The number of tourists travelling to the Maldives specifically to swim with charismatic marine megafauna has increased over recent years. Manta ray tourism in the Maldives is estimated to be worth US$8.1 million annually in direct revenue alone. This type of tourism clearly has significant benefits to the Maldivian economy but there is anecdotal evidence that large numbers of tourists at popular dive and snorkel sites is having a negative impact on reef manta rays’ natural behaviour.
09 December 2019