Maldives, 24 September 2026: The Maldives may be defined by turquoise lagoons, powder-soft beaches and villas suspended above crystalline waters, but between September and November, the destination reveals a more immersive side—one that lies beneath the surface.
For travellers staying at BEKIND Hotels & Resorts’ Fushifaru Maldives and Meyyafushi Maldives, the ocean becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes an invitation to explore, from seasonal manta ray encounters to vibrant reefs, marine excursions and experiences that bring guests closer to the natural rhythm of the Indian Ocean.
The manta ray season offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the waters around Fushifaru Thila, one of Lhaviyani Atoll’s celebrated marine sites and a natural draw for both divers and snorkellers. Located just a three-minute boat ride from Fushifaru Maldives and approximately 15 minutes from Meyyafushi, the site is home to a natural manta ray cleaning station, where these graceful giants regularly gather as cleaner wrasse and reef fish gently remove parasites from their skin. Divers can descend into the thila’s vibrant underwater world for a closer view of the mantas as they circle the cleaning station, while snorkellers can experience the spectacle from the surface as the rays glide through the crystal-clear waters below. During manta season, the short journey to Fushifaru Thila becomes an unmissable marine encounter—combining accessibility, remarkable biodiversity and the rare opportunity to observe one of the Maldives’ most mesmerising creatures in its natural habitat. and its surrounding cleaning stations.
The experience extends beyond mantas. The wider Lhaviyani Atoll is home to colourful coral reefs, turtles, rays, dolphins and abundant tropical marine life. Fushifaru’s house reef and underwater playground offer accessible encounters for snorkellers, while nearby dive sites invite experienced divers to explore further.
At Fushifaru, a day can begin beneath the surface and end against a spectacular Maldivian sunset. Guests can unwind at Heylhi Spa, embark on dolphin or sunset cruises, or escape to a private sandbank. For couples, the signature Dig-In sandbank dining experience transforms a secluded stretch of sand into an intimate dining setting surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
At Meyyafushi Maldives, the ocean is woven into the experience in unexpected ways. Guests can explore coral gardens before experiencing Bubble Underwater Restaurant, where marine life becomes part of the dining experience. The Sky Bar & Sunken Lounge, rooftop glass-bottom pool and Raa Overwater Wine Cellar offer sophisticated ways to enjoy the island, while the Veyoge Overwater Spa brings wellness onto the lagoon through yoga, sound healing and floating-platform experiences.
Families can complement marine adventures with Kids Club activities, watersports and recreational experiences, with private-pool villas and selected water villas featuring slides adding to Meyyafushi’s appeal.
“September to November offers our guests a wonderful opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond its iconic beaches and lagoons. The manta season is a highlight, but what makes this period truly special is the variety of experiences around it—from marine encounters and coral exploration to wellness, distinctive dining and secluded sandbank escapes. At BEKIND, we want our guests to experience the Maldives rather than simply visit it,” says Mr. Ahmed Siaar, Cluster General Manager, BEKIND Hotels & Resorts.
From manta rays gliding through the deep blue to sunset cruises, underwater dining and private island escapes, September to November offers travellers a chance to discover a Maldives that is as captivating beneath the surface as it is above it.