The scattering of tiny islands in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the world’s most fascinating wonders; pristine sandy beaches, coral reefs shimmering with the bright hues of tropical fish that live within crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean and more. This is the Maldives. Luxury hotel properties spread across the islands offer a range of choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the island’s beauty.
The area that is known as the Maldivian Islands is ninety nine percent ocean and one percent land mass. The ninety nine percent is overflowing with marine life and has become the country’s greatest treasure, while on land there are different kinds of attractions, like the Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives.
Manta Point is a unique spot on the reef, twelve meters beneath the surface. It has earned its name because it attracts large gatherings of manta rays, which come to feed and avail themselves of the cleaning services provided by the tiny, colourful wrasses that live in the reef. The stretch of reef consists of three or more coral blocks which serve as ‘cleaning stations’. Divers are allowed to hover close by and watch the little fish at work while the majestic, giant rays swim all around. There are strict instructions to keep a distance from the stations, so as not to indicate to the rays the station is in use! The best time to visit and encounter the most manta rays is between the months of May and October. The rainy season brings with it an abundance of plankton on which the manta rays come to feed. Visitors to Manta Point may also be treated to sightings of Oriental sweetlips, Napoleonfish, White-tip reef shark, octopus, moray eel and hawksbill turtle.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
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