Photo: Tchami (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Sea and islands · The Maldives
Swimming with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay
In the south-west monsoon, manta rays gather by the hundred in a small bay in Baa Atoll, and you snorkel beside them.
Baa Atoll · The Maldives
The experience
Hanifaru Bay is a protected area at the heart of the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Between May and November the currents push plankton into the small bay and manta rays gather to feed, one of the largest manta aggregations in the world, with the occasional whale shark.
Boats leave the resort with a guide or marine biologist, and you snorkel beside these calm animals, some more than three metres across. Scuba diving is not allowed in the bay, each group's visit lasts about 45 minutes, and the number of boats is capped.
The gatherings peak between July and October and depend on tides and currents, so no single day can be guaranteed. We therefore suggest at least three nights in Baa Atoll during the season.
The trip suits confident swimmers; older children can join their parents in a life jacket.
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