Maldives Itineraries:

The legendary Hanifaru Bay (Mantas and Whale Sharks)

This itinerary takes in one of the most spectacular diving areas in the Maldives and offers the chance of manta ray and whale shark sightings all year round.

QUALIFICATION NEEDED: PADI Open water or equivalent - no minimum number of logged dives required.

Itinerary highlights:

**PLEASE NOTE** the dive sites below are just an example of the route taken and are not guaranteed. Current local laws will dictate the amount of time spent at any one dive site. Hanifaru Bay will make up part of this itinerary, but not be the sole focus. All dives sites are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge and the final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and dive guides.

Hanifaru Bay is a marine protected uninhabited island located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives Islands. Its size is no greater than that of a football field and yet it has become one of the hottest spots on the planet for underwater photographers. The reason for this modern day phenomenon of underwater diversity is because plankton blooms between the months of May and November - a very unusual phenomenon - attracting manta rays by the hundreds. At any one time at Hanifaru Bay, there can be up to 200 manta rays feeding off the coral reefs as well as plenty of whale sharks which do the same! Hanifaru Bay has become the world's largest Manta Ray feeding destinations. PLEASE NOTE: From January 2012 scuba diving will not be permitted in Hanifaru Bay, however you will be able to snorkel in this area

Banana Reef: "Banana Reef" is a very well known dive site in the Maldives and one of the first, best and more treacherous due to strong currents. On the eastern side, some rocks have broken away and created a perfect habitat for a surprising variety of schooling reef fish and large pelagic.

Want to go? Check out the Schedules and Prices HERE