Maldives - Best island and season to see whale sharks and mantas

[Sbiriguda]

As per the title, which is the best island and season in the Maldives to see whale sharks and mantas?
I have been told the best one is Ari atoll in the northern part of the archipelago
Provided it's cheaper and easier to reach the South from the capital city Malè where they have the international airport it would be good to have info also on islands in the South where it's possible to do the same. Anyways, if the North is best let's stick to it

 

[travelem]

Maamigili, south are atoll.

 

[Sbiriguda]

Thanks
In the meanwhile I found this website quite informative, provided I have no idea if it is really reliable (I would guess so based on the second hand info I collected until now)
Whale Sharks and Manta Rays in the Maldives: Top Tips Before You Go

 

[Dan]

Not sure if the best time & place to see mantas & whaleshark, but we saw them on our first visit in Maldives last December. You can read the exact locations in my trip report: Maldives 9 - 16 December 2018 TripReport

 

[Sbiriguda]

Thank you very informative thread

 

[travelem]

My South Ari dive trip to see whaleshark and manta:
Diving around local island Dhangethi photos (with whaleshark & manta)

However, if I go again, I will stay in Maamigili because all South Ari resorts go to Maamigili to see whaleshark.

 

[Sbiriguda]

Thank you

 

[Sbiriguda]

I will report some second hand info I got on this topic. The places to see whale sharks and mantas are Maamigili (like travelem said), Dhigurah, Hangnaameedhoo and especially Dharavandhoo which is close to the bay of Hanifaru a Unesco world heritage site

 

[travelem]

I will report some second hand info I got on this topic. The places to see whale sharks and mantas are Maamigili (like travelem said), Dhigurah, Hangnaameedhoo and especially Dharavandhoo which is close to the bay of Hanifaru a Unesco world heritage site

I also had gone to Dharavandhoo where I saw school of manta but no whaleshark.
Just back from Dharavandhoo (Hanifaru Bay) photos

You sure have a lot high chance to see whaleshark in Maamigili, South Ari Atoll.

 

[Sbiriguda]

Thank you very much for your feedback