Collaborating with conservation experts, these snorkelling-focused journeys are tailored solely for ocean enthusiasts. They provide opportunities to spot manta rays or whale sharks and contribute to citizen science projects.
These departures exclusively for snorkellers provide the ultimate marine life encounters with a focus on conservation and environmental awareness. Dedicated itineraries with either manta rays or whale sharks in partnership with the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Program allow you to encounter these magical pelagics, experience the local culture and participate in data collection all in the Maldivian paradise.
Each trip is scheduled at the peak season for each pelagic, and even considers the moon cycle to maximise interactions in the ideal location. For manta rays, this is in Northern Atolls Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its huge manta ray congregations during the summer months. The whale shark trips head to South Ari Atoll in the Central Atolls where many whale sharks can be seen all year round, however conditions in the winter months are best for encounters.
The below itinerary is an overview of the sailings, to hear more about a specific departure or for more information, please contact us.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart the UK
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Day 2:
Arrive in the Maldives and Join the Sailing
You will be met on arrival and transferred to the liveaboard in Male. That afternoon you’ll set sail through North Male Atoll where your first snorkel will be conducted, making sure everyone is comfortable prior to meeting the marine life. A briefing will be conducted to ensure everyone is snorkelling responsibly and minimising the impact to the environment.
This evening enjoy your first informative presentation by the on board team. These can cover a few topics including Maldivian coral reefs and Manta Trust’s history among other.
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Days 3-4
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Snorkel and Learn
The next few days will be spent in the key areas, splitting the time between snorkelling at a variety of sites and an exploration to an uninhabited island, while conducting a beach clean-up ensuring you’re leaving a positive footprint. More presentations will be conducted, topics may include an turtle conservation with an introduction to the Olive Ridley Project and learning about the biology of whale sharks with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program (MWSP).
The Manta Ray Conservation Sailing will head north to Hanifaru Bay and Baa Atoll, among the Northern Atolls, here mantas congregate in huge numbers in the summer months, and especially around full moon when these sailings are conducted. The majority of your sailing will be in this area to maximise encounters.
The Whale Shark Conservation sailing will instead head towards South Ari Atoll, in the Central Atolls, which is lucky enough to home a year-round population of these gentle giants. During the full and new moon, the possibility of encounters increases.
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Day 5:
Snorkelling Citizen Science
This day focuses on citizen science, allowing you to get hands-on in the field. The team will talk you through data collection techniques, before jumping into the water collecting valuable information such as size, behaviour, markings and photo IDs. This data is a valuable part of ongoing research conducted by the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. The evening will be spent discussing and entering the days’ finding, as well as sharing stories of each citizen scientist’s encounter.
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Days 6-8
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Local Island Visits, Beach BBQs, and More Snorkelling!
The following days will be more snorkelling with the possibility of even more marine encounters. Depending on the itinerary you may also visit a mangrove, coral rehabilitation centre, and interact with other species of rays.
During these days you’ll also take a visit to a local island, with the opportunity to see how real Maldivians live as you learn about their culture and traditions. An excursion to an uninhabited island provides the perfect moment for a beach BBQ under the stars.
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Day 9:
Disembark and Return to the UK
This morning you’ll say your farewells to the cruise and fellow snorkellers, transfer to Male airport for your return flight to the UK, landing the same day.
Alternatively, extend of your stay at one of the many resorts we offer.
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary. Marine Park fees and fuel surcharges may apply. From price based on a twin share cabin.
