From May until October, witness one of nature’s most spectacular encounters—an underwater ballet of hungry manta rays
It’s a great time to be a guest of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. From now until October, the five-star wellness sanctuary, nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites guests to witness one of nature’s most spectacular encounters.
Hanifaru Bay, just 45 minutes from the resort, is one of the planet’s most remarkable manta aggregation sites. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants as they glide, spiral and swoop through the plankton-rich waters, turning the bay into an awe-inspiring underwater ballet. During peak season (late July to October), witness dozens to over 100 manta rays feeding in the bay, with the occasional whale shark sighting, especially around the full moon, according to José Daniel González, the resort’s resident marine biologist.
Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the reserve is also celebrated for its thriving reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers are welcome to explore the coral gardens that are home to batfish, fusiliers and eagle rays, and even dolphins could be seen from the island. Those eager to engage in marine education and conversation can take part in an interactive reef restoration activity, led by González himself.
