Manta & Whale Shark Safari Liveaboard
8-day specialized liveaboard safari focused exclusively on manta ray and whale shark encounters. Visit Hanifaru Bay, Ari Atoll, and prime feeding areas with 95% success rate.
Safari Overview
The Manta & Whale Shark Safari is our most specialized liveaboard experience in Maldives, designed exclusively for encounters with the ocean's most magnificent gentle giants. This 8-day safari follows the seasonal movements and feeding patterns of manta rays and whale sharks, visiting the world-famous Hanifaru Bay and the legendary whale shark points of Ari Atoll.
Led by marine biologist guides with extensive knowledge of manta and whale shark behavior, this safari offers unparalleled opportunities to observe, photograph, and swim alongside these incredible creatures. With carefully planned routes based on seasonal patterns and real-time marine life tracking, we achieve a 95% success rate for both manta ray and whale shark encounters.
Safari Includes
- 8 nights aboard specialized marine life safari vessel
- 25+ dives and snorkel sessions focused on marine giants
- Hanifaru Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve access (seasonal)
- Multiple whale shark encounter sites in Ari Atoll
- Expert marine biologist guides and naturalists
- Underwater photography workshops and guidance
- Marine life identification and behavior presentations
- Contribution to manta ray and whale shark research
- Photo identification participation for citizen science
- All meals, snacks, and beverages
- Professional diving and snorkeling equipment
- Zodiac operations for optimal positioning
- Marine giants encounter certificate
8-Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Departure & North Male Atoll
Depart Male and begin with manta cleaning stations at Manta Point. Evening briefing on manta ray and whale shark behavior and identification.
Days 2-3: Baa Atoll & Hanifaru Bay
The crown jewel! Visit UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Hanifaru Bay during peak feeding season. Witness hundreds of manta rays feeding on plankton in this unique ecosystem.
Days 4-5: Ari Atoll Whale Shark Circuit
Dedicated whale shark encounters at multiple sites including Whale Shark Point, Maamigili, and Dhigurah. Multiple daily sessions for optimal encounters.
Day 6: South Ari Atoll
Continue whale shark safari in South Ari with visits to Rangali and Vilamendhoo areas. Evening manta ray night snorkeling at illuminated cleaning stations.
Days 7-8: Return via Manta Stations
Final manta encounters at Maaya Thila and Lankan Manta Point. Research data compilation and certificate presentation before return to Male.
Seasonal Safari Guide
Southwest Monsoon (May - November)
Peak manta ray season! Hanifaru Bay feeding aggregations, best manta encounters, and optimal plankton conditions. Whale sharks present year-round.
Northeast Monsoon (December - April)
Excellent whale shark season with calmer seas. Manta rays at cleaning stations, fewer feeding aggregations but more predictable encounters.
Peak Season (June - October)
Ultimate marine giants experience! Both species in peak numbers, Hanifaru Bay at its most active, and optimal underwater visibility.
Safari Gallery
Marine Giants Encounters
Manta Ray Feeding Aggregations
Witness up to 200 manta rays feeding together in Hanifaru Bay during peak season. These feeding frenzies are among the most spectacular marine wildlife events on Earth.
Whale Shark Cleaning Stations
Observe whale sharks visiting cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites. These gentle giants can reach 12+ meters and are completely harmless to humans.
Manta Ray Cleaning Stations
Watch manta rays perform graceful barrel rolls at cleaning stations as cleaner fish remove parasites. Perfect opportunities for close-up photography.
Juvenile Whale Sharks
Ari Atoll is famous for juvenile whale shark encounters. These younger individuals are more curious and often approach snorkelers closely.
Conservation & Research
Photo Identification Program
Contribute to ongoing research by helping photograph manta rays and whale sharks for identification databases. Your photos help track individual animals over time.
Behavior Documentation
Assist marine biologists in documenting feeding behaviors, social interactions, and movement patterns of these magnificent creatures.
Conservation Funding
A portion of safari fees directly supports manta ray and whale shark conservation projects, including habitat protection and research initiatives.
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