THE MALDIVES AMONG MANTA RAYS AND WHALE SHARKS
Whale sharks are among the biggest fish in the world and even for the most passionate divers, meeting them will certainly be one of the most thrilling experiences.
For this reason we have created an itinerary which will allow divers to search for these sharks as well as manta rays and all the other wonders offered by the Maldivian waters.
Albatros Top Boat proposes a cruise in the Ari Atoll, the southern part in particular, where during the autumn/winter period whale sharks are almost permanent inhabitants due to the high concentration of plankton, their favourite food.
The cruise is on board our fantastic boats of both superior and luxury category, which have been designed according to the highest quality standards in the Maldives to satisfy the requirements of élite customers. Our programmes include two dives a day plus one night dive a week; all dives will take place in the company of two or three instructors/divemasters. As well there is snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, excursions, fishing and canoeing. Both diving and the other activities will take place with the help of our trusted diving dhoni and a very comfortable tender.
The cruise leaves from Male and will take place mostly in the centre-southern part of the Ari atoll and will then conclude in the atoll of South and North Male, through its beautiful passes in search of manta rays in the summer/autumn period.
Period suggested: all year round, although most sightings occur during the summer and the autumn
This itinerary may be changed according to the diving requirements of the guests
1st day Arrival at Male, short sailing trip to the atoll of South Male, near the island of Velassaru. In the afternoon the first dive at Velassaru caves on the external reef of the island, which has numerous recesses covered in sponges, bright yellow and blue soft coral, large sea fans and plenty of sea turtles, reef fish and pelagic species.
2nd day departure at dawn for the atoll of Ari.
After about 4 hours of navigation west, we will do the first dive of the day at Maya Thila, a well-known shark point.
While remaining within the atoll, we will then move south and reach the splendid deserted island of Meerufenfushi, which boasts a wonderful lagoon of turquoise water.
In the afternoon we will visit another well-known diving spot, Mushimasmingili thila, recently re-named Fish Head because apparently the shallows have a shape reminiscent of the outline of a fish’s head. Divers will be followed by a rather large completely unafraid Napoleon wrasse.
3rd day at breakfast time we shall sail east, always within the atoll, and we will dive on the manta points (in our winter months) of Himendhoo Thila and Bodu Thila, which are also well-known for their corals and the many sea creatures of all sizes.
We will then reach another deserted island, where we will be able to enjoy dinner on the beach under the stars.
4th day the boat will set sail before breakfast towards the south part of the atoll. The first dive of the day will take place at Madivaru Vangali, another manta point; we will then slowly follow the outside coast of the atoll, back and forth, and we will start our search for the whale shark. We will dive more frequently in this area as this is where these sharks are most often sighted, often even while snorkelling on the surface with mask and flippers. At sunset we will moor close to another splendid deserted island.
5th day is completely dedicated to the whale shark; we will focus on the Mamigili Kundu pass well-known for their innumerable sightings. We will then reach Dangheti, a beautiful island of fishermen, known for its Cultural centre and its characteristic shops.
6th day We will dive at dawn in one of the various thilas of the large Dangheti pass, then we will set sail towards the South Male atoll. Upon arrival we will do our second dive in one of the marvellous passes of the Guraidhoo passes….sharks, fish-eagles…the Maldives’ ‘golden triangle’.
Those who wish to do some shopping or simply to visit another Maldivian island, will be able to disembark at Guraidhoo, the atoll’s administrative capital.
7th day In the morning we will do our last dive in the ‘golden triangle’, which in summer/autumn is ideal for the sighting of manta rays. We will then move on to a dazzling strip of white sand for some leisurely swimming and sunbathing.
After lunch we will set sail towards Male where, upon arrival, we will be able to visit the world’s smallest capital city, covering only 2 km by 2.5 km, although highly populated with its 69 thousand inhabitants! We will be able to enjoy the traditional fish, spices and fruit market and grab the last few souvenirs. The night will be spent on board.
8th day breakfast and transfer to the airport in time for the flight back to Italy.
