Aimed at divers who like to travel as part of a small group of like-minded divers, this style of trip offers an action-packed diving itinerary and encounters with the Maldives' most sought after megafauna.
Located at the tip of the South Ari Atoll, this region of the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving and is a highlight of many liveaboard itineraries owing to the population of 350 whale sharks that frequent this area. This trip is led by whale shark expert Chloe Winn from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWRSP) and during your stay you will dive and snorkel with whale sharks and enjoy a full day trip to Manta Point cleaning station. Chloe will be on hand to help find and identify whale sharks - and if a new shark is found the group can choose its name!
Our base for this week is Boutique Beach Resort, an eco-friendly resort with only six rooms. Built for divers by divers, it has won countless awards for its approach which is why it's one of our favourites! Located on Dhigurah, a local Maldivian island, this week also represents a chance to detox and recharge your body and soul with refreshing mocktails, juices and delicious food.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Begin your Maldives adventure
On arrival to the Maldives, you'll receive a warm welcome and any assistance required. You'll then be transferred by a short 20 minute flight to the South Ari Atoll, followed by a 10 minute speedboat journey to your resort.
Spend the rest of today settling in to your new surroundings at the Boutique Beach Resort and getting to know the rest of your group.
All meals are included in your stay, plus unlimited soft drinks, with juices and delicious mocktails included with dinner.
Days2-6: Dive with whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll
Over the next five days, enjoy a bespoke itinerary including two dives a day. The group will be accompanied by three local instructors and whale shark expert Chloe Winn from the MWSRP.
Most days will be spent in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) looking out for whale sharks and snorkelling with them between dives. Chloe will be on board every day offering her expertise in the field as well as providing evening presentations about the local whale shark population. This is also your opportunity to be a citizen scientist. Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos of the whale sharks, submit them to the online database, the Big Fish Network, and see if they can be identified. Any new individuals encountered during the week will be named by the group.
In addition, a full day safari to Manta Point cleaning station at nearby Rangali is included. This is an incredible experience and timed well - it’s peak manta season!
There are over 50 recognised dive sites in the local area. These include two of the most sought after Thila dives in the Maldives – Kuda Rah and Broken Rock. These pinnacles are awash with blue stripe snapper plus grey reef and white-tip sharks, as well as tuna and giant trevally which are often seen hunting.
Day7: Final dives and sunset beach dinner
Enjoy your final dive this morning and spend the rest of the day relaxing and drying your gear. This evening, enjoy an optional sunset beach dinner as a group to mark the end of a magical week’s diving.
Day8: Say your goodbyes!
After a week together enjoying the diving of this special corner of the Maldives, it's time to say your goodbyes. Those heading home will transfer back to the airport in Malé. It's also possible to extend your diving holiday on a tailor-made basis. Contact us for more information.
Chloe is a passionate marine conservationist and megafauna enthusiast, working as the Infield Coordinator for the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWRSP). In 2017 she left her career, volunteered with the programme and never left! Since then, she has worked as a guide in Dhigurah and accrued considerable knowledge about the whale shark population in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).
She has been instrumental in delivering educational presentations and webinars worldwide as well as ensuring that the local guides are well versed about the whale shark code of conduct in this special area.
With a creative background, Chloe brings an interdisciplinary approach to conservation and outreach, to further amplify the plight of the world’s biggest fish.
The central region comprises Malé and Ari Atolls, Felidhoo, Faafu and the smaller Rasdhoo Atoll. It is the most popular area for both dive resorts and liveaboards, with excellent shore diving from house reefs and large pelagics on drift dives.
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Ideal for viewing: whale shark, grey reef shark, Napoleon wrasse, spotted eagle ray, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray, Learn to dive, Shore diving, Snorkelling, Underwater photography
Ideally located at the southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this intimate dive resort of just six rooms is a great option for those looking for excellent diving with a local twist. It's in a perfect spot for whale shark encounters.
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