Hanifaru Bay
Baa Atoll · Maldives
Hanifaru Bay is arguably the greatest manta ray spectacle on Earth, where hundreds of reef manta rays and whale sharks congregate in a tiny bay to filter-feed on dense plankton blooms. The bay's funnel shape concentrates currents, creating a natural plankton trap that draws aggregations exceeding 200 mantas on peak days. Snorkelling only is permitted inside the protected bay, making it an intimate and awe-inspiring wildlife encounter.
Conditions
Depth
3 to 15 m
Good for beginners
Current
Often strong
Can pick up on the edge
Visibility
8 to 15 m
Clearest in the calm season
Water
27 to 31°C
3mm wetsuit
Month by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water (°C) | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Vis (m) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 |
| Current | Gentle | Gentle | Gentle | Moderate | Moderate | Strong | Strong | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate | Gentle |
Your chances of seeing each animal
Tawny Hermit Crab
Last confirmed Feb 3, 2026 · 53 records
Almost always
Nearly every dive
Indian Garden Lizard
Last confirmed Feb 2, 2026 · 35 records
Very likely
Most dives
Powder Blue Tang
Last confirmed Feb 26, 2026 · 36 records
Very likely
Most dives
Redlip Parrotfish
Last confirmed Apr 11, 2026 · 25 records
Very likely
Most dives
White-Breasted Waterhen
Last confirmed Mar 21, 2026 · 43 records
Very likely
Most dives
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Last confirmed Mar 3, 2026 · 13 records
Very likely
Most dives
Reef Manta Ray
Last confirmed Jan 31, 2026 · 13 records
Likely
About 6 in 10 dives
Whale Shark
Last confirmed Aug 27, 2025 · 3 records
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Gear