Maafushi Whale Shark and Manta Snorkelling, South Ari Atoll

Few marine experiences in the Maldives compare with a search for whale sharks and manta rays, and this tour does it in one long day from Maafushi. The listing describes a speedboat trip to South Ari Atoll, a drone-assisted search for whale sharks, snorkelling with manta rays and a lunch stop on an island. GetYourGuide shows it from about US$235 per person, which is 205 euros on the page, for a small group of up to 15.

South Ari Atoll is described as one of the most reliable areas in the country for whale shark sightings throughout the year, and it is a protected marine area. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and it feeds on plankton rather than on people, which is why snorkelling beside it is possible. A sighting depends entirely on natural conditions, and the page says plainly that it cannot be guaranteed.

The day starts at 7:30 with the departure from Maafushi. A speedboat ride of about 1 hour 40 minutes takes the group to South Ari Atoll, a long crossing that suits the day's aim. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and take something for seasickness if you are sensitive, since the sea can be choppy in the open water between the atolls.

Once in the atoll, the crew starts to look for whale sharks, using the help of a drone to find activity in the surrounding water. If one is sighted, you have the chance to enter the water and snorkel alongside it, under the supervision of the crew. Follow their instructions carefully, keep your distance and never touch the animal, which is what protects both you and the whale shark.

The search then continues for manta rays, with another chance to snorkel if they are found. Manta rays are graceful swimmers with wide wings, and they gather in places where plankton is rich or where small fish clean them. The listing counts manta rays among the highlights, along with other rays and different species of sea life.

After the encounters, the boat heads for the island of Dhigurah, or for an abandoned resort, depending on conditions and the day's programme. There you stop for lunch and a break on land, which is welcome after hours of snorkelling and sun. After lunch the group boards the speedboat again for the cruise back to Maafushi.

The tour is a long one. With about 1 hour 40 minutes of boat travel each way, eight hours in total and the time spent in the water, it asks for stamina and patience. Children and older travellers should think about whether the length suits them, and non-swimmers should ask the operator whether the crew provides support in the water.

The page lists few practical details. The inclusions section is not detailed, so ask the operator what is covered: snorkelling equipment, drinking water and lunch, for example, and whether you pay for them. Take a swimsuit, a towel, a camera with a waterproof case, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag.

The weather and the sea matter. The listing explains that sightings depend on natural conditions and that the programme can change with the day's circumstances. Choose a day with calm weather if you can, and allow some flexibility in your schedule, in case the operator needs to move the tour.

This tour is new on the platform and has no reviews yet, so there is less feedback to rely on than for older tours. GetYourGuide's booking terms apply: the page offers a small group of 15 participants at most, and you should read the cancellation conditions on the booking page when you reserve.

Prepare for the day. Sleep well and eat a light breakfast before the 7:30 departure, since the speedboat ride is long and the sea can be lively. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before you board, wear a rash guard and bring a hat, sunglasses and a dry change of clothes, because you will spend hours under the sun and in the water.

Think about photographs. A waterproof phone pouch or an action camera is useful for the whale shark, but keep both hands free to swim, and never chase the animal for a better picture, because the crew sets the distance and the order of entry into the water.

Know the season. The page says that South Ari Atoll is reliable through the year, which makes the dates easier to choose, though the sea is generally calmer from about December to April and rougher in the south-west monsoon. Ask the operator about conditions for your week.

Choose this day if the whale shark is high on your list and you are staying in Maafushi. If you are short of time, or if you prefer a gentler outing, a half-day snorkelling trip to a nearby reef or a sandbank is easier on the body and on the budget.