talk.

Day 2:

Explore Baa Atoll and Dhonfanu for turtle encounters, then head to Hanifaru Bay for snorkeling with mantas and a manta ray biology talk.

Day 3:

Hanifaru Bay and Anga Faru for more manta ray encounters

Beach clean-up at Huraa Faru and a whale shark biology talk

Day 4:

Snorkel at Veyofushi and Reethi Beach. Explore Kottefaru and engage in a discussion about climate change’s impact.

Day 5:

Snorkel at Dhikkuredhdhoo Finolhu, Boduhaiykodi, and Madivaafaru, attend a shark conservation talk, and enjoy a beach BBQ at Dhorangali.

Day 6:

Visit Kamadhoo to learn about sustainability, then snorkel at Dhaandhoo Reef

Day 7:

Explore the mangrove lake at Huraa, taste local fish delicacies, and enjoy a final snorkeling session at Banana Reef.

Day 8:

Check-out (8am latest)

Transfer to the airport

The itinerary is not final and remains flexible to adapt to the best conditions and manta sightings.

"

One of my best expeditions in 40 years of diving the oceans.
Just great, wonderful !

Marcus Koch, Manta Passion 8

MEET YOUR MANTA EXPERT

As on all Manta Expeditions, a Manta Trust scientist will be onboard for its entire duration, offering everyone the opportunity to interact and learn from a leading manta expert. The presence of a Manta Trust scientist onboard will enhance your experience in a number of ways: • motivate and inspire you, by learning about the marine ecosystems you will be exploring • gain access to an accumulated wealth of knowledge and expertise, providing you the opportunity to become actively involved in cutting-edge scientific research. • offer you an educational and much more rewarding experience by making your underwater encounters more personal, and by involving you first-hand in marine research and conservation. • be environmentally aware and proactive and become an active member of an initiative which stands to have strong implications for the on-going persistence for manta rays worldwide. Collectively the Manta Trust and Manta Expeditions teams possess over two decades of experience working in the Maldives, studying its manta population and marine life and have assembled a vast amount of knowledge and expertise, knowledge you will have access to on this expedition. A core focus of the expeditions is not only to provide close encounters with manta rays but to enthuse and educate divers in marine conservation issues and the environment surrounding them. Through a series of activities and presentations on topics covering local marine species and habitats led by the Manta Trust expert, you are sure to leave with an increased awareness of the threats facing our oceans and, perhaps more importantly, how you can help. Using the knowledge of the Manta Trust scientists you will gain a brand-new perspective to diving and experiencing the underwater world; by understanding what you see you will gain a better appreciation and love for the ocean and its creatures. Ultimately, with the guidance of the Manta Trust researcher you will have the chance to give something back to the ocean which we believe is fundamental considering how much we take from it!