Manta, Whale shark in Maldives (april/May)

[PeacockMantis]

Hi all,

I might be able to go to the Maldives for 2 weeks (end of April/beginning May).

What would be the best location to see manta's or whale sharks (or both ).
Looks like occurances of these beautiful animals are decreasing, but any help would be welcome.

Thanx,

 

[nudiver]

there's a dive site called 'manta point' just 45mins away from the city. should have named it 'shark & manta point' due to the presence of both am not sure about whale sharks though...

 

[Scotdel]

I learned to dive when I was in the Maldives Jan 08. Stayed at Summer Island on the North Ari Atol. I was lucky enough to see a Manta but no Whale Sharks. According to one of the guys you usually have to head to one of the more southerly islands like Guam. Also informed that you need to time it right with the plankton, the later in the year you go then the plankton levels drop and less chance to spot either.

Will be heading back to the same island in three weeks, hope you enjoy where ever you decide to go

 

[alchemist117]

We went to Vilamendhoo last summer and saw whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll. Euro divers run the dive centre and were keeping count of how many they'd seen each month, usually in the tens. Not guaranteed, but a great place to dive anyway. Here's a shot of one we saw.

 

[kkfok]

I am going to visit Vilamendhoo this coming March. Do you remember the high season of Whale Shark sighting in Vilamendhoo? Thanks.

 

[alchemist117]

Hi kkfok,

They saw alot last year. When we were, they were seeing them every week. Check out the Euodivers web site and email them for more up to date information, Euro-Divers - Vilamendhoo


Regards
Jon

 

[Maldives Dive Travel]

Hi All,

Lately there are lots of whale shark sighting around Maamingili beyru, holiday beyru and the whole outer reef around there.

If you want to see manta i would recommend you to choose a liveaboard and go to ari atoll. Manta points: ranagali madivaru, dhonkalo thila, himendhoo thila.
These are great sites for mantas and last weeks loads of manta's.

 

[scubadivemaldives]

Lankanfinolhu Faru for Manta Rays, Dhangethi Bodu Thila for Whale Sharks.

Have Fun!!!