Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll is renowned for its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, offering diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to witness the mass gathering of manta rays and whale sharks.
Diving is beautiful year-round in Baa Atoll, but if you are looking for manta rays than June-November - the southwest monsoon is the time to spot manta rays and whale sharks.
The water temperature in Baa Atoll ranges from 27°C to 30°C (80°F to 86°F) throughout the year, making it suitable for diving year-round.
The recommended duration for a diving trip Dharavandhoo depends on personal preferences, but a week-long trip allows for a comprehensive exploration of the dive sites.
The most common way to reach Dharavandhoo is by taking a domestic flight from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male to Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV). The flight duration is approximately 20-25 minutes. Several domestic airlines operate flights to Dharavandhoo. Make sure to check the flight schedule and book your tickets in advance. A speedboat can be taken from Male,but the frequency is less, the speedboat journey may take a few hours, depending on weather conditions. Its advisable to check with your accommodation provider for availability and arrangements for transfers from Male to Dharavandhoo.
The easiest way to pay is cash in USD or MVR, some facilities accept card payments with an additional transaction fee. There is an ATM at the airport in Dharavandhoo where MVR can be withdrawn.
Yes, we allow non divers on boat with a minimum charge of USD 20 per trip. We can also offer guided snorkeling for the non-divers on the boat.
We believe in personalized service and we allot a maximum of 4-5 divers per guide for the dives.
Hanifaru Bay is special for its annual gathering of manta rays and whale sharks, creating one of the worlds most renowned marine biodiversity hotspots.
The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay is during the southwest monsoon season from May to November when plankton blooms attract large numbers of manta rays and whale sharks.
No, diving is not permitted in Hanifaru Bay. The shallow nature of the bay and the need to protect the feeding behavior of mantas and whale sharks make it exclusively a snorkeling site.
Yes, there are regulations in place to protect the marine life. Permits may be required, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines to minimize the impact on the ecosystem.
Hanifaru Bay trips cannot be scheduled in advance. The trips are almost always spontaneous. Throughout the years, there is a network of trust and professional friendship built amongst almost all the tourist facilities in Baa Atoll. This network in addition to the news from the rangers who regulate Hanifaru Bay ensures no one misses a beat when it comes to any Whaleshark/Manta activity going on around us. When we are notified of Manta/Whaleshark sightings, we try and get to the Bay as soon as we can.
We follow the regulations strictly while diving. For Open Water Divers the maximum depth allowance is 18 meters and for the Advance Divers is 30 meters. As per the Maldivian laws the maximum depth allowance for the dives is 30 meters.
Yes, you can generally dive with contact lenses, but its important to consider factors such as the type of lenses, a well-fitted mask, and consult with your eye care professional for personalized advice.
Yes, you can dive during your periods. However, its essential to consider factors such as personal comfort, use of appropriate menstrual hygiene products, and potential changes in buoyancy. Additionally, consult with your dive instructor for further guidance.