Ultimate Guide to the Manta Season in the Maldives: Best Times and Places

You’re maybe wondering When to Visit the Maldives for the Best Manta Ray Encounters, where are the manta hotspots, and where to stay on your Maldives Vacation. Manta rays meet is always exhilarating for everyone, not only for our visitors but also for our guides. Yes! We still obtain goosebumps every point we spot one.

Why Visit the Maldives for Manta Rays?

The Maldives is a summit destination for manta ray sightings for numerous reasons. The archipelago's lukewarm, clear waters and plentiful plankton make the perfect surroundings for mantas. As well, the Maldives has several secluded marine areas where mantas can bloom without the threat of fishing or territory devastation.

When is the best time to see mantas in the Maldives? 

The manta season normally run from May to November, with max out sightings from August to October. Through these months, the southwest monsoon brings nutrient-rich current to the atolls, attract large school of mantas.

May to July

These months spot the start of the season. Sightings are expected, but not as common as in the climax months. The weather is usually warm, with occasional rain shower.

August to October

This is the peak time for manta sightings. The waters are heaving with plankton, drawing hundreds of mantas to feed and onslaught stations. Divers and snorkelers can imagine daily encounter.

November

As the season winds downward, mantas start to go away. Sightings become less expected, but you can still meet these gentle giants in certain location.

Top Places for Manta Sightings

Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is possibly the best place to spot mantas. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve hosts gigantic aggregations of mantas, especially during the climax season. Snorkeling here is a wonderful experience. Did you discern that diving in Hanifaru Bay is strictly not allowed – only 45 minute snorkeling session is allowed, with a certified Hanifaru Bay guide.

Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu)

Situated in North Malé Atoll, Manta Point is another admirable spot. This dive site is well-known for its cleaning station, where mantas meet to get rid of fleas. For divers, Bodu Hithi Thila is a brilliant spot to see these elegant giants. Our dive centers at Eriyadu, Kagi, and Meeru stay here during the season.

Addu Atoll

In the southern division of the Maldives, Addu Atoll offers exclusive manta experiences. The atoll’s manta inhabitants are present constant, making it a dependable spot for sightings even outside the peak season. Coming face to face with them while they float over cleaning stations or execute complicated barrel roll to nourish on planktons is amazing you won’t disregard. We’d love to split this Mantastic familiarity with you.

3 Best Places To Stay For Swimming With Manta Rays In Maldives 

Dhigurah:

Stay at White Sand Dhigurah or Bliss Dhigurah and you can dip with manta rays in South Ari Atoll, with skilled local guide .The guides have grow up on the island and have precious local knowledge to share, inform you of the behavior and best sighting opportunity for manta rays in Maldives.

Dive and snorkel centers are situated on the island and White Sand, Dhigurah has its own dive centre – Oceanholic Divers – a PADI 5 star dive school.

Amilla Fushi Resort:

If you prefer to stay in specially Luxury we advise a stay at the 5-star Amilla Fushi Resort, rate between the top 5 resorts to visit in the Maldives, and just happen to be where superstar actor Leonardo DiCaprio and a group of Victoria’s Secret models party. Comfortable villas sit over crystalline waters in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The name ‘Amilla Fushi’ translates to ‘Your Island Home’ and it is… with its welcoming atmosphere and personalized service to harmonize the first-rate luxury villas and services. Here you will meet royal manta rays and whale sharks, gain information from the occupier Marine Biologist & have your own individual Dive Butler! This is regular from July to November.

A 30 minute flight from Male International Airport to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport plus a spectacular 15 minute speedboat ride will have you peaceful in this luxurious resort.

Dusit Thani Maldives:

The manta season in Hanifaru Bay open the ability for visitors to see manta rays and whale sharks meeting to feed on plankton. Amid May and October each year, the South-West Monsoon cause a large group of plankton to get trapped in the funnel-like reef and this attract hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks to arrive and nourish from the coral reef. This is the biggest known feeding place of its kind to stay alive in the world.

Manta Ray Behavior

Understanding manta ray behavior can improve your viewing experience. Mantas are strain feeders, by their large mouths to dig up plankton. They often meet at cleanout stations, where smaller fish take away parasites from their body. Observing these connections can be exciting.

Preparing for Your Trip

Travel planning

Book your flight and accommodation well in advance, more than ever if you plan to visit during the climax season. Many Maldives resorts offer manta ray packages that contain guide tours and diving excursion.

What to Pack For Diving

Pack lightweight clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a good submarine camera. Don't forget your dive documentation if you plan to scuba dive.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to see mantas rays in Maldives?

The best time to see mantas in Maldives is from August to October, during the peak of the manta season.

2. Can you see mantas constant in the Maldives?

While the climax season is from May to November, mantas can be seen constant in assured locations like Addu Atoll.

3. Do I need to be a qualified diver to see mantas?

No, you can also snorkel to see mantas. Many major manta spots are available to snorkelers.

4. Are there any age limitations for considering mantas?

There are no exact age restrictions, but kids should be relaxed swimming and snorkeling.

5. How can I contribute to manta ray protection?

You can support protection efforts by choose ecological operator, donate to conservation projects, and participate in resident science program.

And, as forever, if you want help scheduling any aspect of your Maldives holiday, feel free to contact us!