Hi, we had another Male-Ari-Vaavu trip with a group from Okinawa, Japan. Without further ado, here is the report! The check dive was at Maagiri Rock in the North Male Atoll. We tried to catch the moment of the McCosker’s Flasher Wrasse’s wide opening its fin with camera but it was very hard to success. The Longnose Hawkfish was a cute model at the reef for the underwater photographers as always. The 2nd dive was at Fesdhoo Wreck in the North Ari Atoll, instead of Fish Head. The strong current made us change the plan in the last minutes. We enjoyed the beautiful schools of Redbelly Yellowtail Fusiliers in the middle layer of the water and Luminous Cardinalfish at the top of the wreck mixed with the juveniles of Barracudas. Besides, Longnose Hawkfish, Cheeked Pipefish, Scalefin Anthias, Flame Anthias and Maldive Anemonefish were seen. The 3rd dive was supposed to be at Fesdhoo Goni as a night Manta dive. We were very well prepared for Manta to be attracted, but there was no sign of them. So we gave up the 3rd dive. And of course a Manta Ray showd up as we started drinking…
The day 2, the 1st and the 2nd dive of the day were at Moofushi Kandu in the North Ari Atoll. We enjoyed observing many of Manta Rays very well since we have missed them the night before. We changed the site to shore and to deep side as well to enjoy the school of Neon Fusiliers, Yellowhead Butterflyfish, Variable-lined Fusiliers, Black Pyramid Butterflyfish, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks and Hawksbill Turtles. The 3rd dive was at Dega Thila in the South Ari Atoll. The swim through and the overhang are very enjoyable here. The 4th dive was at Radhdhiggaa Thila. After enjoying the Blacktipped Soldierfish and Whitetip Soldierfish in the shady area, we enjoyed the colorful soft corals in the sun. It was very relaxing. Even a Fantail Stingray was relaxing at the bottom. We had a romantic BBQ dinner on the white sand beach of an inhabited island under the starry sky. The air temperature was 26-33 deg.C. The water temperature was 26-28 deg.C. The 3mm wetsuit was recommended. To be continued…
