Ukulhas Thila has earned a reputation for being the place to go to experience the graceful beauty of the incredible manta ray first hand.
Situated on the northeastern outer rim of Ari Atoll, Ukulhas Thila is a 300m long reef that is home to one of the most well-known manta ray cleaning stations in the Maldives. 'Cleaning stations' are hotspots where mantas, big fish and sharks congregate to be cleaned by smaller fish species, and mantas can spend hours being cleaned- they've even been observed waiting in line for their turn.
If you are a scuba diving fanatic or you just want to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, then a visit to Ukulhas Thila is a must-do on any Maldives yacht charter.
The cleaning station is located at the top end of the reef, in the middle-depth range, and the dive is truly an exhilarating experience. The best way to spot the mantas is to hang back at a discreet distance from the cleaning station and simply watch them rest almost motionless in the water column as they are serviced by shrimp and other smaller fish.
The natural curiosity of these giant sea creatures will often bring them closer to the diver, so there is every chance you really will get a close encounter with these majestic and truly incredible animals.
Manta rays can have a wingspan of anything from 3.3m (11') to 8.8m (29') on average and are highly intelligent. They have the largest brain-to-size ratio of any cold-blooded fish and studies have shown they are able to create mental maps of their environment using smells and visual cues.
The natural curiosity of these giant sea creatures will often bring them closer to the diver, so there is every chance you really will get a close encounter with these majestic and truly incredible animals.
The Thila (a Thila is an underwater mountain) is a long and narrow pinnacle with a relatively flat top at around 15 meters and then it slopes down to around 30 meters. There are three sets of large coral rocks along the reef top that are the cleaning stations.
If you want to plan your yacht charter to have the best chance of spotting the manta rays the optimum time to visit is during the months of December to April. However the site is really worthy of a visit year round, as there is so much more to see.
Aside from the fascinating spectacle of the manta rays many other types of fish are attracted to this isolated outcrop of reef including grouper, tuna, morays and turtles. You will also see many of the colorful blue-striped snapper and eagle rays gliding past the reef and white-tips, grey reef sharks and tuna lurk in the deeper sections.
The current is quite strong, and there are some steep drop-offs, so it isn't a place for beginner divers with a level of proficiency needed. Diving is recommended to CMAS**/AOW divers.
The island is easy to reach by charter yacht if you're cruising northern area of the Maldives, close to the Baa Atoll. The main attraction is the natural underwater aquarium that exists here; but if you choose to step on shore, you'll be rewarded with a fascinating insight into the lives of the local people who call the Maldives their home.
If you’d like to witness this truly out-of-this-world underwater experience then you can view and compare the complete fleet of luxury Indian Ocean yachts for charter.
To find out more please get in touch with your yacht charter broker.
