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The Nautilus Maldives and manta season: Plunge into a world of freedom
Just 15 minutes away from The Nautilus Maldives by luxury yacht, but feeling as if you’ve left this world all together; the unexplainable magic of Hanifaru Bay exceeds all expectations.
Experience an all-encompassing world of sensation and wonder and plunge into The Nautilus’ surrounding tourmaline waters at the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay. Swim and snorkel with the manta rays, joining in with their timeless dance of grace and majesty. Witness their performance of poised magnificence as they glide and somersault right before your very eyes.
Private excursions to Hanifaru Bay will be coordinated with the Hanifaru Bay park rangers who are experts in ensuring guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities.
Additionally, the resort’s resident marine team will teach you all about these fascinating sea creatures and guide you within Hanifaru Bay’s waters where these gentle giants swim in seemingly choreographed arcs. There truly is nothing quite as fulfilling as taking part in a rite of nature that’s as old as time itself!

The world-famous Hanifaru Bay…
Located in the heart of the Maldives’ stunning Baa atoll, the glistening waters of and majestic kingdom beneath Hanifaru Bay are classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Recognised as an area that required conservation and protection, it was only in 2011 that it was declared such a highly esteemed title.
With such environmental acclaim, it is no surprise that it is one of the largest manta feeding hotspots in the world. With mantas returning to the Hanifaru’s ethereal setting year after year, their poise and grace compliments that of their surroundings.
Why Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay is renowned for its magical ability to draw the manta rays back time and time again. But why? There is a very unique and particular combination of factors that must be perfectly balanced in order for the mantas to appear in their masses.
The shape of the bay has a long, narrow and channel-like form, most distinctively with a dead-end. This uniquely serves as a collector of plankton that is carried up through the seas drift from the deeper parts of the bay and ocean bed.
The Indian Ocean’s notoriously warm current also has a role to play. The southwest monsoon current pushes water packed with notably more nutrients into the western opening of the bay from around May to November.
A third key factor is the lunar tide, which of course pushed against the oceanic current creating a dynamic clash of currents, sub-aqua nutrients.
Simply put, if there is no presence of a counter-tide, the mixture of plankton simply washes over the bay into the outer periphery of the atoll. If there is a collision of currents, the plankton is swept up from deeper parts of the sea. Once it has risen, its biological instincts reject the light making it return back down to a higher point of the sea bed. This method of plankton collection is what drives the mantas back for their plankton feeding frenzy.
When all of these facets align, mantas in their masses — usually up to 200 — commune and perform a show of feeding and intrigue, whirling up to the surface to take a look at the snorkelling visitors for that day.
The manta season
The months where you are most likely to witness the majesty of the mantas is between May and November each year, with the peak being between June and October.
Even outside of these months where mantas are more likely to be witnessed, The Nautilus offers an array of explorations at sea where you decide when you leave and return for a truly freeing experience.
For an almost guaranteed sighting of the mantas, you could consider booking your aquatic Nautilus adventure over a full moon or new moon. During this time, the tides are naturally a little higher therefore capturing the most plankton within the bay ready for the mantas to eat.
The mantas
While the overriding number of mantas that appear and glide up to the surface to say hello to their visitors is what makes experiencing Hanifaru Bay particularly overwhelming, the mantas individually are also spectacular creatures.
Typically known as Mobula Alfredi, the reef manta ray is not only one of the largest but also one of the most iconic marine species in waters such as The Nautilus’.
Snorkelers and divers are far more likely to witness the grandeur of Mobula Alfredi than, for example, the Oceanic Manta Ray species, because they prefer communing in far shallower waters and are typically more sociable.
With an average width of 325cm-400cm, weight of 700kg and life span of around 40 years, these magnificent creates will continue to grace Hanifaru Bay’s waters and The Nautilus’ atoll so many years to come.
Of course, you are free to borrow snorkelling equipment free of charge throughout your stay at The Nautilus. There is nothing more liberating than spending time among the corals and sea life of the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
So, head over to The Nautilus soon for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The only Relais & Châteaux private island resort in the Maldives, The Nautilus offers life unbound. Its collection of 26 immensely private beach and ocean houses exists beyond the bounds of time.
This private island in the Maldives is a place where nothing is fixed, and anything is possible. This where you are free to set your own beat; free to do – and to be – as you please.
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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives unveils surf-focused luxury escape for 2026
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites travellers to embrace the rhythm of island life with the launch of its new Surf & Relax Offer — a thoughtfully curated experience blending world-class surf, elevated dining, restorative wellness, and unforgettable adventures in the heart of the Maldives.
Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili is home to the Maldives’ longest left-hand barrel wave, Chicken’s Break, making it one of the region’s most sought-after surf destinations. Framed by the resort’s philosophy of Time & Space Redefined, the new offer presents a seamless balance between thrill and tranquillity, designed for both experienced surfers and those discovering the sport for the very first time.

