Maldives: Best Manta Ray Viewing Dates, 2024-2025

The Maldives is one of the best places to see manta rays, a favorite of many snorkelers. Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the place to see them, especially May-November (although this is also during the monsoon season, so expect more rain than December-April): it's home to the world's largest known reef manta ray population. There were an estimated 6691 manta sightings in 2023, even more than the approximately 6083 sightings in 2022, and the vast majority of these sightings were in Hanifaru Bay. In 2023, 225 new manta ray individuals were identified (by the unique spot patterns on their bellies).

Manta ray wingspans can be up to 15 feet and manta rays have the largest brain-to-size ratio of any cold-blooded fish, with a cognitive function on par with dolphins, primates and elephants.

These are the 2024 dates expected to be best for seeing manta rays:

May 21-25
June 4-8
June 20-24
July 1–5
July 19-23
August 2-6
September 1-5
September 16-20
September 30-October 4
October 15-19
October 29-November 3
November 14-18
November 29-December 3

And these are the best dates for 2025, perfect for those planning ahead:

June 4-8
June 20-24
July 4-8
July 19-23
August 2-6
August 17-21
September 1-5
September 16-20
September 30-October 4
October 15-19
October 30-November 3
November 14-18

Where to Stay in Baa Atoll

One of our clients' favorite ways to have the chance to snorkel with manta rays is Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru‘s “Manta on Call” service, where guests are given a “manta phone” for the day.

For a much smaller, boutique luxury type experience in Baa Atoll, consider The Nautilus Maldives, with just 26 villas. Take a mini vacation with our Nautilus Maldives video review: