Specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing a trio of new bucket list adventures for 2022, as divers look to return to life under the sea after the challenges of Covid. Each of the new trips promises stand-out encounters from whale sharks in the Maldives and Galapagos to an amazing aggregation of mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez.

NEW FOR 2022

Maldives Whale Shark Extravaganza

Divers might be staying at one of the Maldives’ smallest resorts, but this new trip will promise wildlife encounters on a grand scale. Led by expert Chloe Winn, this small group departure will visit some of the 50 recognised dive sites in the area, with a view to snorkelling and diving with the population of 350 whale sharks that are frequently seen there. Guests are encouraged to be a citizen scientist by taking photos and videos of the whale sharks, submitting them to the online database, the Big Fish Network, to see if they can be identified. Any new individuals encountered during the week will be named by the group. In addition, a full day safari to Manta Point cleaning station at nearby Rangali is included. This is an incredible experience and timed well – it’s peak manta season. The group stays at the small Boutique Beach Resort on the island of Dhigurah renowned for its eco-credentials.

Price: from £2,695pp sharing, including 7 nights’ accommodation, all meals, transfers from Malé, 2 daily boat dives, trip to Manta Point cleaning station and services of whale shark expert Chloe Winn. International flights extra. Depart 23 April 2022.

Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition

This unique week-long cruise seeks out the Galapagos Islands’ population of whale sharks, led by Sofía Green Iturralde, a marine biologist who has spent time working with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. During the days, the group visits some of the world’s finest dive spots, from the ‘City of Mantas’ to the Wolf and Darwin Islands, with the highlights including eagle and marble ray encounters, hundreds of sharks and playful dolphin, and of course the mysterious whale sharks, drawn to the region as the Humboldt Current is at its strongest. During the evenings guests will enjoy presentations and talks learning more about the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems, whale sharks and the efforts to protect them.

Price: from £5,895pp sharing, including 7 nights’ accommodation on the Aqua Galapagos liveaboard, 1 night in Guayaquil hotel, all meals, domestic flights, up to 19 dives, guiding and return flights from the UK. Depart 26 September 2022.

Mobulas & Orcas Liveaboard

Witness one of nature’s greatest events as thousands of munkiana mobula rays aggregate in the southern Sea of Cortez for just a few months of the year. On this trip of a lifetime divers join their intimate liveaboard from Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas, sailing into the Sea of Cortez, where five full days are spent seeking out the aggregation. On two days, there is a spotter plane helping guests spend the maximum time snorkelling and freediving with the graceful rays, who can often be seen breaching. The final day of the itinerary is spent in Cabo Pulmo National Park, where guests can scuba dive amongst turtles and huge shoals of fish. The liveaboard, Nautilus Gallant Lady, is a luxury yacht offering just six spacious suites, all with en-suites, and there are kayaks and SUPs for guest use too.

Price: from £3,295pp sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (7n liveaboard, 1n hotel), most meals, 5 days’ mobula encounters, 4 dives, transfers and return flights from the UK.

For further information visit Dive Worldwide or call 01962 302087.

Header image: Basith Mohamed