The urge to come face to face with a Manta Ray is a possibility no matter the season or time of year in Addu atoll. Addu atoll is the only place in the Maldives that has Manta Rays with a wing span of over five meters. 

Manta Rays are known as filter feeders and use the inhabitants of the reefs to clean out their gills of parasites and dead skin. Angelfish and wrasses are known to swim between the gills of these beautiful creatures to clean them. The Manta Ray is known to be curious of humans and is fond of swimmers and scuba divers. They do not approach humans and it is also advisable not to touch them, as it will scare them away and contact causes lesions and infection on their bodies. It also isn’t a rare and beautiful sight to see Mantas breach the surface of the water to get air. 

Addu atoll reefs are frequented by these inquisitive beauties and can be seen in the deep waters on the surface of reefs, in order for the smaller fish to clean their gills. It is important not to make sudden movements, but remain in one spot and watch the cleaning ritual being performed. A typical encounter with a Manta Ray will last close to half an hour. 

Reef life in Maldives is an amazing infestation of over 700 common fish species of more are yet to be classified and discovered. A typical diving holiday in Maldives will also give the diver a chance to have some close encounters with rare fish such as the frogfish, ghost pipefish, leaf fish and plenty of nudibranchs. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa’s Eco Centre provide the experienced diver a chance to be a part of the Manta Ray tracking programme. Photographs taken of the marine life in the vicinity add as a valuable contribution towards the hotel’s photographic database to assist in the study of the Manta Ray. 

Explore the reefs and the exceptional beauty of one of the world’s most loved beaches, from one of the world’s most reputed resort hotels, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa.