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Meaningful manta moments at Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
Since 2005, the Maldives reef manta ray population in Baa Atoll has been continuously studied by the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) – The Manta Trust’s founding project, based at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru.
As 2021’s manta season approaches, guests at Landaa will once again be in prime position to swim with and study the world’s largest recorded population of mantas alongside the experts responsible for identifying them.
“We know that the more people are aware of manta rays and their environment the more they’re going to want to protect them,” comments Beth Faulkner of the Maldivian Manta Ray Project.
“Swimming with manta rays is an incredible experience because they’re so intelligent and curious – once you’ve met a manta ray, there’s no way you couldn’t care about them. Yet it’s also essential to develop our understanding of their behaviour in the absence of humans, which is why our research involves both observed and remote underwater video surveys.”
The MMRP recorded an estimated 4,625 sightings of reef manta rays between August 15 and November 30, 2020.
Despite a three-month delay to the season’s operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 sightings were four percent higher than 2019, and the third highest since records began.
November 2020 also brought a major milestone: the identification of the 5000th unique reef manta in the Maldives.
As well as collecting manta ID photos during 2020, MMRP deployed 101 remote underwater video (RUV) systems across seven manta cleaning sites, using novel underwater time-lapse cameras as part of its Eyes on the Reef Project.
It also contributed manta measurements and ultrasound scans to an ongoing PhD project at Cambridge University; submitted data on 12 whale shark sightings to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP); and delivered its immersive Maldives Marine Education Programme “Moodhu Madharusaa” to local students.
Drawing on well over a decade of research and analysis, the MMRP team has also released its annual “hot dates” for 2021: periods between June and November when mantas are most likely to be seen in large numbers in the waters close to Landaa Giraavaru.
With wingspans up to seven metres (23 feet), speeds of up to 24 kilometres (15 miles) per hour, and cognitive function on a par with dolphins, manta rays are some of the most impressive creatures in the ocean.
Classed as “vulnerable” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Beth and The Manta Trust team know that by connecting people to mantas, the mantas’ chances of survival will increase.
In addition to the importance of scientific research, the theme of conservation through connection underpinned the team’s recent appearance on CNN.
As part of the inspiring Call to Earth series, Beth outlined how The Manta Trust’s “ultimate purpose is to get manta rays protected worldwide and also to protect the habitat they need to survive.”

Meaningful manta moments at Landaa Giraavaru
Guests at Landaa Giraavaru are able to take advantage of the resort’s Manta-on-Call service, which works with the research boat to notify guests when mantas are sighted, whisking them away by speedboat for a snorkelling experience like no other.
2021 Manta Hot Dates, as identified by MMRP include:
- June 8-12
- June 22-26
- July 8-12
- July 22-26
- August 6-10
- August 20 – 24
- September 5-9
- September 19-23
- October 4-8
- October 18-22
- November 3-7
- November 17-21
Note: Manta ray sightings are subject to weather conditions and the temperament of these gentle oceanic giants.
To book a stay at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru and swim alongside manta rays this season, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the Central Reservations department at tel: (960) 6600888.
Excursions
Discover Raa Atoll: Ifuru Island Maldives adds new dive packages for 2026
Ifuru Island Maldives has introduced a new collection of curated dive packages, inviting guests to explore the exceptional underwater world of the Maldives through programmes designed for beginners, aspiring divers and certified enthusiasts alike.
Located in the pristine waters of Raa Atoll, Ifuru Island Maldives provides access to vibrant house reefs, calm lagoon conditions and several of the region’s most celebrated dive sites, including the renowned Ifuru Thila. The newly launched dive packages are crafted to combine professional training, guided exploration and the convenience of a premium island stay.
The collection begins with an introductory diving experience tailored for first-time divers seeking to discover the underwater world in a safe and relaxed setting. Guests undergo lagoon-based training before progressing to the house reef, offering an ideal entry point into scuba diving with no prior experience required.
For guests ready to advance further, the resort offers a globally recognised scuba certification course. Designed for confident swimmers and snorkellers, the programme includes professional instruction, open water dives and an internationally valid certification, opening access to dive destinations worldwide.
