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A Guide to Swimming with Manta Rays in Maldives

A truly unforgettable encounter, swimming with manta rays can be enjoyed in the Maldives though you must follow some vital steps as given below.

Choosing an Excursion

For such encounters, stay at a resort that offers manta ray excursions in an ethical and sustainable manner. This includes properties like Velassaru Maldives that have a resident marine biologist who will provide you with a deeper understanding of these ocean denizens and will accompany you on your adventures.

Entering the Water

From such a luxury hotel, Maldives manta ray encounters await, though before you begin, there are some things to keep in mind. Remember to enter the water calmly and quietly, about 33 feet (10 metres) away from the mantas; when swimming, ensure your fins are below the water to avoid splashing and scaring them off.

Approaching Mantas

Don’t get closer than 10 feet (3 metres) to the mantas; remain still and let them come towards you. Remember to give them a clear path to swim and only make your approach from the side. It is also important to NOT touch these creatures and refrain from chasing after them once they swim past you.

For Scuba Divers

While the above tips are for general manta encounters including snorkelling, there are additional guidelines for scuba divers. On your dive, remain near the seabed but ensure not to damage the reef; also, whenever a manta ray swims towards you, don’t block its way and instead, stay where you are and keep low.

The best seasons for diving in the Maldives – Know your way around

Diving in the Maldives is a popular pastime and one that calls for careful planning. Provided below are the best times to pay a visit to these awe-inspiring isles for a riveting dive.

Northeast monsoon period

Conducive weather conditions are the need of the hour ahead of any water sporting activity in this part of the world and in the case of scheduling diving expeditions, take note of the northeast monsoon season which descends from December to May. During this time, the winds are calmer which in turn contributes towards sunny skies and pleasing oceans; the perfect combination to delight in some diving. Further, the currents that flow through the atolls from December to March make for excellent visibility, especially if you’ve chosen the eastern atolls as your springboard. The eastern portion of the channels witness sharks congregates whilst western sections can be looked at for manta ray viewing.

Southwest monsoon period

With the advent of the southwest monsoons come June through November, the currents are known to move east within the channels. Importantly, visibility is at its best if one opts to dive in the western parts of the channels. However, you will have to deal with rough seas and stronger winds. In terms of the species that can be spotted, whale sharks, mantas, and turtles are one’s, constant companions.

Where can you stay?

Should you be seeking assistance in planning out a holiday where you can experience such excursions to the deep blue, then it is advisable to check in with properties such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas who will also offer you convenient Maldives pool villa accommodation to come home to.

All You Need to Know About Turtles in Maldives – Conservation Efforts Vital

Amongst the fascinating marine life to encounter in the Maldives are sea turtles and here are some insights into this majestic creature that requires our protection too.

A robustus at en.wikipedia, Turtle hatchlings noonu atoll maldives, CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

Of the seven sea turtle species in the world’s oceans, five can be spotted in the Maldives. Apart from swimming and feeding in these Indian Ocean waters, they also come ashore to the islands to nest. While they are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, the fact remains that globally, sea turtles are under threat and their numbers dwindling.

Five Species

Hawksbill and green turtles are the most commonly seen in the Maldives. Pool villa accommodation aside, resorts like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas even offer special snorkelling excursions to encounter turtles. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles are sometimes spotted in the country as are olive ridley turtles that sadly tend to get caught in ghost fishing nets.

Threats

The export of turtle shells and the production of shell-based items are amongst the major threats to this species along with plastic and fishing nets left in the ocean. While the Maldivian government’s ban on selling turtle products and killing or catching sea turtles has helped, the poaching of turtle eggs still takes place.

Conservation

The good news is organisations such as Marine Savers in the Maldives are actively involved in turtle conservation and help to protect these species; initiatives include rehabilitating turtles that have been injured, protecting nesting sites, releasing baby turtles to the ocean and conducting photo identification and satellite tracking.

Insights into the Shark Season in Maldives – Unforgettable Encounters Await

Amongst the most memorable experiences when snorkelling or diving in Maldives, is the chance to swim with sharks; here’s more on what you need to know.

