With Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru’s Manta Trust Expeditions aboard luxury yacht Explorer, guests can view and study manta rays and whale sharks. Following the success of the annual Manta Trust Expeditions in 2015, Four Seasons Resort Maldives announced the dates for this year’s manta-focused cruises will be August 17-24 and August 30-September 7.
Created in conjunction with The Manta Trust, the world’s leading manta ray charity, and led by founder Guy Stevens, the two all-inclusive seven-day expeditions (with the option of shorter three- and four-night cruises within the dates) will immerse participants in every aspect of the Trust’s research and conservation efforts.
The expedition dates reflect The Manta Trust’s “peak sighting” predictions, based on the southwest current movements of plankton (mantas’ and whales sharks’ food of choice) through the Baa and Ari Atolls. Each expedition route will take daily climatic and environmental factors into consideration to maximize the chances of successful encounters (2016’s expeditions boasted a 100 percent sighting success rate).
Manta rays and whale sharks feed at the surface of the ocean, making the expeditions suitable for divers and non-divers alike, including families with children as young as eight years.
Guests, “honorary researchers,” will be encouraged to learn how to free dive and take ID photos, contribute to data collection, help record critical environmental information, participate in workshops, and name any new mantas.
Hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer the all-inclusive itineraries also give participants access to remote snorkel hotspots, secluded cultural experiences, isolated craft village visits, deserted sandbank barbecues, castaway beach massages, uncrowded water sports, and daily sunrises and sunsets.
2017 Manta Trust Expedition Dates & Details
August 17 to 24
Stateroom:
- $5,950 (Seven-night: 17-23)
- $3,400 (Four-night: 17-21)
- $2,550 (Three-night: 21-24)
Explorer Suite:
- $10,710 (Seven-night: 17-23)
- $6,120 (Four-night: 17-21)
- $4,590 (Three-night: 21-24)
August 31 to September 7
Stateroom:
- $5,950 (Seven-night: 31-7)
- $3,400 (Four-night: 31-4)
- $2,550 (Three-night: 4-7)
Explorer Suite:
- $10,710 (Seven-night: 31-7)
- $6,120 (Four-night: 31-4)
- $4,590 (Three-night: 4-7)
Rates are per person and include transfers, full board, three dives/snorkelling excursions per day and are subject to 10 percent service charge and all applicable taxes. Guests opting for three- and four-night cruises will reduce their chances of successful encounters given the unpredictable nature of manta rays and whale sharks.
For more information, call 960-66-00-888 or email [email protected].