I’m treading water in the Indian Ocean surrounded by an 80-strong swarm of snorkellers. We’re in the South Ari Atoll, at the site of a manta ray “cleaning station”. Alongside me, anxious swimmers thrash about in lifejackets, as numerous boats – I count 17 – idle nearby. Feeling uneasy, I dive down briefly, just in time to watch a lone manta escape the chaos of flailing limbs and GoPros. An unruly free-for-all, it’s a far cry from the magical encounter I’d dreamed of. Resurfacing with a sinking feeling, I head back to the boat. I’ve seen enough.
'We need agents to call out unethical snorkelling excursions in the Maldives'
Maldives
Abigail Flanagan
5 January 2026
The Indian Ocean archipelago can provide unforgettable encounters with manta rays and whale sharks but given our writer had a chaotic experience that was far from a one-off event, how can you ensure your clients enjoy respectful interactions that cause wildlife no distress
© iStock Filippo Bacci
Conservationists acknowledge that saying ‘no’ to guests – especially those from high-end resorts where anything a guest wants goes – isn’t always easy, regardless of the impact on wildlife © iStock Filippo Bacci
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