“ THE BEST 11”from the EXTREME SOUTH to MALE’ in 2 weeks (Addu-Fuvahmulah-Huvadhoo-Laamu-Thaa- Meemu- Vattaru -Felidhoo -Malè south&north)
A once-in-a-lifetime journey for every underwater explorer! With MANTA TRUST Organization

500 Miles Across the Maldives: From the Far South to Malé, Exploring Hidden Atolls and Secret Dive Spots
for DIVERS and NON-DIVERS

Join us on this 14-night manta expedition across the Maldives, covering over 500 miles and visiting 11 of the country’s 26 stunning atolls.
Our journey begins at the southernmost tip of the Maldives, perfectly timed to witness the arrival of the giant oceanic mantas in FUVAHMULAH—a small island that attracts not only mantas but also whale sharks, tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and more!

The far south of the Maldives is true shark territory. Here, we’ll dive some of the region’s most shark-rich channels, where schools of dozens of grey reef sharks are common. Expect to encounter tiger sharks, nocturnal whale sharks, occasional hammerheads and threshers, schooling eagle rays, and resting turtles—a thrilling mix of marine life at every turn.

As we move north to HUVADHOO ATOLL, we have the rare chance to swim with whale sharks at night—an unforgettable experience that’s simply magical. Huvadhoo and the surrounding southern atolls also boast spectacular channel dives, with patrolling grey reef sharks, eagle rays, resting turtles, and the occasional hammerhead.

Heading north through the LAAMU, THAA, and MEEMU ATOLLS, we’ll visit vibrant coral reefs where manta rays sometimes gather to be cleaned. These atolls are known for their stunning coral gardens, abundant fish life, and thrilling night dives, offering the chance to spot whale sharks. VATTARU and VAAVU ATOLL offers colorful soft-coral reefs, more opportunities to see pelagic fish in the passes, and dozens of nurse sharks and stingrays during the night or on a beautiful daytime dive.
Finally, SOUTH MALÉ atolls provide diverse diving experiences with iconic sites, breathtaking seascapes, and incredible fish diversity.

This expedition has been carefully crafted to give divers the chance to see both species of manta rays and explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites, all under the guidance of an expert from Manta Trust.

CITIZEN SCIENCE – GET INVOLVED
On this expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to experience and take part in cutting-edge conservation research to protect one of the ocean’s most majestic animals. Manta Trust scientists will be collecting photographic identification images of all mantas encountered during the expedition—a task that guests are welcome and encouraged to participate in. All new manta rays will be added to the database, and guests will be invited to name these new mantas.

About THE MANTA TRUST
The Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity dedicated to advancing the global conservation of manta rays and their habitats through robust science, awareness, education, advocacy, and action.

Founded in 2011, the Trust coordinates global research and conservation efforts for these amazing animals, their close relatives, and their habitats.

Data Collection and Research
The Manta Trust runs numerous research projects worldwide, including population studies, research on manta movements, and genetic analyses, among others, to better understand the overall ecology of manta and mobula ray.

MANTA EXPEDITION WITH MANTA TRUST SCIENTISTS
Two Manta Trust scientists will be onboard for the entire expedition, giving you the chance to learn from leading manta experts. With over 20 years of combined experience in the Maldives, the Manta Trust and Manta Expeditions teams offer unmatched knowledge of manta rays and marine life. Through guided activities and presentations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ocean, its inhabitants, and how you can help protect them.

TOP DIVE SITES in the 500 miles Expedition
Maa Corner (Addu Atoll) – MANTA POINT CLEANING STATION
Easy dive, current permitting, sees almost at the bottom of a channel, between 18 meters and 25 meters, a large block of massive coral, generally rich in a good amount of reef fish, and which is a cleaning station for manta rays . In these cases you stay close to the coral block for almost the entire time of the dive, obviously evaluating consumption and bottom times, and then go up along the wall where there are beautiful acropora tables and it is easy to see grey sharks and white tip sharks as well as several Napoleon fish and sea eagles.

TIGER & MUCH MORE (Fuvahmulah Atoll) – THE DANCE OF THE TIGERS
A unique dive experience to encounter tiger sharks. The dive takes place at the entrance of a small island port, over a plateau at a depth of 10-12 meters. We position ourselves in a line, standing side by side, waiting for the sharks, which are attracted by tuna scraps placed on the seabed. The dive on the plateau lasts no more than 30 minutes, after which we move to one of two reefs that benefit from the current to finish the dive. Your heart races as a 3- to 4-meter apex predator glides past, its amber eyes unblinking and completely indifferent—an intimate ballet between diver and wilderness that few places on Earth can offer.

