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Maldives

Snorkeling in Central Atolls – Dune Black Manta

Trip itinerary

Day 1 :
MALÉ

Dune Representative will pick you up at Malé International Airport and bring you to the main boat. Enjoy a drink while listening to our Cruise Manager welcome briefing. Dinner will be served in the evening and you will spend the first night at Hulhumalé marina.

Check-in 3 PM
*Free airport pick up at 3 pm and meeting point at Male airport (Burger King) only, no hotel pick-up.
*We can arrange early check in with an extra fee 48 USD/person and pick-up time at 10 am at Male airport.

This snorkeling trip begins in the North and South Malé Atolls, where you’ll explore beautiful, shallow coral reefs filled with colorful fish, vibrant corals, and tiny marine creatures—perfect for a relaxing first snorkeling experience. The journey then takes you to the clear waters of Vaavu Atoll, where calm lagoons and peaceful reefs offer an easy and enjoyable way to discover the underwater world. With warm water, gentle currents, and plenty to see just below the surface, this trip is ideal for beginners looking to experience the magic of the Maldives without needing to dive.

Vaavu Atoll offers an incredible underwater landscape for snorkelers, with small caves, gentle overhangs, drop-offs, and sloping reefs covered in vibrant corals. You’ll encounter a wide variety of reef fish, including the striking titan triggerfish, as you float above this colorful world. Continuing west to South Ari Atoll, you’ll snorkel
over stunning coral pinnacles surrounded by lively marine life. The clear waters and rich biodiversity make it feel like swimming in a natural aquarium—an unforgettable opportunity to discover the beauty of the Maldives from the surface.

In the marine protected area of South Ari Atoll, you may have the chance to encounter the ocean’s gentle giant—the whale shark. These slow-moving, harmless creatures are often seen near the surface, offering a safe and unforgettable snorkeling experience. Our crew will guide you to the best spots, whether for spotting whale sharks or exploring colorful reefs, coral pinnacles, and shallow wrecks. Calm waters and vibrant marine life make this a perfect adventure for snorkelers. To end the day, a visit to a nearby local island before dinner offers a glimpse into Maldivian culture and island life.

The journey continues as we cruise toward North Ari Atoll, taking one last chance to spot whale sharks along the way. In the north, the channels grow wider and the ocean deeper, revealing more of the Maldives’ marine treasures. While the currents bring in bigger marine life, snorkelers can still enjoy the vibrant reef edges where colorful fish thrive. As night falls, you may be invited ashore once more for a memorable barbecue dinner on a nearby desert island—or enjoy a lively Maldivian- themed evening on board prepared by our crew.

Ari Atoll is home to multiple manta cleaning stations, vibrant thilas, and a wreck site full of marine life, making it a true snorkeling highlight. In these clear waters, you may spot eagle rays, hawksbill turtles, napoleon wrasse, schools of blue-stripe snapper, batfish, and fusiliers gliding gracefully around the reefs. To end the day, experience the magic of manta night snorkeling—watch in awe as giant manta rays feed and dance right in front of your torchlight, creating a moment you’ll never forget.

After one last snorkeling session in North Ari Atoll, the cruise heads back to North Malé Atoll, where you’ll explore long, vibrant reefs, small caves, and colorful corals teeming with life. These waters are home to squirrelfish, bannerfish, oriental sweetlips, frogfish, and even tiny nudibranchs—perfect for a relaxed and rewarding final snorkel. In the afternoon, the boat returns to Hulhumalé marina, where you’ll enjoy your last peaceful evening on board.

Day 8 :
MALÉ

The trip is arriving at the end. Our crew will arrange the transfer to the airport once you have had your breakfast on board. We are also glad to help you plan for the day and booking for accommodations. Time to come back home with fantastic memories!

Check-out 8 AM

Trip & Price Details

8 Days

Price Inclusion

Included in the price

  • Transfers from the airport to the boat and from the marina.
  • Double/twin shared cabin accommodation.
  • Guides.
  • Snorkeling gear.
  • Professional and experienced crew.
  • Meals and all soft drinks on board (excluding beer, spirits, wine, espresso coffee).
  • Minimum 15 Snorkelings, with additional Snorkelings possible depending on weather conditions and flight schedules.
  • Open to all experience levels, including beginners.
  • Bath towels are changed at least once during the trip, depending on the duration of the cruise.
  • The selected sea route will take into consideration the passengers' wishes.
  • Dune reserves the right to limit dives frequency due to : weather conditions, dive level and physical conditions of passengers, and no refund would be applied.
  • Wifi : the speed is limited to emails and messages such as whatsapp or viber.
  • Maldivian Government Tourist Tax.
  • Service Charge.
  • Jacuzzi: Available exclusively on the Black Manta

Excluded in the price

  • International flights to and from Malé.
  • The supplement for a superior or sea view cabin.
  • The supplement for a single cabin.
  • Drinks such as beer, wine, etc
  • Transfers by speed boat, airplane, or seaplane depending on special routes or unscheduled arrivals and departures.
  • Travel insurance (recommended).
  • Massage service (available only on board the Black Manta).

Diver's Level

Level 1 or Open Water Diver (OWD)
with a minimum of 20 dives is required.

Food

On board, both local cuisine and
international menus will be served.

VISA & TRANSFERS

Passengers are greeted at the airport by a
DUNE Egypt representative, holding a “DUNE”
sign. The meeting point will generally be just
outside the arrival hall after the baggage
claim and customs clearance area. You have
the possibility of getting airport assistance
with visa issuance for an extra fee.