Male’, Maldives, 21st September 2022 – In celebration of World Manta Day on 17 September, Lynn Jula Kessler, the marine biologist at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort offers expert advice on viewing the gentle giants.
When is the best time to go?
The manta rays’ migration pattern is dominated by the two monsoon seasons in the Maldives. From roughly December to May, the mantas are found more frequently on the Western atolls. From June to November, the search is mainly focused on the eastern sites. In South Ari Atoll around Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has been extremely lucky to record year-round sightings of manta rays, as the animals don’t leave the atoll when the monsoon is changing (due to the geographical size of the atoll). Most manta sightings have been recorded between October and March.
Videos and books to enjoy in preparation
The Manta Trust has published a fantastic Guide to Manta and Devil Rays, which gives a great overview of all the manta species known to science, with helpful identification keys. For a more aesthetic book, Lynn recommends the Secret Life of Manta Rays, co-authored by Dr. Guy Stevens, the founder of Manta Trust. This book has stunning photographs and interesting insights to the conservation efforts, plus it’s a beautiful coffee table book. As one of the biggest threats to manta ray populations around the world is overfishing, she recommends “Seaspiracy” on Netlfix to familiarise yourselves with overexploitation of the seas.
Choose a resort with a dedicated marine biologist or conservationist
Many resorts in the Maldives have a resident marine biologist or conservationist on site. With a bit of research, or by contacting the resort directly, you can find out how well the marine biologist is included in the resort’s ocean activities — and what other types of sustainability efforts are being pursued by the resort. Outrigger has its own global nature conservation programme called OZONE — Outrigger ZONE.
Do a trial snorkel or scuba dive first
This is important, especially if you are not a strong swimmer or have little experience snorkelling in the ocean. Try snorkelling in a safe environment first. This way you can familiarise yourself with the equipment, practice being in open water, and increase the chance of a more enjoyable manta dive or snorkel excursion.
Be ready!
If you join a group trip make sure you listen to your guide’s instructions and are ready to get into the water at any moment!
Don’t get too close
Manta rays are very curious by nature. It is important to try to stay at about a three to four metres radius. But due to mantas’ inquisitive nature they almost always break this distance themselves. Lynn’s top advice when it comes to manta ray encounters is to stay as calm as possible. The chances of the manta ray turning around and checking you out from up close are much higher when you remain calm at the surface rather than splashing around and chasing after it. However, don’t try to touch a manta ray. This will most likely end the encounter as mantas are not tactile animals and get scared when being touched.
Photography tip
Lynn comments she has seen guests more focused on their camera settings than on the mantas themselves. If you are not familiar with your camera settings or you don’t want the extra pressure of having to take pictures as well as keeping up with mantas, leave the camera behind. However, action cameras such as GoPros are usually a very easy solution and make great footage and can be rented at the dive centre. Alternately, guests may also ask their team or dive crew to share their pictures.
Instagram channels to keep an eye on
If you are interested in manta rays, Lynn recommends the channels from Manta Trust (@mantatrust) and the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (@maldianmantaproject). On the OZONE Maafushivaru (@ozone_maafushivaru) channel, she shares information and insights on manta rays as well as other marine projects at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.
In celebration of World Manta Rays this year, Outrigger Maldives had a scheduled manta ray excursion for its guests. Lynn joined the excursion as well, providing the participants with insights into the manta rays’ life and briefing everyone on proper in-water behaviour. All data collected during the trip will be submitted to the Maldivian Manta Ray Project and the Manta Trust, which is the world’s leading organisation on manta ray research and conservation.
To find out more about mantas, Lynn suggests visiting worldmantaday.com, a great resource with information links, a list of challenges facing mantas, upcoming events, and how to get inolved. The Outrigger OZONE page also gives useful insights on coral protection and propagation initiatives, reducing waste, guest education, and the best eco-activities for responsible travellers.
