Join us for an unforgettable expedition through the Maldives, where crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs and extraordinary marine encounters await. One of the highlights is Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, famous for its seasonal manta aggregation. An aggregation occurs when large numbers of manta rays gather in one area to feed on concentrated plankton, creating one of the ocean’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles. OceanLife has been leading expeditions to the Maldives since 2016, bringing years of local experience and trusted partnerships to every journey.
Beginning north of Malé, the expedition explores Baa Atoll and surrounding waters, with opportunities to dive or snorkel alongside graceful manta rays and search for whale sharks, reef sharks and other marine life. From Hanifaru Bay, we continue south through some of the Maldives’ most spectacular atolls before returning to Malé. It is an immersive adventure combining world-class diving, exceptional wildlife and the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Dates
- August 21–31, 2027 (10 nights/11 days)
- Liveaboard Carpe Novo | Aug 21–26
Route: Malé (MLE) → Dharavandhoo (DRV) - Kiha Beach Hotel | Aug 26–31
Location: Dharavandhoo Island
Package Cost
- Diver Standard room
$3545 per person – sleeps 2 pax: one double bed & one single bed - Diver Single Room-Standard (Solo)
$4940 per person – sleeps 1 person: double bed - Diver Superior-Upper deck
$4095 per person – sleeps 2 pax: 1 king or 2 single beds - Diver Single Suite-Superior (Solo)
$5695 per person – sleeps 1 person: double bed - Snorkeler Standard Single Room (Solo)
$4200 per person – sleeps 1 person: double bed - Snorkeler Standard Room
$2995 per person – sleeps 2 pax: one double & one single bed - Snorkeler Superior/Upper deck
$3495 per person – sleeps 2 pax: 1 king or 2 single beds
Notes
- Prices shown for each room type include both the liveaboard and hotel stay. See accommodation details below.
- All prices are in U.S. dollars (USD). A small Wetravel booking fee may apply, depending on the selected payment method.
Included
- 5 nights onboard the luxury Carpe Novo liveaboard
- Up to 15 dives from the Carpe Novo liveaboard (subject to weather and itinerary)
- 5 nights at Kiha Beach Hotel on Dharavandhoo Island (breakfast included)
- 3 manta ray snorkelling excursions to the world-famous Hanifaru Bay (Marine Protected Area), home to the world’s largest seasonal aggregation of manta rays (subject to marine park regulations and weather conditions)
- Airport and boat transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days
- Transfers between the liveaboard and island accommodation
- 1 beach BBQ evening with traditional Maldivian music and dancing
- Three freshly prepared buffet meals daily onboard the liveaboard, plus snacks between dives
- Drinking water, tea, and coffee onboard
- Professional dive guides (approximately one guide per five divers)
- Use of air or Nitrox tanks, weights and weight belt
- Marine life presentations
- Experienced OceanLife Scuba Expeditions group leader
- Fun, friendly and supportive group atmosphere
Excluded
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International flights to Malé
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Rental Gear
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Dive Insurance
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Travel Insurance
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Lunch, dinner, and beverages at Kiha Beach Hotel
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Gratuities
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Soda, alcoholic beverages, and “fancy” coffee drinks onboard the vessel
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Shopping on the local island
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Diving on the local island
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16% GST and 10% service charge for on-board purchases
- Green tax
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SIM cards
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Wi-Fi on-board the vessel (approx. $40 USD per week)
How to Secure Your Spot
Please note that this trip has limited spots, so you will need to get in quickly to secure your booking. The following payments will be required:
- $800 USD to secure your spot
- Payment 1 due on March 17, 2027
- Remaining balance due on June 17, 2027
Payment
Once you pay your deposit, we will send you an invoice via the booking platform. We recommend purchasing your flights to Malé (the capital) as soon as possible to secure a cheaper fare.
To check availability and secure your spot, contact us.
Itinerary
You are responsible for arranging your own flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. On August 21, 2027, we will board Carpe Novo for our five-night liveaboard adventure. Please note that check-in for the vessel is usually from 2:00 pm. Our liveaboard itinerary travels from Malé (MLE) to Dharavandhoo (DRV), allowing us to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while searching for manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, turtles and an incredible diversity of marine life. Open Water divers wishing to continue their training can also complete scuba diving courses while onboard.
After disembarking in Dharavandhoo on 26 August, we will transfer to our accommodation for a five-night island stay (August 26–31, 2027). Staying on Dharavandhoo provides direct access to Hanifaru Bay, giving us multiple opportunities, subject to seasonal conditions, to snorkel with the world-famous aggregations of manta rays. The island stay also offers time to experience local Maldivian culture, relax between excursions, and enjoy the slower pace of island life before departing the Maldives.
Our itinerary has been carefully designed to maximise our time spent with manta rays and whale sharks, creating an unforgettable Maldives experience. Guests will be encouraged to collect photos and/or sketches of the mantas seen during the dives. Your observations will be included in ongoing manta research being conducted in the Maldives. If it is a “new” manta and it is spotted for the third time, you can decide on a name and keep track of “your manta” in the future.
Diving & Snorkelling
Divers and snorkellers are welcome on this expedition, with plenty of opportunities to experience the Maldives above and below the surface. Two stand-up paddleboards are also available for guest use in suitable conditions. A minimum Open Water Diver certification is required for scuba diving. Guests may also complete Advanced Open Water and Enriched Air (Nitrox) certifications onboard. Course fees and equipment hire are additional. View the equipment, course and insurance pricing.
Carpe Novo
The MV Carpe Novo is a 42-metre motor yacht with three decks and a spacious sun deck. Launched in 2016, it is the newest vessel in the Carpe Diem fleet and offers comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, including a middle-deck bar and lower-deck lounge.
Superior rooms on the main deck feature large windows, a king bed that can be converted into two singles, air conditioning, a TV, storage, and a private ensuite. Standard rooms on the lower deck include a queen bed and single bed, air conditioning, TV, portholes, storage and a private ensuite.
The vessel uses 220V electricity, with international outlets available. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, but guests travelling from the US should check their chargers before departure.
Photographers can use the dedicated camera room for equipment setup and charging. The crew also assists with carrying camera gear to and from the dive dhoni.
Kiha Beach Hotel
After five nights aboard Carpe Novo, guests will spend five nights at Kiha Beach Hotel, a boutique beachfront property on Dharavandhoo Island in Baa Atoll. Surrounded by tropical scenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the hotel provides the perfect base for relaxation while offering easy access to the renowned Hanifaru Bay Marine Protected Area.
The comfortable, modern rooms feature air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, a private ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony, with many rooms offering ocean views.
During the island stay, guests will have multiple opportunities to snorkel with the seasonal aggregations of manta rays at Hanifaru Bay (subject to marine park regulations and weather conditions). There is also time to unwind by the saltwater swimming pool or private beach, enjoy delicious and affordable meals at the hotel’s restaurant, experience the spa and wellness facilities, or explore the friendly local island of Dharavandhoo.
Kiha Beach Hotel offers the perfect balance of comfort, authentic Maldivian hospitality, and exceptional access to one of the Maldives’ most spectacular marine environments.
Why Choose OceanLife?
OceanLife expeditions are designed for divers and snorkellers who want more than a holiday. Every journey is personally led by Amanda Delaforce, a marine biologist with more than 25 years of field experience and over 30 years of diving experience. Her knowledge of marine life, underwater photography, and responsible wildlife encounters adds depth to every adventure. Each destination is carefully selected for its exceptional marine encounters and trusted local operators. Meet Amanda
”An unforgettable scuba diving experience! Everything was flawlessly organized, from the incredible dives to the top-notch boat. Swimming with whale sharks was unforgettable. Amanda's warmth, passion, and attention to detail created a safe, welcoming atmosphere for every diver. I left with amazing memories, beautiful photos, and a renewed love for the ocean.
