The majestic manta rays are one of the world’s largest fish, and certainly one of the most charismatic. The warm waters around Hurawalhi Maldives provide the perfect home for these gentle giants, and many visitors to the resort marvel the mantas’ ballet-like movements below the surface.

Hurawalhi Island Resort is perfectly located for guests to enjoy magical encounters with these incredible creatures. During the season daily snorkel safaris visit the manta hot spots in the atoll, offering a fantastic chance for a memorable encounter. Whilst sightings can never be guaranteed, those lucky enough to swim with manta rays will always rank the experience as a holiday highlight – and be eager to repeat it on another trip.

The Marine Biology Centre at Hurawalhi is run in association with the Manta Trust, a leading charity whose research has driven much of the conservation efforts of these vulnerable creatures. Guests who visit the centre will be able to find out more about the mantas and the research that Hurawalhi is involved with across the Maldives.

Although snorkelling often provides the best encounters, divers can also enjoy these marine giants, and nearby Fushivaru marine reserve is a known manta cleaning station, offing a great chance for divers to get up close to the manta rays whilst they hover over the reef.

Manta ray sightings are seasonal, with the main manta snorkel season running from November to March, and divers enjoying the best action in October and November.