Hanifaru Bay - one of the best manta spots in the world!
It is widely known that the Maldives are one of the world’s best diving destinations for encounters with big fish. Reef sharks, turtles, tuna and barracudas are part of the standard program of every dive. However, there is also a very special, globally unique spot here, which is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on our planet.
Only about 120 kilometers northwest of Malé International Airport (MLE) lies a small cove in the coral reef, no more than 300 x 800 m in size. However, this small, inconspicuous bay, not far from the island of Hanifarurah, harbors an annually recurring event that one would not expect to find there.
Every year between May and November, when the southwest monsoon washes plankton-rich water into the small bay of Hanifaru, hundreds of manta rays and occasionally whale sharks gather for a unique feeding spectacle that you have to see once in your life! Through the small opening on the west side of the reef, the plankton is practically washed directly into the mouths of the giant rays. Typical manta formations and feeding cyclones are therefore often visible.
The Hanifaru Bay Marine Park
In order to protect and preserve this unique place, Hanifaru Bay was declared a marine park in 2009 and even designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011. The area is constantly monitored and protected by rangers. Snorkeling is possible under supervision for a fee of 25 USD with a limited number of snorkelers in the water. A detailed briefing is scheduled before each snorkeling tour. Diving in Hanifaru Bay is no longer permitted, but snorkeling with hundreds of manta rays and the occasional whale shark is also guaranteed to be an overwhelming experience. As most of the plankton is found on the light-flooded surface, this is also where most of the feeding action takes place. For photographers, it should also be mentioned that the use of flash and video lights is not permitted.
The best way to Baa Atoll
For Maldives vacationers who like to stay at the resort on an island, we recommend traveling directly from Hulumalé (MLE) by seaplane to the resort island or by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo (DRV) and then by boat to the island. Flights from Hulumalé to Dharavandhoo are available several times a day, e.g. with FlyMe, Manta Air or Maldivian.
My recommendation: Hanifaru Bay in combination with a diving safari
Another very pleasant way to visit Hanifaru Bay is as part of a North and Central Atoll tour on a liveaboard. Most liveaboard operators offer these tours from Hulumalé and combine a visit to Hanifaru Bay with other dives in the North Malé, Baa and Lhaviyani Atolls. This means that you can start the tour directly from Malé International Airport (MLE) and do not have to worry about a domestic transfer. With an average of 2-4 dives per day, you will visit the best dive sites in the northern and central atolls. While only snorkeling is allowed in Hanifaru Bay, passionate divers will also get their money’s worth!
