WITNESS THE MALDIVES' MARINE BIODIVERSITY

This journey begins in the central atolls, where thriving coral reefs host a kaleidoscope of marine life, including vibrant reef fish, graceful manta rays, and turtles. It’s a chance to explore some of the healthiest ecosystems in the world, renowned for their breathtaking biodiversity and crystal-clear waters.

Encounter Iconic Shark Species

The deep south is a global hotspot for shark lovers. Dive Fuvahmulah’s famous waters, where tiger sharks patrol year-round. Experience thrilling encounters with hammerheads, thresher sharks, and oceanic whitetips in one of the best locations for up-close interactions with these magnificent predators.

Explore Varied Dive Sites

From the tranquil coral gardens of the central Maldives to the dramatic, current-swept channels of the southern atolls, every dive site offers something unique. Highlights include manta cleaning stations, steep drop-offs, and nutrient-rich waters that attract pelagic species in large numbers.

Luxurious Liveaboard Experience

Travel aboard Dune's Black Manta liveaboard, designed for comfort and adventure. Enjoy cosy cabins, gourmet meals, and expert dive guides who ensure safe, rewarding dives. Relax between dives with sun-soaked decks and stunning ocean views - every moment as indulgent as it is exciting.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 HULHUMALÉ

A Dune representative will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to the boat. Once you arrive, you will be offered refreshments while the Cruise Manager will provide you with a friefing. Dinner will be served in the evening and the first night will be spent in the Hulhumale marina.

DAY 2 NORTH & SOUTH MALÉ, VAAVU ATOLL

The trip will start by exploring the long reefs of North Male Atoll. Corals are abundant here, providing an exceptional home for many fish and smaller creatures. After the first dive we shall sail to Vaavu Atoll to get straight into the heart of action with many encounters with sharks, rays and jacks.

DAY 3 VAAVU, MEEMU

In addition to the exceptional topography and marine life, you will also visit the virgin reefs of Meemu Atoll. The excellent canal is made up of steep walls and overhangs covered in soft corals. A great chance to see grey sharks, whitetip sharks, eagle rays, napoleons and turtles.

DAY 4 MEEMU, THAA, LAAMU

Travelling South, you will discover a varied topography: thilas, gyres, canals, coral gardens and overhangs. You will also encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, tunas and jacks.

DAY 5 LAAMU, NORTH GAAFU

Laamu Atoll is characterised by drift dives and deep canals that attract sharks, rays, jacks and tunas. You will also discover caves and drop offs. The central lagoon hosts large shoals of parrotfish, triggerfish and turtles.

DAY 6 NORTH & SOUTH GAAFU

The largest atoll in the Maldives, located in the deep south, Gaafu offers intact reefs and lagoons. A wide variety of sharks make their home here. You may even be lucky enough to see tiger sharks here.

DAY 7 SOUTH GAAFU, FUVAHMULAH

Gaaf dhall is made up of very beautiful canals with intact corals and often frequented by pelagics. Depending on current and wind conditions we will then head to the mythical site of Fuvahmulah.

DAY 8 FUVAHMULAH

Located below the equator, Fuvahmluah is renowned for the presence of many sharks, in particular tiger sharks, and very often reserves beautiful surprise encounters!

DAY 9 FUVAHMULAH, GAAFU

A last dive on Fuvahmulah atoll and then we will go back up to Gaafu to enjoy the multitude of canals here. Afterwards we will anchor at night with the possibility to observe whalesharks at the back of the boat.

DAY 10 GAAFU

Depending on your return flights we will make 2 or 3 dives in the passes around the islands of Vilingili and Khoodoo.

DAY 11 KHOODOO

Departure from the boat to Khoodo domestic airport and transfer to Male airport for your international flight.

The itinerary is subject to change based on weather and dive conditions, with final decisions made by the cruise manager to ensure safety and the best possible experience.

vessel

Built in the Maldives, Black Manta is a new liveaboard boat by Dune ready to sail in the pristine water of Maldives. This entirely new boat is a result of our great project that offers you service in the highest quality.

The liveaboard boat is 42 meters long and will set sail over all the seasons throughout the waves of the Indian Ocean. The boat has 16 double rooms, six with which have sea view and with all of them having private bathrooms in each of them, are all air-conditioned, ensuring you a comfortable scene through the hot climate of Maldives.

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be set outdoor to allow you to keep your eyes on these amazing views we can never get tired of. Wi-fi is also available onboard, and a special area will be dedicated for massages services on the sundeck

RATES

Prices are quoted in USD per person on twin sharing basis. Prices subject to change without prior notice.

USD 4780 VIP Cabin

USD 4630 Upper Deck Cabin

USD 4236 Lower Deck Cabin

PRICES INCLUDE

Airport transfers.

Accommodation, meals, coffee, tea, soft drinks.

Nitrox for certified divers.

Wifi - subject to network availability.

Maldivian buffet on last night.

Fuel surcharge.

Maldivian GST and Green Taxes.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE

Flights.

Additional drinks: alcohol, espresso coffee etc.

Dive equipment rental.

Laundry.

Dive courses.

Tips.

Dive insurance (mandatory). Contact us to purchase short-term DAN dive insurance.

additonal info

DIVERS' LEVEL

CMAS 2** or Advanced Open Water Diver with a minimum of 30 logged dives required. Open Water Diver is accepted on the condition of passing the Advanced Open Water on board at the beginning of the trip in order to respect local regulations.

FOOD

Local and international cuisine will be served on board.

ACCOMMODATION

Based on a double cabin to share. If you register as an individual, it is up to you to agree to share your cabin with a man or a woman or to book a single cabin for an additional fee. The beds of some cabins can be moved to form a double bed or 2 single beds.

AIRPORT PICKUP AND TRANSFERS

Guests are greeted at the airport by a Dune Maldives representative. The meeting point will just be outside the arrival hall after the baggage claim and customs clearance area. Guests are then transferred to the boat via the diving dhoni leaving from the marina of Malé International Airport (duration: 20 mins).

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