Manta Reserve
A small guest house on Maalhos, close to the water and the reef
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A local-island guesthouse on Maalhos
Manta Reserve is a guest house on Maalhos, a local island in the Maldives roughly 115 km from Velana International Airport. The seaplane journey puts you well into the atolls, away from the busy Greater Malé corridor. The property runs two room types, starting at $51 per night. Facilities include BBQ equipment, a garden, picnic area, and room service. Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and fishing can all be arranged through local operators for guests who want to get on the water.
The honest verdict
A compact, straightforward guest house on a local Maldivian island, suited to travellers who want reef access and an authentic island atmosphere at a reasonable price.
Best for
- Budget-conscious couples and families
- Snorkelling and diving day trips
- Travellers wanting a local island experience
- Those happy with simple, clean accommodation
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers wanting resort-style facilities
- Those who prefer alcohol on-site
- Anyone wanting to avoid a seaplane transfer
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
A local island setting
Maalhos is a residential Maldivian island, which means life here runs at a different pace from a private resort. The guest house has a garden, outdoor furniture, and a picnic area — modest but functional spaces for spending time outside.
Rooms with garden views
Both room types look out onto the garden. The larger Double Room with Patio adds an outdoor terrace and can sleep up to four, making it workable for families or two couples travelling together.
BBQ and outdoor space
The property has BBQ facilities and a garden area — practical for an evening meal outside, especially if you've returned from a day's fishing or a boat trip to the reef.
Water activities by arrangement
Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and fishing are available as arranged excursions with local operators. The guest house can help organise these, putting reef access within reach without requiring guests to source operators independently.
Rooms & suites
Standard Double Room
16 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Soundproofing
- Minibar
Double Room with Patio
25 m² · sleeps 4 · 2 twin beds and 1 king bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Attached bathroom
- Soundproofing
Inside Manta Reserve
Amenities at Manta Reserve
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Good Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Pet friendly
- View
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- BBQ facilities
- Garden
Getting there
Getting to Manta Reserve on Maalhos in Baa Atoll means covering about 115 km from Malé (MLE) by seaplane — a scenic flight of roughly 35 minutes. The property arranges the seaplane once your flights are confirmed. Seaplanes fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
The island of Maalhos is part of Baa Atoll. Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for Hanifaru Bay and its seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Manta Reserve holds a 4.7/5 Google rating across 45 reviews. Guests single out the location highly — the property's highlights note it as top-rated by recent visitors. The combination of a local island base and water activity access appears to resonate with those who've stayed.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Manta Reserve from the airport?
The transfer is by seaplane from Velana International Airport. Maalhos is approximately 115 km from the airport, so expect a journey of around 30–40 minutes by seaplane, depending on routing and conditions.
What room types are available?
There are two room types: a Standard Double Room (16 m², sleeps 2) and a Double Room with Patio (25 m², sleeps up to 4). Both have garden views, air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, a minibar, and free WiFi.
What is the price per night?
Rooms start from $51.41 per night for the Standard Double Room. The Double Room with Patio starts from $64.26 per night. Prices may vary by season and availability.
Is Manta Reserve suitable for families?
Yes. The Double Room with Patio sleeps up to four and the property is listed as having family rooms. It is a compact guest house rather than a resort, so facilities are modest.
Can I go snorkelling or diving from Manta Reserve?
Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and fishing are available as arranged excursions with local operators. These are boat-based trips — not on-site facilities — and can be organised through the guest house.
Is there a restaurant or dining on site?
The property has BBQ facilities and offers room service. A continental breakfast is listed among the highlights. For further dining options, Maalhos has local island establishments.
Is breakfast included?
Continental breakfast is listed as available at the property. Whether it is included in the room rate or charged separately will depend on your booking — check at the time of reservation.
Is alcohol available at the guest house?
Maalhos is a local Maldivian island, and local islands in the Maldives are alcohol-free under national law. Alcohol is not available at Manta Reserve or on the island.
Does the guest house have free WiFi?
Yes. Free WiFi is available in both room types — the Standard Double Room and the Double Room with Patio.
Are there cultural activities available?
Tours and classes about local Maldivian culture are listed among the activities the property can arrange. Staying on a residential island like Maalhos also provides direct exposure to everyday island life.
How many rooms does Manta Reserve have?
The facts available list two room categories. Manta Reserve is a small guest house — exact room count is not confirmed, but this is a compact property rather than a large establishment.
How do I book Manta Reserve?
Manta Reserve can be booked through major accommodation platforms. It is worth confirming seaplane transfer arrangements and any meal plan inclusions directly with the property when you reserve.
Where to see manta ray in Maldives?
Manta Reserve is on Maalhos, Baa Atoll, Maldives.
Hotels near Manta Reserve
- Madi Giri Guest House · Baa Maalhos · 0.1 km
- Dhonfulhafi Beach View · Maalhos · 0.2 km
- Thundi by Biosphere · Maalhos · 0.2 km
- MOONSHELL RESIDENCE · Maalhos · 0.3 km
- Island Luxury Retreat · Maalhos · 0.3 km
- Biosphere Inn · Dharavandhoo · 3.4 km
- Bageechaa Stay · Dharvandhoo · 3.5 km
- Hanifaru Transit Inn · Dharavandhoo · 3.5 km