Well, if you have been gathering information about a vacation in the Maldives, I am sure you would have come across Hanifaru Bay Resorts and excursions to the famous Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area in Maldives. Yes, it is one of the must-do things on vacations in the tropical heaven, for a perfect Maldivian experience. Hanifaru Bay is a snorkeling spot where you could just get lost in the thrilling and satisfying experience. Wondering why? The mantas and whale sharks are found to be feeding merrily at the Hanifaru Bay and you would be amazed to see them in huge groups, roaming around you. Make the best of the Hanifaru Bay experience, but be sure to follow the rules and regulations.
Hanifaru Bay Snorkelling – must-do thing on vacations in the tropical heaven of Eydhafushi Maldives Resort
Where is Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay biosphere is located in the Baa Atoll, which is approximately 115 km from the international airport of Maldives, Velana Internation Airport.
This snorkeling bay is located near an island called Hanifaru, which is preserved and protected as well, thus if you want to visit this island make sure to get a permission form from Environment Protection Agency.
How to get to Hanifaru Bay?
You can reach to Hanifaru Bay in 2 ways, but either way to make the best of magical encounter, staying in a resort near Hanifaru Bay or Local Island near Hanifaru Bay is the finest idea. You can visit the protected Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll by seaplane (25 minutes) to a nearby resort directly or by domestic airline to Dharavandhoo Airport, which would be followed by a speedboat ride in the Indian Ocean. From the both transfer options, you could witness the beauty of Maldives, just beneath your eyes.
Hanifaru Bay Resorts – Where to stay resorts near Hanifaru Bay
Luckily, close to Hanifaru Bay, Maldives resorts are bound to be found. Thus, you can make awesome memories of your Hanifaru Bay experience by staying in one of these Hanifaru Bay Resorts, best option for Hanifaru Bay Accommodation
Kihaa Maldives
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About 9km away from Hanifaru bay, Kihaa Maldives is the closest hotel near Hanifaru Bay. You can reach to Kihaa Maldives by the airplane to the Dharavandhoo Aiport, and then to Kihaa Maldives by a speedboat. The journey would be absolutely worth it! Kihaa Maldives offers a wide range of accommodation options with great amenities and excursions. And obviously Hanifaru Bay day trip is on the list! As the stay options, The Kihaa Maldives has suites and villas for families, group of friends or even for honeymooners/couples. Thus, finding the most opt room at Kihaa Maldives would be totally hassle-free for you! Kihaa Maldives Island Resort and Spa offers excursions to Hanifaru Bay, giving you the magical opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays as they are busy with their feeding frenzy. This would definitely be an unforgettable experience for anyone! A snorkeling trip to remember!
Royal Island Resort and Spa
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A 5* star hotel in Baa Atoll, close to Hanifaru Bay, Royal Island Resort and Spa would make your Hanifaru Bay snorkeling dreams come true in style! As far as the accommodation, 3 types of villas/suites are offered at Royal Island. A presidential suite with occupancy of 4 people, most suitable for families or group of pals on their girl’s trip looking for a lush stay! For a swim within reach, and a holiday craving for the white sandy beaches, the Beach Villa at Royal Island Maldives Resort is perfect! You make the choice! The garden villa is all for the plant lovers or anyone seeking a quiet, private vacation. The latter two options are offered as only up to two people’s stay. As a resort nearby Hanifaru Bay, the Royal Island Resort offers excursions to Hanifaru Bay, located in Baa Atoll, where marine life leaves you in awe, with jaw-dropping experience. Furthermore, Royal Island Resort is reachable by both seaplane as well as airplane and then followed by speedboat ride.
Soneva Fushi Eydhafushi Maldives Resort
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One of the most ultra luxury resort in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi Eydhafushi Maldives Resort is in close proximity to the Hanifaru Bay biosphere. A private, yet exotic villas at Soneva Fushi will make you crave for more in the Maldives. The villas at the sunset side of this extravagant hotel is for snorkelers while the sunrise is for the ones seeking a private holiday. However, whatever you choose, you can surely have your Hanifaru Bay experience at its best! At Soneva Fushi Maldives super luxury Maldives resort, you can book villas with six bedrooms or even a retreat with just one bedroom. The accommodation options at this ultra luxury Eydhafushi Maldives Resort is suitable for anyone who is on hunt for lush and comfortable stay options, with handful of excursions and activities, inclusive of Hanifaru Bay day trip, depending on spotting the huge mantas and whale sharks. Likewise most of the resorts close to Hanifaru Bay, Soneva Fushi Eydhafushi Maldives Resort is also reachable by both seaplane and domestic flight, afterwards by speedboat.
Local Islands near Hanifaru Bay – Hanifaru Bay hotels
There are few local islands near Hanifaru Bay Biosphere Reserve, the stunning marine beauty of Maldives. For sure, a stay at one of the Hanifaru bay resorts would be expensive than a stay at one of these budget Hanifaru bay hotels, where you could have your day trip to Hanifaru Bay Biosphere Reserve too. Thus, if you are on a budget, here are some islands where you could stay in the budget Hanifaru bay hotels for a cheaper rate!
