Manta Rays

Manta Ray sighting is one of the biggest attraction to those who come to Maldives for scuba diving and is widely known as the "Maldives Big Five". Manta Ray sighting is going to be an adrenaline charged experience.

Manta rays can be found in the tropical waters, especially in coral reefs.

Manta rays can be found in the Maldives through out the year, but the manta ray spots can vary from seasons. In the Western side of the atolls diving for manta rays is best in the northeast monsoon and in the east side it is best when it's the south eat monsoon.

The largest manta rays that is usually found by the divers is measure up to around 18 feet.

The manta rays mainly feeds on plankton's and fish larvae. Manta rays does not have a sting in it's tail and the defense mechanisms they have are their speed and size. Different types of sharks are known to be predators of the Manta rays. Manta rays can swim quite deep in the waters but they are usually found in shallow waters near the coral reefs. They are particularly found in the Pacific,Atlantic and India Oceans. The manta rays is now protected species in the Maldives

The manta rays presents no harmful or dangerous risks to diver and are considered one of the most peaceful creatures in the Maldives.


Best Manta ray dives spots in the Maldives;

Manta ray Hanifaru Bay:

Considered as one of the best manta rays spots in the world where you can find manta ray feeding frenzy during the months of May to November. You also have the opportunity to see mantas cyclone feeding, a divine and sight to see!

Felidhoo Atoll:

A small reef can be found 200 meters east of dhiggiri resort. Mantas in the areas can be best found in the southwest monsoon.

Madivaru (South Ari Atoll):

In the North east monsoon there is are very good chances of finding manta rays. This is a marine protected reef on the south of Rangali kandu. The mantas can only be found in these spots when there is a strong current. Carrying a safety balloon will be highly suggested.

Lankan Manta point (North Male' atoll):

This is one of the best manta sites in the Maldives. And you will see big ones here. Just be careful not to be on the base of the rocks because those creatures will see it as a occupation of the are and move away.

There are a few more spots for manta ray sighting in the Maldives.

Come and enjoy the sight of these harmless beautiful creatures. It would be an exhilarating experience!


"Fishes live in the sea, as men do a-land; the great ones eat up the little ones" -William Shakespeare-