| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why Go |
Hanifaru Bay mantas
Healthy reefs
Easy airport access
High chance of ray action with flexible add-ons across the atoll.
|
| Must-See | Hanifaru Bay (snorkel-only; regulated entry windows) • Dharavandhoo island life and easy jetties • Sandbanks on the eastern rim • Quiet village walks on Eydhafushi and neighbors. |
| Signature Dives & Snorkels |
Manta cleaning blocks around known sites in season; hold position and watch the rotation. Channel corners with sharks and schooling fish on flow days. Reef walls with hard-coral frames and turtles. Follow local rules at Hanifaru: no scuba inside, limited time, strict distance from animals. |
| Activities | Manta missions • Two-tank dive mornings • Sandbank picnics • Kayaks on calm lagoons • Night fishing • Easy café stops on local islands. |
| Best Time | Manta peak runs roughly mid-year into early autumn when plankton lines form; exact weeks vary each season; ops call it week by week; mornings are calmer for boats. |
| Getting There | Domestic flight to DRV (Dharavandhoo) then short boats • Seaplanes to resorts across the atoll • Speedboats from Malé on select schedules. |
| Stay | Guesthouses on Dharavandhoo/Eydhafushi and others • Wide resort spread • Ask for Hanifaru permits, early launches, camera benches, and rinse tubs. |
| Smart Tips | Book Hanifaru slots early in season • Use a low-volume mask for long snorkels • Wear a rash guard; no touching or chasing • Drybag for sandbanks. |
| Trip Builds | Manta-first (Hanifaru + cleaning sites) • Dive + chill (2 dives + sandbank) • Family light (snorkel mornings, beach afternoons). |
| Hidden Edges | Golden-hour frames on long jetties • Mirror-flat lagoons at sunrise after rain • Local short-eats near harbors after sundown. |