DIVE SITE
MAA CORNER MANTA POINT

With the kind permission of iDive Maldives

Maa Corner Manta Point is a reef Manta rays (Manta alfredi) cleaning station located on the rays' migration pattern. The site is accessible throughout the year, and the cleaning station is active during incoming currents (rising tides). The main cleaning station is quite deep, and divers will need to be experienced in the current and at depths of 20-30m.

Divers will first check the current before entering. The water entry is done farther north, upstream in the current, in order to allow divers to descend before reaching the cleaning station. Remember to stay minimal time at the surface when the current is strong.

Then, divers swim left shoulder to the cleaning station. The best depth to drift is around 15m in order not to miss anything. The main cleaning station is at the bottom of the sloping reef. You can stop at 10-18m on the reef to find a good observation point without needing to go too deep. You will be able to spot rays around the main pinnacle but also at different depths farther north or south.

The tides influence the cleaning station's visibility. It takes a little while for the rays to join the station and for the visibility to get better after a current change. You will have more chances of encountering rays if you wait a few moments after the tide change to enter the water.

The Manta ray population is not well known at this site, and is estimated at around 50 individuals. If you get a picture of them, it is likely to spot new individuals. Do not hesitate to send your pictures to the Manta Trust, it will be well appreciated.