A very special encounter with a manta ray that was cruising around Hithadhoo Corner dive site in the Laamu Atoll, checking out the divers and visiting the cleaning stations. We were joined on the dive by the @mantatrust who have a base @sixsenseslaamu and collect invaluable daily data on the mantas, with a total of 138 individuals having been identified in the atoll. They join the dives, explaining how to interact with these gentle giants and afterwards, identifying the manta and providing lots of information on the individual.
This manta is called George Michael and is an adult male at 283cm wide. He was first seen in 2013 at Hithadhoo Corner and has been sighted 56 times since. In June 2016, he was seen with large propeller scars on his back, presumably from a boat strike, but luckily he healed well and the scars are barely visible anymore.
On this dive, we also saw grey reef sharks, many green turtles, and whitetip reef sharks. A dive to remember. @deepbluediversmaldives @maldivesunderwaterinitiative
.
.
.
#mantatrust #marinebiologist #mantaray #manta #mpa #marineprotectedarea #maldivesunderwater #underwaterphotography #escapetothereef #luxurydivingholiday #scubadiving #travel #luxurytravel #scubadiver #scubadiving #tailormadeholidays #bespoketravel #bucketlist #divingholiday #reefscapetravel #reefscape #maldives #maldivesluxury #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts
~Benguerra Island, Mozambique~
Diving from Benguerra Island in Mozambique with @azuraretreats showcases some of the region’s healthiest hard corals, which have built up an amazing resilience to a somewhat dramatic 6 degree temperature swing in the waters around Two-Mile Reef, with virtually no evidence of bleaching.
A day’s diving or snorkelling here is not all about the coral though, with marine highlights including a variety of rays, guitar fish, 3 species of turtle, reef sharks, friendly potato groupers, the odd bull shark and even a glimpse of a dugong or school of mobulas if you are very lucky!
@azuraretreats is the ultimate spot to relax after a two-tank morning dive with their on site PADI dive centre, with beautiful views over the Indian Ocean and all villas having their own private pool. @periperibeachclub also serves the best lunch on the island, with a relaxed and sociable vibe.
.
.
.
#reefscapetravel #escapetothereef #luxurydiving #tailormadetravel #scubadiving #diving #divingholidays #underwaterphotography #luxurytravel #mozambique #benguerraisland #bazaruto
~Laamu Atoll, a Hope Spot~
Today we are celebrating the incredible news that the Laamu Atoll has been designated one of the planet’s Hope Spots by the international non-profit organisation, @mission_blue.
The Hope Spot champion @sixsenseslaamu has some of the most impressive conservation efforts we have come across in tourism and this has been the result of many years of hard work. There are three NGOs based on the island - @mantatrust, @bluemarinefoundation, @oliveridleyproject and together they have become @maldivesunderwaterinitiative. Their pioneering work has highlighted Laamu’s unique marine ecosystems from seagrass beds to the manta populations to the coral reefs as seen in this stunning video. Together, they have demonstrated sustainable ecotourism practices and the framework for scalable marine conservation methods to help protect the future of the Maldives. Congratulations to all involved 🎉
📹from @misson_blue and @sixsenseslaamu
.
.
.
#sixsenseslaamu #laamu #sixsenses #maldives #resorts #maldivesresorts #marineconservation #marinebiology #protectwhatyoulove #hopespot #missionblue #escapetothereef #luxurydivingholiday #scubadiving #travel #luxurytravel #scubadiver #tailormadeholidays #bespoketravel #bucketlist #divingholiday #reefscapetravel #reefscape
~Mafia Island~
A week spent on @mafiaisland is jam packed with amazing experiences, diving with @mafiaislanddiving making the most of the healthy reefs and excellent macro life, swimming with whale sharks with @kitukiblu when the season is right, snorkelling in turquoise lagoons, kayaking through mangroves and exploring ancient ruins.
This is an amazing island to pair with some of the world’s best safaris in the Serengeti National Park or the less frequented southern parks of Tanzania.
Mafia Island Marine park was formed in 1995 and is made up of thriving coral reefs, mangrove forests and sea grass beds. The vital protection has allowed the marine life to blossom, making this home to some of the best diving on the East Coast of Africa.
A stay on Mafia Island is the ultimate genuine laidback getaway, with accommodations ranging from idyllic treehouses to extravagant private islands and relaxed lodges with excellent service and delicious food.
Who’s keen to escape to the reef and visit @mafiaisland?
•
•
•
#escapetothereef #reefscapetravel #luxurydivingholiday #divingholiday #luxurytravel #laidbackluxury #mafiaisland #mafiaislanddiving #tanzania #redlistfree #scubadiving