Having visited the Maldives three times, I thought I had a good grasp of its underwater wonders. However, my snorkeling experience with manta rays at Lhaviyani Atoll from Kuredu Island Resort took my admiration for this tropical paradise to a whole new level. It was a serendipitous adventure that became one of the most memorable highlights of my trip.
We initially planned to focus on scuba diving during our stay at Kuredu, but the staff at Prodivers, the resort’s PADI Dive Center, suggested we try a manta ray snorkeling excursion instead. They had seen an extraordinary number of mantas at the surface the previous day, meaning snorkelers would have the best vantage point, while scuba divers would only see them from below. Intrigued by their enthusiasm, we decided to give it a try and met at the dive center at 7 AM for an early departure.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives
Kuredu Resort has the distinct advantage of being one of the earliest to arrive at the snorkeling sites. As our boat glided across the calm morning sea for around 35 minutes, anticipation built with every passing minute. By the time we reached the famous manta ray hotspot, Fushivaru Thila, the sun had risen, and the water sparkled like liquid sapphire.
Jumping into the warm water, we found ourselves completely alone—just us, the ocean, and its gentle giants. For around an hour before other boats arrived, we had the rare privilege of swimming with these magnificent creatures in absolute tranquility.
My Maldives Manta Ray Experience
As soon as I dipped below the surface, I spotted my first manta ray, its enormous wings gracefully gliding through the water. Moments later, more appeared, circling and looping effortlessly. They swam so close to me that I could feel the movement of the water as they passed, their sheer size and elegance leaving me in awe. At several times, mantas glided right under my belly, close enough to touch (though, of course, I didn’t—respecting their space is crucial).
The calm waters and warm temperatures made it easy to snorkel for extended periods, and we were lucky to enjoy a completely unobstructed experience. However, as other boats began arriving, the mantas started to descend to deeper waters, emphasizing the importance of starting early for the best encounter.
When to See Manta Rays in Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives
Our experience coincided with manta mania season, which occurs between September and March in Lhaviyani Atoll. During this time, plankton-rich waters attract large numbers of mantas, especially around well-known sites like Fushivaru Thila. This area serves as both a feeding ground and a cleaning station for these gentle giants, where cleaner wrasses rid them of parasites in a symbiotic exchange.
Lhaviyani Atoll is home to 378 identified manta rays, consisting of a mix of adults and juveniles, with regular research conducted by the Manta Trust to monitor their movements and behavior. Learning these facts during the excursion added a deeper appreciation for the experience.
Price for Manta Snorkeling
If you’re visiting Kuredu Island Resort between September and March, I highly recommend booking this excursion. The cost is approximately $79 per person, and the memories are priceless. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-timer, this is an adventure that you’ll carry with you forever.
10-Step Code of Conduct for Snorkeling and Diving with Manta Rays
Swimming alongside manta rays is a magical and amazing experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring that these gentle giants are treated with respect and care. Following the 10-Step Code of Conduct not only helps you create a positive encounter but also contributes to the conservation of manta rays and their habitats.
1. Enter the Water Calmly
Always enter the water quietly and calmly, maintaining a distance of at least 10 meters (33 feet) from the manta rays. A sudden splash or loud noise can scare them away, so slip into the water as gently as possible.
2. Avoid Splashing
Keep your fins below the water's surface while swimming. Splashing can disturb and frighten manta rays, so adopt smooth and quiet movements to minimize noise.
3. Maintain a Safe Distance
Do not approach closer than 3 meters (10 feet). Instead, remain stationary and let the manta ray come to you if it chooses. This ensures the interaction is on the manta's terms, making for a more natural and respectful experience.
4. Stay to the Side
Approach the manta ray from the side, giving it a clear path to swim ahead. Blocking their movement can cause stress and disrupt their natural behavior.
5. Don’t Chase the Mantas
As tempting as it may be, never chase after a manta ray. These creatures are much faster than humans and trying to follow them will only result in scaring them away, ruining the encounter for everyone.
