Scuba Travel offer the Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary when the timing is the best.

We cannot of course guarantee manta sightings. However, our experienced boat operators run this itinerary only in the months when mantas are most likely to be in the lagoons. If the currents are running the wrong way, and manta are not in the lagoons, there are good chances that the rays will be found on nearby reefs, which will be offered as alternative dives.

Embarkation
Your trip will depart from either Male or Daravandhoo airport (Baa atoll).

Trip Duration
The exact atolls you visit on this itinerary will depend on which fleet operator you chose and the duration of your holiday. Please ask your travel consultant for more information for you exact date as to which atolls you are planned to dive.

There are normally 3 dives a day apart from on your first and last day. There is usually an opportunity for a night dive during the week. There are around 17-18 dives on an average week but this can vary depending on local weather conditions.

The boat operators may elect to substitute a dive with an opportunity to snorkel with manta or whalesharks instead.

Arrival
If your trip departs from Male you will be met on arrival from your international flight and taken directly to the boat. This will take approx 20 mins by boat.

If you trip departs from Daravandhoo, you will be met on arrival in Male and assisted to the domestic flight terminal. We endeavour to keep the transition between flights to a minimum, but you may need to wait for your flight at the terminal. There is a cafe for your comfort.

There will be a full welcome briefing on arrival and you can set your kit up. If you have prepaid any rental equipment this will be given to you on arrival. There is then your first dinner and you can settle in for the evening.

You do not usually dive on your arrival day.

North Male Atoll
The check dive starts the diving fun for the week and where better than at Lankan Manta Point? This is usually the first of many manta dives to come during this week! This is a cleaning station, but keep your eyes peeled behind you. Eagle rays quite often pass on the edge of the slope.

Baa Atoll
Baa atoll is one of the northern atolls of the Maldives. The aim of the day is to look for the massive manta congregations. There will be 2 dives made but you can also snorkel with the manta in the lagoons just as easily as dive (max 8m). Due to the thick plankton, this is also a great chance to find whalesharks.

There is a local charge for snorkelling at Hanivaru - the park fee of 20 USD pp for 45 minutes of snorkeling (diving is not allowed), which must be paid directly to the park rangers

If the lagoons do not have the big fish, there is great diving on the local thilas and very good chances that the manta will be found on these reefs instead.

Lhaviyani atoll
Lhaviyani boasts some big name dive sites in the Northern Maldives, including Fushivaru Thila, the speedy drfit dive Kuredu Express, and the turtletastic Kuredu Caves

Raa atoll - CARPE FLEET ONLY
Fenfushi Giri is a shallow tiny site but with an amazing amount of fish. Often exposed to some current there are shoals of baitfish constantly hunted by Jacks and bonitos producing great viewing. After the diving there is another island visit planned - the uninhabited Fenfushi has a beautiful crescent shaped beach, stroll along this remote strip and watch the sun set. Reethi Thila is an exciting anemone smothered site with masses of fusiliers hunted by tuna and jacks.

Rasdhoo atoll - EMPEROR FLEET ONLY
Emperor Divers liveaboards prefer to not dive at Raa atoll and dive at Rasdhoo instead. Here you have a chance of shark action, on a beautiful reef wall.

North Ari Atoll
The famous North Ari atoll is one of the classic, all time great Maldives atolls. The diving here is especially good for sharks and eagle rays but also for more manta. Look for hammerheads at Rasdhoo or watch passing whiteips and greys as Hafsa Thila. Maaya Thila is one of the most famous dives in the Maldives. During the day look for the big marble rays that live on the top of the reef. And then splash in at night time for a night dive that is simply incredible. Hunting whitetips make for a thrilling dive.

North Male Atoll
Get your final manta fix as you dive sites such as Kan Thila or Kuda Haa. Depending on the necessary desaturation times, there may also be a chance to dive a wreck close to Male. These might be the last dives of the trip but are excellent, especially for the big pelagics.

Experience levels
No minimum number of dives needed but you should be comfortable with drift dives as currents can be strong. Many of the dives on the Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary is suitable for all levels of divers, however, unpredictable and strong currents are to be expected in certain areas. Inexperienced and beginner divers may find some dives challenging and may be asked by the Cruise Director to skip dives that are not suitable for their diving experience. On some dives the recommended depth is below 18m therefore advanced or Deep Diver training is advised. Carpe Fleet require an AOW certification. All diving is from dhonis to give precise entry and exit points. Experienced divers can dive in a buddy pair unguided.

Disembarkation
You will normally leave the boat after breakfast on your last day and be transferred to the airport to begin your journey home. If you have a domestic flight at the end of your trip, you will be given your ticket locally and flight time confirmed. Please do speak to the travel consultant at the time of booking to confirm the exact last day arrangements.

Alternatively, why not add an extension at one of the many beautiful resorts in the Maldives or even a second liveaboard.