Diving in the Maldives is an experience that begins the moment you step onto a Dhoni. You can feel the love and craftsmanship poured into creating this vessel, the oldest and most traditional boat of our island nation. It offers a meaningful glimpse into the identity of Maldivians as skilled seafarers for generations, living in a country where 99% is ocean. Every time I step aboard a Dhoni, I feel an immense sense of pride as a Maldivian and a deep love for the ocean and our marine ecosystem, a love nurtured since childhood. Our connection to the sea is also reflected in our sustainable practices, such as line-and-pole fishing, which have made the Maldives a leader in responsible fishing.
I have always been fascinated by manta rays, and it has long been a dream of mine to see those majestic creatures with my own eyes. During my stay at Meeru Maldives, I learnt that Euro Divers was offering excursions to various dive sites like Lankan Reef and Aquarium, two of the most popular and breathtaking dive sites nearby. I beamed with excitement, knowing that Lankan Reef is especially famous for manta sightings, with two active cleaning stations. So I embarked on my journey, eager to finally meet these gentle giants.
Before the dive, as we prepared our gear, I tried to remind myself that we might not see any mantas; I did not want to feel disappointed if we did not. But only minutes after descending into the deep blue, I caught sight of a squadron of manta rays gliding toward us. Having only ever seen them in pictures, I was struck by their sheer size and grace. I watched in awe as they moved effortlessly, their wide wings gliding through the water with both power and gentleness.
A few swam so close that they passed right above my head, revealing the unique spots on their bellies, their own version of fingerprints. I later discovered that they enjoy the bubbles on their underside; it is their playful way of saying hello. That moment made the memory even more special. As we approached our safety stop, a curious little batfish began following us, as if escorting us back to the surface.
Lying on the top deck of the Dhoni afterward, basking in the sun with the wind running through my salty hair and music playing softly, felt like the perfect way to unwind from the excitement of the first dive and prepare for the next. Once we jumped back into the water and descended again, we were greeted by a fever of mobula rays. For me, diving, though physically demanding, is deeply relaxing. It brings an inner calm and happiness. Each time I dive, I feel present and mindful, focused only on my breathing, my surroundings, and the beauty of the moment.
As we continued, we spotted several whitetip reef sharks, but the highlight of the dive was a sleeping leopard shark, a rare and endangered species. Seeing it up close, admiring the beautiful patterns on its body, was truly special. But the wonders did not end there; we also saw a graceful turtle glide past and huge schools of fish swirling in unison, bringing the underwater world to life in a kaleidoscope of colours.
It is moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with diving: moments that teach me to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of life, nature, and all the incredible species we share this Earth with.
The Author:
Shajaya Niyaz is interning with the Commercial (Marketing) team at Crown & Champa Resorts. She is passionate about conveying meaningful experiences through creative storytelling. Beyond her professional interests, she is an avid diver with a deep admiration for the ocean.
