There are very few underwater experiences more magical than locking eyes with a manta ray. Graceful, intelligent and larger than life, these gentle giants glide through the water with such elegance that it leaves snorkellers and divers alike spellbound.
There are three types of manta rays in the world. The reef manta – the species most commonly spotted in Asia – has an average wingspan of three metres and can weigh up to 700kg. You’ll recognise them by their Y-shaped dorsal markings and spots between the gills. Then there’s the much larger oceanic manta, which can reach up to 2,000kg, and the Atlantic manta, a newly identified species found far from Asian waters.
Ask any diver and they'll tell you that no matter how many times they've seen a manta ray in their natural habitat or at a cleaning station, it's always a treat. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside these creatures, Asia is one of the best places in the world to make it happen. And when it comes to sheer spectacle, Hanifaru Bay in the Maldives is unmatched.
From June to November, the Baa Atoll becomes the stage for the world’s largest known manta ray gathering. At peak season, hundreds of mantas swoop in to feast on plankton, working together in mesmerising formations that scientists call “feeding chains.” The bay’s unusual reef shape traps plankton in perfect concentration – a buffet that mantas simply can’t resist.
Where is Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay is located inside the Baa Atoll, about 115km northwest of Malé, the Maldivian capital. It sits within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is only accessible by boat – most travellers reach it via nearby island resorts or liveaboard dive cruises. The Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru was my jumping-off point for this particular manta excursion. The resort runs a Manta On Call programme, where each enrolled guest gets a resort-issued phone. The moment the marine biologists, who spend their days tracking the manta rays, spot any activity, the phone will ring. Guests then have 30 minutes to drop everything and hop on a boat to head out for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkelling session with the mantas (and if you're extra lucky, whale sharks too).
What is the Manta on Call experience like?
I got the lowdown on manta rays straight from the experts at the Marine Discovery Centre at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. After a fascinating crash course covering everything from sexual maturity periods to conservation challenges, you then head out to sea to try to spot the mantas in the flesh. The programme is run in collaboration with the Manta Trust, whose Maldivian Manta Ray Project has been documenting and protecting these animals for nearly 20 years. Each manta has a unique spot pattern on its underbelly, and by photographing them, researchers can identify individuals and track their movements. Guests are encouraged to contribute photos to this citizen science project – a simple but meaningful way to support conservation.
What's it like snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, carefully patrolled by rangers. Strict rules apply: only five boats can enter at a time, each visit is capped at 45 minutes, and a certified guide must accompany every group. Scuba diving isn’t permitted here, but snorkelling is allowed.
The logistics can sound complicated, but that’s where the Manta on Call programme shines. The Four Seasons team handles all the permits and planning – all you have to do is keep your phone on you, swimsuit under your clothes, and be ready to move when the call comes in.
My expert guides also felt so in sync with the activities of the mantas. They free dived down deep to see where the mantas were and even pulled me along via a float to ensure that I could keep up and catch a sight of the mantas. And if you don't end up hitting the water because no mantas were spotted that day, you can get a full refund.
How to book
The Manta on Call programme costs $190 for two hours. Participants must be at least eight years old, and children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. You’ll also need to be a confident snorkeller. The programme runs almost daily between 9am and 6pm so keep that phone close and be ready to move when it rings.
The Manta on Call programme is only open to guests staying at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru however, other liveaboards and resorts organise trips to Hanifaru Bay as well.