10 MANTA RAY FACTS

Beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives lies a world of wonder and enchantment, and at the heart of it all are the manta rays, nature's gentle giants. At InterContinental Maldives, you don't just witness the wonder of manta rays; you can become an active participant in their protection. Our partnership with Manta Trust allows you to engage with these incredible creatures, learn from experts, adopt your manta and contribute to their conservation. Here are 10 facts about manta rays that will deepen your appreciation for these remarkable beings and the incredible opportunity to meet them on our island:

Manta rays are among the ocean's largest inhabitants, with wingspans reaching an astonishing 23 feet (7 meters). Their sheer size is enough to leave anyone in awe.

Manta rays are filter feeders, using their wide mouths to sift plankton and tiny organisms from the water. As water flows through their gills, specialized gill rakers trap their microscopic prey, sustaining these gentle giants.

Just like human fingerprints, every manta ray has a distinctive belly pattern. Researchers use these unique markings to identify and track individual beams, making them essential for conservation studies.

Manta rays are renowned for their intelligence. They exhibit complex social behaviours and problem-solving abilities, contributing to their intrigue among marine enthusiasts.

Manta rays lead a perpetual life of movement, continuously swimming to maintain the flow of oxygenated water over their gills. This sets them apart from other beams that rest on the ocean floor.

Despite their imposing size, manta rays are gentle creatures. They pose no threat to humans and often approach divers and snorkellers, making them a favourite sight for underwater enthusiasts.

Manta rays belong to the Mobulidae family, which includes relatives like devil rays and eagle rays. However, mantas are the most prominent members of this family.

Manta rays prefer warm, tropical waters, making the Maldives a prime location for their sightings. Our partnership with Manta Trust allows guests to actively participate in manta ray research and conservation efforts.

Manta rays enjoy a relatively long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 50 years. They reproduce through internal fertilization, typically giving birth to one or two pups at a time.

Manta rays face numerous threats, from bycatch and habitat destruction to the demand for their gill plates in traditional Chinese medicine. Our collaboration with Manta Trust reflects our commitment to researching and protecting these gentle giants, ensuring their survival for future generations.