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‘The Black Pearl’,has teamed up with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) to aid conservation efforts in the magnificent underwater paradise - Maldives. The vessel will host two of the MWSRP marine biologists in September 2010 and will donate 10 percent of their September income directly to the MWSRP to support the conservation of the Maldives ‘flagship species’.The cruises will include dive sites around Baa and South Ari Atolls, arguably some of the best in the world. Highlights will be Hanifaru Lagoon and its massive manta ray aggregation and South Ari atoll’s year round whale shark ‘hotspot’.Guests will enjoy a unique opportunity to get hands on experience with the MWSRP team’s ground breaking research and will benefit from expert knowledge about the animals’ehaviour, biology and movements.

14 days ( 2 weeks - Baa Atoll )

- First trip from 30th August 2010 to 13th September 2010

7 days ( 1 week - Maamigili )
- Second trip from 13th September to 20th September 2010

30th August 2010 to 13th September 2010 - 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 2 weeks  - 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 North Male before you begin your journey through the idyllic coral sand chain of islands north to Baa 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)

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13th September to 20th September 2010 -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)!

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