What do you call a group of manta rays? A squadron. And from May to November, travellers have a good chance of swimming with massive squadrons of these graceful oceanic creatures in the Maldives' Baa Atoll.
This tiny atoll is rightfully known as one of the best places in the world to snorkel with manta rays. It's well-positioned close to a deep channel, a kind of superhighway for planktonic larvae from the west and east Indian Ocean. This plankton is what hundreds of manta rays come to feed on every year (not to mention other megafauna like whale sharks and eagle rays).
There's never any guarantee with wildlife, but the folks at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Manta Trust have got manta sightings almost down to a science. Manta experts at the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (founded by Manta Trust) have studied the resident manta rays in the Baa Atoll for two decades now. Using tidal knowledge, plankton forecasts, moon phases, and their knowledge of local mantas' movements, they've predicted Manta "hot dates" – the best periods between May and November to spot large gatherings of manta rays.
These dates are super handy for those planning a trip to the Maldives to catch the otherworldly manta display. Hanifaru Bay is, without a doubt, the most famous site for catching the mantas in a mass feeding event. Just note: the bay is a marine protected area, and you need to go with a licensed guide who is booked through a guesthouse, resort, or safari boat.
Those who prefer not to leave things to chance can consider Four Seasons Maldives' Manta Watch offer. It includes a wildlife alert system called Manta-on-Call, where guests are alerted the moment manta rays are sighted nearby and whisked away by a speedboat to where the action is.
Meanwhile, scuba divers can engage dive shops or liveaboards to visit manta cleaning stations and hangouts at Horubadhoo Thila, Dhonfanu Thila, and more – speak to the dive guides, they'll know the best spots of the season.
2025's Manta "hot dates", according to the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme:
- May 10 to 14
- May 25 to 29
- June 9 to 13
- June 23 to 27
- July 8 to 12
- July 22 to 26
- August 7 to 11
- August 21 to 25
- September 5 to 9
- September 19 to 23
- October 5 to 9
- October 19 to 23
- November 3 to 7
- November 18
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