Maldives / Northern Resort Atolls (Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani) / Baa Atoll ResortsBaa Atoll Resorts
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the Manta Feast at Hanifaru Bay
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve north-west of Malé, 35 to 45 minutes by seaplane or by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo (DRV) and the resort's boat. From June to November, biggest from July to October, hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks feed on plankton in Hanifaru Bay, which is snorkel-only with a US$30 token and a licensed guide. Several of the country's best-known luxury resorts are here. Seaplanes fly in daylight only. Alcohol is served on resorts. Resorts are the only places to eat on their islands and many sell rooms with a compulsory meal plan (half board, full board or all-inclusive); the food cost here is priced as one.
Highlights
- Snorkel with feeding mantas at Hanifaru Bay (Jun-Nov)
- Whale sharks in the bay
- Seaplane over the atoll
- Luxury water villa
- Biosphere reserve reefs
- Marine biologist talks at the resort
Things to do
- Hanifaru Bay manta snorkelJun–NovMorning · 3h
- House reef snorkelAfternoon · 2h
- Sunset dolphin cruiseEvening · 2h
- Spa treatmentAfternoon · 2h
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – April, July – October
Worth knowing
South-West Monsoon: Seaplanes Held in Storms
From May to October the south-west monsoon brings squalls and rough seas. Seaplanes are held on the ground in storms and low cloud, sometimes for hours, so the transfer back can miss an evening flight home: leave at least half a day between the seaplane and the international flight, or sleep in Hulhumalé. Resort rates are at their lowest.
Worth knowing
Seaplanes Fly in Daylight Only
Seaplanes fly only in daylight, with the last departures from Malé around 16:00. If your flight lands later, sleep in Hulhumalé or Malé and fly to the resort in the morning, or ask the resort for a domestic flight and speedboat instead, which run after dark. On the way home, the morning seaplane suits flights leaving after about 14:00.
Heads up
Hanifaru Bay Manta Season: Snorkel Only, Token Needed
From June to November mantas and whale sharks feed in Hanifaru Bay, best from July to October. The bay is snorkel-only and visits are limited: each person needs a token (US$30), sold at the Hanifaru visitor centre on Dharavandhoo, and goes with a licensed guide for about 45 minutes. Resorts buy the tokens and run the trips; book on arrival, as places on busy days run out.
Heads up
Hanifaru Bay Out of Season
The mass manta feeding at Hanifaru Bay happens from June to November. From December to May the bay is quiet; Baa's reefs and cleaning stations still have mantas, in smaller numbers.
Heads up
Festive Peak: Minimum Stays and Gala Dinners
Over Christmas and New Year resorts charge their highest rates, set minimum stays (often five to seven nights) and bill compulsory gala dinners on 24 and 31 December. Seaplane seats sell out: book by September.
- Manta season at Hanifaru Bay — From June to November, when the south-west monsoon pushes plankton into Hanifaru Bay, manta rays (sometimes over a hundred at once) and whale sharks gather to feed, most of all from July to October around the new and full moons. Snorkel only, in groups with a licensed guide and a token (US$30); resorts in Baa, and some in Raa, run the trips.
- Christmas and New Year peak — The resorts' dearest fortnight: minimum stays of five to seven nights, compulsory gala dinners on 24 and 31 December billed on top, and seaplane seats that sell out. Book by September, or come in early December or mid-January for the same dry weather at lower prices.