DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu)

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°4
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)

Weather…

Manta Point, locally known as Lankanfinolhu Faru, is situated in the North Malé Atoll near the island of Lankanfinolhu. This site is world-famous as one of the most important cleaning stations for Manta Rays in the Maldives. At depths between 8 and 20 meters, there are coral blocks inhabited by small cleaner fish, such as wrasses. These fish remove parasites from the skin and gills of the mantas, which often hover almost motionless for hours over the station. The best time for sightings is during the Southwest Monsoon from May to November, when the plankton concentration in this area is particularly high. The local manta population is actively monitored here, and strict codes of conduct apply to divers to avoid disturbing the animals. In addition to the mantas, the dive site also hosts moray eels, octopuses, and white-tip reef sharks. The significance of this site highlights the necessity of protecting migration corridors for marine giants in Maldivian waters.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292928282828282727
Rain mm50334795190156168192183182228180

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The dive site is only accessible by boat, serviced by dive centers from nearby islands. Snorkeling is also possible.
🕒
Typical hours
Dive trips are typically offered in the morning and early afternoon. Best visibility is often between November and April.
📷
Photography
Underwater photography is very popular, use an underwater camera or waterproof housing. Do not touch the manta rays and keep distance.
⏱️
Time needed
A typical dive lasts about 45 minutes, plus boat travel time. Plan for half a day for the entire experience.
➕
Combine with
Combine the dive with other sites like 'Fish Head' or a visit to Paradise Island. Many dive centers offer packages.
🧭
Getting there
The dive site is near Lankanfinolhu island (Paradise Island Resort). Most dive centers from Malé or North Malé Atoll provide transfers.
💡
Insider tip
Book dives early morning to have the fewest other divers. Keep your camera ready, the mantas often appear suddenly.

Geography

Coordinates
4.28310, 73.55190

Facts

  • Located in the North Malé Atoll near Lankanfinolhu Island.
  • Functions as a natural cleaning station for Manta Rays.
  • The ideal observation depth is between 8 and 15 meters.
  • The best sighting opportunities occur from May to November.
  • Cleaner wrasses remove parasites from the mantas' bodies.
  • A strict no-touch policy is enforced to protect the animals' skin.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

HP ReefHP Reef1 km · NEExplore →
Banana ReefBanana Reef1 km · SWExplore →
Kurumba BeachKurumba Beach3 km · SWExplore →
Sinamalé BridgeSinamalé Bridge5 km · SWExplore →
Huraa Mangrove Nature ReserveHuraa Mangrove Nature Reserve5 km · NExplore →
Sultan ParkSultan Park6 km · SWExplore →
Embudhoo Express Marine ReserveEmbudhoo Express Marine Reserve7 km · SWExplore →
Vilimale Coral Restoration SiteVilimale Coral Restoration Site9 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (4)

Snorkeling Point📍 landmark

A shallow coral reef providing well-suited conditions for observing colorful tropical fish in their natural habitat.

Sharks Feeding📍 landmark

In this lagoon, nurse sharks and reef sharks can be observed at close range during daily feeding sessions.

🕒 19:00-19:10

Stingray Feeding📍 landmark

A coastal stretch where stingrays often swim right up to the shallow water at the shore in the evening.

🕒 Mo-Su 19:00-19:30

Crow's Nest🌿 nature

An elevated wooden platform offering a wide panoramic view over the turquoise atoll and surrounding reefs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Manta Point?
A known meeting point for manta rays.
When will I see manta rays?
During the plankton season (June to November).
Do I need to dive?
Snorkeling is often enough.
Is the current strong?
Yes, there are often currents, boat support is needed.
How much does a tour cost?
Prices vary depending on the resort offer.
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu): where is it located?
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) is located in Maldives.
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu): what is there to see?
Highlights include Snorkeling Point, Sharks Feeding, Stingray Feeding.
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu): why is it worth visiting?
Manta Point, locally known as Lankanfinolhu Faru, is situated in the North Malé Atoll near the island of Lankanfinolhu.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Maldives →

History & landmarks

HP Reef — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
HP Reef
A spectacular marine park in the North Malé Atoll, famous for its soft, vividly colored corals and extremely strong currents.
Banana Reef — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Banana Reef
One of the oldest and most famous dive sites in the Maldives, named after its curved, banana-like shape.
Velana International Airport — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Velana International Airport
The main international gateway to the Maldives, a remarkable airport occupying an entire island named Hulhulé.
Sinamalé Bridge — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Sinamalé Bridge
An iconic bridge connecting the capital Malé to the airport island of Hulhulé, considered an engineering marvel.
Artificial Beach (Malé) — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Artificial Beach (Malé)
A popular man-made beach on the east coast of Malé, offering recreation in the densely populated capital area.
Malé Friday Mosque — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Malé Friday Mosque
The oldest mosque in the Maldives, built from coral stone with intricate carvings.
Muleeaage — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Muleeaage
The official residence of the President of the Maldives, known for its colonial architecture in the center of Malé.
Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine — Manta Point (Lankanfinolhu) (Maldives)
Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine
The tomb of the Moroccan scholar who introduced Islam to the Maldives in the year 1153.