SWIM WITH THE OCEAN’S GENTLE GIANTS AND DISCOVER THE BEST OF MANTA RAY SEASON AT MILAIDHOO ISLAND, MALDIVES
Take advantage of Milaidhoo’s perfect location within Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and witness the annual gathering of hundreds of manta rays during May to October
The Maldives is a spectacular destination for sightings of Manta Rays (Manta Alfredi) and although the waters are home to the majestic rays all year round, the archipelago’s Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is the most famous place to witness their migration. From May to October, thousands of these beautiful creatures migrate to the atoll’s plankton-rich waters and the sighting is an absolute highlight of off-season in the Maldives. Located in the protected Reserve, Milaidhoo is offering guests a once in a life-time opportunity to experience this annual gathering first-hand. Home to a spectacular house-reef and being only 12-minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay, known as the biggest manta feeding station in the world, guests can swim and snorkel with the rays up close. Reaching up to 7 metres in width, the rays are truly the ocean’s gentle giants and feed on nothing bigger than microscopic plankton. Off season visitors at Milaidhoo will be welcomed with excursions to Hanifaru Bay, coordinated with the Hanifaru Bay park rangers, who are experts in ensuring guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities. Additionally, Milaidhoo’s resident Marine Biologist will share their expert knowledge on the fascinating creatures. For those hoping to get even more up close and personal, the team at the Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre at Milaidhoo have identified several secret diving spots, outside of the marine reserve, where divers can enjoy the most private and intimate manta experiences.
HOW: Milaidhoo can be easily reached via a 30-minute seaplane from the international airport in Male or a 15-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo domestic airport in Baa Atoll, followed by a 15-minute speedboat to Milaidhoo Island. Rates start from $1,535 (£1,084) per night in a Water Pool Villa on a half board basis, based on two sharing. Manta Ray offering is available to book from Ocean Stories and guests who book directly on Milaidhoo’s website between 1 May and 31 October 2021 will have the chance to win the experience during their stay. www.milaidhoo.com / reservations@milaidhoo.com