Maldives October 2026
October 10 - 17, 2026
* Great for snorkelers and divers alike! *
The small island nation of the Maldives is arguably one of the best big animal dive destinations in the world. Our Manta Expedition route allows us to combine a large part of the classic route, the best known in the
Maldives, with the Baa Atoll, north of the central atolls.
Availability: In Stock
Skill Level: Intermediate
Blue Force 3
Trip Leaders: Jaimie Albach and Graham Casden
The small island nation of the Maldives is arguably one of the best big animal dive destinations in the world. Our Manta Expedition route allows us to combine a large part of the classic route, the best known in the
Maldives, with the Baa Atoll, north of the central atolls. In this route we explore the North Male and South Male atolls, visiting the first manta cleaning stations and some thilas to see sharks, such as Kandooma
and Guraidhoo. Crossing to the Ari Atoll we will look for whale sharks and dive with mantas at night, and diving in Rasdhoo, where the pelagics await us. We complete the cruise by sailing north towards Baa, in the Dharavandhoo area, next to Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) where we hope to experience manta ray diving and snorkeling.
As you can see, this route represents the most famous diving areas of the Northern Atolls of the Maldives. Manta ray diving is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in a scuba diver’s life.
Trip Inclusions:
- 7 nights accommodations onboard the Blue
Force 3 - 18 dives
- All meals
- Beach BBQ
- Same day boarding roundtrip airport
transfers - Government Green Tax & GST Tax
- Complimentary kayaks & SUPs
- Ocean First trip leader
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Meals not mentioned above
- Nitrox
- Port fee
- Fuel surcharge
- Crew gratuities
- Baggage fees
- Any unforeseen cost at the time of booking
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Trip Cost:
- $3,150 lower deck cabin, double occupancy
- $3,150 main deck cabin, double occupancy
- $3,350 upper deck cabin, double occupancy
Payment Schedule:
- Nonrefundable deposit required to reserve: $750
- $750 due by April 10, 2025
- $750 due by October 10, 2025
- Final payment due July 1, 2026
- Passport must be valid for 3 months after departure date
Cancellation Policy:
- Changes made to the reservation may result in additional fees
- Cancellation 180 days or more: refund given based on reselling the space, minus the initial deposit
- 179-120 days: original deposit is forfeited as well as any vendor fees
- 119 days or less or a no-show: no refunds given
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. Ocean First recommends Allianz Travel Insurance
Standard Recommended Accessories:
- GoBe S500 LED light
- Safety sausage w/ whistle (SMB)
- Squeeze Lock knife
- Reefsaver
Trip Specific Recommendations:
- Hood and/or hooded vest
- Reef hook
- Primary dive light
- Fish ID certification
- Shark ecology certification
- Marine ecology certification
- Waves, Tides, Currents certification
- Nitrox certification
