7-NIGHT MANTA RAY SNORKELING CONSERVATION CRUISE

Upon arriving in the Maldives, you will be met by your tour leader at Male International Airport and board MV Akoya Pearl. After settling in, we set sail through North Male Atoll. Sit back and enjoy your first views of the many islands unfolding around you. Your initial snorkeling experience will not only allow you to test out your equipment and for your tour leader to assess your skills, but will provide a taste of what is to come on our week-long voyage. Your tour leader will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimize your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life.

In the evening, a presentation by Manta Trust focuses on the history of the Manta Trust, their role in manta ray conservation and Secret Paradise’s involvement with the Local Island Fund for the Environment (LIFE).

Learn more about our collaboration with Manta Trust here

A new day begins with an early navigation crossing from North Male Atoll into Baa Atoll. Following breakfast as we cruise the ocean wave, your Tour Leaders will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley project, providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies.  They will also share the turtle snorkeling code of conduct, preparing you for responsible turtle encounters later today at Dhonfanu, where these ancient creatures are often encountered.

This evening a further informative presentation will provide insight into manta ray biology, the Maldives manta ray population and how research contributes to both a greater understanding of the species and environmental decisions being made by Maldivian government bodies.

Located on the south eastern side of Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay is part of a channel close to the local island of Dharavandoo. The bay’s reef is twice as wide at the mouth as it is towards the lagoon, forming a distinctive funnel shape that assists it in being a potential hotspot for manta rays between May – November. During this period, plankton gets trapped in the bay due to the funnel formation and this high concentration of plankton attracts both manta rays and whale sharks. 

This UNESCO biosphere reserve has been designated as a Marine Protected Area since 2011 and there are strict regulations in place to protect and preserve this amazing wonder of nature, which also includes a ticketing system which provides access to the bay on alternate days for vessels. Your Tour Leaders will brief you on how to ensure any encounters are positive for both you and the manta rays.

Our cruise coincides with the new or full moon, which usually brings with it an increase in sightings and numbers in Hanifaru Bay. So, whilst never a guarantee, we hope to be lucky enough to encounter manta rays and capture important data.

This afternoon we visit the uninhabited island of Huraa Faru. As you step onto its shores, you will feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels like it belongs only to you. The island’s beaches will invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. Unfortunately, plastic is often not hidden and we will spend time completing a beach clean-up activity, ensuring we leave a positive mark on the island. The act of cleaning is a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

As we cruise to our anchorage point of Veyofushi, learn about the biology and behavior of whale sharks, the research efforts of Maldives Whale Shark Research Program and the importance of protecting these gentle giants.

Today provides further opportunities to encounter manta rays at Veyofushi and Reethi Beach lagoons. When we do spot them, following the manta ray code of conduct we will snorkel alongside them. A truly magical experience. As part of the data capture process, assist in collecting valuable information such as size, behavior, markings and photo IDs. This hands-on experience contributes directly to the ongoing research efforts of Manta Trust.

Cruising north into Raa Atoll we head for the beautiful reef of Kottefaru, where, if we are lucky, we will encounter feeding manta rays. Manta rays are filter feeders meaning that they eat by swimming with their mouths open and taking in food from the water around them. As large animals they need to eat a lot of food to sustain themselves and their anatomy is designed to process on average 7 KG of plankton per day by filter-feeding!

The Maldives archipelago is globally unique in terms of biological diversity, the diversity of the reef structures it possesses, and their mode of evolution. It is also extremely vulnerable to future sea-level and climate change. This evening we look at the geology of the Maldives and the projects in place to build climate resilience.

Staying in Raa Atoll we will conduct explorative snorkeling at Dhikkuredhdhoo Finolhu, Boduhaiykodi and Madivaafaru. Whilst never a guarantee, we may encounter manta rays and following the manta ray code we will add to our collection of data research.  Our snorkeling activities will also provide an opportunity to observe different coral reef formations, encounter a variety of fish species, and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater ecosystems.

This afternoon we delve into the work of NGO Miyaru, custodians of the protection of sharks in the Maldives. The Maldives is one of the most important shark sanctuaries in the Indian Ocean and home to globally significant populations of large predatory sharks, including several critically endangered species.

While sharks are protected from targeted fishing within the nation’s waters these elasmobranchs continue to face anthropogenic pressure from climate change, pollution and entanglement, interaction with vessels, rising tourism numbers, as well as habitat loss due to land reclamation. Gain an insight into environmental monitoring and shark studies.

The day ends with a BBQ beach dinner, under the stars at Dhorangali.

As the sun rises, we start our journey back into Baa Atoll where we have the opportunity to visit the local island of Kamadhoo. This is a small but beautiful island rich in vegetation. As you wander the sandy lanes with your tour leader you will witness the community going about their daily lives and will learn how culture and tradition remains the backbone to their daily rhythm and routines. Kamadhoo is part of Soneva Namoona project which focuses on reducing waste, recycling and reusing. The island segregates its waste and this process is managed by the council and the local people themselves. Finally, stop by a local cafe to refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).

Afternoon snorkeling at either Dhonfanu or Dhaandhoo Reef provides another mesmerizing underwater encounter. Discover a coral reef that is teeming with fish and marine-life.

The Maldives is rich in marine life but unfortunately, our marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by humans. This evening, your tour leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the ecosystem and what we can do to limit the impact.

Today we cruise from Baa Atoll back to North Male Atoll. While cruising we will spend some time ensuring all our trip data has been recorded and review our findings. On route to Hulhumale, which will be our final anchorage of the tour, we stop off at the local island of Huraa to visit its mangrove lake and learn why mangroves play such an important role in the eco-system of the Maldives. There will also be the opportunity to see how fish is dried and taste fresh rihakaru paste, a love it or hate it delicacy!

Departure to Male International Airport.