Diving in the Maldives is an experience that begins the moment you step onto a Dhoni. You can feel the love and craftsmanship poured into creating this vessel, the oldest and most traditional boat of our island nation. It offers a meaningful glimpse into the identity of Maldivians as skilled seafarers for generations, living in a country where 99% is ocean. Every time I step aboard a Dhoni, I feel an immense sense of pride as a Maldivian and a deep love for the ocean and our marine ecosystem, a love nurtured since childhood. Our connection to the sea is also reflected in our sustainable practices, such as line-and-pole fishing, which have made the Maldives a leader in responsible fishing.
I have always been fascinated by manta rays, and it has long been a dream of mine to see those majestic creatures with my own eyes. During my stay at Meeru Maldives, I learnt that Euro Divers was offering excursions to various dive sites like Lankan Reef and Aquarium, two of the most popular and breathtaking dive sites nearby. I beamed with excitement, knowing that Lankan Reef is especially famous for manta sightings, with two active cleaning stations. So I embarked on my journey, eager to finally meet these gentle giants.
Before the dive, as we prepared our gear, I tried to remind myself that we might not see any mantas; I did not want to feel disappointed if we did not. But only minutes after descending into the deep blue, I caught sight of a squadron of manta rays gliding toward us. Having only ever seen them in pictures, I was struck by their sheer size and grace. I watched in awe as they moved effortlessly, their wide wings gliding through the water with both power and gentleness.
A few swam so close that they passed right above my head, revealing the unique spots on their bellies, their own version of fingerprints. I later discovered that they enjoy the bubbles on their underside; it is their playful way of saying hello. That moment made the memory even more special. As we approached our safety stop, a curious little batfish began following us, as if escorting us back to the surface.
