Hanifaru Manta & Whaleshark Special—Baa & Raa Atoll

This dive safari is perfect for avid divers seeking crystal-clear waters and spectacular experiences around Hanifaru Bay. Hanifaru Bay is world-famous for its large gatherings of manta rays (especially during the plankton season from May to November) and occasional whale shark sightings. The itinerary combines a variety of drift and reef dives with stunning underwater landscapes, including vibrant coral gardens, caves, channels, and healthy reef walls.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day

Guests are greeted at the airport by the crew at noon (12:00 PM). For those arriving later, pickups are arranged at a pre-scheduled time.
Upon boarding the AMBA liveaboard, guests are welcomed with a refreshing drink and lime-scented towel. A brief orientation is provided by the tour guide, covering the ship's layout and the day's schedule. Guests can then settle into their cabins and freshen up.

At 5:00 PM, check-in documents are checked, followed by equipment assembly on the dive boat (Dhoni) with assistance from the dive crew.

Dinner is served at 6:30 PM, after which the crew is introduced, and a comprehensive safety briefing about the boat is conducted. The evening is spent relaxing or mingling with fellow guests after the journey and adjusting your diving computer with the help of the dive crew.

Day 2 - 7: Dive Adventure

Each day offers 2–3 dives, typically 3 unless long crossings are required. These dives take place from a Dhoni and include one night dive per trip.

Dive sites are carefully selected, with detailed briefings available in English to prepare guests for each dive. The briefing can be translated into German.

The Maldives offers breathtaking underwater experiences, from coral gardens to encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, guitar rays, and other marine life.

Dives are conducted in self-reliant buddy teams. Experienced dive guides accompany groups to highlight the best aspects of each site. Divers must be capable of independent ascents in buddy teams using surface marker buoys when necessary.

Whenever we are close to the Hanifaru Bay, and the Rangers call us to say that there are Mantas or and Whalesharks, even if we are on the way to a dive, we will right away cancel the dive and move to the Hanifaru Bay or close by to snorkel with the Giants. Guests need to be aware that we will not be able to complete the full 3 dives.

Day 8: Last Diving Day

The final dive is scheduled for 8:00 AM on the day before disembarkation.

After the last dive, equipment can be rinsed in freshwater tanks and left to dry before packing.

Guests are invited to explore the capital, Malé, in the afternoon from 4 until 6 pm. The official farewell takes place in the evening at 6:30, followed by dinner.

Day 9: Departure Day

Check-out is before 08:30 AM. A light breakfast is provided, with earlier check-outs available upon request. Unfortunately, late check-outs are not possible due to cleaning and preparation for the next trip.

Guests with late flights can store luggage in airport lockers and use the time to explore nearby islands or relax at the airport hotel, which offers access to a pool and alcoholic beverages.

Marine Life: Coral gardens, manta rays, whale sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, bull sharks, guitar rays, and vibrant reef fish

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 boat operator. Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only, and the exact route and sites visited may change based on local regulations, guest experience, weather, and logistics, at the Captain’s discretion.