December to April

The dry season from December to April is the best time to see sharks in general and coincides with the peak tourist season, ideal for snorkelling and diving too. Usually, this period is optimal for shark spotting due to clear weather, calm seas and excellent visibility which combine to offer the perfect setting for encounters.

May to November

While the rainy season from May to November affects some parts, in others, it’s the best for sighting certain shark species. A great example is the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; from properties here like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, you can go snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay home to whale sharks and manta rays during this time.

Shark Species

Be it on diving excursions or snorkelling from your over water villas, Maldives shark encounters will be truly enthralling. This Indian Ocean nation has over 20 species of sharks including huge whale sharks; amongst the other popular species to spot are hammerhead, tiger, blacktip, whitetip, nurse and lemon sharks to name a few!

Rudolph.A.furtado, Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean in the Maldives., CC0 1.0

Keep in Mind

Most of the sharks in Maldives are harmless and you do not have to worry about encounters. That said, there are some things you should keep in mind; maintain a sufficient and respectful distance from them, avoid crossing their path, don’t touch them or make sudden movements and avoid using the flash for underwater photography.

Enjoy Flyboarding in Maldives – Soaring to New Heights

Looking for new water sports in Maldives to get your adrenaline pumping? Don’t miss the chance to try flyboarding that takes you above the waves on an experience you won’t forget!

Understanding the Basics

Ever wished you could take off the ground like Iron Man? Well, flyboarding is similar! Your feet will be strapped into special boots on a board connected to a watercraft by a long hose; through high-powered water pressure, jet nozzles lift the board / boots into the air which can reach heights of over 70 feet!

Where You Can Try It

The ideal water sport to try after relaxing at a Maldives water suite, flyboarding is on offer only at certain private resorts so check ahead. This includes properties such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort that have professional instructors and follow the needed safety procedures for a fun and safe experience.

Image via Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

More Than Just Flight

While this activity is relatively simple to learn, once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy more than just soaring in the air. Apart from speeding along the water, you can also (with the proper guidance) perform “tricks” which can include spinning around and even diving below the waves before being propelled back up.

Other Fun-filled Thrills

If you are craving more action-packed excitement on the water, then the right place to be is in the Maldives! Resorts feature a range of other thrilling water sports too; you can zip along on jet skis, satisfy your need for speed while kneeboarding, wakeboarding or water-skiing and try parasailing for stunning aerial vistas.

Conserving the Marine Treasures of the Maldives – Preserving an Underwater Paradise

While travellers enjoy seeing the array of coral and fish species in Maldives, many are unaware that this marine ecosystem faces threats too. Here’s what you should know.

Climate Change

While the Maldives has strict laws to protect coral and fish species, one thing it has no control over is climate change, especially rises in water temperature which harm reefs the world over; this has a direct impact on marine life that depends on the reefs and in turn, the survival of larger creatures up the food chain.

Coral Conservation

Coral conservation is vital and resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas have initiated coral adoption programmes that travellers can get involved in; apart from enjoying a stay at a Maldives pool villa, guests can help the resort team to transplant broken coral in a reef nursery and get updates on its progress.

Responsible Tourism

Travellers should choose resorts that are vested in conservation including responsible snorkelling and diving in Maldives. Such properties will have a resident marine biologist who will help you get a greater understanding of marine life too; be it swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay or spotting turtles and dolphins, there’s much to enjoy.

Shaping Young Minds

The next generation will also play an important role in marine conservation in Maldives; to this end, some resorts have marine biology courses for kids with a resident marine biologist. It can include fun Indian Ocean adventures where they can see dolphins, swim with turtles, learn about conservation efforts and even get training on diving.

Captivating Things to Do in Maldives

If you want a holiday to enjoy relaxation and exhilaration in equal measure, then the Maldives will be perfect! These are some things to do here that will be truly memorable.

Water Sports

Snorkelling can be tried by the whole family and those at resorts in places like the South Male Atoll can also enjoy this activity amidst whale sharks, nurse sharks or manta rays! Diving is popular as is surfing, while properties like Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort also offer wakeboarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, flyboarding and parasailing.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Island Getaways

During your stay in the Maldives, beach villa accommodation is ideal for spending time by the shore; however, for something special, some resorts offer access to private islands for just you and that special someone. You can enjoy snorkelling, sunbathing, savouring BBQ lunches and sipping sundowners amidst sublime serenity.

