DUNE Black Manta, Maldives
9.6 Exceptional - Free Internet
- Free Nitrox
- Spa
“Superior experience. The Mantas were incredible and so were the whale sharks. Mind-blowing encounters with Mantas at the cleaning …”
Highlights
The DUNE Black Manta is a 42-meter liveaboard offering diving experiences in the Maldives with 15 air-conditioned double cabins. 6 of the cabins feature sea views, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms. Designed to accommodate 28 guests, the boat provides ample storage and individually controlled air-conditioning in each cabin.
Beyond the cabins, guests can enjoy al fresco dining with panoramic views, a sunbathing deck, and a relaxation area on the sundeck, complete with massage services. The boat features a cocktail lounge, an indoor entertainment lounge, and a camera station. Wi-Fi is complimentary, and the menu boasts delectable dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, with dietary accommodations available upon request.
The DUNE Black Manta’s itineraries promise unforgettable adventures through the Maldives’ Central and North Atolls, South Ari Atoll, and beyond. From diving with whale sharks, manta rays, and reef sharks to exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine-protected areas, the excursions are tailored for divers and snorkelers. Activities include night dives, island visits, and on-board entertainment, ensuring a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for every traveler.
Book your diving safari aboard the DUNE Black Manta today!
This liveaboard is part of the DUNE Liveaboard Fleet.
Choose your departure date
Included: VAT, Environment Tax, Airport Transfer, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Welcome Cocktails, Beach BBQ, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Night Dives, Nitrox, Fishing, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, Snorkeling Guide, Stand Up Paddleboard, Beach Towels, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.
Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge ($20-40 / day).
Optional Extras: Alcoholic Beverages, Nitrox Course ($190), Private Dive Guide ($150 / day), Rental Gear, Scuba Diving Courses ($100-400), Laundry / Pressing Services ($1-2 / item), Massage, Spa.
Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.
* Extra fees are shown per person.
Pay by bank transfer or online with
Drawings & Vessel Layouts
Cabin Types
DUNE Black Manta Reviews
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Vessel 9.6
- Crew 9.4
- Food 9.7
- Diving 9.6
- Value 9.5
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- 10 Exceptional
- Ziva J
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Slovenia
An experience I plan to repeat!!
It was my first liveaboard trip, though I have been diving for almost 20 yrs already. I loved the level of professionalism the diving crew showed, the way they arranged people in groups and the condition of diving gear. They are very agile in selecting dive sites based on weather conditions and the dive guides know a lot and adapt the style to their clients. The boat is fantastic and the food is just top notch! I feared there might be a posh atmosphere, but the other guests were an incredible bunch - really friendly and we had so much fun and I know the crew was to thank for, as they immediately create such a fun and warm open space for everyone. Thank you, would certainly dive with Dunes again!!
- Recommended for
- Exceptional crew and dive guides. Wonderful boat. The energy and atmosphere.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Alfonso J
-
Malaysia
Magical Maldives on Dune Black Manta
Boat, Staff & Activities I had an incredible time diving aboard the Black Manta. The boat itself is luxurious—my standard cabin was surprisingly spacious, well-equipped, and featured a large ensuite bathroom with a standalone shower stall. The vessel offers plenty of space to relax, from the comfortable, air-conditioned main saloon to the open-air sun decks perfect for unwinding between dives. The crew is exceptional—an amazingly hardworking team that made the trip seamless. The food was fabulous, and at every meal, the chef would warmly introduce and explain his creations. Housekeeping was equally outstanding; every time we returned to our cabin, the bed was made and the bathroom was pristine and dried. A couple of standout highlights off the dive deck were the aperitif evening—where everyone shared snacks from their home countries—and a wonderful beach dinner on the local island of Dhangethi. The Diving The diving was nothing short of awesome; the Maldives truly is a magical place. Over the trip, we logged 17 dives plus a whale shark snorkeling session. We were exceptionally lucky with megafauna: Whale Sharks: Two whale sharks hung out right behind the boat for over an hour! Mantas: We enjoyed a mesmerizing night snorkeling session with several mantas that stuck around for well over an hour, alongside visits to two dedicated manta cleaning stations. Action-Packed Night Dives: We experienced thrilling night dives surrounded by nurse sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and giant trevally. Harbor Dive: A mind-blowing dive near the harbor with a literal carpet of massive stingrays and sharks all around (I spotted a spinner shark, while others saw a hammerhead!). Beyond the pelagic encounters, we explored sites with vibrant coral reefs. Overall, the diving was world-class—not just because of the Maldives itself, but because of how expertly and smoothly it was run by our fantastic dive guides: Paol, Liam, Yaya, Muhey, and Shaf.