Eydhafushi
Approximately 113 km away from Male’, Eydhafushi, also referred by some visitors as Eydhafushi Island, is the capital of Baa Atoll. You can reach the island of Eydhafushi , by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport and then to Eydhafushi by speedboat. It would be such a pleasurable transfer from flight as well as the speedboat, encountering the Maldives islands from above, the jewels and the huge Indian Ocean where you will be utterly amazed with its magnificent beauty. Some of the guesthouses/inns you could stay in this captivating island is Eydhafushi Vaarey Inn. A private room offered with an affordable price for 2 pax, the amenities are worthy. It includes facilities such as air-conditioning, washing facilities, TV and hot water as well. Another guesthouse at Eydhafushi is the Vacation Home, 2BHK house where entire house is offered for you! For families, travelling groups on budget this is entirely a great option, no doubt! Moreover, airport transfers could be arranged from this guesthouse, upon your request. The Hanifaru Bay manta rays could be seen close and snorkeling with them in their own habitat could be just organized for you by the Vacation Home at Eydhafushi, as you wish. Apart from that, the kitchen here is available for you to cook your favorite meals or even a fish from your fishing trip. Staying at Eydhafushi Island, you could have a great Hanifaru Bay experience, thus it becomes the main tea!
Maalhos
An island located in Baa Atoll, Maalhos is packed up with great sightseeing spots, handful of excursions and close to Hanifaru Bay as well, where the marine life is breathtaking. Famous for its white sandy beaches and fields of coconut trees, Maalhos is the island for you, for your tropical fix in Maldivian style. The hospitality of the local are as heart-warming as it could be. Moreover, there are budget guesthouses in Maalhos, where your stay would be undoubtedly a one to remember. Thundi Village and Spa in Baa Maalhos is a truly luxurious beachfront guesthouse. With a private beach, there are family rooms available at this property as well. Furthermore, as the guesthouse is beachfront, you can witness the magnificent beauty of the Indian Ocean from the terrace at Thundi Village without any trouble, all hassle-free. Without any doubt, Hanifaru Bay packages are offered at Thundi Villa and Spa! Liked mostly by couples, the Maclura Residence, Baa Maalhos is perfect for a honeymoon with romantic experiences and thrilling fun, with the love of your life. With a private beach and barbecue area, privacy is ensured at Maclura Residence, undoubtedly. Customised Hanifaru Bay day trips are organized by Maclura Residence, upon your request. For the best Hanifaru bay snorkeling experience, book your stay at Baa Maalhos during Hanifaru Bay manta season. Baa Maalhos could be reached by both domestic airline to Dharavandhoo Airport or even by public transport, ferry. Ferry tickets are definitely cheaper than flight tickets, however it is time consuming also would be horrible if you are someone who gets easily sea sick.
Dharavandhoo
Dharavandhoo has the closest airport to Hanifaru Bay, thus if you want to snorkel in the beauty of Hanifaru Bay with the mantas and whale sharks, you definitely have to stop at Dharavandhoo if you come by a domestic airline. Therefore, either transit stay or even staying at Dharavandhoo would not be problematic for you since the island is filled up with guesthouses. Hanifaru Transit Inn at Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll is known for its good location in Booking.com. Featuring a private beach, Hanifaru Transit Inn offers rooms with lush amenities as well as meals at the restaurant, if you would like to have one! Apart from that, there are handful of fun activities available for you at this property, within your reach. For example, biking and some thrill-driven watersports for a memorable Maldivian holiday. Without a trip to Hanifaru Bay, can a holiday in Baa Atoll be ever complete? For me it would not be! Thus, at Hanifaru Transit Inn Hanifaru Bay Biosphere Reserve trips are offered. For the love fix, the Aveyla Manta Village on the shore of Dharavandhoo would be absolutely awesome! Terraces overlooking the huge Indian Ocean as the waves dance to their own tunes, memories made at Aveyla Manta Village could be your dreams come true. Moreover, massages are available at this guesthouse, loosen some muscles, with the love of your life!
Hanifaru Bay Manta Season
The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay Marine Protected Area is in the southwest monsoon season, which lasts from May to November, with the most optimal conditions being met between late June and early October. You could also increase your chances of seeing large manta ray groups during a full or new moon as the lunar tides cause the water to rise higher. Coincidentally, the Hanifaru Bay whale shark season also falls in line with the Hanifaru Bay manta season with the optimal conditions being met between, late July to early October.
What do I need to know before visiting Hanifaru Bay?
- To visit Hanifaru Bay Marine Protected Area, the best time is said to be from May to November. As the planktons increase during these months, there are said to mantas and whale sharks on their hunt!
- The whale shark season is also from May to November, where groups of whale sharks with manta rays come to feed, leaving the visitors in awe.
- At Hanifaru Bay Maldives, diving is strictly prohibited. Thus, make sure to follow this rule no matter what!
- Keeping a distance from the species is a rule to be followed, 3 meters from the head and 4 meters from tail.
- For that Instagram-worthy picture, make sure to switch off the flash, thus it is not allowed.
