Nautilus Maldives is running its first Ocean Discovery Week in July, which is the peak manta ray season. The program will be hosted by guest divers Jeff & Sarah Milisen from Hawaii. The week is designed to give divers a chance to be at the heart of manta ray sightings in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Hanifaru Bay.
Jeff, a marine biologist and blackwater photographer, is known to capture elusive nocturnal species on camera. Sarah, his wife, is director of education at a Hawaiian dive-center, with 23 years of experience in “nurturing environmentally conscious ocean stewards”.
The couple will lead night-diving and snorkeling trips, with Jeff also conducting underwater photography workshops and a blackwater exhibition. The resident marine biologist at the resort, Emily Jupp, will deliver presentations on Maldivian marine life and ecosystems.
The program will include excursions to see the annual manta aggregation, and Bubble Maker classes, marine-biology workshops, underwater treasure hunts and watercolor art classes for children.