Private Journey · 8 days · best late July to October
Mantas & Whale Sharks: An 8-Day Maldives Wildlife Journey
Snorkel with manta rays in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, then look for whale sharks in South Ari, with marine biologists beside you. No diving needed.
length
8 Days
CUSTOM
Guests
2-12
PRIVATE
PACE
GENTLE
ACTIVITY
SEASON
AUG-SEPT
WINTER
RATES
$7,850
FROM
BEFORE YOU READ ON
Some animals you see in a book. These swim right beside you.
What would it be like to watch a manta ray, wider than you are tall, turn somersaults below you?
Who would you want next to you in the water when it happens?
And the honest worries: Do I have to dive? Is it safe? What if we don’t see them?
Good questions. Here's how this journey answers them.
Something for everyone in your group
For the grandchildren
Kids' clubs, turtle spotting, coral planting and a marine biologist who answers every question.
For the outdoorsmen
Reef fishing, night fishing on a dhoni, a first dive or a morning on the flats.
For anyone who needs quiet
A spa above the water, a book in the shade and nowhere to be.
Your Maldives Journey
Baa Atoll
4 nights · mantas
South Ari Atoll
3 nights · whale sharks
Departure Malé
Day of departure
Your 8 days, day by day
Wildlife sets the schedule. Your marine team watches conditions every day.
Into the biosphere
Day 1
Arrive → Baa Atoll
Met at the aircraft and flown by seaplane to Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A briefing at sunset with the marine biologists.
Hanifaru Bay
Day 2
Baa Atoll
When plankton gathers in Hanifaru Bay, mantas arrive to feed, sometimes dozens at once. You’re alerted when they’re spotted and taken out with a licensed guide. Snorkel only; diving isn’t allowed in the bay.
Learn the Mantas
Day 3
Baa Atoll
A morning with the island’s manta researchers to learn how each ray is identified by its spots. Afternoon free, or a second manta session if conditions are right.
Turtles & Sunset Cruise
Day 4
Baa Atoll
Snorkel with turtles on the house reef, then a sunset dhoni cruise with spinner dolphins.
For the divers: a dive at a manta cleaning station outside the bay
Across the atolls
Day 5
Baa → South Ari
A seaplane south over the atolls to South Ari. The afternoon is free on your new island.
Whale sharks
Day 6
South Ari
Out with your guide along the South Ari Marine Protected Area, where whale sharks are seen all year round. Keep your distance, no touching, and time in the water is limited to protect them.
A Last Look
Day 7
South Ari
A second chance for whale sharks in the morning, then a farewell dinner on the beach.
Home with Photos
Day 8
Malé
Back to Malé by seaplane or domestic flight, timed to your flight home.
When to go
Jul–Oct
Peak manta season. The best chance of big manta gatherings at Hanifaru Bay, especially around full and new moons.
May-Dec
Manta season Mantas visit Baa Atoll through the southwest monsoon, with more wind and showers.
All Year
Whale sharks South Ari has whale sharks year-round. Outside manta season, we build the journey around them.
Comfort, safety and pace
No diving needed
Every encounter is by snorkel, with a licensed guide, a life vest if you want one and a boat close by.
Responsible encounters
Hanifaru Bay limits boats and swimmers, and your fee supports the Baa Atoll conservation fund. Whale shark rules keep swimmers at a safe distance.
Sea conditions
This is monsoon season, so expect some wind and showers. Your team plans each day around the weather.
Medical access
Most island resorts have a clinic or doctor on call. Advanced care is in Malé, so medical evacuation insurance is highly recommended.
In Their Words
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- 7 nights in multi-bedroom villas or a residence on one island
- Seaplane or speedboat transfers
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Private sandbank day with chef
- Sunset dolphin cruise and traditional night fishing
- Local island visit with lunch
- Marine biologist snorkel and coral planting
- Private farewell dinner on the beach
- Green tax and resort taxes
Whats Not Included
- International flights to Malé
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance (required)
- Drinks, spa treatments and personal purchases unless listed
- Gratuities
Your Invitation
1
Call with Misty
A complimentary conversation by phone, video or in person.
2
Your island, matched
We match the island and villas to your group, then design every day at no cost.
3
Call with Your Group
Misty walks everyone through it and answers every question.
4
We handle the rest
Flights, transfers, villas and every booking, with our team on call throughout.
Questions about this journey
Starting from $7,865 (double occupancy) per person, including villas, transfers, the experiences listed and logistics. Price depends on the island, villas, season and group size.
No. These are wild animals. Late July to early October gives the best odds for mantas, and whale sharks are seen in South Ari all year.
No. Scuba isn’t allowed in Hanifaru Bay, so everyone snorkels. Divers can add dives elsewhere.
Yes, with care. Guides are always with you, life vests are available, and you can watch from the boat if the water is choppy.
Yes, confident swimmers can join with a guide. We’ll advise on minimum ages for each excursion.
US citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival, plus a short online declaration within 96 hours of travel. We walk everyone through it.