Manta Point Maldives: Ultimate Dive Guide to Swimming with Gentle Giants

If there’s one underwater experience that defines the Maldives, it’s swimming with manta rays at Manta Point. Located near some of the country’s most beautiful atolls, this dive site is a bucket-list destination for divers from around the world.
 

Whether you're a seasoned scuba diver or a first-time snorkeler, Manta Point offers close, respectful encounters with one of the ocean's most intelligent and elegant species.

📍 What is Manta Point?

Manta Point is a popular cleaning station and dive site where reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) congregate to be cleaned by smaller fish like wrasses and cleaner gobies. Divers and snorkelers come to witness this natural spa session as mantas glide gracefully above coral reefs.

There are several dive sites in the Maldives known as “Manta Point,” including:

Lankan Manta Point (North Male Atoll) – The most famous and accessible

Addu Atoll Manta Point – Year-round manta sightings

Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) – Best for snorkeling, during plankton blooms

In this guide, we’ll focus mainly on Lankan Manta Point, located near Baros and Bandos resorts in the North Male Atoll.

🐋 Why Manta Rays Are So Special

Manta rays are among the largest species of rays, with wingspans reaching up to 5 meters (16 feet). Despite their size, they are harmless filter feeders, consuming plankton and swimming with an effortless grace that mesmerizes divers.

Fascinating Facts:

Reef mantas can live over 50 years

They have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish

Each manta ray has a unique pattern on its belly, like a fingerprint

They're highly intelligent and often interact playfully with divers

Seeing a manta up close is a spiritual experience for many divers — a moment of peaceful connection with one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

🐠 Diving at Manta Point (Lankan Manta Point)

Depth: 12 – 30 meters (40 – 100 ft)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Best Time to Dive: May to November (Southwest Monsoon)

Visibility: 15 – 30 meters (50 – 100 ft)

What You'll See:

Manta rays cruising over cleaning stations

Colorful coral formations and reef fish

Occasional whitetip reef sharks, turtles, and moray eels

Lankan Manta Point is famous for its manta congregation during the monsoon season, when currents bring nutrient-rich water that attracts plankton and, consequently, manta rays.

🧭 Dive Experience Breakdown

Entry & Descent
You’ll begin with a negative entry due to mild currents and descend along a sandy slope.

The Cleaning Stations
Divers form a semi-circle or hover above the reef near the coral outcrops. This is where the cleaner wrasses remove parasites from the mantas’ bodies.

The Show Begins
The mantas arrive in slow, swooping loops — often circling multiple times — allowing for extended viewing and incredible photo ops.

Safety Stop & Exit
After 40–50 minutes, you’ll ascend slowly, often still spotting reef sharks and schools of snapper near the top.

🥽 Snorkeling at Manta Point

Not certified for diving? You can still experience mantas through snorkeling tours, especially during peak season.

Tips:

Book tours with responsible operators who follow manta interaction guidelines

Stay calm and horizontal in the water

Never chase or touch the manta rays

Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard

🏨 Where to Stay Near Manta Point

Several luxury and mid-range resorts are located near Lankan Manta Point in North Male Atoll.

Popular Options:

Baros Maldives – A top-tier resort with its own dive center and easy access to Manta Point

Bandos Maldives – Great for families and beginners

Kurumba Maldives – Closest resort to Malé, perfect for short stays

Coco Bodu Hithi – Luxury overwater villas and reef diving

Most resorts offer in-house dive centers and manta-focused excursions during the season.

🛫 How to Get There

From Malé International Airport (Velana)
→ Take a speedboat to resorts in North Male Atoll (20–45 minutes)
→ Many dive centers offer direct dive trips to Manta Point

If you're staying in South Male Atoll or Ari Atoll, you may need to arrange a full-day diving trip.

📅 Best Time to Visit Manta Point

Tip: Plan your trip during the Southwest Monsoon for the best chances of multiple manta encounters.

📸 Photography Tips

Use a wide-angle lens for mantas' wingspans

Adjust white balance for blue water

Shoot from below or side-on, not from above

Never use flash—it may disturb marine life

Some resorts offer underwater photography services as part of the diving package.

🌱 Responsible Manta Tourism

Manta rays are vulnerable species, and tourism can stress or harm them if not conducted ethically. The Manta Trust, a leading conservation NGO, works with local dive operators in the Maldives to ensure manta tourism remains sustainable.

Do:

Keep a respectful distance (3–4 meters)

Let mantas approach you

Learn about individual mantas from ID catalogs

Support operators affiliated with Manta Trust

🧳 What to Pack

Dive certification card & logbook

GoPro or underwater camera

Lightweight wetsuit or shorty

Waterproof dry bag

Reef-safe sunscreen

Snorkeling gear (optional – often provided)

💡 Travel Tips

Book your manta dive or snorkel tour in advance during peak season

Always follow the dive guide’s instructions — safety and conservation first

Check the tide and current reports for optimal visibility

Ask about multi-dive packages for better rates

If you’re new to diving, opt for a refresher course

🧭 Combine With Nearby Attractions

While in North Male Atoll, consider combining your trip to Manta Point with:

Malé City Tour – Culture, mosques, and local markets

Sandbank Picnic – Perfect for photos and relaxation

Night Dive or Fluoro Dive – Witness glowing corals and nocturnal creatures

Dolphin Sunset Cruise

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Dive at Manta Point

Manta Point is not just another dive site — it’s a sanctuary of grace and beauty beneath the waves. With the thrill of face-to-face encounters with manta rays, stunning coral reefs, and the backdrop of the Maldives' serene beauty, this site is a top-tier dive destination for nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers.

Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, visiting Manta Point promises to be one of the most magical experiences of your travel life.