MANTA TRUST

The Manta Trust is one of the world’s leading manta ray research organisations. Using co-ordinated global research to aid conservation efforts surrounding manta rays, their relatives and their habitats, the Manta Trust aims to achieve global conservation through Research, Education and Collaboration. 

Recognizing the unique privilege of occupying an island in such close proximity to a newly discovered juvenile manta feeding ground, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort began working in collaboration with the Manta Trust in 2019. The area around InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is home to a large and healthy population of manta rays which provides Manta Trust researchers based at the resort incredible access to study these animals. 

Reef manta rays are listed as “vulnerable” and Oceanic manta rays as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List, the work we do here helps to increase knowledge and understanding, which can be used to guide conservation measures both here in the Maldives but also around the world where manta populations are much smaller, and often threatened. Our team of Manta Trust researchers welcome our guests to join them for educational presentations and sustainably ran excursions.

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SWIM WITH MANTAS

The Maamunagau lagoon is an important feeding ground for juvenile manta rays as the large lagoonal system provides protective shelter from predators and an abundance of planktonic food for many juveniles during the North East monsoon months of December to April. 

Manta rays are among the most charismatic creatures in our oceans. With the largest brain of all fish species, their intelligence and curiosity make encounters with these animals a truly amazing experience. Here at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, we promote sustainable tourism, ensuring guests are properly briefed on how to swim with manta rays to ensure their encounter is as enjoyable and sustainable as possible.

NAME AND ADOPT A MANTA

Much like a human fingerprint, every manta ray has a unique pattern of spots on its ventral surface (belly), which enables manta scientists to identify every individual manta. Since researching the Raa Atoll manta ray population, new manta rays are being discovered and are in need of a unique name. Whether for yourself, a friend or a loved one, take part in our “Name-and-Adopt-a-Manta” initiative to support the work of the Manta Trust and their global efforts to protect them. 

Only available to our guests at partnering resorts, this initiative is a unique opportunity to name a manta ray and support the Manta Trusts global research. 

Each manta adoption costs $165.00++ (a one-time fee) and includes a digital adoption pack, a 1-year Cyclone membership and the chance to choose a special name.

To name and adopt a manta ray please email raa@mantatrust.org

Manta Updates

Keep up to date with the latest manta news by checking out our regular blog posts, on manta sightings and other exciting news. 

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MEET THE TEAM

Farah is our resident manta ray researcher and marine ecologist. She has been following manta rays around the world, and her journey has brought her to Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort in 2022. Farah loves to share her passion with others and sees education as a vital component to achieve conservation goals.

Join Farah for her educational presentations to learn more about the work we are doing to protect manta rays here at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and you will undoubtedly fall further in love with out fascinating flappy friends.