Certified divers can choose a three-day dive escape that highlights the best sites in Raa Atoll. Featuring guided morning dives across renowned locations, the experience showcases the atoll’s rich marine biodiversity, striking reef structures and clear waters.
“Diving is an essential part of the Maldivian experience, and we wanted to create a collection that feels both accessible and exceptional,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “Whether it marks a guest’s first dive or their next significant underwater journey, these packages are crafted to offer confidence, comfort and memorable experiences beneath the surface.”
All dive packages may be booked alongside the resort’s premium accommodation offerings, including the Exclusively Yours Premium All-Inclusive meal plan, daily resort touches, complimentary non-motorised water sports, snorkelling equipment and return domestic flight transfers for qualifying stays.
The dive packages are available for booking and travel throughout 2026 and must be confirmed ahead of arrival. Package rates apply in addition to accommodation and are subject to availability.
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Niyama Private Islands enhances surf lifestyle with stylish new surf venue
Niyama Private Islands Maldives now offers what is considered the most luxurious surf experience in the Maldives, enhanced by the introduction of its new Surf Shack — a stylish beachfront hangout serving gourmet bites, drinks, sunset views and lively parties.
Known as Nature’s Playground, the resort has long attracted surf professionals from around the globe. Located in the southern Maldives, where swells are at their strongest, it is a preferred base during peak surf season. Waves break directly on shore, with additional surf spots accessible within minutes by speedboat.
Niyama’s signature waves roll in at Vodi Point, situated on the westernmost tip of its twin islands. It is here that the resort has unveiled the new Surf Shack, designed to make time off the waves equally appealing. The thatched-roof venue encourages a barefoot, relaxed atmosphere, offering an upper deck for sunset viewing and picnic-style seating below. Reflecting Niyama’s sustainability ethos, Area Chief of Engineering Michael Patrick Slevin notes that 75 per cent of construction materials were repurposed, blending beach casual with environmentally conscious design.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dishes served from service windows, with a menu inspired by iconic surf destinations worldwide: Australian fish and chips, Indonesian satay, Mexican nachos and Japanese takoyaki. The drinks list pays tribute to rum, featuring an extensive collection and signature cocktails inspired by renowned surf breaks.
While the Surf Shack maintains a laidback feel during the day, the beachfront transforms at dusk as the tides shift and the DJ elevates the atmosphere. The resort’s rum and reggae Sundays have already become a celebrated weekly event.
Surfers at Niyama can design their days as they wish — chasing waves or relaxing ashore. The Surf Centre offers equipment and guidance, while Drift by Niyama provides recovery treatments to soothe muscles, repair sun-exposed skin and restore energy. Resident professional surfers remain available to advise on technique and wave conditions.
“The new Surf Shack forms part of the renewed Niyama experience, which includes significant refurbishments across the resort, inventive culinary additions and a greater emphasis on active living and wellness,” said Hafidh Al Busaidy, General Manager of Niyama Private Islands Maldives. “With more developments on the way, we look forward to sharing what comes next.”
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Reethi Faru Resort hosts Magda Linette ahead of new tennis season
Reethi Faru Resort recently welcomed Magda Linette, a Top 20 professional tennis player, who selected the island resort as her training retreat while preparing for the Australian Open and the forthcoming tennis season. Away from the competitive spotlight, Linette utilised the resort’s private and tranquil setting, where expansive beaches, clear lagoon waters, and discreet luxury provided an environment conducive to both focused preparation and recovery.
Throughout her stay, Linette combined intensive training sessions with periods of rest, making use of the resort’s calm surroundings and seclusion. The natural setting of the Maldives offered an effective backdrop for physical conditioning and mental focus, supporting her preparations ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam tournament.
Known for its emphasis on privacy, understated luxury, and an authentic island atmosphere, Reethi Faru Resort continues to attract elite athletes seeking a destination that supports peak performance while delivering a refined island experience. The resort extended its best wishes to Linette as she progresses through the upcoming tennis season.
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