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Hanifaru Bay
Home/Dive sites/Baa Atoll/Hanifaru Bay

Snorkel site

Hanifaru Bay.

Photo: Shiyam ElkCloner · CC BY-SA 3.0
Snorkel only. Scuba diving is not permitted at this site.

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.

Marine life you might see

Reef manta rayWhale shark

More dive sites in Baa Atoll

Dharavandhoo Thila

Thila (pinnacle)

Dhigali Haa

Thila (pinnacle)

Dhonfanu Thila

Thila (pinnacle)

Nelivaru Haa

Thila (pinnacle)

Dive Hanifaru Bay with us

We'll pair you with the right Baa Atoll resort, dive centre and season.

Explore Baa AtollPlan your dive trip

Depths, currents and sightings are typical — conditions vary with tide, season and operator briefing.

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