HANIFARU BAY

Situated in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives, northwest of Malé, Hanifaru Bay is no more than a bank of sand with some small reef blocks in the middle of it. Yet up to 200 manta rays have been reported harmoniously feeding in the bay, where it is assumed that the concentration of plankton is very high. There, they perform an ingenious act: They swim short distances to each other so that the unfiltered plankton of one animal streams into the mouth of the next – at the same time forming a huge cyclone.

Scenes like this are what made the bay famous, but at the same time it became its biggest tragedy: Hanifaru Bay has attracted hordes of tourists that want to witness the spectacle, leading to far too many divers entering the once calm waters of the bay, interrupting the manta rays as they feed. The result – manta ray numbers have dropped from 200 to only 40 to 50 animals on good days in the last 10 years.

In response, the authorities have restricted the access to the small bay, only permitting snorkelling in the area since January 1, 2012.

Let’s hope it’s not too late.

BEST TIME TO DIVE

In general, the best time to dive the Maldives is from November to April. To see the manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the chances are highest from August to October, but do note they now only visit the bay for two to three days during these months.

Up to 200 manta rays have been reported harmoniously feeding in the bay, where it is assumed that the concentration of plankton is very high

WHEN

2011

WHERE

Maldives

WHAT UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

ABOVE The manta rays of Hanifaru Bay display extraordinary feeding behaviour