The best time to see Manta Rays, Hanifaru Bay in 2027 is June to November 2027.
Timing status: Natural timing window.
Marine gathering · June to November 2027
Annual · plankton feasts
When the current funnels plankton into Hanifaru Bay, hundreds of manta rays swarm to feed.
During the southwest monsoon, tides and currents concentrate plankton in a tiny bay in the Maldives' Baa Atoll. Reef manta rays, sometimes over a hundred at once, gather to feed in slow, cartwheeling chains, one of the densest manta gatherings anywhere. Snorkellers only, by permit.
manta rays feeding at once: Up to 200
Where it is visible: Baa Atoll, Maldives
A protected UNESCO site: snorkelling only, numbers capped, best on the feeding tides.
Manta Rays, Hanifaru Bay 2027: June to November 2027.
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