Dolphin Spotting

In the Indian Ocean waters that surround the islands, you will also find dolphins swimming wild and free. You can embark on journeys out to sea on a luxury yacht and encounter these adorable marine mammals including spinner dolphins that can be seen playing and sometimes acrobatically leaping out of the water!

Sunset Cruises

As the day draws to a close, the sun descends to the horizon and offers a most magnificent sight. One of the best things to do in Maldives is to set off on a sunset cruise during this time to catch this magical spectacle unfold. It’s a perfect activity to enjoy with your life partner while sharing canapés and a champagne toast.

Cruise Around the Maldives

There are many ways you can enjoy a cruise around the Maldives – be it from boarding a traditional boat called dhoni to sailing around in a luxury yacht – and you can do so during a holiday spent at a resort on one of the private islands Maldives has to offer such as Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

The Best Times

Between November and April, you’ll find the driest months of the year when there’s plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies; this spectacular weather brings the ideal conditions to go on a Maldives cruise.

Image Credit: Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Why Go on a Cruise?

This is the best way to see the many islands that make up the Maldivian Archipelago while accessing numerous diving sites and accessing some of the most-coveted beaches all in one package.

Boat Options

You may be offered several boat options for your cruise around the Maldives. It is possible to embark on this journey on a dhoni, a sailboat, a yacht, or a ship.

Types of Cruises

From catamaran cruises and multi-day cruises to shore excursions and whale watching tours, there’s a range of cruises out of which you can opt for one depending on your preference.

Discover the Baa Atoll’s Marine Treasures

A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Baa Atoll in Maldives gives you a chance to encounter some truly spectacular coral and marine life. Here’s a peek into what to expect.

Mantas & Whale Sharks
One of the best things you can do here is to go snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay and swim amongst huge manta rays and even whale sharks! The perfect complement to a stay at luxury villas in Maldives resorts, this activity is seasonal and best experienced from June to October when the plankton concentration is more.

The Blue Hole
Amongst the Baa Atoll’s most enthralling sites is the Blue Hole; part of the house reef at Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, this unique attraction features a mysterious-looking hole formed by an underwater chimney of sorts lined with corals; an ideal spot for diving or snorkelling, you can see diverse marine life from triggerfish to hawksbill turtles.

More Adventures
Resorts in Maldives that offer snorkelling safaris to explore the Baa Atoll provide plenty of marine encounters including tropical reef fish, Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, moray eels, green turtles and more. Diving is also popular since there are over 40 sites to explore, while you can go on dolphin spotting cruises too.

Night Expeditions
Depending on the resort, you may also have the chance to go on night snorkelling or diving excursions; it’s not every day you can include that in your list of nightlife activities! Apart from seeing nocturnal marine life, by way of special filters and blue light you can also witness bioluminescent lifeforms and plankton too.

Dream getaway to Baa Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives is of course the dream destination of every traveller. Out of the 26 atolls in the Maldives, Baa Atoll is special for a holiday, especially because of its huge, shallow lagoons.

Reaching your destination

Once you come to the Maldives by any international flight, you then need to go to your chosen hotel in the Baa Atoll. The best option is to travel by seaplane. You may also opt for a speedboat, but that can be very time-consuming.

The best times to go

Arrange your Maldivian tour between November and April, because this is considered the right season. It’s the dry season, and you are sure not to get hindered by any heavy rainfalls. You may enjoy the hot and sunny weather throughout your journey.

Image Credit: **Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences**

Staying in Baa Atoll

There are more than 15 resorts located in the Baa Atoll including the very popular ones such as Amilla Maldives Resort and Residences. Make your reservations in advance, and grab the most beneficial Maldives resorts packages out of all.

Things to do

In addition to enjoying the pool, bar, spa, and restaurants at the resort, you may engage in several other fun activities here. Water sports, dolphin watching sessions, and taking a cookery lesson are just some of them.