Manta Bay

This dive site, Manta Bay, is situated at the west end of Dhiya Adi Faru (Low Tide Reef) in the Maldives, typically reached by a 25-minute boat ride. Its distinctive U-shape, featuring two small Thilas in the middle, acts as a natural trap for plankton during outgoing currents, which is crucial for the abundant marine life drawn to the area. The plankton-rich waters serve as a vital food source, attracting a large congregation of Manta Rays, making them the primary draw of the site. Beyond the magnificent mantas, the bay is also teeming with vibrant schools of fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, and surgeonfish, contributing to a bustling and diverse underwater ecosystem. The optimal time to visit Manta Bay for exceptional manta encounters is during the outgoing current of the south-west monsoon. Divers should be well-prepared for medium to strong currents, which, while challenging, are essential for bringing in the feeding mantas. Both snorkelers and freedivers can enjoy observing the mantas, especially when they feed closer to the surface, but should always exercise caution due to the powerful currents.