Hurawalhi mantas sightings are among the most remarkable in the Maldives after Hanifaru Bay.
Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi is perfectly positioned on the migratory route of these gentle giants. Each year, from November to April, hundreds of manta rays gracefully pass by the island and its nearby sandbank beautifully called Dream Island, on their way to the famous Fushifaru Thila cleaning station.
© resort
If you dream of swimming with mantas while staying at a stylish adults-only resort in a superb atoll far away from the crowd, but not too remote, Hurawalhi Maldives offers some of the best opportunities in the archipelago.
Its strategic location, coupled with its design and the beauty of its surroundings, makes it an excellent choice for a luxurious stay in the Maldives, especially if you dream of swimming with mantas and seek an exclusive hideaway in the island nation.
Dreaming of Mantas at Hurawalhi In Short
- Resorts nearby : Hurawalhi Maldives & Kudadoo Private Island ( its siter island )
- Best time : November to April (peak in Nov–Dec)
- Best spots : Dream Island Sandbank & Fushifaru Thila
- Mantas identified in Lhaviyani : 370+
- Experience type : excursions guided by marine biologists
Hurawalhi is a Prime Location for Manta Encounters
Hurawalhi enjoys a strategic location in the north of Lhaviyani Atoll, right between two major manta hot spots : Dream Island Sandbank and Fushifaru Thila.
According to The Manta Trust, more than 370 individual mantas have been identified in the atoll, many of which return every season to feed and be cleaned in these nutrient-rich waters.
From the resort’s jetty, you can sometimes spot mantas gliding near the surface during feeding times, especially when plankton blooms fill the lagoon. The resort’s resident marine biologist works closely with Manta Trust to monitor and photograph the mantas, helping guests identify individuals they may have swum with earlier that day.
Where to Swim with Mantas around Hurawalhi
Hurawalhi Maldives offers a rare combination of luxury, sustainability, and proximity to nature.
If you dream of witnessing the magic of Hurawalhi mantas, there’s no better place to live the experience, elegant, exclusive, truly Dreamy and perfectly located.
Dream Island Sandbank, A Natural Manta Highway
Just a few minutes by boat from Hurawalhi lies Dream Island, the resort’s stunning private sandbank. This idyllic spot is not only perfect for picnics and photoshoots, it’s also a busy crossing area for mantas.
From November to April, mantas can often be seen feeding near the sandbank’s edge, performing elegant barrel rolls to scoop up plankton from the water column.
Discover Dream Island, Hurawalhi Maldives Private Sandbank
Dream Island, Hurawalhi’ private sandbank. © resort
Guests can enjoy private snorkeling excursions or simply relax on the sandbank while waiting for the mantas to appear. It’s one of the few places in the Maldives where luxury and marine life meet so closely.
Hurawalhi and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island are located close to each other in Lhaviyani Atoll, both ideally positioned along the manta migration route leading to Fushifaru Thila.
Fushifaru Thila, Lhaviyani’s Famous Manta Cleaning Station
map location of Fushifaru Thila, Lhaviyani atoll famous Manta Cleaning Station. © Dreaming of Maldives
A short boat ride away, Fushifaru Thila is the beating heart of Lhaviyani’s manta activity.
This marine protected area becomes home to dozens of mantas each day during the northeast monsoon. Here, they gather to be cleaned by small wrasses and butterflyfish — a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
Hurawalhi’s dive and snorkel center organizes guided excursions to Fushifaru Thila for both snorkelers and certified divers. The experience is safe, respectful, and always supervised by marine experts who ensure no disturbance to the animals.
When is the Best Season to See Mantas at Hurawalhi ?
The manta season in Lhaviyani Atoll runs from November to April, peaking between November and December when plankton concentrations are at their highest.
During this period, you have excellent chances to see mantas near Dream Island, the House Reef, and during excursions to Fushifaru Thila.
Outside the main season, sightings may still occur but are less frequent, as mantas migrate to other regions like Baa Atoll (home to the famous Hanifaru Bay).
A Dream Stay for Ocean Lovers
Hurawalhi Maldives is a luxurious adults-only resort, famous for its breathtaking 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant, and rich house reef.
Aerial view at Hurawalhi snorkeling house reef © resort
Its refined all-inclusive concept also places it among the Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts in Maldives, offering guests a curated blend of indulgence and sustainability.
After your snorkeling adventure, unwind with a glass of champagne or a sunset spa treatment, a perfect end to a day spent swimming with one of the ocean’s most graceful creatures.
Respect the Mantas
Hurawalhi follows Manta Trust guidelines to ensure responsible encounters. Guests are encouraged to maintain a respectful distance, avoid chasing the animals, and refrain from using flash photography.
These simple practices help protect the mantas and ensure future travelers can share the same extraordinary experience.
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