Fehi Velaa Dive, Baa Atoll
Brand-new, welcoming local island dive centre, just minutes from Hanifaru and other Baa Atoll sites
per room, full board
Overview
- Unparalleled location, just five-minutes from famous Hanifaru Bay
- Dive and snorkel guide certified by the Biosphere Reserve
- Enjoy a peaceful local island atmosphere, with few other tourists
- Explore up to 50 dive sites within ten minutes of the dive centre
Fehi Velaa is a brand-new dive centre and guesthouse on the island of Dhonfanu that offers unparalleled access to the breathtaking manta congregations of Hanifaru Bay. This local island operation will let you experience the real Maldives - far from the extravagance, and with few other tourists in sight. And, if you’re here for the diving, what Fehi Velaa lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in thrills. Boasting brand-new everything - from rooms to regulators - alongside extensive knowledge of the local area and up to 50 dive sites within easy reach, this welcoming dive centre and guesthouse is guaranteed to impress dedicated divers.
Rooms
Fehi Velaa stay
1 x Double bed, sleeps 2
Air conditioning, Ensuite bathroom, Breakfast...from $395 /night
Resort checklist
Meal plans:
- Full Board
Diving in Baa Atoll
Whale sharkFrom July to October
Manta RaysFrom June to November
Eagle rayNot frequently
TurtlesYear round
SharksNot frequently
Schooling reef fishYear round
Giant frogfishNot frequently
Ghost pipefishNot frequently
Baa Atoll diving has its fair share of channels to explore, with dramatic underwater landscapes packed with marine life. However, it is the famous submerged reefs - thilas and haas - that makes Baa Atoll such a special dive destination. The majority of these are found around the eastern tip of the atoll, close to many of the resorts.
Dhigali Haa - also known as Horubadhoo Thila - and Nelivaru Haa are both well known for their plentiful marine life, with plenty of caves and overhangs to explore in search of stingrays, groupers, batfish and schools of oriental sweetlips. Nelivaru Haa is also famous for its dense schools of glassy baitfish that swirl and undulate in the currents and can completely cover the site in the wet season! Dhonfanu Thila and Dharavandhoo Thila are also well worth a visit, particular when there is a current running which will bring in the schools of fish and other marine life. There are also a number of manta cleaning stations scattered across the atoll, especially in the eastern half not far from the famous Hanifaru Bay. These are best during the wet season and give visitors a chance to encounter manta rays whilst diving.
The manta rays of Hanifaru Bay
The real draw in Baa Atoll is the famous Hanifaru Bay with its feeding aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks. This has to be one of the world’s best snorkeling experiences, with tens, even hundreds of manta rays barreling in the tiny bay, as well as whale sharks that arrive to join in the plankton party. The manta ray and whale shark season at Hanifaru Bay can run from May to November, but the best times are usually from late July to early October around the full and new moons.
