Hanifaru Bay.

Type

Snorkel site

Depth

0–12 m

Skill level

beginner

Current

moderate

Best season

Mid-May–Nov; peak Jul–Oct

Protected

UNESCO Biosphere core MPA — snorkel only, no scuba, ranger-controlled access

A cul-de-sac reef inlet on the eastern edge of Baa Atoll, roughly 700 m long and 200 m wide, with a maximum central depth around 24 m. When tidal flow concentrates plankton, large aggregations of reef manta rays (occasionally over 100) gather to feed, and whale sharks appear seasonally. It is a UNESCO Biosphere core marine protected area where only snorkeling is permitted, no scuba. Peak season is the southwest monsoon, roughly late June to October.