—Maria Cecilia L.
Travel with Purpose in the Maldives
Every manta ray and whale shark encounter is a chance to support conservation. Guests are encouraged to photograph animals, with images shared with MantaMatcher and the Maldives Whale Shark Research to help identify individuals and study populations, movements and behaviour. Observations also support ongoing manta research by the Marine Research Section in Malé. By simply sharing your sightings, you can contribute valuable data and help protect these remarkable species. Explore our conservation work
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
We look forward to sharing this unforgettable journey with you. Ready to experience the Maldives with OceanLife? Spaces are limited to keep the group intimate, so secure your place or contact us with any questions.
Bookings, Payment, Cancellation Policy and Force Majeure in relation to the Tour
TERMS & CONDITIONS
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions (“OceanLife Scuba Expeditions”, “we”, “us” or “our”).
1. Insurance
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions highly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive personal travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming their travel plans. Your insurance policy should provide adequate cover for, at a minimum, trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, scuba diving activities, missed or delayed flights, baggage loss or delay, travel interruptions and personal liability. We recommend Dive Assure or DAN for dive insurance. Dive Assure offers both annual and single-trip dive and travel insurance policies that can be purchased directly through its website.
- Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
- All diving, snorkelling and in-water activities are conducted by our appointed in-country operator(s), including liveaboard vessel operators and local dive centres, who maintain responsibility for their own operational procedures, safety standards and applicable insurance requirements. While participating in diving, snorkelling or swimming activities, you are required to comply with all instructions given by the Captain, Dive Instructor, Divemaster or other authorised crew members.
2. Bookings and Payments
- Bookings made more than 100 days before the commencement of the trip require a non-refundable deposit of USD $800 per passenger.
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- Bookings made within 100 days of the commencement of the trip require payment in full to secure the booking.
- Final payment is due no later than 100 days before the commencement of the trip. A final payment reminder will be sent prior to the due date.
- Each guest is required to complete a Dive Trip Questionnaire (which may include a Dive Medical Assessment where applicable) before receiving final trip confirmation. The completed questionnaire must be returned to OceanLife Scuba Expeditions before final payment is made.
- Guests are required to disclose all relevant medical conditions honestly and completely. Failure to disclose relevant medical information, or providing false or misleading information, may result in OceanLife Scuba Expeditions refusing participation where the condition may affect the safety of the guest, other participants or the safe operation of the expedition.
- Guests are responsible for ensuring they hold valid passports, visas, permits, vaccinations and any other documentation required for entry into the destination country or countries. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for denied boarding, refused entry or additional costs resulting from incomplete, expired or invalid travel documentation.
3. Amendment and Cancellation Policy
- All deposits are non-refundable.
- The total trip cost becomes 100% non-refundable within 100 days of the scheduled departure date. This applies to deposits and all subsequent payments, except where otherwise required by law.
- If you cancel your booking 100 days or more before departure, and your place can be resold, a trip credit equal to your remaining balance (less a USD $300 administration fee) will be issued. The credit must be used on another OceanLife Scuba Expeditions trip departing within two (2) years of the cancellation date.
- If you cancel your booking within 99 days of departure, no refund or trip credit will be issued.
- If a guest misses the commencement of the expedition or any part of the itinerary due to delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions, no refund, credit or alternative arrangements will be provided by OceanLife Scuba Expeditions. Any eligible costs should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to amend itineraries, accommodation, vessels, dive sites, schedules, guides or expedition leaders where reasonably necessary due to weather, sea conditions, safety considerations, wildlife activity, mechanical issues, operational requirements, government directives or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. Such changes do not constitute grounds for compensation or refund.
