Like last year’s season, this year’s travelers are in for a truly incredible spectacle. In 2022, the Manta Trust, which has been monitoring the number of rays through the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) since 2005, recorded 6,083 manta rays in the resort’s waters. In addition, last year, staff recorded 5,016 stingrays in Hanifaru Bay, the largest in terms of their number. At the same time, the database was replenished with 176 new individuals, first seen in Maldivian waters, bringing the total population of local manta rays to 5507 representatives, becoming the largest known in the world.
In June 2022, while feeding from the island’s pier, researchers and guests of the resort were lucky enough to see over 60 manta rays on the resort’s house reef, which for the first time formed a circle resembling a real cyclone.
“Feeding the manta rays from such close range and watching them circling in a mesmerizing way was incredible,” recalls Ellie Strike , MMRP Project Manager at Landaa Giraavaru. “This is a prime example that you don’t always have to go to Hanifara Bay to meet manta rays – often they drop in on us!”
With a wingspan of up to 4.5 meters, the largest brain of any fish, and having cognitive functions similar to those of dolphins, primates and elephants, reef manta rays are rightfully considered one of the most impressive marine creatures on the planet.
Every year, keeping in touch with manta rays becomes more and more necessary to understand their vital role in the functioning of ecosystems. So, in December 2021, giant rays, close relatives of reef manta rays, were endangered and were listed in the Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the reef manta ray is still under threat of extinction.
“When a guest encounters these intelligent and curious animals in their natural habitat, something truly magical happens,” Ellie continues. “In absolute awe of these amazing creatures, travelers are quickly learning how important it is to take care of our oceans to protect their inhabitants. For us, researchers and mentors, this is the essence and vocation of our work.”
Programs of interaction with stingrays
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers a range of exclusive programs and offers to get you up close and personal with manta rays. Manta-on-Call Resort’s dedicated service provides each guest with a phone that alerts them when rays are found nearby, after which guests can take a speedboat ride for an exciting snorkeling experience.
Guests can also book a private cruise and spend a full day with manta rays, while the resort’s new Trainee Manta Biologist program, accompanied by a qualified instructor, offers special programs for teens aged 13 to 18 who are interested in the environment and nature to interact with these unique creatures. From identifying stingrays from photographs, to studying their size, behavior, and even pregnancy, young travelers will be able to play the role of real explorers as part of exciting activities.
Research carried out since 2005 by the MMRP (Maldivian Manta Ray Project) contributes greatly to the protection of manta rays and their habitats both in the Maldives and around the world. Through careful analysis and in-depth studies of monsoon currents and other factors, the MMRP team is able to predict the dates of active migration of “sea devils” with high accuracy.
Tags: Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru, Maldivian Manta Ray Project, Ellie Strike
