MALDIVES 2/2 to 9/2/2019
MANTA
RAYS
THE REGION
The coconut palm and the yellow-fin tuna, symbols of the Maldives, say a great deal about this nation of more than a thousand islands. Grouped into 26 low atolls in the Indian Ocean, less than 300 of the islands are inhabited. The Maldives is flat with white sandy beaches and excellent reefs with an abundance of marine life. Scuba diving is done at a leisurely drift pace as the Indian Monsoon Current sweeps along the island chains, moving nutrients and divers along. This nutrient-rich water flows up along the walls, feeding the sponges and soft corals clinging to the rock sides. Inside the atoll lagoons, rock pinnacles – thila – vault up from the bottom to scratch the water’s surface. In the channels, there are swim-throughs, caverns and overhangs festooned with colorful sponges, invertebrates and gorgonians to explore.
At well-known cleaning stations, wrasse and shrimp service manta rays, and other large marine species. With a welcoming culture and some of the finest liveaboard dive boats and luxury resorts on the globe, a dive holiday in the Maldives makes for an unforgettable experience.
THE ROUTE
Tour - Best of Central Atolls - Project Shark
The diving in the blue water paradise is absolutely sublime. Shark and manta ray sightings are guaranteed as well as myriads of reef fish, morays, critters and the king of them all - the whaleshark. On this itinerary we will be diving a lot with Manta rays and reef sharks, including various cleaning stations. We will even night dive with Manta Rays and Nurse Sharks, on two special night dives. We will also try to spend a day in a whaleshark hot spot, so hopefully will be seeing one of those too. This itinerary is subject to change, depending on weather.
Dive sites: North and South Male Atolls - Felidhu Atoll - Rasdhoo Atoll - Ari Atoll
Duration: 7 Nights
Number of dives: Up to 3 dives a day
THE EXTRAS
The trip will be hosted by pro-photographer Simon Lorenz, Shark researcher Elke Bojanowki and GirlsThatScuba founder Sarah Richard. Elke will give several presentations on sharks and her research projects, as well as optimize our dives to see as many sharks as possible. Sarah will share her knowledge and insight to use social media in the best possible way, and Simon will teach underwater photography techniques for beginners as well as advanced photographers.
It is also possible to get your Nitrox certification on this trip.
THE BOAT
The Blue Voyager / Maldives Master is one of the prestige boats in the Blue o Two fleet. The luxury steel vessel allows us to travel in style from one atoll to the other. Many lounge areas inside and outside and a jacuzzi with a lot of space make for a comfortable journey. International cuisine with every meal, and of course the option to adjust to your dietary requirements.