Applicable for direct bookings made through the Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives website, the Surf & Relax Offer is available for stays in Beach Villas with Private Pool and Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) for a minimum of four nights, with bookings open until 31 October 2026 using offer code KVSURF. The offer combines immersive surf experiences with moments of indulgence and relaxation. Guests staying in Beach Villas with Private Pool or Water Villas with Private Pool (Sunrise and Sunset) will enjoy USD 100 resort credit per villa, while guests staying seven nights or longer will receive a total of USD 300 resort credit during their stay. Resort credit can be redeemed towards dining experiences, spa treatments, and excursions.
The offer includes complimentary return shared speedboat transfers, daily breakfast at The Restaurant, and daily three-course dinner experiences across five of the resort’s signature dining venues — SPICE, EAST, EARTH, FIRE, and OCEAN. Guests will also enjoy a one-time three-course dinner at the award-winning Mar-Umi, celebrated for its Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and theatrical dining experience. Additional dining at Mar-Umi is complemented with a 15% discount under the Half Board meal plan.
Beyond the waves, the experience extends into wellness and island discovery. Guests can unwind with a 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage per adult at the resort’s private island spa, explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the island through the KV Faru Snorkelling Excursion, enjoy a traditional Sunset Fishing Excursion, and take part in a Cocktail Class at Raalhu Bar overlooking the surf.

For surf enthusiasts, the offer includes 15% savings on surfboard rentals and surf trips to nearby breaks including Cokes, Lohis, Sultans, Jails, and Ninjas. Beginner surfers can enjoy 25% savings on surf beach lessons and water lessons, while guests looking to capture their surf journey can also enjoy 15% savings on surf photography packages. Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability, further enhance the ease of the island escape.
Whether chasing perfect swells at sunrise, slowing down through restorative wellness rituals, or simply embracing the laid-back rhythm of island life, Kuda Villingili’s Surf Offer presents a fresh perspective on the Maldives — one where adventure, connection, and serenity exist effortlessly side by side.
Discover Kuda Villingili’s latest special offers here, including the Surf Offer, here.
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The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort combines marine adventure with wellness-focused island stays
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a five-star holistic wellness sanctuary nestled in the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, invites travellers to experience one of the Maldives’ most spectacular seasonal phenomena. From May through October, guests can witness the extraordinary feeding gatherings of manta rays that turn the waters of Hanifaru Bay into a world-renowned stage for marine life.
Just 45 minutes from the resort, Hanifaru Bay is among the planet’s most remarkable manta aggregation sites, famed for its “cyclone feeding” behaviour as mantas glide, spiral, and swoop through nutrient-rich waters in an awe-inspiring underwater ballet. With more than a thousand manta rays recorded in the bay, and the Maldives home to the world’s largest studied manta ray population, this protected sanctuary offers an unforgettable bucket-list opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

“During peak season, it’s possible to witness dozens, sometimes over 100 manta rays, feeding in the bay, with occasional whale shark sightings, especially around the full moon,” shared José Daniel González, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort’s resident marine biologist.
Beyond Hanifaru Bay, the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is celebrated for thriving reefs and abundant marine biodiversity. Divers and snorkelers can explore coral gardens filled with colourful reef fish, including batfish, fusiliers, and eagle rays, while dolphins are frequently spotted from the island. The resort also offers traditional line fishing and a wide range of watersports, from jet ski adventures to guided snorkelling experiences with turtles.

For guests who would like to learn more about the underwater world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort hosts engaging marine education, including weekly marine biology presentations. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, these sessions highlight local ecosystems, marine conservation, and responsible tourism, helping guests connect more deeply with the island’s natural beauty.
After a day of exploration, guests can unwind with Westin’s signature wellness programs, from rejuvenating rituals at the overwater Heavenly Spa to energising movement at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Guests can also enhance post-adventure restoration with the WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending Program, which includes the Recover and Recharge Kit by Hyperice, designed to ease muscle fatigue and help the body reset. Evenings promise restful comfort in one of the resort’s 69 spacious villas, complete with the award-winning Heavenly® Bed and curated Sleep Well amenities.

Those looking to visit the Maldives for this extraordinary season, or throughout the year, can benefit from the Escape to More package, which includes a complimentary upgrade to an All-Inclusive meal plan featuring three meals daily, unlimited beverages, and a restocked minibar, plus kids under 12 dine free.
For more information, please visit westin-maldives.com.
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Angsana Velavaru invites guests to explore quieter side of Maldives
There is a quieter side to the Maldives, one found beyond the familiar rhythm of overwater escapes and sunset rituals. In Angsana Velavaru, the ocean becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes part of the journey itself.
With Sun, Sea & Fishing in Velavaru, guests are invited to discover an island experience shaped by adventure, wellbeing and a meaningful connection to the nature. Thoughtfully curated for travellers who wish to balance exploration with relaxation, the experience combines the exhilaration of deep-sea fishing with the restorative calm of island living in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

As dawn unfolds across unique turquoise lagoons, mornings begin with gentle cruises over calm waters, where the sea reflects the changing colours of the sky. Later, the rhythm shifts as guests venture further offshore for a guided big game fishing experience, embracing the anticipation and excitement of the open ocean. Between each adventure, moments of stillness await, from unwinding beside the water to reconnecting with slower pace of island life.

Available with a minimum stay of 4 nights, the offer includes:
- 1 Big Game Fishing trip per stay for 2 people
- 25% savings on stays with a Half Board meal plan
- 20% savings on return seaplane transfers for 2 people
- 1 Morning Cruise per stay
Designed for couples, ocean lovers and modern explorers alike, the experience reflects the spirit of Velavaru, serene, grounding and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Every detail encourages guests to rediscover balance through immersive experiences that awaken the senses while nurturing rest and renewal.

Whether you are casting a line into the open sea, gathering with loved ones after a day on the water or simply listening to the gentle movement of the waves, each moment invites you to embrace the essence of island life in a more meaningful way.
To discover more or reserve your island retreat, please visit the resort’s website.
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