How to Swim with Manta Rays in Maldives – Close Encounters with Marine Marvels

 Many visitors to the Maldives take the opportunity to go snorkelling and diving in the waters surrounding the islands where unforgettable marine life encounters await. Not to be missed would be the chance to swim with manta rays which are beautiful and graceful creatures that can be spotted here. Provided below is some useful information about this amazing experience in the Maldives.

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Understand the manta season

You will find that the local reef manta rays can be seen in the waters of the Maldives throughout the year, making their way through the atolls according to the varying monsoons. It may be said that there are two separate seasons for encountering manta rays in Maldives. From May to October, you will find reef manta rays on the atolls’ eastern side, while from November to April they can be found on the atolls’ western side. However, generally, the optimal period for encountering reef manta rays would be from May through to November; at this time, these magnificent creatures feast on the plankton to be found in the waters. On the other hand, the rare oceanic mantas pass through the Maldives’ southern atolls, particularly in March as well as April.

Check out Hanifaru Bay, Addu Atoll, Lankan Manta Point and more

One of the most renowned spots for encountering manta rays would be Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This site happens to be a breeding and feeding ground for mantas; although diving is prohibited here, you may observe these creatures gliding and swooping beneath you as you snorkel. A fine location for diving with mantas would be the reefs of Addu Atoll where you will find thriving corals too. Another great dive site that also has the advantage of being easily accessed would be the Lankan Manta Point (North Male Atoll) which happens to be a manta ‘cleaning station’ where wrasses clean the mantas. You could also try the Raa Atoll’s, Sola Corner which is a popular site for spotting mantas as well.

Experience Koen’s Dream, Iguraidhoo, Fushivaru Thila and Dhigu Thila

Koen’s Dream Thila as its name suggests will be a dream diving site for advanced divers and beginners alike. Here, you will encounter massive manta rays in addition to small reef sharks, barracudas, batfish and big eye trevallies. You may also take the opportunity to experience Iguraidhoo which features a sizable coral block and is frequented by mantas as well as oriental sweetlips, glassfish, soldierfish and more. Another fine site would be Fushivaru Thila at Lhaviyani Atoll which happens to be a safeguarded marine park that is renowned for its manta rays. Not to be missed would be Dhigu Thila, also called Manta Point, in the South Male Atoll; this is another cleaning station where numerous mantas regularly arrive. A Maldives dive resort in this atoll to consider staying at and from which you could easily head to hotspots to see manta rays would be OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

Take note of some useful tips

Since manta rays happen to be highly sensitive to disturbances, make sure to go into the waters calmly and not make any sudden movements; additionally, always maintain a distance of three metres or more from the mantas. You should also minimise splashing by having your fins beneath the water’s surface and when approaching mantas, it should always be done from the side. You should never chase a manta nor touch one either, as this will not only frighten it but could also injure the creature or lead to its death; this is because their delicate protective mucous covering can be damaged or infected by human contact. Naturally, you should also heed the instructions of guides and remain within the designated zones and not forget to put on reef-friendly sunscreen before heading into the water as well.