Amilla Maldives Takes An Impressive Step Towards Protecting Manta Rays

Saturday 13th of November 2021

Hanifaru Bay, known as the hub of whale sharks, manta and mobula rays is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots on Maldives that is part of the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. A promising neighbor of the bay, Amilla Maldives has recently announced their partnership with Manta Trust – an organization dedicated in protecting manta rays and the marine ecosystem they inhabit, where Amilla has pledged to minimize the impact of their guests have on the mantas and mobula rays they encounter.

The Access to Hanifaru Bay is monitored in which a ticket system is in place hence only a limited number of tourists are allowed to swim at a time with these gentle beasts of the sea. Since not all tour operators and guides are educated on the vulnerability of the rays and how to act accordingly around them, the creatures are affected mentally and physically without the guests knowing.

In order to avoid this and as part of Amilla’s pledge, the resort crew is committed to educate guests on sustainable manta tourism using the projects’ ‘Swim with Mantas’ resources including manta encounter guidelines in which it teaches guests to swim at least 10ft away from the mantas. This allows a safe space between the guest and the rays. Guests are also educated on the disadvantage of touching the rays in which the delicate membrane covering their skin could get damaged.