Hanifaru Bay Manta Season: A Spectacular Encounter with Gentle Giants

Hanifaru Bay, located within the Baa Atoll, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and protected marine sanctuary status.. It's famous for the manta season, a magical time when giant manta rays gather for an incredible event. If you're lucky enough to visit during this period from May to November, you'll witness the graceful dance of mantas as they feed on plankton, creating an unforgettable experience.

The Manta Season

From June to July, the manta season in Hanifaru Bay is at its peak, especially during the full moon. This happens because of changes in ocean currents caused by the annual monsoon winds. Nutrient-rich waters are pushed into the bay, which attracts lots of plankton – the favorite food of manta rays. As the plankton concentrations peak, the bay becomes a magnet for manta rays. This abundance of food draws in hundereds of mantas, making it a fantastic spot for ecotourism.  Monsoon currents bring the plankton swarms towards the east of the atoll, a massive amount goes inside the bay and gets trapped due to its shape.

The Plankton Feeding Frenzy

Manta rays are filter feeders, despite their large size. They swim with their mouths wide open, capturing plankton using tiny structures called gill rakers. The plankton-rich waters of Hanifaru Bay provide these gentle giants with plenty of food to sustain them during the season. These gentle giants, with their wingspans measuring up to 20 feet, gracefully glide through the water, mouths wide open, filtering out plankton with their specialized gill rakers. 

Amazingly, you can snorkel or dive alongside these magnificent creatures during their plankton feast. 

Responsible Ecotourism

To preserve Hanifaru Bay's unique marine life and prevent over-tourism, responsible ecotourism practices are promoted. Certified guides accompany visitors, and strict guidelines are followed, such as maintaining a safe distance from the mantas and not touching any marine life. The number of visitors allowed in the bay is also limited to protect the environment.

Shape of Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay's shape is an integral part of its unique ecological significance. It boasts a distinctive crescent or horseshoe shape.  The curved bay serves as a natural funnel, concentrating nutrient-rich waters and plankton into a confined area during the southwest monsoon season.