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The Nautilus Maldives and manta season: Plunge into a world of freedom

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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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Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling

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Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.

The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.

Turtle encounters

Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.

The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.

Manta ray season

From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.

Night diving experiences

Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.

At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.

Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.

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Sirru Fen Fushi hosts football programme with Marcus Allbäck

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Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort has announced another successful edition of the Sirru Icon Series, a week-long programme that brought international sporting energy, youth inspiration, and meaningful community connection to this private lagoon paradise.

Held from 27 March to 3 April, the initiative welcomed former Swedish professional footballer Marcus Allbäck, whose presence made the week truly exceptional for guests, young aspiring players, and the neighbouring island community. Marcus Allbäck is a celebrated former Swedish international striker, having played 74 games for his country, scoring 30 goals. He represented Sweden in three European Championships and two World Cups, and enjoyed a distinguished club career across Europe, including the Bundesliga, Serie A, the English Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the UEFA Champions League. Following his retirement, Marcus served as assistant coach for the Swedish national team for six years. Today, he continues to inspire the next generation of footballers, working as a player agent and advisor to help aspiring players achieve their dreams. His visit highlighted the power of sport not only as entertainment, but as a bridge for cultural exchange and social impact. This reflected the resort’s ongoing commitment to purposeful, community-centred initiatives.

Throughout the week, Marcus led a line-up of engaging activities, including friendly football matches with guests, dedicated junior football camps that fostered confidence and skill-building among young participants, and a memorable visit to a nearby local island. This local-island match stood out as a meaningful moment of connection, bringing the resort and community together through shared passion and friendly competition.

Guests also enjoyed an intimate Sirru Signature Sunset Cocktail, where they had the rare opportunity to meet Marcus in person, hear stories from his international career, and enjoy a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere against the backdrop of the resort’s iconic sunsets.

Programme Highlights:

  • Friendly Football Matches–A fun and energetic opportunity for guests to play alongside an international football figure.
  • Junior Football Camps –Inspiring sessions focused on youth development, teamwork, and confidence-building.
  • Local Island Football Match – A memorable moment on the local island Milandhoo, celebrating the power of sport to bring resort guests and the local community together.
  • Meet & Greet Sunset Cocktail – An exclusive experience offering direct interaction with Marcus and inspiring conversation.

The Sirru Icon Series reflects the resort’s dedication to creating exceptional experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality, pairing luxury with purpose and offering guests opportunities to connect, learn, and create lifelong memories.

This remarkable week marked an inspiring chapter of the Sirru Icon Series, with more unique programmes planned for the future to continue delivering immersive guest experiences at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort.

For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

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Radisson Blu Maldives image shortlisted for Monaco environmental award

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A breathtaking moment beneath the Maldivian skies has earned international recognition, as Manta Sunset Wave, captured by award-winning underwater photographer Henley Spiers, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Environmental Photography Award 2026.

The image, taken during a diving retreat at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives, beautifully encapsulates the magic of the Maldives’ underwater world. Photographed in the waters of the South Ari Atoll during a evening excursion, the image captures the graceful movement of manta rays at sunset, an awe-inspiring reminder of the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine ecosystem.

As one of just 36 shortlisted works selected by an international panel of renowned nature, wildlife, and conservation photographers, Manta Sunset Wave will be featured in the Foundation’s 2026 international exhibition. The collection will debut in the Principality of Monaco before touring globally and will also be featured in a high-quality commemorative photobook, bringing these powerful visual stories to audiences around the world.

Beyond its visual splendour, the image highlights the importance of conservation photography in protecting fragile marine ecosystems. Through his work, Henley Spiers captures not only the wonder of the underwater world but also the urgent need to preserve it. His imagery serves as both inspiration and advocacy, encouraging a deeper connection with the ocean and a shared responsibility for its future.

A public vote is now open until 12 April 2026, and we warmly invite hospitality partners and the wider tourism community to support Henley Spiers in securing the public vote. By doing so, you will help showcase the Maldives’ rich and diverse marine life to a global audience and reinforce the importance of ocean conservation.

Henley Spiers and Radisson Blu Resort Maldives have previously collaborated on creative projects, with Henley serving as Creative Partner to document the resort’s exceptional diving experiences, including the remarkable presence of whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. This ongoing partnership continues to celebrate and protect one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater environments.

Guests at Radisson Blu Resort Maldives are immersed in this extraordinary marine environment, where encounters with manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and even whale sharks are part of the experience. It is a destination where luxury and nature exist in harmony, offering unforgettable underwater journeys that leave a lasting impression.

To cast your vote, please follow this link.

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