The Manta Rays Are Here – Manta Ray Snorkelling In The Maldives

Manta Rays (Manta Alfredi) migrate to Baa atoll’s plankton-rich waters every year from May to October.  To witness the Manta commotion as they feed is an amazing spectacle for snorkellers. If you are wondering how to find the best spot to snorkel with Manta Rays, look no further. Here are four tips to follow for a fantastic Manta Ray snorkelling experience.

1. Go where the Mantas feed

Everyone needs to eat, so do Mantas. Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Maldives, is the largest known Manta feeding station in the world. Every year from May to October, hundreds of Mantas migrate to the bay, spending hours scooping up the plentiful plankton that comes with the current. Milaidhoo is the perfect resort to stay at so you can join one of the scheduled excursions to snorkel with these gentle giants of the ocean. You can reach the bay in just 15 minutes by speedboat.

2. Take your time

Manta Rays are wild animals, so they do not follow schedules and rules. Although during the Manta Ray season the chances are very high to encounter them in Hanifaru Bay, there might be days where they just do not show up or they are not there the whole day. You might want to stay a few extra days at Milaidhoo, to make sure you will see them when the time is right.

3. Safety first

If you are not very experienced in snorkelling in the open ocean, take it slowly and ask the team at the resort to help you gain more confidence. Hanifaru Bay is not the open ocean, but the shore is not close. Make sure you stay safe and wear the life vest that is provided by the Milaidhoo Ocean Stories team before you jump into the water. The vest will make the whole experience even better, as you simply float on the surface while the Manta feeding frenzy happens just beneath you.

4. Diving with Mantas

It is not allowed to dive in Hanifaru Bay, as the water is quite shallow and you might disturb the Manta Rays in their feeding behaviour. As an alternative, the dive team at Milaidhoo have several suggestions and options about where you can go diving with a high chance of finding Manta Rays.

For further information on Manta Rays, Hanifaru Bay and anything else you might want to know, please contact our team at [email protected].