Manta & Silvertip Shark Highlights: EcoPro Mariana Liveaboard, Maldives Central Atolls, 08 –15 Feb 2026

Is there anything better than waking up to the smell of fresh coffee and that crisp Indian Ocean breeze on the EcoPro Mariana? Our February trip through the Central Atolls was one of those weeks that remind us exactly why we live for this.

We had an incredible group of divers on board, the vibes were spot on from day one, and the Maldives – well, they decided to show off a little.

As your Maldives liveaboard crew, we know it’s the big encounters that get the headlines, but it’s the shared grins underwater that make the trip.

Mantas and Shark Wall: Encounters at Boduhiti & Rasdhoo Madivaru

Right from the get-go, day one delivered. At Boduhiti, we got lucky at the cleaning station with two graceful Mantas and a massive marble ray just cruising by. It’s one of those moments where you just forget to check your computer for a second because you’re so mesmerized.

But the real adrenaline hit was at Rasdhoo Madivaru Kandu. We had a nice, spicy current, which is perfect for hooking in at the "curve." Watching over 25 sharks just hanging there in the blue, effortless and powerful, gave everyone goosebumps. Our guests were hooked in for 35 minutes of pure underwater cinema.

Back on the boat, the crew hacked open some fresh coconuts for everyone. No plastic, just nature’s best hydration while we swapped stories about those Napoleon wrasses and massive trevally schools.

Macro Wonders & Wreck Adventures: Kudima & Kudharah Thila

Silvertip Shark Jackpot: 40+ Sharks in Rasdhoo

Just when we thought we’d seen it all, the ocean handed us the ultimate win. During a channel crossing from Rasdhoo, we hit the jackpot: a school of over 40 silver-tip sharks. Even for those of us who spend all year on a Maldives liveaboard, that’s a "stop-and-stare" moment.

To mix things up, we spent some time at the Kudima Wreck. It’s the perfect "macro-therapy" spot. Peering into the nooks and crannies for nudibranchs and mantis shrimps is a great way to slow down after all that big-fish action. And because everyone loved the shark action at Kudharah Thila so much, we just stayed for a double-dip. When the diving is that good, why not do it again?

Night Dive Spectacle: 30+ Nurse Sharks at Alimathaa Jetty

You can’t visit the Central Atolls without the legendary night dive at Alimathaa Jetty. It started quietly, but then the "full package" arrived: more than 30 nurse sharks swirling around us like a scene from a movie. We always keep a close eye on buoyancy here. Safety first, and we want to make sure we’re leaving the reef exactly as we found it.

We wrapped up these epic days with a big BBQ on the beach and a few cocktails on deck. Sharing a meal under the Maldivian stars, talking about the day's sightings, and knowing we’re doing it all with a focus on sustainability – that’s what the EcoPro family is all about.

Just look at those happy faces in the group shot – this is the EcoPro family in full action!

Book Your Mariana or Seascape Trip: Next Maldives Liveaboard 2026

Ready to swap your office chair for a dive fin? We’d love to have you on board the Mariana for a "home away from home" experience. We keep the groups small, the safety standards high, and the eco-footprint low.

Check the next Departure for your Maldives Liveaboard!

Looking forward to seeing you in the Maldives.

Your EcoProDivers Team