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Maptlantis

Manta ray · Maldives

Where to see manta rays in the Maldives

Operators 42Season May–NovRegions 9Published prices 24Encounter formats 5
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About this list

A common trap when looking for places to see manta rays in the Maldives is a trip sold as if the sighting were certain. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the manta ray as a target species, 42 of them. Places that only mention a chance sighting are left out. Regions on record: Ari & Rasdhoo, Baa Atoll, Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo & Addu, Lhaviyani, Noonu & Raa and Maldives dive sites. Encounters are split into boat-based watching, snorkeling, ocean safari, scuba diving and swimming. Two "manta ray tours" can differ completely in rules and price when one watches from the boat and the other puts you in the water. 24 of the 42 operators (57%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. The 22 operators that state a season for manta ray programs in the Maldives cluster in May–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear. No operator can guarantee a wildlife sighting, and rules on approach distance and in-water permits differ by country.

Manta ray season in the Maldives

May–Nov

  1. JanJanuary: not in season
  2. FebFebruary: not in season
  3. MarMarch: not in season
  4. AprApril: not in season
  5. MayMay: in season, singled out
  6. JunJune: in season, singled out
  7. JulJuly: in season, singled out
  8. AugAugust: in season, singled out
  9. SepSeptember: in season, singled out
  10. OctOctober: in season, singled out
  11. NovNovember: in season, singled out
  12. DecDecember: not in season

The months 22 operators state as their program season, combined. That is the operators' operating period, not a sighting guarantee; each operator's months are in the manta ray season table.

42 listed operators

Manta rays in the Maldives, by region

Manta rays in the Maldives, by way to meet them

Manta ray season

Manta rays in other countries

Other marine life in the Maldives

Activities in the Maldives

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see manta rays in the Maldives?

42 operators name the manta ray as a target species. Main regions: Ari & Rasdhoo, Baa Atoll, Fuvahmulah, Huvadhoo & Addu, Lhaviyani, Noonu & Raa and Maldives dive sites.

Do you have to get in the water to see manta rays?

Formats on record: boat-based watching, snorkeling, ocean safari, scuba diving and swimming. Boat-based watching stays on the boat; snorkeling, swimming and freediving put you in the water. Some countries ban getting in the water altogether, so check the format in the program details.

When is manta ray season?

The 22 operators that state a season for manta ray programs in the Maldives cluster in May–Nov. That is the operators' operating period, not a promise that the animals will appear.

Will I definitely see them?

No. Manta rays are wild animals, and whether you meet them depends on their movements and the sea. Maptlantis does not use wording that promises a sighting, and cancellation and refund terms follow each operator's policy.