The Maldives Seasonal Sensations itinerary wends its way between Male and Baa atolls, cherry picking the highlight dive sites for that season. Timing is everything - dive the east side of the atolls, when sites that are at their seasonal hottest for sharks, manta and gorgeous coral reefs. Make this time of year stand out for all the right reasons. Though the visibility is often decreased, the increased plankton means it can be the best time and place in the Maldives to see manta rays and whalesharks... more than making up for the reduced visibility.
Carpe Fleet offers 4 different routes for this itinerary. Some may included domestic flights.
Route 1 North Male, Baa, Raa, Baa, Rasdhoo, North Ari, South Ari, Vaavu, South Male for 10 nights.
Route 2 travels to Baa, Raa, Baa, Radhoo, North Ari, South Ari, Vaavu and South Male for 7 or 10 nights.
Route 3 visits North Male, South Male, Vaavu, South Ari, North Ari, Rasdhoo, Baa, Raa, Baa for 7 or 10 nights.
Route 4 will sail to North Male, Baa, Rasdhoo, North Ari, South Ari, Vaavu and South Male for 7 nights.
Please see individual trips for more details.
Traditionally, this is Manta feeding season. Nowhere is this more evident than at Hanifaru bay. As the currents sweep plankton rich water into the shallow lagoons around the Maldives, manta and whalesharks follow in vast numbers to gorge on the feast. Due to it's protected status you can only snorkel at Hanifaru (local fee applies), but this normally allows you to get closer to the fast moving manta.
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. The exact areas visited are entirely at the boat operator discretion based on the weather and current conditions, to ensure you get the most possible interactions with manta and whalesharks.
The currents on this itinerary can be challenging in some areas and dive depths are usually below 18 meters, therefore Carpe require you have minimum of 35 dives and are qualified to 30 meters. Emperor require divers are qualified to 30 meters but have no minimum dive requirement. All your diving is made from dhonis or zodiacs to give precise entry and exit points.
It is entirely at the boat's discretion as to which sites and atolls they visit - the aim of this trip is to take you to the seasonal highlights and as such, the boat operators will pick the most productive sites possible from these atolls, but may not necessarily dive each and every atoll. Between them, our guides have decades' of experience diving the Maldives - whatever time of year!
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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 transferred by boat to the main vessel which will take approx 20 mins.
If you trip departs from Dharavandhoo, 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.
Depending on arrival times of the other guests, you may have time for a check dive on arrival day. If not, the check dive will be scheduled for first thing the next day.
North Male Atoll
The check dive starts the diving fun for the week. You may be lucky enough to spot some Mantas at the cleaning station. This is usually the first of many manta dives to come during this week! Or visit the famous Kandu Oiy Giri (Fish Factory) to try and get up close and personal with various shark species.
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. Due to the thick plankton, this is also a great chance to find whalesharks.
There is a local charge for snorkelling at Hanifaru - the park fee of 20 USD pp for 45 minutes of snorkelling (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.
Raa Atoll
Visit the beautiful reefs, Thillias and Giris of Raa Atoll.
Rasdhoo atoll
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.
South Ari Atoll
South ari atoll is the best place to find whalesharks and you will spend some time looking for whalesharks to snorkel with. Keep your eyes peeled and gear ready! The areas around Maamagili Beyru are especially good.
Vaavu Atoll
Enjoy a sunset or night dive joining the resident nurse sharks at the famous Alimatha dive sight.
South Male Atoll
Depending on timing, you may visit Kuda Giri which is both a reef and a wreck dive in 1! The wreck itself is a fishing trawler that now sits upright on the seabed between 18-30m. You can make a basic penetration dive through the wreck or stay on the outside and watch the schooling fish swish about. Great for jack fish hunting, trigger fish and if you look closely you can even find frog fish. Look for the black coral too!
Experience levels
The currents on this itinerary can be challenging in some areas and dive depths are usually below 18 meters, therefore Carpe recommend you have minimum of 35 dives and are qualified to 30 meters. Emperor recommend divers are qualified to 30 meters but have no minimum dive requirement. 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.
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.
We would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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