About this expedition
Manta cleaning stations, channel sharks and whale-shark country on a luxury liveaboard.
Why this expedition
Manta rays at cleaning stations & feeding aggregations
Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll (seasonal)
Grey reef & whitetip sharks in the channels
Thrilling drift dives with reef hooks
Nitrox & up to 3–4 dives a day
Day by day
- Day 1
Board near MaléEmbark the yacht, check dive and welcome briefing.
- Day 2
North Malé channelsDrift dives with grey reef sharks and eagle rays.
- Day 3
Manta cleaning stationsHover off a reef hook while mantas glide through.
- Day 4
South Ari AtollWhale-shark search by day and a manta night dive.
- Day 5
Channels & thilasFast drifts and pinnacle dives teeming with fish.
- Day 6
Relaxed reefsLagoon and reef dives; de-gas before flying.
- Day 7
Disembark MaléBreakfast and transfer to the airport.
Who this trip is for
CertificationAdvanced Open Water
ExperienceMinimum 50 logged dives
Come preparedComfortable in moderate-to-strong channel current · Reef-hook use & negative-entry descents · Nitrox-capable dive computer recommended
We verify every diver’s certification before confirming a slot — it keeps the group safe and the diving relaxed. Not quite there yet?
Level up with a course and join a future expedition.
What's included
Included
- ✓ 7 nights full-board cabin
- ✓ Up to 3–4 guided dives/day
- ✓ Nitrox for certified divers
- ✓ Tanks, weights & dhoni support
- ✓ Airport–yacht transfers
- ✓ iDive trip host
Payable / not included
- + International flights
- + Green tax & fuel surcharge
- + Equipment rental
- + Crew gratuities
- + Alcoholic drinks
- + Travel & dive insurance
Good to know
Why 50 logged dives?
Maldivian channel diving means real current, negative entries and reef hooks. Fifty dives and an AOW card mean you'll enjoy the sharks and mantas instead of fighting the water.
Are whale sharks guaranteed?
No wild-animal encounter is guaranteed, but January in South Ari Atoll is one of the world's best windows — and the manta action is reliably excellent.
I'm AOW with 30 dives — can I prep?
Yes — log a few current/drift dives first, or join our October Red Sea or March Similan trip to build experience. We'll advise you at reservation.
