Hanifaru Bay Manta and Whale Shark Point

Hanifaru Bay represents one of the most extraordinary marine phenomena on Earth. The site is home to the world’s largest known gathering of reef manta rays. Located in the heart of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve as a protected core zone since 2011, and designated as a Marine Protected Area in 2009. This 529-hectare sanctuary witnesses up to 250 manta rays congregating simultaneously during peak season. This is a snorkeling-only site and scuba diving is prohibited to protect this unique ecosystem.

The Experience

Unlike typical dive sites, Hanifaru Bay is exclusively a snorkeling destination. The plankton that attracts the mantas concentrates near the surface, making snorkeling the perfect way to witness this spectacle. Sessions are strictly regulated to protect both visitors and wildlife – each visit is limited to 45 minutes with a maximum of 10 snorkelers with 1 guide. A 30-minute entry slot and no more than 8 boats at any time. A certified biosphere-qualified guide is mandatory for all visits. The keyhole-shaped bay measures approximately 700 metres by 200 metres, with a maximum depth of 20-22 metres. Water temperature remains a comfortable 29°C year-round, with visibility typically exceeding 25 metres when conditions are optimal.

The Phenomenon

The magic of Hanifaru Bay lies in its unique geography. The funnel-shaped bay creates a natural plankton trap during the Southwest Monsoon season from May to November. A back-eddy tidal mechanism concentrates vast amounts of zooplankton within the bay – studies show plankton densities here reach four times higher than at comparable manta sites worldwide. Peak aggregations occur from late July to early October, with new moon and full moon phases offering perhaps the best opportunities for sightings as tidal flows intensify the plankton concentration effect.

Marine Life

The primary attraction is the reef manta ray (mobula alfredi), with wingspans averaging 3.5 metres. Over 18 years of photo-identification research by the Maldivian Manta Ray Project has catalogued more than 1,800 individual mantas visiting Hanifaru Bay. Scientists have documented eight distinct feeding strategies here, including the spectacular cyclone feeding behaviour – when 20 or more mantas link together in a rotating chain, creating a living vortex as they filter-feed through the plankton-rich waters. Occasionally, giant oceanic manta rays (mobula bistrosis) with wingspans up to 7 metres make appearances. Whale sharks also visit seasonally, with 1-3 individuals often spotted alongside the manta aggregations.

Conservation

Hanifaru Bay has been a Marine Protected Area since 2009 and became a core zone of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve on June 5, 2011. The 529-hectare protected area is monitored by Environmental Protection Agency rangers who enforce strict guidelines. Visitors must maintain respectful distances from the mantas, never touch the animals, and flash photography is prohibited. The scheduled rotation system ensures sustainable visitor numbers while allowing the marine life to feed undisturbed. The ongoing scientific research by the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (part of the Manta Trust) continues to provide valuable data for manta conservation worldwide.

Visitor Information

Access to Hanifaru Bay is by boat where alternating days are set for Resorts and local island excursion operators. The manta season runs from May to November, with peak aggregations from late July to early October. All trips must be booked through certified operators with biosphere-qualified guides. Each session is limited to 45 minutes. Remember: this is one of the most significant manta aggregation sites on Earth – observe from a respectful distance and treasure the privilege of witnessing this natural wonder.