Rangali manta point

Rangali Manta Point is one of the most celebrated manta ray dive sites in the Maldives, a pinnacle formation in South Ari Atoll near Rangali Island that serves as a regular cleaning station and feeding aggregation point for reef manta rays, attracting divers from around the world.

Overview

Rangali Manta Point earns its reputation from consistent, close-up encounters with reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) that arrive at the underwater pinnacle to be cleaned by resident cleaner wrasse. The site rises from around 28 metres to a summit at 10–12 metres, and the cleaning station is located on a broad, coral-encrusted section of the upper pinnacle. During the northeast monsoon (November–April), the area around South Ari Atoll hosts some of the highest concentrations of reef mantas in the world, and Rangali Manta Point is a focal site for these aggregations. On exceptional days, multiple mantas circle simultaneously above the cleaning station, creating one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in scuba diving. Between manta visits, the pinnacle itself is a worthwhile dive with sea fans, white-tip sharks, and colourful reef fish.

Site Information

• Location: Maldives, Asia
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Pinnacle/seamount
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 28 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Current: Moderate, variable — can strengthen

Marine Life

Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi, regular and often numerous), white-tip reef sharks, cleaner wrasse, sea fans, napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, grouper, fusiliers, and anthias on the pinnacle.

Diving Tips

• Position at the cleaning station depth (10–15 metres) and remain stationary — mantas will approach close if divers are calm and still.
• Never touch, chase, or cut off a manta ray’s path; ethical observation is the standard expected here.
• This is a Protected Marine Area; reef hooks, gloves, and any reef contact are prohibited.
• Best months are November through April for the highest manta density; however, mantas are present year-round in South Ari Atoll.
• Book through operators with manta conservation commitments (the Maldivian Manta Ray Project is active in this area).

Getting There

Rangali Island in South Ari Atoll is reached by seaplane from Malé (approximately 30 minutes). Resort and liveaboard boats run daily trips to Rangali Manta Point during the season.