InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced its fourth 'Manta Retreat', featuring biologist-led workshops and manta snorkelling sessions. Olivia Palamountain reports

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched its fourth 'Manta Retreat', taking place in from March 17-20, 2025.

This time of year is known as the Maamunagau manta season, a period when young manta rays can be found in the resort's lagoon just a few minutes away from shore.

The four-day programme, priced at US$1,490 per person, includes two manta ray snorkelling excursions, guided house reef snorkelling and the opportunity to name and adopt a manta ray.Participants will attend workshops focused on manta rays, plankton and coral restoration.

Additional activities, including diving trips and spa treatments, can be arranged for an extra cost. Private sessions with the resort's manta biologist are available upon request.

Accommodation at the resort starts from $1,055 per night for an Overwater Sunrise Pool villa with breakfast for two guests.The retreat, developed in collaboration with the Manta Trust, aims to educate guests about these marine creatures and their natural habitat.

The Maldives is home to the reef manta ray, which can have a wingspan of up to five metres. Occasionally, giant manta rays, which can reach more than seven metres, are also spotted.

Manta rays are classified as vulnerable due to threats including fishing, habitat destruction and climate change. The Maldives has taken significant steps to protect them, including creating marine protected areas and banning manta ray fishing.

The island nation is one of the best places in the world to see the creatires, as they are present year-round. However, their location shifts between the western atolls (May–November) and the eastern atolls (December–April) due to monsoon-driven plankton movements.