White Pearl Itinerary
Hanifaru Bay Manta Encounter8 days / 7 nights
About White Pearl
- One of the Maldives’s fastest safari yachts, designed for divers
- Six-metre plunge pool, Jacuzzi, workout area and water sports
- Modern, indoor dive platform, three tenders and camera stations
- Choose from spacious cabin options, each flooded with light
White Pearl liveaboard is among the fastest and most luxurious safari yachts in the Maldives, and has been designed specifically for divers and underwater photographers. From its state-of-the-art equipment to the highly-qualified crew, this sophisticated vessel is sure to surpass the expectations of even the most advanced underwater explorers. Thankfully, though, this dedication towards scuba diving doesn’t detract from the White Pearl’s exquisite luxury, which permeates through every aspect of its design - from the outstanding craftsmanship to the first-class facilities and superior service.
Itinerary details
Highlights
- Circular trip diving the best sites the northern atolls have to offer
- Visit Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Chance of encountering hundreds of feeding mantas in Hanifaru Bay
- Explore the iconic dive sites of North Male Atoll
Recommended dive sites:
- Banana Reef
One of the Maldives' most famous dive sites, Banana Reef offers vibrant coral formations, caves, and overhangs, along with a rich variety of marine life such as reef sharks, groupers, and Napoleon wrasses.
A fantastic spot to encounter manta rays, especially between May and November. Divers can watch these graceful creatures as they visit cleaning stations, along with reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish.
Known for its impressive coral formations and swim-throughs, Nassimo Thila is a deep dive site with strong currents, making it a great spot for more advanced divers. You’ll see barracudas, tunas, and eagle rays.
Famous for its stunning soft corals and vibrant marine life, this is a protected marine area with strong currents. Expect to see schools of jackfish, sharks, and dramatic coral overhangs.
Days 3-5: Baa Atoll: ～3 dives/day
Recommended dive sites:
- Hanifaru Bay
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay is globally known for its massive aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks during the monsoon seasons (June to November). Snorkeling is permitted here, but nearby diving spots also offer great experiences.
A spectacular thila (pinnacle) dive site with impressive coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, including schools of snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional white-tip reef shark.
This dive site offers an exciting experience with large schools of batfish, humphead wrasses, and eagle rays, along with beautiful overhangs covered in soft corals.
Recommended dive sites:
- Milaidhoo Caves
Known for its beautiful underwater caves and large coral formations, this dive site is home to various species of reef fish, turtles, and sharks. It's a relaxing dive with plenty of macro life to explore.
This pinnacle dive site offers healthy coral reefs and excellent visibility. You can spot grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of barracudas, making it a top choice for advanced divers.
A deeper dive site with strong currents, perfect for experienced divers. Expect to see large pelagic species like sharks, rays, and barracudas, along with some vibrant coral gardens.
Transfer details
Departure
06:00pm
Male
Male Velana International Airport: MLE
Return
07:30am
Male
Male Velana International Airport: MLE
Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/white-pearl/itn-2302160902381-hanifaru-bay-manta-encounter