Dive into the Ultimate Marine Spectacle - Experience Manta Magic at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Book a "Hot Date" with the World’s Largest Known Manta Ray Population

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is poised to offer marine adventurers an unparalleled experience with the world’s largest documented manta ray assembly. The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (founding project of The Manta Trust) is gearing up for the planet’s most spectacular marine spectacle, thanks to their newly published "hot dates." These dates provide guests with the best chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring event in the waters near the Resort.

A Mesmerizing Underwater Ballet

From May to November, the Maldives Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve attracts hundreds of reef manta rays to its plankton-rich currents, creating a breathtaking underwater ballet. Guests at Landaa Giraavaru enjoy exclusive access to these magnificent creatures, thanks to two decades of pioneering on-site work by the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP).

2023 Season Highlights

The 2023 manta season was marked by remarkable sightings and discoveries:

Manta Ray Sightings: MMCP researchers estimated 6,691 manta ray sightings around the Resort, a significant increase from 2022’s 6,083. Nearby Hanifaru Bay, renowned for its mass manta gatherings, contributed 82% of these sightings.

New Identifications

The team identified 225 new manta rays, up from 176 in 2022, bringing the total to 5,831 identified individuals, solidifying the Maldives as home to the world’s largest known reef manta ray population.

Oceanic Manta Encounter

The team observed three oceanic manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, including a memorable encounter with a giant male named Hassandhari, known for his courtship displays in previous years.

Unforgettable Juvenile Manta Sighting

A highlight of the 2023 season was the first sighting of a juvenile manta in Reethi Lagoon. Ellie Strike, MMCP Project Manager, recalled the inquisitive young male with a wingspan of 2 meters, swimming belly-up and curiously assessing the team. He has been seen multiple times since, indicating a likely return for the 2024 season.

Record Whale Shark Sightings

The 2023 season also saw a record 26 whale shark sightings in Baa Atoll’s plankton-rich waters. These gentle giants, the ocean’s largest fish, can grow up to 18 meters in length, showcasing the diversity and scale of marine life in the area.

Becoming an NGO

In 2023, The Manta Trust flagship project became an NGO, renamed the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, reflecting its commitment to conserving mantas and safeguarding their habitats in the Maldives and globally.

Immersive Manta Experiences at Landaa Giraavaru

Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru offers a range of immersive experiences for guests

Manta-on-Call:

Receive a "manta phone" alerting you to nearby sightings, then speedboat to the location for an unforgettable encounter.

Private Manta-Spotting Cruises:

Tailored adventures for personalized manta sightings.Trainee Manta Biologist Program: Engage teens (aged 13-18) in hands-on manta research and conservation activities.

Marine Discovery Centre:

Home to the Maldives' first life-size Hologram Room, where you can "swim" with manta rays without getting wet.

Research and Conservation Impact

Research by the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme not only protects manta rays but also helps predict mass aggregation dates around Landaa Giraavaru, enhancing the chances of witnessing these incredible creatures and their whale shark companions.

2024 Manta Hot Dates -

• May 21–25
• June 4–8
• June 20–24
• July 4–8
• July 19–23
• August 2–6
• September 1–5
• September 16–20
• September 30–October 4
• October 15–19
• October 29–November 3
• November 14–18
• November 29–December 3

(Note: Manta ray sightings are subject to weather conditions and the temperament of these gentle giants.)

To be part of the greatest marine show on Earth, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com, or call the central reservations department of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at (960) 66 00 888.