The Best Resort to Stay for Experiencing the Hanifaru Bay
Monday 8th of June 2020
The Best Resort to Stay for Experiencing the Hanifaru Bay
One of the most popular natural attractions in the Maldives, Hanifaru Bay is the biggest manta feeding hotspot in the world. With the start of the manta season in Hanifaru Bay on June, dive deeper into this unique experience that is for sure going to top your ‘travel later’ bucket list.
On the East of Baa Atoll, which was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in recognition of its importance to the marine ecosystem, Hanifaru Bay is one of the core protected zones in the atoll. Hence, you will not be able to go diving, but snorkeling with these giants are as magical. Here are our top picks of the resorts you should stay at for this experience:
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi takes guests on a discovery of enigmatic, graceful, inquisitive and charismatic manta rays in the waters of Baa Atoll, and Hanifaru Bay is located only 20 minutes by speedboat from the luxury resort. When time and tide align, fortunate snorkelers get to observe and capture a rolling, whirling feast where it may be possible to see hundreds of these large, yet harmless, creatures gather to gorge themselves in the plankton-rich waters. PDF
Kihaa Maldives
Kihaa being the closest resort to the Hanifaru Bay, offers a very unique experience, reachable in just a few minutes boat ride. During the South West Monsoon season, Hanifaru accumulates microscopic plankton that is brought to the area by the wind and currents. Manta rays and whalesharks, two of the ocean’s largest inhabitants feed on plankton, spending large amounts of time at the surface, making them ideal subjects to experience while snorkelling.
Royal Island
Just a 20-minute boat ride from the Bay, Royal island dive centre is at the heart of the country’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While snorkeling with the mantas, join the DiveOceanus team on one of their many excursions to nearby dive sites. All equipment and training is provided, and many of the sites are suitable for beginners.
Dusit Thani Maldives
Adjacent to the Hanifaru Bay, Dusit Thani offers the resort’s guests prime access to experience the wonderful sight just a 25-minute speedboat ride away. At the resort, excursions are offered every other day. A dive center offers lessons and organizes excursions to nearby dive sites, and guests can even explore three underwater caves next to the island’s reef.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru has introduced a Manta Watch offer, valid from 7th June 2020 to 30th November 2020 for stays of minimum 4 nights. The Resort will be donating USD 5 to the Hanifaru Bay NGO fund on behalf of each guest entering Hanifaru Bay.