[Maldives] Trip Report : SEP.03 – 07, 2019, Male – Ari Short Route Vol.1

[#Maldives] Trip Report : SEP.03 – 07, 2019, #Male – #Ari Short Trip Route Vol.1

Hello, this is the latest trip report of the short trip going around Male and Ari atolls. Although it was in the rainy season, we lucked out for the nice weather throughout the trip! The 1st dive was at Lankan Reef in the North Male atoll as a check dive.  This spot was well known as a Manta point during the rainy season but it has been unstable for the Manta appearance this year.  Luckily we were the only group who was there at that time. We were welcomed by Whitetip Reef Sharks and Napoleon exclusively. As we stopped by the Mantas’ cleaning station total three of the Alfred Mantas showed up! Besides, my favorite Oriental Sweetlips and Collare butterflyfish made a beautiful formation in front of us! Everytime I see them, they make me realized that I am in the Indian Ocean actually. The 2nd dive was at Fish Tank. We were the only group there at that time again! The current was a bit strong that we could not settle down. However, Pink Whiprays and Jenkins’ Whiprays came tumbling in very close by! The 3rd dive was at Maayafushi Lagoon in the North Ari atoll, aiming for night Manta Rays. We had waited for a long while but a couple of Manta Rays entertained us at last! The air temperature was 26-31 deg.C. The water temperature was 28-29 deg.C. The 3mm or 5 mm wetsuit was recommended. The visibility was 10-20m.  To be continued…