We will visit the Baa Atoll and Hanifaru Bay again on a special 8-day cruise each season to make the CENTRAL ATOLLS & HANIFARU route.

After the collaboration experience in previous years with the MANTA TRUST Foundation, both in the North (reef mantas) and in Foamulah (oceanic mantas), we propose a new edition of these theme cruises starring the majestic and smart MANTA!

Departure and arrival in Male.

September is the best season to visit the North Atolls in the Maldives. We recommend an interesting diving cruise, the so-called CENTRAL ATOLLS & HANIFARU. After a first diving day in North Male, where we look for a Manta cleaning station, we will set sail northbound to the Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay. On this atoll, we will try to enjoy snorkeling with mantas in the Hanifaru Bay, a Biosphere Reserve. Depending on sea conditions, currents, and sightings on that week, and apart from mantas, we will modify the route in search of pelagics in Rasdoo, as well as diving with mantas by night and, with a bit of luck, diving &/or snorkeling with the whale shark on the Ari Atoll.

CRUISE PROGRAM

Day 1 (Saturday): MALE – CENTRAL ATOLLS & HANIFARU LIVEABOARD

Arrival at Male airport. One of our staff members will be waiting for you at Male Airport. You will then get onto our auxiliary boat Dhoni for the transfer to MALDIVES BLUE FORCE 1 for check-in, briefing of the liveaboard, diving, and plan itinerary. Dinner onboard.

Day 2-7 (Sunday to Friday): CENTRAL ATOLLS & HANIFARU LIVEABOARD

The planned route (which can be modified under the cruise management’s criteria) will take a trip around North Male, Hanifaru, Baa, Rasdoo & Ari. During the cruise, an 18-dive program is developed (day and night dives & snorkeling in Hanifaru Bay).

On Friday afternoon, we will anchor next to Male. So, we will have the option to make a guided visit to Male.

Day 8 (Saturday): MALE

Disembark at Male Airport at 07.00 am. If the return flight leaves in the afternoon, there is an optional day hotel option near the airport, and even free time to optionally visit Male until the time of the return flight.

The diver is responsible for holding the corresponding Diving Certificate for dives to be done. If the diver doesn’t hold the required certification or the guide in charge of going along with the divers considers, for any reason, that the client is not qualified for some dive, he will have full authority not to allow the client to such dive. Besides, Blue Force Diving won’t commit itself to making any deduction for that.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

Due to sea conditions, weather conditions, or any other factors, the boat/cruise staff reserves the right to change the route totally or partially without prior warning. No refund will be issued for such circumstances.

The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.

*The itinerary description is provided by the operator. Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. The exact route and sites visited are subject to change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, and are at the Captain’s discretion.