Maldives manta ray conservation snorkelling cruise
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Description of Maldives manta ray conservation snorkelling cruise
Explore the Maldives from the water on this small group snorkelling cruise, designed for travellers with a passion for marine life and conservation. Over eight days aboard a comfortable liveaboard vessel, you’ll cruise between atolls, snorkelling vibrant reefs and searching for manta rays and other marine species. Accompanied by expert guides and a Manta Trust researcher, this is a chance not only to witness the Maldives’ remarkable underwater world, but to better understand and protect it.
Your journey unfolds across several atolls, with a flexible itinerary shaped by weather and marine conditions to maximise wildlife encounters. Days are spent snorkelling at carefully chosen sites, where you may encounter manta rays, reef fish and even whale sharks. Evenings bring talks and informal presentations that deepen your understanding of the marine ecosystems you’ve explored. Time on board is relaxed, with comfortable cabins, shared meals and space to unwind between excursions.
One of the highlights of the trip is the opportunity to observe manta rays in their natural feeding grounds. Alongside these unforgettable encounters, you’ll gain insight into how scientists identify individual mantas and monitor populations. You’ll assist with data collection and contribute to ongoing research – you’re not just wildlife watching, you’re actively participating. Similar cruise trips run with the Olive Ridley Project and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme – ask us for dates.
To maximise wildlife sightings, this trip has been timed to coincide with plankton blooms which attract manta rays and whale sharks. These take place in a time of year where there are more changeable weather. This means that the trip has a flexible itinerary to account for weather and sea conditions. Additionally, travelling when the moon is new or full means you’re more likely to encounter more rays.
Over the thrilling series of snorkels, plus presentations and other activities, you’ll become a massive manta fan – if you’re not one already.
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3 Reviews of Maldives manta ray conservation snorkelling cruise
Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025 by Juliet Bulman
Excellent, everyone was so kind and welcoming. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Feb 2025 by Caroline Perry
It was very enjoyable being on MV Felicity cruising around the Maldives. Seeing a huge manta ray whilst stationary was amazing. Fantastic. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Sep 2024 by Richard Montague
The Maldives are an ocean nation and so visiting from the sea was a fantastic way to explore. The operator looked after us all the way and we couldn't be happier with their organisation and professionalism. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
Planet
CARBON REDUCTIONWe are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while raising awareness of responsible travel. As a Travelife Partner certified company, we continuously measure and review our impact. We promote low-carbon activities such as public ferries, cycling, and walking tours, and we educate our supply chain through sustainability criteria, partnerships, and training. We are a Carbon Literate company certified by Carbon Literate Trust and our team undergoes climate literacy training, including the Tourism Cares Climate Justice Programme, to embed carbon awareness into our operations and guide practices.
ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
We actively support the protection and conservation of the Maldives’ delicate marine and island ecosystems. Our marine life education hub, conservation partnerships, and code of conduct for marine wildlife interactions encourage respectful snorkelling and diving. Our tours contribute directly to marine research and coral health through citizen science initiatives, beach clean-ups, and educational collaborations.
We support NGOs like Save the Beach Maldives, Maldives Resilient Reefs, MWSRP, and Olive Ridley Project, focusing on coral rehabilitation and protection of marine life, with donations made on tours where we engage with representatives of the NGO.
Guests receive pre-arrival resources and are guided on responsible snorkeling conduct, local threats, such as the introduction of invasive species (e.g., crown-of-thorns starfish), and how they can help mitigate spread through responsible behavior and awareness.
People
PEOPLEWe exclusively support and promote locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and community businesses. Our tours maximize local impact through community experiences, cultural exchange, handicraft visits, and the use of local guides and transport. We ensure our guests contribute directly to the Maldivian economy, with every tour designed to benefit the communities we visit.
EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
100% of our team is Maldivian, and we prioritise hiring from local communities, providing training and upskilling opportunities for our team. We comply with and exceed local labour standards, and as a female-led business, we foster a strong inclusivity ethos, promoting equal opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or background.
Our trips are LGBTQ+ friendly, and we actively create safe, welcoming experiences for all travellers.
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