Join conservationist and cameraman Danny Copeland diving the Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani atolls as well as snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay during the annual reef manta ray aggregation. This exclusive, expert led liveaboard adventure to the Maldives is a must for megafauna enthusiasts.
Led by the charismatic marine conservationist and multimedia expert Danny Copeland, this group trip is timed to coincide with the peak aggregation of reef manta rays at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll.
Enjoy an extended unique liveaboard itinerary diving the Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani atolls where fish outnumber visitors and encounters with manta rays and whale sharks are high on the agenda. Join like-minded enthusiasts and have your cameras ready to capture some magical moments!
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Moonima liveaboard. Spend the rest of the day settling in and meeting your fellow travellers plus tour leader Danny Copeland.
Days3-8: Dive and discover the northern atolls
This exclusive ten night itinerary is planned to include the best diving sites in the Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani atolls. Enjoy 2-3 dives a day exploring the diverse sites in these rarely visited atolls. Expect plenty of big fish action, green and hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and a huge variety and numbers of reef fish and critters. As well as channel diving, the seascape here includes reefs and overhangs, home to an abundance of marine life.
During the week Danny will provide evening presentations about the ecology, behaviour, and conservation of the Maldivian reef manta rays. He will also be on hand to help guests prepare cameras for manta ray encounters in Hanifaru Bay.
Days9-11: Manta Ray Extravaganza at Hanifaru Bay
The itinerary is timed during the annual aggregation, specifically around the time of the full moon when reef manta ray numbers and feeding activity are at their peak. Under Danny’s guidance you will have the opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in the water as well as the know how on best photography practises. Guests are encouraged to help as citizen scientists by uploading images and sighting information to IDtheManta database, contributing to research and conservation efforts.
Hanifaru Bay is an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visits are regulated and only snorkelling activity is allowed. This is the best way to experience a close encounter with these graceful creatures, creating everlasting memories.
Day12: Disembark and head home
After an exceptional time discovering the northern atolls, enjoying encounters with, and learning more about reef manta rays, it is time to say your goodbyes. Those heading home will transfer back to the airport in Malé. It is also possible to extend your diving holiday on a tailor-made basis. Contact the Dive team to discuss your options.
Day13: Arrive home
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and is subject to change at the captain’s discretion. Prices are based on a twin-share cabin.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 13 daysfrom £3,650 pp
Danny Copeland is a marine conservationist and underwater filmmaker. Born and raised in North Wales, his career has taken him diving on media and conservation projects across all seven continents.
A passionate advocate for our oceans, he works alongside world-leading marine scientists, and has spearheaded initiatives that have furthered the conservation of several sharks and rays. Aside from a passion in creating underwater 360VR content, Danny has worked alongside BBC cameramen, assisted photographers on assignments for National Geographic, and filmed for the award-winning Netflix documentary, Chasing Coral. Most recently he has been working as an Assistant Producer-Director and member of the Dive Advisory team at the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, on a blue-chip, landmark natural history film about our oceans.
This remote region receives fewer visitors than the rest of the Maldives and stretches from Baa Atoll up to Haa Alifu and Dhallu and includes Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls, as well as Hanifaru Bay, where exceptional numbers of mantas and whale sharks aggregate annually.
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Ideal for viewing: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasse, grey reef shark, reef manta ray
Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Shore diving, Snorkelling
This itinerary is available on the liveaboard shown below.
Please contact us for further recommendations.
This traditional Maldivian vessel comfortably accommodates 18 guests. She spends most of the year delivering exceptional diving itineraries in the Central Atolls, with occasional trips to the deep south for shark encounters.
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