- We choose our in-country dive operators carefully. We check that they hold the correct permits, licences, vessel registrations and insurance before we work with them. Once you’re on the water, they’re responsible for running the trip safely under their own procedures, not ours.
4. Force Majeure
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any delay, alteration, cancellation or failure to deliver a trip where such circumstances are caused by events beyond our reasonable control.
- A Force Majeure Event includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, severe weather, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, strikes, civil unrest, acts of government or regulatory authorities, the inability to obtain licences or permits, delays caused by subcontractors or suppliers, telecommunications failures, material shortages or any other event beyond our reasonable control.
5. Guest Responsibilities
- Guests participating in scuba diving must hold the minimum certification required for the expedition and provide proof of certification if requested.
- Guests agree to dive within the limits of their certification, experience and current medical fitness, and to follow all instructions provided by dive professionals, vessel crew and expedition staff.
- Guests are responsible for arriving at the designated departure location at the required time. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions is not responsible for missed departures resulting from delayed or cancelled flights, missed connections, immigration delays, baggage delays, weather events or other travel disruptions beyond our reasonable control. Any costs, losses or expenses incurred as a result of these disruptions are the responsibility of the guest and should be claimed through the guest’s travel insurance policy, where covered.
- Guests are responsible for the care and security of their own dive equipment, camera equipment, luggage and personal belongings throughout the expedition.
- Wildlife sightings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed. OceanLife Scuba Expeditions makes no representation or warranty that any particular marine species, wildlife encounter or photographic opportunity will occur during an expedition.
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions reserves the right to refuse participation or remove any guest from an expedition, without refund, where their behaviour is considered unsafe, abusive, disruptive, illegal, intoxicated, or likely to place themselves, other guests, crew members or the expedition at risk.
6. Liability and Obligations
- OceanLife Scuba Expeditions acts as an expedition organiser and booking agent for accommodation providers, liveaboards, dive operators, transport providers and other third-party suppliers.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, delay or expense arising from the acts, omissions or default of any third-party supplier involved in delivering any component of the expedition.
- Participation in scuba diving, snorkelling and other adventure activities involves inherent risks which may result in serious injury, permanent disability or death. These risks include, but are not limited to, decompression sickness, arterial gas embolism, hyperbaric injuries requiring recompression treatment, equipment failure, adverse weather, strong currents, remote locations where emergency medical assistance may be delayed, and encounters with wild marine life that may result in stings, bites or other injuries.
- Guests acknowledge these inherent risks and voluntarily participate in these activities at their own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate, exercising reasonable care, following all safety instructions and complying with directions provided by the vessel crew, dive professionals and expedition leaders.
- To the maximum extent permitted by law, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions shall not be liable for any personal injury, illness or death suffered directly or indirectly as a result of participation in the expedition or associated activities. We are also not liable for any consequential loss, including loss of income, profits, enjoyment or opportunity, nor for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings before, during or after the expedition.
- Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation.
7. Privacy & Data Collection Notice
OceanLife Scuba Expeditions collects personal information, including contact details, payment information and, where relevant to trip participation, health and medical information, in order to process bookings, arrange travel and diving activities, and communicate with guests. Health information collected through our Dive Trip Questionnaire is used solely to assess fitness to dive and may be shared with our appointed in-country dive operators for safety purposes. We do not sell personal information to third parties. By using this website or booking a trip, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described here.
8. Photography
During the expedition, OceanLife Scuba Expeditions and its representatives may capture photographs and video footage for promotional, educational and marketing purposes. Unless you notify us in writing before departure, you consent to the use of images or video in which you may appear on our website, social media channels, printed publications and other promotional material without compensation.
9. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.
By placing a booking with Amanda Delaforce Photography and Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 26 661 237 734), trading as OceanLife Scuba Expeditions, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the Cancellation Policy.
Entry Requirements for the Maldives
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Most visitors to the Maldives can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
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Guests will complete the IMUGA traveller declaration form before departure for entry into the Maldives.
