While you can see plenty of fish when Snorkelling in Maldives, nothing compares to the experience of swimming beside manta rays and Turtles and here’s more on what you need to know.

Snorkelling with Manta Rays

The reef manta ray or Mobula alfredi is the species that you can see here, and these majestic creatures can have a wingspan length of up to five metres! While Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the best places to spot them, they can be seen in other areas too. Resorts like OBLU SELECT Sangeli even offer snorkelling excursions to spot Mantas that aren’t to be missed.

Best Times to See Mantas

When looking for the best family resort in the Maldives to enjoy this activity, check what periods are better for manta sightings which will be dependent on the concentration of plankton in the areas. Generally, mantas can be spotted on the eastern side of the country’s atolls from May to October, while on the western side, they are more frequently seen from November to April.

Snorkelling with Turtles

Another of the best things to do in Maldives is to go snorkelling with turtles which is another memorable encounter to look forward to. Five of the world’s seven sea turtle species can be seen here with hawksbill and green turtles spotted more frequently. Some resorts also offer specialised snorkelling excursions to encounter turtles in their natural environment.

Best Times to See Turtles

The good news is that you have a great chance of seeing turtles on your visit since they are known to lay eggs the whole year through. That said, some periods are better than others; the peak time for nesting is usually from May to June, while July to August is when one can see more hatchlings which will be a truly incredible sight.