OCEAN ENCOUNTERS
Month-by-Month Marine Life Calendar
Every encounter mapped by month and atoll. Plan your trip around the species you want to see.
Full Monthly Calendar
Each cell shows the likelihood of an encounter. "Peak" means highest probability. "Low" means the species is present but sightings are infrequent.
| Month | Mantas | Whale Sharks | Turtle Nesting | Bioluminescence | Dolphins | Reef Sharks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Dry season. Best visibility (30-40m). Whale sharks most active in South Ari. | Low | Peak | Some | Good | Yes | Yes |
| February Calm seas. Peak whale shark encounters. Strong conditions for night snorkeling. | Low | Peak | Some | Good | Yes | Yes |
| March Turtle nesting begins on several islands. Whale shark sightings still strong. | Low | Good | Peak | Moderate | Yes | Yes |
| April Transition month. Plankton increases, attracting filter feeders. Turtle nesting peaks. | Moderate | Good | Peak | Low | Yes | Yes |
| May Wet season starts. Plankton blooms begin. Manta activity building in Baa Atoll. | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Low | Yes | Yes |
| June Manta season opens in Baa Atoll. Bioluminescence season begins. Hanifaru Bay trips start. | Good | Moderate | Good | Good | Yes | Yes |
| July Hanifaru Bay feeding events. Up to 100+ mantas in a single gathering. | Peak | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Yes | Yes |
| August Best month for mantas at Hanifaru. Bioluminescence strongest around new moon nights. | Peak | Moderate | Moderate | Peak | Yes | Yes |
| September Manta season still strong. Bioluminescence reliable on dark nights. | Peak | Moderate | Low | Peak | Yes | Yes |
| October Manta season winding down. Plankton levels still high. Good visibility returning. | Good | Moderate | Low | Good | Yes | Yes |
| November Transition to dry season. Whale shark sightings increase again in South Ari. | Moderate | Good | Low | Good | Yes | Yes |
| December Dry season. Crystal-clear water. Whale sharks feeding along South Ari outer reef. | Low | Peak | Low | Good | Yes | Yes |
Quick Reference: Best Months by Encounter
If you have a specific species in mind, these are the months to book.
| Encounter | Best Months | Peak | Location | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whale sharks | Nov to Apr | Jan to Feb | South Ari Atoll | Snorkeling |
| Manta rays | Jun to Nov | Aug to Oct | Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) | Snorkeling |
| Turtle nesting | Mar to Jun | Mar to Apr | Various atolls | Beach observation |
| Bioluminescence | Jun to Feb | Aug to Sep | Raa, Baa, South Ari | Beach / night boat |
| Dolphins | Year-round | Any | All atolls | Sunset cruise |
| Reef sharks | Year-round | Any | All atolls | Snorkeling / diving |
| Hammerheads | Dec to Apr | Feb to Mar | Rasdhoo, deep channels | Diving (advanced) |
| Eagle rays | Year-round | Any | North Male, Ari | Diving |
Not sure which month to visit?
Tell us the marine life you want to see and we will recommend the best month and atoll for your trip.
Encounters by Atoll
Where you stay determines what you see. Each atoll has its own marine character.
South Ari Atoll
Whale sharks (year-round, peak Nov to Apr)
Reef sharks, turtles, manta rays (occasional)
Best resorts: Lily Beach, Vilamendhoo, LUX* South Ari, Constance Moofushi
Access: Snorkeling and diving trips from all South Ari resorts
Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere)
Manta rays (Jun to Nov, peak Aug to Oct)
Whale sharks (occasional), reef sharks, turtles
Best resorts: Reethi Beach, Soneva Fushi, Finolhu, Anantara Kihavah
Access: Hanifaru Bay excursions. Snorkeling only inside the bay (no diving).
North Male Atoll
Reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles (year-round)
Dolphins, moray eels, octopus
Best resorts: Baros, Bandos, Kurumba
Access: House reef snorkeling + boat dive trips to channels
Vaavu Atoll
Grey reef sharks, nurse sharks (year-round)
Manta rays (seasonal), hammerheads (rare, deep dives)
Best resorts: Fewer resort options; accessed via liveaboard or day trips
Access: Alimatha jetty for nurse shark night encounters
Raa Atoll
Macro life: nudibranchs, frogfish, pipefish
Manta rays (seasonal), reef sharks
Best resorts: Furaveri, You & Me by Cocoon
Access: House reef diving. Less crowded than Ari or Baa.
Lhaviyani Atoll
Reef sharks, turtles, dolphins
Manta rays (seasonal at cleaning stations)
Best resorts: Hurawalhi, Kudadoo, Kuredu
Access: Excellent house reef snorkeling at multiple resorts
Planning Tips
Book by Season
- Dry season (Nov to Apr): whale sharks, clear water
- Wet season (May to Oct): mantas, plankton blooms
- Neither season is "bad" for marine life
- Different species peak at different times
Moon Phases Matter
- New moon: best for bioluminescence
- Full moon: stronger currents, more plankton movement
- Manta feeding peaks around full and new moons
- Check the lunar calendar when booking
Atoll Selection
- One trip, one or two atolls. Do not try to see everything.
- South Ari for whale sharks
- Baa for mantas
- North Male for variety and convenience
Ready to Plan Around Marine Life?
Prefer to talk to someone directly? Call us at +960 771 9666 or chat on WhatsApp