MALDIVES  - If swimming with manta rays and whale sharks isn't already on your bucket list, it most definitely should be! Words cannot capture the wonder of sharing the water with some of the ocean's most majestic marine marvels – and with Four Seasons Explorer's Manta Trust Expeditions, you don't even need to be a diver to get in on the action!

Hot off the success of 2014's inaugural Manta Trust Expeditions, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives is delighted to announce the dates for next year's manta-focused cruises:
August 27th – September 3rd and September 10th – 17th 2015.

Conceived in conjunction with The Manta Trust – the world's leading manta ray charity – and escorted by its founder and world-renowned manta expert, Guy Stevens, the two all-inclusive seven-day expeditions (with the option of shorter 3- and 4-night cruises within the dates) will immerse participants in every fascinating 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' favorite food) through the Baa and Ari Atolls. Each exclusive expedition route will take daily climatic and environmental factors into consideration to maximize the chances of successful encounters… and with 2014's expeditions boasting a 100% sighting success rate, the scene is set for some exhilarating encounters!

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. Read the experiences of 2014's youngest participant here!

As honorary researchers, all expedition participants are encouraged to engage in every aspect of the conservation experience: learning how to free dive and take ID photos; contributing to data collection; helping record critical environmental information; participating in workshops and even naming any mantas new to the Trust's database.

Hosted aboard the Four Seasons Explorer the all-inclusive itineraries also give participants effortless access to a side of the Maldives rarely experienced by tourists: remote snorkel hotspots, secluded cultural experiences, isolated craft village visits, deserted sandbank barbeques, castaway beach massages, uncrowded water sports and spectacular daily sunrises and sunsets, afloat in the middle of the world's most mesmerising aquatic nation.

Commenting on the expeditions, The Manta Trust's Founder and Chief Executive Guy Stevens said, “This year's trips were a resounding success. The pure excitement and joy on everyone's faces after our first sighting set the scene for the remaining days. Two standout moments included an eight-year-old guest snorkeling with a whale shark and a floodlit midnight dive watching a manta feeding. While education is the most important step in achieving environmental protection, we hope these expeditions also showcase the fun and excitement that can be experienced along the way. Perhaps we'll even inspire the next generation to pick up the baton from us.”

2015 Manta Trust Expedition Dates & Details

August 27th - September 3rd
Stateroom:
US$ 5,600 (7-nights: 27th-3rd)
US$ 3,200 (4-nights: 27th-31st)
US$ 2,400 (3-nights: 31st-3rd)

Explorer Suite:
US$ 10,080 (7-nights: 27th-3rd)
US$ 5,760 (4-nights: 27th-31st)
US$ 4,320 (3-nights: 31st-3rd)

September 10th-17th
Stateroom:
US$ 5,600 (7-nights: 10th-17th)
US$ 3,200 (4-nights: 10th-14th)
US$ 2,400 (3-nights: 14th-17th)

Explorer Suite:
US$ 10,080 (7-nights: 10th-17th)
US$ 5,760 (4-nights: 10th-14th)
US$ 4,320 (3-nights: 14th-17th)

Rates are per person and include transfers, full board, three dives/snorkelling excursions per dayand are subject to 10% service charge and all applicable taxes.

Guests opting for 3- and 4-night cruises will reduce their chances of successful encounters given the unpredictable nature of manta rays and whale sharks.

For rates and enquiries, please contact the Reservations Department tel: (960) 66 00 888 or email:  reservations.mal@fourseasons.com