- Recommended for
- People. Diving. Facilities.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Anja R
-
Germany
What a wonderful experience
Paul and his crew made this trip absolutely special. In order to make for the best diving experience the itinerary was kept flexible and in spite of the changing wheather conditions the dive team always decided on excellent dive sites where on many occasions we were the only boat at the dive spot. Our dive guide Shabah was an absolute sweetheart and we got incredibly lucky with all the big and small things we saw - from an unexpected hammerhead encounter to diving with mantas and whaleshark snorkeling to octopusses and giant tritons mating... Incredible :-) On board, the food was simply delicious and the service immaculate and heartfelt at all times. What a wonderful trip - thank you all. We'll be back.
- Recommended for
- Hammerhead, Mantas, Whaleshark. Boats crew and dive guides. Food and Athmosphere on board.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Alan F
-
United States
A Quality Diving Experience!!
Superior experience. The Mantas were incredible and so were the whale sharks. Mind-blowing encounters with Mantas at the cleaning stations. Such marine life variety too.
- Recommended for
- The people were so great.. The diving was amazing.. Excellent food..
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- 10 Exceptional
- Fruzsina G
-
Hungary
Amazing boat, amazing crew, amazing food
Everything was perfect throughout this liveaboard trip. The crew was professional, friendly and always attentive, making the experience truly unforgettable. Highly recommended
- Recommended for
- Expertise of the dive guides. Boat. Food and drinks.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Amokrane O
-
France
Best liveaboards!
Fantastic cruise aboard the Black Manta!The team at the top, professional and super nice!We were able to observe everything we wanted underwater during the dives 😍The quality of the meals was much higher than our expectationsThank you to the whole team!
- Recommended for
- Diving safety. The professionalism of the staff. Food.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Lyuliu Z
-
China
A very memorable liveaboard diving trip
Starting this liveaboard diving trip with anticipation, the 8 days and 7 nights itinerary was very happy, the diving, eating, accommodation and socializing were very comfortable, and the staff service was professional, meticulous and friendly. Plan to continue exploring the Madives ocean with Black Manta next time.
- Recommended for
- The service team is very professional and meticulous. The diving arrangement is reasonable. Cleanliness and catering make people very comfortable.
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- 10 Exceptional
- Brendan M
-
Ireland
The Number 1 - Professionally Run and Operated Dive Cruise in the Maldives
Ben (The operations Manager) and his team Run and Operate the most professional Dive Cruise ship with the Maldives. His team work well together and are always eager to please. The Chef and catering team put up an amazing array of fresh food throughout the 10 day cruise The Hospitality Team looked after you every need The Captain and Dive director moved after every dive and were not afraid to move / change locations if the weather or diving was going to be poor for the guests. An Amazing Time / Fabulous Crew / Great Diving Experience
- Recommended for
- The Most professionally run and operated Liveaboard Cruise that I have experienced in the Maldives. The Staff are Super Friendly and eager to assist you with any request. The Chef put up an amazing array of meals over the 10 day cruise.
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Arthur B
- France
Great Boat Great People Great dives
We had an amazing time aboard the black manta in July 2026 - everything was really good, from food, to crew, to the guests, it all just worked. The Eat Sleep Dive and Repeat Cycle is really the best way to dive the Maldives. We went on the North Itinerary Cruise - where we got to have basically every site only for our boat as there were no other liveaboard on the same route on those dates. Amazing experience overall - now looking forward to do a Deep South itinerary with them in the future !
- Recommended for
- Hanifaru Bay. Manta Rays. Super fun and diverse group of guests !.
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- 9.6 Exceptional
- Georg Ø
-
Norway
Excellent Liveaboard experience
Great Liveaboard! Friendly staff and good food. Manta night was amazing and lots of sharks and turtles and decent dive-sites
- Recommended for
- The food. Manta-night. Good service.
