Standard package
Hotels as per itineraryShared room · As per itineraryOn request$2,999.00per person
RequestMaldives Manta Ray Conservation Cruise
Small group
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This small-group cruise explores the Maldives with a focus on manta ray conservation, snorkelling and marine learning. In partnership with Manta Trust, the trip includes presentations, guided snorkelling and time spent contributing to research through data collection and photo identification. The route follows a series of atolls and local islands, including visits to Hanifaru Bay, Kamadhoo and Huraa. Along the way, your tour leader and conservation specialists share practical guidance on responsible snorkelling, the local marine environment and the work behind ongoing manta research. The sailing is timed around the new or full moon period, when sightings in Hanifaru Bay are often more active. It is a small-group voyage with a maximum of 10 guests, designed for travellers interested in wildlife, conservation and life on the water.
Key details
8 days
7 nights
Route
Maldives
Tour type
Small groups
Available departures
Dates available
Group size
Maximum 10 guests
Duration
8 days
Style
Small groups
Theme
Marine conservation and wildlife
Highlights
- Small-group cruise
- Manta ray conservation focus
- Nature & Wildlife
- Family
- Group
- Fully guided travel
Itinerary
- 1
Male
Arrival in Malé and departure by sea
Arrive in the Maldives, meet your tour leader at Malé International Airport and board the vessel. After settling in, cruise through North Malé Atoll. There is time for a first snorkelling session, with a safety briefing and guidance on responsible snorkelling. In the evening, attend a Manta Trust presentation on the organisation’s background and role in conservation. - 2
Male
Cross to Baa Atoll and learn about turtles
Sail from North Malé Atoll to Baa Atoll. After breakfast, the tour team introduces the work of the Olive Ridley Project and explains its environmental monitoring and turtle research. Later, follow the snorkelling code of conduct for a turtle encounter at Dhonfanu. The evening presentation covers manta ray biology, the Maldives population and how research informs conservation decisions. - 3
Male
Hanifaru Bay and manta ray data collection
Spend the day in the Hanifaru Bay area, near Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll. The bay’s shape can concentrate plankton, which attracts manta rays and, in season, whale sharks. Follow the marine protection rules in place for this reserve and join your tour leaders as they explain how to keep encounters responsible. The cruise timing is designed around the new or full moon period, which can bring better sighting conditions. There is also time for beach clean-up activity and support with manta ray identification and data recording.
The itinerary is for reference and may vary by selected departure.
What's included
- Double or twin cabin accommodation on board MV Felicity
- Tour Leader with Emergency First Response and International Level 3 Lifeguard certification
- Welcome drinks on arrival
- Unlimited tea and coffee
- Unlimited drinking water
- Snorkelling activities
- Local island tours
- BBQ dinner on the beach of a sandbank or uninhabited island, weather permitting
- Dinghy or dhoni transfers to snorkelling points
- All domestic airport transfers
What's not included
- International flights
- Insurance
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Snorkelling equipment
- Gratuities
- Diving
- Alcoholic beverages on board, payable in USD cash at the end of the trip
Dates & availability
Updating availabilitySelect departure month and travellers.
Upcoming departures
1 date · 2 optionsSat, Oct 24, 2026to Oct 31, 2026
2 hotels availableStandard package
Hotels as per itineraryStandard arrangement · As per itineraryOn request$2,899.00per person
RequestFrom
$2,899.00
Important information
Flexibility
Flights, extra nights and private experiences can be added before confirmation.
Before you go
Your final itinerary, documents and local contacts will be available in My Kata.