Manta rays are in the Maldives year-round, but where you find them and how many you see depends heavily on season, location, and weather patterns. Understanding this makes the difference between seeing a handful of mantas and witnessing feeding aggregations of 50+.

Two Distinct Seasons

The Maldives has two monsoon seasons that dictate manta ray movements.

Southwest Monsoon (May-November): Mantas concentrate on the western side of atolls. This includes Baa Atoll (home to Hanifaru Bay), Ari Atoll's western channels, and areas around Male.

Northeast Monsoon (December-April): Mantas shift to the eastern side of atolls, particularly South Ari, parts of Male Atoll, and Addu Atoll in the far south.

Hanifaru Bay: The Manta Madness

Best time is June through November, peaking in August-September.

Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is famous for one reason: massive manta feeding aggregations during southwest monsoon months, specifically around full moons when plankton concentrations peak.

During these events, 50-200 manta rays spiral through the bay in slow, coordinated formations, feeding on dense plankton blooms. It's one of the ocean's most spectacular wildlife events, but timing is everything.

Access is strictly controlled—only snorkeling (no diving), limited numbers, and only during designated months. Book well in advance if this is your goal.

Year-Round Manta Locations

South Ari Atoll is the most reliable location for year-round manta sightings. Cleaning stations and feeding areas attract mantas consistently, though numbers vary by season. December-April is particularly strong here.

Male Atolls (North and South) have several reliable manta spots, including Manta Point near Lankanfinolhu. Active throughout the year with seasonal peaks.

Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll, has consistent manta activity, especially during northeast monsoon months (December-April).

What Influences Manta Sightings

Plankton blooms drive everything. Mantas follow food. When nutrient-rich water upwells and triggers plankton blooms, mantas appear. This happens more predictably during monsoon transitions.

Moon phases matter too. Full moons often coincide with higher plankton concentrations, particularly at Hanifaru Bay. Plan trips around full moon windows if witnessing large aggregations is your priority.

Weather affects visibility and sea conditions. Rough seas and poor visibility reduce your chances of finding and swimming with mantas. Southwest monsoon months (May-November) generally have better conditions on the western side, while northeast monsoon (December-April) favors the east.

Best Overall Time

For the highest chance of seeing large numbers of mantas: August through October in Baa Atoll and surrounding western areas.

For reliable year-round sightings without massive aggregations: December through April in South Ari Atoll.

If you want both whale sharks and mantas: August-November gives you the best overlap in the same regions.

Booking Considerations

Liveaboards offer flexibility to move between atolls and chase the best conditions. Resorts tie you to one location, which works if that location aligns with the season you're visiting.

For Hanifaru Bay specifically, book at least 3-6 months ahead. Access is limited, and spots fill quickly during peak months.