How to Visit Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay is a protected area, and there are strict rules and regulations to visit it. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the manta rays, whale sharks, and other marine life, as well as the visitors. Here are some of the things you need to know before you plan your trip to Hanifaru Bay.
Entrance Fee and Permit
To enter Hanifaru Bay, you need to pay an entrance fee of $20 per person, which goes towards the conservation and management of the bay. You also need to obtain a permit from the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund, which is the official body that oversees the bay. You can get the permit online or through your resort or tour operator.
The permit allows you to visit Hanifaru Bay for a maximum of 45 minutes, and only once per day. You can visit the bay anytime between 9 am and 5 pm, but the best time is usually between 11 am and 3 pm, when the plankton concentration is highest.
Group Size and Snorkelling Only
Hanifaru Bay can accommodate up to 80 visitors per day, and only 20 visitors at a time. You need to book your slot in advance, and follow the instructions of the rangers and guides who are present at the bay.
Hanifaru Bay is a snorkelling-only zone, meaning you cannot dive, swim, or use any motorized watercraft in the bay. You can only use a mask, snorkel, and fins, and stay on the surface of the water. You also need to wear a life jacket, which is provided by your resort or tour operator.
Do’s and Don’ts
When you are in Hanifaru Bay, you need to respect the manta rays, whale sharks, and other marine life, and follow some basic rules of etiquette and conduct. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts you need to remember:
Do keep a safe distance from the animals, at least 3 meters from the mantas and 4 meters from the whale sharks. Do not touch, chase, or harass them in any way.
Do not use any flash photography or video lights, as they can disturb and harm the animals. You can use a GoPro or a similar device, but only with natural light.
Do not use any sunscreen, lotion, or perfume, as they can pollute the water and affect the animals. You can wear a rash guard or a wetsuit to protect yourself from the sun and the cold.
Do not feed or bait the animals, as they can alter their natural behavior and diet. You can only observe them as they feed on the plankton.
Do not litter or leave any trace of your visit. You need to dispose of your waste properly and recycle your materials.
How to Get to Hanifaru Bay?
Hanifaru Bay is located in the Baa Atoll, which is about 120 km northwest of Male, the capital of the Maldives. There are different ways to get to Hanifaru Bay, depending on your budget, preference, and time.
By Boat
The most common and affordable way to get to Hanifaru Bay is by boat. You can take a domestic flight from Male to Dharavandhoo, which is the nearest airport to the bay, and then take a speedboat or a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) to the bay. The boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and costs around $50 to $100 per person, depending on the type of boat and the number of passengers.
Alternatively, you can take a boat directly from Male to Hanifaru Bay, which takes about 3 to 4 hours, and costs around $200 to $300 per person. This option is more suitable for those who have more time and want to enjoy the scenic views of the atoll.
By Seaplane
The fastest and most luxurious way to get to Hanifaru Bay is by seaplane. You can take a seaplane from Male to Hanifaru Bay, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and costs around $400 to $500 per person. This option is more suitable for those who have less time and want to experience the thrill of landing on water.
The seaplane also offers a stunning aerial view of the bay and the atoll, and you may even spot some mantas and whale sharks from above. However, the seaplane is subject to weather conditions and availability, and you need to book your flight in advance.
By Staying at a Nearby Resort or Island
Another way to get to Hanifaru Bay is by staying at a nearby resort or island, and taking a boat or a seaplane from there. This option is more convenient and comfortable, as you can enjoy the facilities and services of the resort or island, and have easy access to the bay.
There are several resorts and islands that are close to Hanifaru Bay, such as Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Soneva Fushi, Reethi Beach Resort, and Dusit Thani Maldives. These resorts and islands offer various packages and deals for visiting Hanifaru Bay, and some of them even have their own marine biologists and conservationists who can guide you and educate you about the bay and its inhabitants.
Hanifaru Bay is a dream destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. It is a place where you can witness one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world, and snorkel with some of the most magnificent and endangered animals in the ocean.
Hanifaru Bay is a place that you need to see to believe, and a place that you will never forget. It is a place that will inspire you and touch your soul, and a place that will make you appreciate the beauty and diversity of life on Earth.
If you are ready to embark on this unforgettable journey, book your trip to Hanifaru Bay today, and prepare to be amazed. You will not regret it.
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