Upon arrival in the magical Maldivian capital - Male (the most densely populated piece of land on the planet) your crew will meet and transfer you to your home, away from the hustle and bustle of life, for the next week - The Black Pearl. There you’ll meet the rest of your Maldivian crew and the MWSRP marine biologists.

After chilling out and settling in, no time will be wasted in getting you in the water! An orientation dive will take place in Male Atoll before you begin your journey through the idyllic coral sand chain of islands to the famed South Ari Atoll.
During the evening the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) biologists will formally introduction themselves and deliver a presentation about the organisation’s work (+ short briefing about animal encounter conduct)

The next day your dives will begin! Guraidhoo or Gulhi where sharks and mobular rays, green and hawksbill turtles and other wonders of the ocean will be awaiting your descent into the warm crystal clear tropical water.

The following day you’ll wake up early for another dive before a heading off on a short cruise to South Ari Atoll’s whale shark ‘hotspot’ where you will experience some incredible encounters with the largest fish in the world. The hotspot is now the largest marine protected area (MPA) in the Maldives largely because it plays host to a year round aggregation of whale sharks….but you’ll also see a variety of dolphin, sharks and rays and up to three species of turtle. You’ll also dive at Madivaru (Manta Point)!

You’ll remain around the MPA for the majority of the trip, diving at thilas and outside reefs from Villamendhoo to Rangali. Every dive has something different to offer but one thing remains the same…the normally illusive whale shark often mysteriously appears out of the blue.

During evenings onboard The Black Pearl, the marine biologists will discuss with you the importance of the precious ecosystem sometimes through interactive presentations and other times during a general chat. You will also be given the opportunity to become involved in the research – taking photographs, monitoring behaviour and distinguishing features, measuring animals (where possible), sexing, logging GPS coordinates etc – and recording all of the data on one of the most comprehensive whale shark databases in the world. You’ll be introduced to and given the chance to use I3S, the spot pattern recognition software, originally developed by NASA and used to identify whale sharks and manta rays through their unique spot patterns. The biologists will be with you 24/7 giving you every opportunity to gain answers to those questions you have always wanted to ask. Evenings will usually bring dancing manta rays to the lights at the back of the boat. Your crew may even let you snorkel amongst them….

Your dive locations will vary slightly depending on wind and weather conditions and nothing is set in stone. If you particularly like a certain spot we may stay for another dive….or two.

For example, the Maamigili area! A unique spot where you will almost certainly want to stay forever.

Between dives we will go in search of the magnificent whale shark. As soon as one is spotted, grab your fins and mask and prepare for the most amazing snorkel of your life (but remember – no touching!)

Later in the week your crew will take you to your very own palm fringed white sand island. They’ll cook a fresh fish feast on the barbecue for you while you relax on the beach or chill out in the beautiful ocean.

Day 6: Unfortunately, is the beginning of the end of your experience with the Black Pearl crew and the MWSRP - The channel crossing voyage back to Male will begin….but don’t worry! You’ll sneak one last dive in towards North Ari Atoll where chances are you might get one last ‘manta ray fix’ before departing the incredible environment of the Republic of Maldives.

Day 7: Your crew will transfer you to Male airport for your departure where you can dream of your unforgettable Maldivian experience over the past week.