Manta Rays and Stingrays

Known for their extraordinary sense of imparting tranquility through large eyes, meeting Manta Rays under water is something that a snorkeler would treasure immensely. These incredible and harmless sea creatures with their exceptional hydrodynamic bodies and unique persona are found in abundance in the Maldives sea. Since a meeting with a Manta in the sea is claimed to be a magical experience by many a snorkeler, it is not surprising that thousands of tourists fly long miles away from their home towns with this experience explicitly in their minds as they land in Maldives.

 It is said that the best season to observe the Manta Rays is between June and October and while the tropics are generously favoured with their company, it doesn’t mean that they are exclusively limited to this region of sea. There are also places where the manta sitings are more likely found such as the Lankanfinolhu Faru in the North Male atoll. These enigmatic creatures have a body in the shape of a ray and can grow up to as much as 20 feet and are a deep blue colour with a white belly. Contrary to the stingray they do not possess a sting in the tail. Known as the fish with the largest brain, the Manta Ray are harmless to humans and there are beliefs that they enjoy human company. Often occupying the coral reefs in deep sea, the mantras gather around ‘cleaning stations’ where their fins get cleaned by smaller fish and it is such a common site in the Maldives Sea. On the contrary Stingrays can be visualized close to shallow waters where they pause for their prey. Feeding these creatures is also an activity that is offered in some of the packages by various hotels.  Many divers who have encountered a Mantra in Maldives are eloquent on the subject, with some claiming that the Manta look at them with a serene demeanour or what is called a ‘knowing calm’. These adorable creatures are hunted for their fins but Maldives scuba divers would give anything to get closer and make friends with this amazing sea creature with a tranquil grace all its own.

Probably the best way to enjoy a journey to Maldives is to stay over at a Villa in Maldives. These ravishing islands are studded with such exotic residential venues and one excellent choice amongst them is the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. From beach pool residencies to water pool residencies to three bedroom presidential beach residences, there is the luxury of choosing from amongst some superb options each as alluring as the other. With polished timber interiors, over water dinning pavilions, to glass bottom floors for sea viewing, this range of residencies are simply one step ahead of the rest of Maldives Resorts.