Species: Black-tip Reef, Whale shark & Manta Ray.
Location: South Ari Atoll, Maldives. 2011.
For me the novelty of being able to see juvenile blacktips every day whilst enjoying a paddle did not wear off! These shark nursery areas were ever present around many of the islands, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into their world.
During a dive in the North Ari Atoll region, I was fortunate enough to experience a memorable manta ray encounter – a breach. I had observed Manta’s breaching before but only ever on topside and never from such a unique vantage point – directly underneath! I was able to see the burst of speed and the graceful flip and re-entry, it was incredible, and a true blink and you’ll miss it moment (thankfully I didn’t!), it also happened that this dive took place on my birthday, a wonderful present – Manta Ray’s and your aquatic-acrobatics, I salute you!