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
Your chances of seeing each animal
Hawksbill Sea TurtleCritically endangered
Sometimes
About 1 in 3 dives
Reef Manta RayVulnerable
Rare
Now and then
Whale SharkEndangered
Rare
Now and then
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