- Circular route around the Maldives’ northern atolls
- Experience hundreds of feeding mantas at Hanifaru Bay
- Dive the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll
- Explore the plunging walls of Raa Atoll
- Witness manta rays queuing up at cleaning stations
Hanifaru Bay is a sanctuary for people who love snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks. This UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Maldives is legally designated as a Marine Protected Area. There are strict regulations in place to protect and preserve this amazing wonder.
The reef at Hanifaru Bay is like a funnel that is about 1300 meters, the inner narrow part of the funnel is about 600 meters and that is where whale sharks and mantas are more commonly found. The whale shark season is from May to December. In this period, plankton get trapped in the funnel-like reef, and the concentration of plankton attracts whale sharks and schools of manta rays. At any time there could be over a hundred mantas and several whale sharks feeding off the coral reef. This is the world’s largest feeding station known to exist.
At Hanifaru Bay you can go snorkeling, diving is not permitted any more. During your snorkeling you must keep a proper distance from whale sharks and manta rays; a radius of 3 meters from the head section of a whale shark and 4 meters at its tail is the minimum distance you must maintain. You should not approach the creature from the front or cross its path; stay at the sides and swim with whale sharks. It is allowed to take pictures, but without flash; you cannot use scooters or motorized devices to tow yourself. Touching, stroking or even getting that close is prohibited, and there are trained rangers monitoring your moves.
Prior to implementing these regulations, the place was overcrowded with boats and tourists. At some point whale shark and manta populations in Hanifaru Bay went to a drastic drop. The creatures might have been disturbed by human intervention. Hence, the regulations are important to keep this amazing wonder preserved.
Day 1:
Meeting at the Airport
*Long evening crossing to Angafaru in Baa Atoll
Day 2:
Dive 1: Angafaru (Check Dive)
Dive 2: Nelivaru Thila
Dive 3: Dhigali Thila
Anchorage: Near Kihaadhoo (Baa Atoll)
Day 3:
Dive 1: Dhonfan thila
Dive 2: Dhigu Thila
Snorkel at Hanifau bay
Anchorage: Near Veyofushi & Barbecue at Veyofushi island (Baa Atoll)
Day 4:
Dive 1: Millaidhoo Caves
*Navigate to Raa Atoll
Dive 2: Beryian Kuda Thila
Dive 3: Kinolhas House Reef (Night dive)
Anchorage: Near Kinolhas (Raa Atoll)
Day 5:
Dive 1: Kottefaru Thila
Dive 2: The Labyrinth
Dive 3: Kuroshi Giri Canyon
Anchorage: Near Kuroshi Giri (Raa Atoll)
Day 6:
Dive 1: Rainbow Caves
Dive 2: Maafaru Caves
Dive 3: Fenfushi Giri
*Long evening crossing to Rasfari in North Male’ Atoll
Day 7:
Dive 1: Boduhithi Thila
Dive 2: Paradise Corner (Manta Point)
Anchorage: Kurumba (North Male’ Atoll)
Day 8:
Check Out in the Morning
Note: All these routes are weather permitting and subject to change due to weather or group requests.
Please note: From January 2012 scuba diving is not permitted in Hanifaru Bay; however, you will be able to snorkel in this area with additional costs.
Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.
Twin or double bed2 peopleShareable
Double bed2 peopleNon shareable
