Secrets of the Sea Revealed: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Unveils Exclusive Manta 'Hot Dates' for 2026-27

The Indian Ocean's most poetic spectacle is calling once again. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the ocean's gentle giants take centre stage as the resort unveils its highly anticipated manta "hot dates" for 2026 and 2027 - meticulously curated through over two decades of scientific observation.

Set within the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to the world's largest-known population of manta rays, Landaa Giraavaru offers one of the planet's most extraordinary opportunities to swim alongside these majestic marine beings—ethically, responsibly, and with purpose.

Mantas on Speed Dial - Science Meets Serendipity

At the heart of this experience lies the expertise of Manta Trust, whose resident researchers at Landaa Giraavaru analyse decades of data on manta movements, lunar cycles, tides, and plankton blooms to identify peak aggregation periods.

These insights culminate in the resort's famed Manta On Call experience. Guests are alerted the moment mantas are sighted nearby and are swiftly escorted by speedboat for an unforgettable snorkelling encounter, similar to adventure-of-a-lifetime manta encounters. Along the way, marine biologists share insights into manta behaviour, identification, and conservation—turning awe into awareness.

The Manta Trust's work has also captured global attention, featuring prominently on CNN's Call to Earth series, further cementing Landaa Giraavaru's position as a global hub for marine research and responsible luxury.

A Global Sanctuary for Gentle Giants

The recently concluded 2025 manta season underscored the region's ecological significance. Over the season, researchers recorded sightings of an estimated 4,265 reef manta rays, alongside 28 whale sharks, 16 devil rays, and 10 oceanic mantas.

In total, 1,282 manta surveys were conducted across 143 research days, significantly enriching one of the world's most comprehensive manta databases, building on decades of marine spectacle documentation.

Equally significant was a major conservation milestone. Thanks to sustained global advocacy—including efforts by the Manta Trust—all 10 species of manta and devil rays have now been uplisted to CITES Appendix I, granting them the highest level of international protection and banning all commercial trade, reflecting broader commitments to marine conservation initiatives worldwide.

Educating the Ocean's Future Guardians

Conservation at Landaa Giraavaru extends far beyond research. Education remains central to the Trust's mission. During the 2025 season alone, six interns and apprentices gained hands-on marine biology experience, assisting with data collection, manta identification, and guest excursions.

Community outreach also flourished. The team engaged 969 local community members, while 19 students graduated from Moodhu Madharusa - the Trust's Ocean School—nurturing the next generation of Maldivian ocean stewards, complementing trainee marine biologist programs for children.

"Watching people interact with mantas reminds us why we do this work," says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. "These encounters go beyond awe, they create a real connection to the ocean and its inhabitants. Since 2005, our Maldives Manta Conservation Programme has been dedicated to protecting these remarkable creatures, and every moment spent alongside them strengthens a global community committed to their survival."

This commitment extends across Four Seasons Maldives properties, including 15 years of marine conservation and 9,000 coral frames, sea turtle conservation initiatives, and sustainable future projects at Kuda Huraa.

Manta Ray "Hot Dates" - Plan Your Perfect Encounter

2026

• May 14–18
• May 29 – June 2
• June 13–17
• June 27 – July 1
• July 12–16
• July 27–31
• August 10–14
• August 26–30
• September 9–13
• September 24–28
• October 8–12
• October 24–28
• November 7–11
• November 24

2027

• May 4–8
• May 18–22
• June 2–6
• June 16–20
• July 2–6
• July 16–20
• July 31 – August 4
• August 15–19
• September 28 – October 2
• October 13–17
• October 27–31
• November 12–16
• November 26–30

Please note: Manta ray sightings are subject to weather conditions and the natural temperament of these gentle oceanic giants.

For those seeking luxurious monsoon adventures with majestic mantas, these carefully curated dates offer the highest probability of extraordinary encounters, joining legendary sporting events at Four Seasons Maldives.

The resort's culinary excellence complements these marine experiences, with Michelin-starred Chef Gaetano Trovato creating culinary magic and tantalizing Sicilian-inspired degustation menus.

Guests can enhance their arrival experience through The Flying Boxfish Seaplane and The Island Cafe, setting the tone for an unforgettable sustainable luxury experience.

Beyond Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons' Maldives portfolio includes the ultimate luxury escape at Private Island Voavah, new Mediterranean yacht voyages, and unforgettable adventures on The Four Seasons Explorer.

The Maldives' commitment to marine conservation extends beyond Four Seasons, with properties like dive resorts earning PADI recognition, underwater dining experiences, and Atlantis-themed coral plantation initiatives.

For travelers seeking comprehensive Maldives experiences, destinations range from ultimate summer luxury at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi to hidden gem luxury travel at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, all demonstrating how opulence meets eco-innovation.

As global interest in transformative celebrations at Four Seasons Maldives continues to grow, these manta "hot dates" represent the intersection of scientific precision, environmental stewardship, and experiential luxury.

Reservations
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
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