Maldives, the combination of 26 atolls, turquoise blue waters and extensive reefs, make this island nation a heaven on earth. The lucky souls who flock here to enjoy a vacation are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing leisure activities as there are so many. We recommend you trying out everything because they make up so many fun memories. And you can do this for a good price if you book right. There are plenty of Maldives holiday packages that cater especially for water sports. For example, some tour agencies like Vacation Maldives have customised diving packages. Book one of these and you’re guaranteed of a spectacular adventure under the waves. The renowned agent such as the above would take you to all the best diving sites in Maldives, like the one we are telling you about now which is the Manta Point!
The Manta Point is a popular diving site in Maldives located off the southeast coast of North Malé Atoll. This is so popular because the Manta Point is the best place to see Manta Rays in Maldives. Why? Because it’s a cleaning station just like a car wash of sorts!
Before explaining what a Manta Ray cleaning station is, let us explain to you about what exactly Manta Rays are. These are graceful creatures are classified as Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays). The larger species can grow as big as 23 feet! Manta Rays are found in subtropical, tropical and temperate waters like those of Maldives. They filter feed on large amounts of zooplankton. The Manta Rays depend on another type of creature for their survival, and these are cleaner wrasse, a tiny bright coloured fish. Wondering how a little fish can help such as big fish as the Manta Ray? Manta Rays depend on cleaner wrasse for the removal of parasites. It’s such a great example of the great balance in the marine ecosystem. The Mantas gets their troublesome parasites removed while the wrasse gets a good breakfast! (or lunch or dinner) The place where all this action takes place is called a ‘cleaning station’. And one of the best of these is the Manta Point.
Once you visit the Manta Point in Maldives, you will witness this amazing natural occurrence with your own eyes. The best time to go is in the morning when the water are clearest and there is an incoming current.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
