Attraction
Hanifaru Bay
A UNESCO biosphere reserve in Baa Atoll, one of the world's best-known places to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks.
A physical attraction — not a bookable product. See activities below for trips and experiences nearby.
- Type
- Marine & wildlife site
- Atoll
- Baa Atoll
- Best for
- Snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks
Hanifaru Bay is a haven for snorkelers who want to see manta rays and whale sharks. The Maldives' UNESCO biosphere reserve has been declared a Marine Protected Area, and strict rules are in place to preserve this natural site. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve includes Hanifaru Bay, and several nearby resorts are authorised to run excursions for their guests, led by qualified tour guides under specific requirements for both boats and passengers — rules that exist to protect the mantas and whale sharks as visitors enjoy close encounters with them. Getting there requires a qualified tour guide and a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport (Baa Atoll), then a speedboat or ferry from Dharavandhoo to Hanifaru.
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Activities near Hanifaru Bay
- Fishing is a Family Matter
FishingKunfunadhoo - Fun Dive
DivingKunfunadhooFrom $89 - PADI Open Water Diver Course
DivingKunfunadhoobeginnerFrom $1,090 - Private Full-Day Fishing Charter
Fishing9 locations8 hrFrom $1,500 - Private Half-Day Fishing Charter
Fishing9 locations4 hrFrom $1,000 - Soneva Soul 60-Minute Spa Treatment
SpaKunfunadhoo1 hrFrom $195
Nearby places to stay
- Amilla Fushi Island Resort Maldives
Amilla Fushi5★From $1,380 / night
- Dhigufaru Island Resort Maldives
DhigufaruFrom $480 / night
- Dusit Thani Island Resort Maldives
Mudhdhoo5★From $1,000 / night
- Finolhu Maldives Island Resort Kanufushi
KanufushiFrom $800 / night
- Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah Resort Maldives
VoavahFrom $540 / night
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Landaa GiraavaruFrom $2,500 / night
Getting there
See our real, source-verified transfer routes for how to get around the Maldives.
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