Thursday, May 23, 2024 The Manta Conservation Initiative in the Maldives, originally established by The Manta Trust and based at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, is preparing for an extraordinary underwater event. The program has released “hot dates,” which are prime times for witnessing the largest known gathering of manta rays globally, close to the resort. From May through November, the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives becomes a hotspot for reef manta rays attracted by the area’s nutrient-rich currents.
This phenomenon creates a stunning display of marine grace. For two decades, guests at Landaa Giraavaru have had the unique opportunity to observe these marine creatures up close due to the resort’s pioneering conservation efforts. 2023 Season Highlights The last manta season was particularly fruitful, with the Manta Conservation Initiative recording an encouraging increase to 6,691 sightings from 2022’s 6,083.
Hanifaru Bay, famed for its large manta ray aggregations, accounted for 82% of these sightings. This season saw the identification of 225 new mantas, a significant increase from the previous year’s 176, solidifying the Maldives’ reputation as the home of the largest reef manta ray population on earth. Notable Encounters Among the memorable moments was the sighting of three oceanic manta rays, the largest type of ray, which can reach up to seven meters across and weigh about 2,000 kilograms.
These encounters are rar.
