MV
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for manta ray gatherings at Hanifaru Bay
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for manta ray gatherings at Hanifaru Bay
From roughly June to November, manta rays gather to feed here. Only snorkelling is allowed, with licensed guides, limited boats and timed visits.
Do not touch or chase the mantas.
Photo: Tchami, CC BY-SA 2.0
Many private-island resorts offer house reefs, diving and on-call trips to Hanifaru when mantas appear.
Photo: Samee Shafeeg, CC BY 3.0
Islands such as Dharavandhoo and Goidhoo have guesthouses, which are cheaper bases for Hanifaru trips. Thulhaadhoo is known for traditional lacquerwork.
Photo: Samee Shafeeg, CC BY 3.0
Resorts offer full dining; on local islands, guesthouses serve Maldivian curries and fresh fish.
Alcohol is only available at resorts.
Seaplanes from Malé take about 35–45 minutes. Domestic flights go to Dharavandhoo, followed by a short boat ride.
Speedboats also run, but take longer.
The Maldives uses the rufiyaa (MVR), but most tourist prices are in US dollars. Guesthouse prices often exclude taxes, a service charge and a nightly green tax.
Plus flights and taxes.
Mantas and reefs.
Fly or take a seaplane and settle in.
Snorkel at Hanifaru Bay in manta season.
Dive or snorkel the house reef and nearby sites.
Visit a local island and see lacquerwork crafts.
Manta numbers vary with plankton; sightings are not guaranteed.
On inhabited local islands, cover shoulders and knees away from designated tourist beaches, and do not bring alcohol.
Seaplanes fly only in daylight; plan connections.
Use reef-safe sunscreen.
Quick answers for planning time in Baa Atoll.
Roughly June to November, with peaks in the middle of the season.
No, only snorkelling is allowed.
It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, since 2011.
By seaplane, by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo, or by speedboat.
Yes, guesthouses on islands like Dharavandhoo are cheaper bases.
English is widely spoken in tourism; Dhivehi is the local language.
Free
Guesthouses, boat operators and dive centres take bookings by message.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Maldives travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.