April 22 to 29
The Maldives are home to over 26 species of sharks, and one of the only shark sanctuaries left in the world. Join us for an experience of the archipelago akin to none.
You'll get to know these often misunderstood ocean creatures, and learn how we can protect their ecosystem. There's no better way to disperse the stigma that surrounds the ocean's greatest fish than diving right in, getting close and personal, and understanding their patterns and behaviors.
Alongside daily dives and explorations with these elegant animals, you'll also enjoy ocean talks from local NGOs' guest speakers, PADI Specialty courses, and entertainment. You'll arrive with a soft spotfor sharks, and leave knowing them inside out.
Overview
Best of Maldives Itinerary: Male - Vaavu - S Ari - N Ari - Male (no domestic flight required)
The focal point of this expedition will be channel dives alongside pelagic megafauna. As April currents are not the strongest, the itinerary provides exhilarating shark cleaning station experiences and deep water encounters.
Of an evening, you'll jump in for a spectacular night dive with our curious nurse sharks and stingrays - residents of the famous Alimatha Jetty.
Moving further south we will then focus mainly on blue water dives on the eastern side of the atolls, where you can try your luck with hammerhead shark encounters.
You'll spend one full day in a South Ari Marine Protected Area, the home of the planet's biggest fish, whale sharks and also countless manta cleaning stations.
We finish the week with some of the must-dives of North Ari Atoll, before cruising back to Male.
On top of daily diving you'll experience:
- Guest speakers from the Shark Guardian.
- Green Fins Maldives Workshop.
- Project AWARE Specialty Courses.
Love Ocean Talks
Sharks Talks: Join us for a series of presentations focused on conservation status of sharks and the threats they are facing. You'll discover the value of stable shark populations for a healthy marine ecosystems and learn what personal actions you can take to protect them. The Shark Talks will cover the required theory section of your PADI AWARE Shark Conservation course.
Whale Shark Night:: Spend the evening unraveling the mysteries behind these majestic creatures, whilst also learning what part you can play in their conservation. As we discuss our favorite gentle giants, the stern platform will light up to attract whale sharks for a plankton feast.
Green Fins Maldives Workshop: An interactive course for divers and snorkelers alike, following the Project AWARE Specialty course, fostering travelers into new ocean advocates. You'll be provided with advice on how to enjoy the wonders of the reefs within environmentally friendly guidelines.
Shark Guardian
UK Charity for shark and marine conservation worldwide
Shark Guardian is a UK Charity founded by Brendon Sing and Elizabeth Ward-Sing. Although Shark Guardian is a UK Charity, there are Shark Guardian campaigns and activities taking place worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Shark Guardian educates thousands of people, mainly children, about sharks and marine life each year. Their educational team continuously hosts educational presentations and seminars in schools, dive communities, and at public events.
Brendon Sing
Brendon has been diving and researching sharks for over 20 years while achieving the highest instructor qualifications in the scuba diving industry. With his wife Liz, Brendon created Shark Guardian to share his knowledge, experience, and passion for sharks for conservation. His goal is to inspire everyone worldwide to protect sharks.
PADI AWARE Specialty courses
AWARE Shark Conservation: his course will take your spark of interest in these fascinating creatures and set it alight. You'll discover the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies, and learn about the actions you can take to dispel misconceptions and act to protect them and their habitat. During the two course dives you'll demonstrate responsible diving practices and behaviors to minimize negative environmental impact. (To gain this PADI Specialty Certification you must be at least 12 years old and certified as min. Junior Open Water Diver).
PADI Whale Shark Awareness: This course takes you on a deep dive into whale shark biology and behavior. You'll learn about monitoring programmes, research and conservation efforts, as well as the correct diving techniques for when you find yourself in the presence of the ocean's biggest fish. During the two course dives you'll practice identifying any whale shark distinctive features and markings, as well as fine-tune your buoyancy for a better ID photo. (To gain this PADI Specialty Certification you must be at least 10 years old and certified as min. Junior Open Water Diver).
Project AWARE: In this interactive workshop you will learn how to channel your passion for diving into protecting the dive sites you love the most. This course will provide simple diving ethics to live by, and how you can make a difference when traveling, diving, taking photos and more. This course only requires a keenness to learn.
Movie nights
If you're looking to recharge and unwind whilst still reveling in the magic of these tremendous subaquatic species, join us at the spa deck to learn more about sharks and their ecosystem.
From 'Sharks:Monsters Of The Media' following scientists and activities who combated the most basic and primal fears the media distilled in people, through experiences and education on these majestic creatures.
To 'Sharkwater Extinction', an action packed journey that follows filmmaker Rob Stewart as he exposes the illegal shark fin industry and the political corruption behind it.
Other events
Whilst the incessant rhythm of marine life carries on in the ocean below us, join us to bask in all you've discovered and experienced over a shark themed cocktail and dinner.
See what you've learned by taking part in our Shark Knowledge Quiz at our sunset cocktails, or if quizzes aren't your thing, we also have pictures of all 26 species of Maldivian sharks waiting to be found around the boat, and many other fun games. There are prizes, of course!
If you're ready to take the plunge and not only immerse yourself in exhiltarting adventures alongside these ocean greats, but also leave having made a lasting impact on shark conservation, we can't wait to welcome you aboard.