You’re probably wondering when is the best time to visit Maldives, where are the manta hotspots, and where to stay on your Maldives holiday. Manta rays encounter is always exciting for everyone, not only for our guests but also for our guides. Yes! We still get goosebumps every time we see one.
As a quick guide, there are two distinct Manta ray seasons. From May to November (Southwest monsoon), reef manta rays in the Maldives are found across the eastern side of the atolls. From December to April (Northeast monsoon), they’re sighted on the western side of the atolls. Manta rays migrate to places where planktons are primarily concentrated. So, it depends on when you are going and where you are going…
Manta season in Raa Atoll:
From January to April, manta rays are often sighted at Sola Corner cleaning station. However, Raa Atoll has a year-round presence of reef manta rays. The atoll’s peak manta season is between August and November. We are also visiting another outstanding place, Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), to snorkel with up to 200 manta rays. So visit Euro- Divers Dhigali during this time for betterchances of encountering them in higher numbers.
Manta season in North Male Atoll:
Lankan Manta Point is a dive site among the most famous Manta rays cleaning station in the Maldives. Usually, between May to November, this dive site comes alive. Divers often looked overwhelmed while watching the manta rays hover to be cleaned. Our dive centers at Kurumba, Club Med Finolhu, Club Med Kani, and Meeru dive here during the season.
Snorkelers usually will have the chance to have a closer Manta encounter from December to April in Rasfari North. This shallow reef is regularly visited by reef manta rays as a ‘spa station’ or cleaning station. For divers, Bodu Hithi Thila is an excellent spot to see these graceful giants. Our dive centers at Eriyadu, Kagi, and Meeru visit here during the season.
Manta season in South Ari Atoll:
Manta sightings are possible for our guests at LUX* South Ari Atoll and Vilamendhoo. Usually, betweenJune to November, Manta rays can be seen on the eastern side of the atoll at
Mahibadhoo Manta Point and between January to May on the western side of the atoll at Rangali Madivaru Manta Point.
There’s nothing quite as magical as your first ever sighting of a manta ray in the ocean. They’re big, graceful, and curious creatures. Coming face to face with them while they hover over cleaning stations or perform elaborate barrel rolls to feed on planktons is something you won’t forget. We’d love to share this Mantastic experience with you.