Where to go in the Maldives to swim with whale sharks and manta rays

Do you dream of going to Maldives to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, but don't know when to go and where, on which atoll to go to be sure to see these giants of the seas.

It is true that the Maldives archipelago is one of the best destinations for diving and snorkeling because its seabed is among the most beautiful and rich in the world. There are some of the rarest species on the planet such as the majestic whale shark, manta ray, giant tortoise, stingray or stone fish !

However, the marine species present in the many lagoons of the Maldives are very varied and concentrated differently depending on the atolls.

This is why when I organized my 10 days trip to the Maldives, I asked myself the following questions:

  • When is the best time to see whale sharks and manta rays in the Maldives?
  • Where to swim with whale sharks and manta rays, on which atoll, on which island?
  • Which hotel to choose for a swimming excursion with whale sharks and manta rays?

It is therefore this precious information that I am sharing with you on this article.

When to go to the Maldives?

All periods are favorable for a stay in the Maldives. In fact, in this archipelago of the Indian Ocean, the average temperature is always between 26 ° C and 33 ° C. The average water temperature, whatever the time, always remains above 24 ° C.

With a tropical climate, the Maldives have a rainy season that runs from May to August. Even during this period, you can make the most of hot, sunny days. Indeed, it can rain but this precipitation does not last long and is followed by days of sunshine.

If you want to go to the Maldives to enjoy as much sunshine as possible, it is during the dry season between December and April that you will have to plan your stay.

Best time to see whale sharks in the Maldives?

Although you may encounter whale sharks at any time of the year in some places in the Maldives the best time to see them around theAri Atoll is located between the month of August and the month of November.

Best time to see Manta Rays in the Maldives?

Like the Manta rays migrate according to the time of year, to see them on Ari Atoll, the best period is between November to April.

And to see the manta rays around North Male, South Male as well as Vaavu, the best period will be from May to October.

where to go in the Maldives to swim with manta rays

Where to swim with whale sharks and manta rays in the Maldives?

Also called Alif Dhaal Atoll, Ari Atoll has the reputation of being one of the best spots in the world to see, to dive, to swim with whale sharks but also with manta rays very present around this atoll.

Ari Atoll - Best spot for whale sharks and manta rays

Just 80 kilometers south-east of Male, theAri Atoll is home to a large population of whale sharks that can be observed very easily. And it is more precisely in the South and West Ari that are the best spots.

More where to go to see whale sharks and manta rays in this huge atoll which has a hundred magnificent islands and islets?

Which island to choose on the Ari Atoll?

THEdhigurah island, in the extreme south ofAri Atoll, is home to not only one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in the Maldives but also magnificent whale shark specimens as well as many manta rays.

Dhigurah is a 3 km long island with 600 inhabitants and located in the part southern Ari Atoll. For snorkeling, its reef is accessible and very rich in multicolored fish and turtles.

Personally, I chose Dhigurah also its magnificent beach and for its offer ofcheap hotels (see my choice on the article: Which island to choose in the Maldives?).

Which hotel to choose for whale sharks and Manta rays?

The best place to combine a postcard stay with one of the best spots to see and swim with whale sharks and manta rays isNalaguraidhoo islet which is a island-hotel.

Choose the hotel island of Nalaguraidhoo for its location

Located on theAri Atoll south ofdhigurah island,Nalaguraidhoo Island is an island hotel 1,6km long and 400m wide.

It is surrounded by white sand beaches and a turquoise lagoons in a privileged natural environment for the observation of whale sharks and manta rays.

Which island to choose to see manta rays and whale sharks

Choose Nalaguraidhoo hotel island for its ease of access

The big advantage of choosing the Sun Island Resort & Spa on'Nalaguraidhoo Islandis that it is accessible very easily and quickly via a 30-minute flight from Male International Airport. This transfer service is provided by the resort.

Sun Island Resort for diving

Moreover, the hotel has a PADI certified dive center which gives beginners and / or advanced diving courses and offers excursions for all levels, in bottle or with mask and snorkel.

This hotel also organizes sunrise and sunset fishing trips and island hopping trips or seaplane rides.

Choose the island-hotel of Nalaguraidhoo for its paradise beach

This hotel has classic rooms but also villas on stilts for those who can afford them. In addition to its many luxury amenities, this hotel has a dream location…

See this hotel on Booking

Where to go in the Maldives to dive

Are you looking for going to get married?

Here's how to organize your honeymoon in the Maldives

or why a honeymoon in Bora Bora

or a island hopping trip to Tahiti in French Polynesia

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