6. Never Touch the Mantas
Physical contact with a manta ray can harm its protective mucus coating, which is essential for its health. Touching manta rays is not only disrespectful but may also lead to legal fines in certain areas.
7. Scuba Divers: Stay Off the Cleaning Stations
If you’re diving near a manta cleaning station—a vital area where cleaner fish remove parasites from the mantas—stay to the side and avoid swimming into the main cleaning area. This allows the mantas to complete their cleaning undisturbed.
8. Scuba Divers: Hover Low
When scuba diving, keep low and hover close to the seabed to avoid damaging the reef below. Maintain a stationary position to observe the mantas without interfering with their natural movements.
9. Don’t Block Their Path
Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, never block a manta’s path. Allow them to swim freely, especially when they approach or swim overhead. Always ensure they have a clear escape route.
10. Follow Local Rules and Regulations
Adhere to any additional rules or regulations specific to the manta ray site you’re visiting. These may include designated viewing areas, limits on the number of visitors, or restrictions on diving and snorkeling times.
Why Following These Steps Matters
Manta rays are vulnerable creatures that rely on their natural behavior to thrive. By respecting these guidelines, you’re contributing to their well-being and supporting sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, responsible interactions encourage local governments and organizations to continue protecting these majestic creatures and their habitats.
Facts About Manta Rays
Manta rays are among the ocean's most extraordinary creatures, captivating divers and snorkelers with their graceful movements and intriguing behavior. Here’s a quick dive into what makes manta rays so unique:
Name Origin
The name “manta” comes from Spanish, meaning “blanket” or “cloak,” aptly describing their diamond-shaped bodies and wide, triangular fins. Despite being called "devil fish" in some places due to their cephalic lobes (used to funnel plankton into their mouths), mantas are gentle giants.
Different from Devil Rays
While both belong to the mobulid family, mantas are distinct from devil rays. Mantas are larger, with wingspans reaching up to 7m, whereas devil rays are smaller and more pointed. Mantas feed exclusively on plankton, while devil rays also eat small fish.
Global Distribution
Mantas are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, with notable populations in places like the Maldives, Indonesia, and Mexico. The farthest sightings have been recorded in South Carolina, USA, and North Island, New Zealand.
Big Brains
Mantas have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish, demonstrating remarkable intelligence and memory. They can navigate their environment using sight and smell and even pass the mirror test, a marker of self-recognition.
Unique Spot Patterns
Every manta has a distinct spot pattern on its underside, much like a human fingerprint. These patterns help researchers identify individuals and track their movements. By photographing their bellies, you can contribute to manta conservation efforts through databases like the Manta Trust.
Nature’s Clean Freaks
Mantas regularly visit cleaning stations where small fish remove parasites and debris from their skin. They also have a mucous coating that protects them from bacteria, so touching a manta can harm this vital defense.
Leaping and Diving
Mantas are known to leap out of the water, possibly for mating, communication, or parasite removal. They’re also impressive divers, capable of descending over 800 meters (half a mile) while maintaining their body temperature using a counter-current heat exchange system.
No Sting, No Worries
Unlike stingrays, mantas lack a venomous barb, making them completely harmless to humans. You can safely dive or snorkel alongside them without fear.
Spectacular Courtship
Mating rituals among mantas involve elaborate chases. Males form “trains” of up to 30 individuals following a single female, vying for her attention. Once she selects a mate, the courtship ends, and the males play no role in parenting.
Live Births
Mantas give birth to live young after a 12-13 month pregnancy. Known as ovoviviparous, the embryos develop in eggs that hatch inside the mother. Newborns, called pups, are born fully formed and ready to swim, resembling tiny versions of adult mantas.
Snorkeling with manta rays at Lhaviyani Atoll was a breathtaking experience that far exceeded my expectations. From the intimate early-morning encounter to the awe of being surrounded by these majestic creatures, every moment felt like a gift. It’s a reminder of why the Maldives is a haven for marine life enthusiasts and why snorkeling often offers experiences that rival even the best dives.
Have questions about snorkeling with Manta Rays or the Maldives? Drop them in the comments!
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