Most divers have a ‘must see wish list’ and if I was a gambler, I’d bet that diving with majestic manta rays would feature in the top 5 of every diver’s list. Who wouldn’t want to swim with gentle giants (that can reach an incredible 8 metres in length and up to 2,300 kilograms) yet glide effortlessly as if performing an aquatic ballet? To help you satisfy your dreams, look no further than the Maldives for exhilarating manta ray experiences.
The tropical paradise that is the Maldives is home to 1,192 coral islands forming 26 atolls and include 31 protected areas. Azure seas, white sandy beaches and a tropical climate provide the perfect destination for leisure diving. Dive The World offers you sublime choices for your Maldives liveaboard diving safaris.
Diving with manta rays are possible year round in this magical paradise. The Ari Atoll is where divers go to experience big marine life. Here currents are strong, coral reefs are few, the water is rich with plankton and fish life abundant. The result is the perfect combination for manta ray, whale shark and hammerhead encounters.
The Maldives are filled with opportunities to witness these incredible creatures, however Ari Atoll is the front runner. Head to one of the cleaning stations (Donkalo Thila in west Ari, Rangali Madivaru in the south west, and Kudarah Thila in the south east) where frequent manta sightings occur. The far North Atolls are the adventure playground of experienced divers. Here the nutrient rich waters of Haa Alifu Atoll and Haa Dhaalu Atoll are populated with reef predators and manta rays. If this is your chosen Maldivian diving location, we are happy to share with you that mantas appear more frequently in larger groups during the September – November period.
If the feeling of solitude is a consideration when booking your Maldivian liveaboard safari, consider visiting the Northern Atolls. When diving Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani and Noonu, there may be fewer liveaboards at your dive sites. We recommend that you consider an itinerary that includes snorkeling at world famous Hanifaru Bay. During the months of May to November, when the lunar tide occurs, the bay experiences an enormous plankton buildup. This occasion ushers in up to 200 manta rays and whale sharks. An experience every diver needs to witness.
The Maldives are vast, the seasons varied and the experiences unforgettable. Contact our knowledgable team today for guidance on where and when you should book your Maldivian liveaboard cruise.