As we enter manta season it’s a good idea to remind ourselves of how vulnerable the magnificent manta rays are and what we can do to minimise the effect we have on them. Swimming with mantas appears on the bucket lists of almost everyone visiting the Maldives and we’d agree that it’s definitely a ‘must-do’ experience, it does however need to be undertaken responsibly.

Mantas are listed as a globally ‘vulnerable’ species with decreasing populations due to the pressures of overfishing as well as the trade in their gill rakers. Manta Trust, a UK-based charity working in the Maldives has marine biologists stationed at resorts, across the Maldives, including at our sister resort Hurawalhi Maldives, and they work tirelessly on research, conservation and education in a bid to save the magnificent manta rays we all love to see.

A holiday at Kuredu Resort Maldives during manta season is the perfect chance to realise the dream of encountering these gentle giants of the ocean. They descend upon the huge coral block cleaning stations at Fushivaru Thila, gliding down and hovering there while small fish eat parasites on their body and gills – a spa treatment for the mantas and a dining opportunity for cleaner wrasse fish! Once you have a confirmed reservation, download the Kuredu App and book your Manta Ray Search Boat Trip along with al this other experiences on your wish list!

Follow these guidelines, set out by the Manta Trust during your snorkelling and diving excursions when mantas are around:

• – Enter the water quietly

• – Do not approach closer than 3 metres – let the manta come to you

• – Keep fins under the water to avoid splashing

• – Approach from the side – never block the manta’s path

• – Do not chase the manta as it swims past

• – Never touch a manta ray

• – Stay at the side of cleaning stations – never on the top

• – Keep low but be careful not to damage the reef

• – If a manta swims towards you, stay low and stay still – do not block its path

• – In addition, follow local guidelines given during the dive or snorkel briefing

Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest news on manta ray action near Kuredu.

Let’s make this a spectacular but sustainable manta season!