Hanifaru Bay on Baa Atoll has become one of the highlights of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve over the past few years, along with these other well-known diving sites. Scuba Diving near Hanifaru Bay is a location where Manta Rays converge to feed, and this is quite a spectacle. The majority of Manta dives are conducted near cleaning stations where these giant animals come to get washed by small wrasses that reside among the coral rock.

1. Scuba Diving Near Hanifaru- Meeting
The Gentle Giants
The second-largest of all rays is the manta ray (Mobula alfredi, formerly known as Manta
alfredi). Many divers appear to have their preferred Manta Spot. Be it the Great Barrier Reef,
Kona, Hawaii, the Maldives' Lankan Manta Point, or Nusa Penida in Bali. Hanifaru Bay on
Baa Atoll has become one of the highlights of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
over the past few years, along with these other well-known diving sites. Scuba Diving near
Hanifaru Bay is a location where Manta Rays converge to feed, and this is quite a
spectacle. The majority of Manta dives are conducted near cleaning stations where these
giant animals come to get washed by small wrasses that reside among the coral rock.
On the Eastern side of Baa Atoll is Hanifaru Bay. The Bay Area is substantially smaller than
the Hanifaru reef system, which covers an area of more than four square kilometres. The
tidal and oceanic currents work together to transport large amounts of plankton into the bay
between the months of May and November. Mantas swarm here to gorge themselves when
the plankton is trapped inside the bay. They frequently occur in groups of ten, and
occasionally there may be more than one hundred rays eating in the bay alongside whale
sharks. The Maldivian seas' two gentle giants sharing a meal. Being able to observe these
creatures swimming and rolling in the plankton-rich water is quite an experience.
When Hanifaru Bay was a "free for all" dive location, there were some issues caused by
congestion and other factors. The Environmental Protection Agency and The Biosphere
Reserve Office have currently implemented management plans. Under the cautious eye of
the Rangers, visitors to the bay can swim amid the wildlife. The Biosphere Reserve Office
and regional projects focused on the local community are run with the help of fees collected
from Hanifaru Bay tours. The days on which local islands, liveaboards, and resorts can
access the Bay rotate. The number of people allowed at one time is limited, and scuba
diving is not permitted in Hanifaru Bay. Not to fear; bubble-free snorkelling in the lagoon will
give you a far better experience. All visitors must be accompanied by an authorised Hanifaru
Guide, who will properly inform you on how to proceed with your snorkelling in the bay. As in
all other parts of the Maldives, flash photography is prohibited, and no wildlife should be
bothered or disturbed.
Scuba Diving near Hanifaru Bay is active from May to November, during the South-West
Monsoon, and the months of June through October are said to be the best times to watch
the feeding frenzy. The South-West monsoon is typically considered to be the rainiest
season, but it does not last the entire time or rain nonstop. There are many days with nice
weather and plenty of sunshine. The Bay typically experiences higher activity on and around
full moon days. Nevertheless, because it is a natural setting, we cannot be certain of the
circumstances or whether a feeding frenzy is occurring. But before travelling there from
Maalhos, we'll see if there are any manta rays nearby. If Manta Rays cannot be observed
within the harbour, they are frequently spotted around Hanifaru and other reefs in Baa Atoll.

2. Manta rays come in two varieties: resident reef mantas and giant reef mantas. The largest
rays in the world are called giant manta rays, yet scuba diving near Hanifaru Bay is home
to Reef Manta. They move, eat zooplankton, and are sporadically found all over the planet.
The zooplankton's migration is dependent upon it. The manta rays swim in circles, dive to a
depth of several metres, and then surface not far below the water's surface. They have no
fear of people. As long as you don't bother them, swimming and snorkelling with them is
safe. Whale sharks can also be observed here in addition to the rays.
How to get there: From New Delhi, there are a variety of direct flights that take about three
hours to arrive in Male. On the western end of the Maldives Atoll chain sits the Baa Atoll. We
flew with Manta Air from Velana International Airport to Reethi Beach Resort.
Best time to go: The Baa Atoll attracts snorkelers and swimmers from all over the world
between June and November to see the Manta ray migration. The rays put on a show for
tourists by swimming beside the divers and munching on plankton. Despite the island's
year-round warmth and sunshine, January through April are the driest months. Though the
resorts are simply too pricey and these are the busiest months. The rainy season lasts from
May to October, but we went in September and were fortunate not to experience any rain
during our five days there. How to make reservations for snorkelling and scuba diving: PADI
dive shops may be found across the Maldives.
Our suggested itinerary for scuba diving near Hanifaru Bay is the Manta Expedition, which
includes stops at the North Male atolls, where we can see the first manta cleaning stations
and the renowned Fish Factory, Baa Atoll, where we will dive in the Dharavandhoo area next
to Hanifaru Bay (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), where you can try to enjoy the mantas
while snorkelling.