10 Reasons Why You Should Swim With the Manta Rays in Maldives - Reethi Beach

1. 10 Reasons Why You Should Swim With the Manta Rays in Maldives Manta Rays are just like sharks as they belong to the elasmobranch group. They are also closely connected to the other rays that you see in the ocean and have been on this planet for approximately 5 million years. They have a flat body, which helps them glide within the water column. Thus they do not live at the bottom of the sea and use their modified wing-like fins to fly. If you have a passion for diving or if you love watching underwater life, then this is a classic experience which must not be missed. Anyone who goes on vacation to the Maldives knows about Manta Rays and has them on their bucket list of activities. Hence, nothing can be more depressing than visiting a country and not getting to see manta rays swimming around you and feeding. Well, with this, you may ask, is it safe to swim with manta rays? Or what are the reasons for swimming with them? You can spot manta rays swimming near the eastern atolls during the May to October months. Below are 10 reasons why you should swim with the manta rays in the Maldives. They are not dangerous. Usually, the female mantas are larger than their male counterparts because they need to accommodate pups during pregnancy. As the name indicates, these creatures live along the reef and can usually be seen taking short migrations following the abundance of food in the other direction. If you have seen sting rays, you could be a little scared of mantas, but nothing to worry about as the sting is absent in a manta’s

2. tail. Therefore, manta rays are huge but not dangerous at all. Unless you are zooplankton (food), these Maldives manta rays swimming are a rare sight and completely harmless. Feeding Manta rays feed on planktons with their modified gills and special cephalic fins. The cephalic fins help them increase the quantity of food that enters their mouth. Because they must consume large quantities of planktons, they have developed some amazing feeding strategies that are a must-see for visitors. Surface feeding: mantas usually come to the water surface and feed by opening their mouths and swallowing large quantities of plankton. If this is the case, then you can easily spot them while sitting on a boat. Somersaulting: This is a straight feast for the eyes, and you can watch it while sitting on a boat or snorkelling around the water. This is the best spectacle that nature will ever have on offer just for you. If you see a dense patch of plankton on the water surface, some mantas will do a backward somersault and circle around the plankton to increase the food intake in their bodies. Some individual manta rays in the Maldives also love to scrape the bottom or sea-bed. But, in reality, they are feeding just a few centimetres above it, where loads of plankton are located. Scuba divers and snorkelling enthusiasts would love this show. Courtship and Reproduction This is actually a rare sight for any individual vacationing in the Maldives. The courtship period generally begins at the cleaning station as this is where the female manta rays come into estrus and release a hormone that attracts the male manta rays. The male manta rays are tested by the females from about 20 minutes to 48 hours, where they begin testing the strength and stamina until only one male is left. It is a beautiful sight where you get to see the dance, loops, swerve and copulation too. Cleaning Stations You wouldn't be surprised if you saw a cleaning station while swimming with manta rays in the Maldives; this is where manta rays, both male and female, come in large numbers to have their wrasse cleaned of dead fish, parasites, and other particles. They can not stop swimming. It is said that if manta rays stop swimming, then they will sink. They have cartilaginous bones just like sharks, but they still have a lot of weight. They will only be able to control the weight of water if they swim. Another reason they keep on swimming is because it gives them oxygen. Intelligent, gentle giants Manta rays in the Maldives are unbelievably intelligent and have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish. These are curious creatures and if you have come across one during snorkeling, you would know that they are curious about humans too. They sometimes come and swim near humans. They can easily identify themselves in a mirror. Each manta is different.

3. If you have seen a group of mantas swimming, you will have noticed that they have different spot patterns on their underside. These patterns not only aid in proper identification, but also assist researchers in appropriately understanding their behaviour and actions. In the water, this is a true spectacle. Nobody knows the reason behind mantas' jumping out of the water, but just like humpback whales, they suddenly jump out of the water. Many believe that this happens during courtship, but none are sure. Do not touch them. If you love snorkelling and diving, then you are probably aware of this fact that you must never touch or disturb marine life. The biggest reason here is that these fishes are covered with a protective layer that can be broken with the touch of your hand, leaving them prone to infections and parasites. To sum up, you can swim with manta rays in the Maldives all year round, but you need to go to the right spot to find it first. Manta rays are a common sight during diving, snorkeling, and swimming sessions in the sea. If you see a manta ray come near you, do not be scared and never touch them just for fun. These creatures have come to explore you. Be nice to them and watch them while they whirl away your stress!