Manta and whale-shark feeding frenzies.
The dive
When the current funnels plankton into Hanifaru Bay, hundreds of mantas barrel-roll in cyclone feeding — one of the ocean's great spectacles.
When to go
The southwest monsoon (June–November) concentrates plankton in Hanifaru Bay, drawing dozens of feeding mantas and whale sharks.
Readiness
Advanced-level site — suits Advanced Open Water divers and up. Typical requirements:
Not sure you're ready? Read our readiness guide or check yourself in the planner.
Logistics
| Getting there | International flight + seaplane / domestic. Fly to Malé (MLE), then seaplane or domestic flight to Baa Atoll; liveaboards and resorts both serve it. |
|---|---|
| Where to stay | Resort or liveaboard. Baa Atoll resort or a Maldives liveaboard; Hanifaru itself is snorkel-only and ranger-managed. |
| Operator to look for | Reviewed Maldives operators timing the channels to the tide and the monsoon plankton. |
Sources
Links checked 29 September 2026. They cover the site's location, protection status and background. Costs, difficulty and season windows are ScubaRogue's editorial estimates, so confirm them with your operator before you book. How we research
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