THE PLATEAU

This vibrant coral reef, with its vertical cliffs and deep ocean plateau, is home to an incredible variety of pelagic species. The healthy reef attracts rare sharks and ocean creatures for feeding, cleaning, and mating. Here, you may encounter thresher, silver tip, tiger, and hammerhead sharks, as well as whale sharks, manta rays, and mola mola. The reef’s cleaning stations, from 12-15 meters deep, offer thrilling encounters, especially with thresher sharks. If you drift into the blue, you might spot silver tips, tiger sharks, or hammerheads. Though challenging due to strong currents, this dive promises surprises, and even without the big fish, the reef is teeming with life.

NIGHT with the WHALE SHARKS (Huvadhoo Kandu)
In the Huvadhoo Atoll, from January to April, it is possible to experience unique night-time encounters and swims with whale sharks. Powerful lights positioned at the stern of boats attract plankton, the main food source for these gentle giants of the sea. This phenomenon draws the whale sharks near the surface, offering participants the opportunity to swim alongside them in a safe and controlled environment.

VILINGILI KANDU (Huvadhoo Kandu)
This channel is very rich in pelagic. Among the best known of the atoll. The best part is definitely on the step of the channel where is possible to see so much pelagic, especially gray sharks. Also the two reefs to the north and south, the internal walls of the channel, offer different situations of marine encounters and are, morphologically, slightly different even if they belong to the same channel.

FUSHI KANDU (Laamu Atoll)
Fushi Kandu is considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the archipelago, it is home to a wide variety of marine life: gray sharks, silver tips and in some cases tiger sharks, barracudas and eagle rays, as well as schools of fish such as fusiliers, jacks and snappers. The best way to see sharks is to stay in the blue on the step line to see sharks in drift.

OLHUGIRI KANDU (Thaa Atoll)
Going down to the Thaa atoll, the diving points are characterized by passes with steps that are not very deep. The morphology of this atoll is quiet particular. On the steps of the passes you can find the concentration of pelagic fish such as gray sharks, white fin, clouds of jackfish, barracuda while on the corners you will be able to see coral formations of considerable importance, covered by reef fish. At the pass of Olugiri with a very particular morphology, having the step interrupted by a shoal rich in life with caves covered with beautiful sea fans and alcionari is one of the most beautiful points.

GAAHURAA KANDU (Mulaku/Meemu Atoll)
Gaahuraa is a stunning dive site known for its vibrant coral formations and rich marine life. The site features a sloping reef that transitions into a wall, often swept by gentle to moderate currents—ideal for drift dives. Divers can expect encounters with grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and schools of snappers and fusiliers. The coral cover is healthy and colorful, with abundant soft yellow and white corals and gorgonians. This site offers both beauty and excitement, making it a favorite for underwater photographers and experienced divers alike.
MIYARU KANDU (Vaavu/Felidhoo Atoll) 
The entire channel and surrounding area have been declared a marine protected area and offer an extraordinary place to explore the region’s rich ocean life. The area consists of the main channel, teeming with marine biodiversity, where a wide variety of ocean species can be observed.
The name “Miyaru” itself comes from Dhivehi and means “shark”, so it’s no surprise to witness—especially along the drop-off—a breathtaking spectacle of passing grey reef sharks, majestic eagle rays, schools of jacks, and a wide range of pelagic fish.

KANDHOOMA (Malè south Atoll) 
This dive site was ranked 10th in the world for shark diving.
This beautiful thila is located at the bottom of a channel, with the hat at about 14mt that drops to about 40m on all sides. The eastern and northern slopes are the most interesting with numerous overhangs and colorful soft corals. The numerous species you can spot include large schools of fish, sea eagles, white tip sharks, green turtles, and gray sharks. This dive site is accessible all year round with both currents coming in and out of the atoll.

LANKAN / PARADISE (Malè north Atoll) 
Lankan Manta Point is one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives, known for being a key cleaning station for manta rays. Located at depths of 10 to 18 meters, it features a large coral block where mantas arrive during the southwest monsoon and outgoing currents to be cleaned by wrasse. While mantas are the main attraction, divers may also spot whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and lobsters. This diverse marine life, along with the stunning underwater scenery, makes each dive at Lankan Manta Point an unforgettable experience.

Inizio modulo

FISH TANK
The Fish Tank dive site offers an incredible opportunity to encounter a diverse array of marine life. This vibrant underwater ecosystem is home to over 100 friendly and approachable resident rays, along with numerous species of moray eels and the impressive Napoleon wrasse. The site is also known for its colorful butterfly fish, and, on occasion, you may have the chance to meet the elusive guitar shark. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the Fish Tank promises an exciting and memorable adventure.Fine modulo

AND IN THE END…….
When the cruise returning to Malé, the capital city, may also include an optional visit to the island of Villingili, known for its strong commitment to sustainability.
Here, guests can visit the Save the Beach Centre and the coral restoration site. They will also have the opportunity to snorkel and witness firsthand the important work carried out by scientists and the local community to protect and restore the Villingili reef, accompanied by a Marine Biologist who will provide detailed insights into the ongoing projects.

WE INVITE YOU to check the SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITIES of our Yachts, where you will also find the various ITINERARIES.