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PADI 5 Star Dive Centre · Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere · Maldives

PADI 5 Star
Hanifaru Bay
Baa Atoll UNESCO Reserve
International Instructors
PADI 5 Star
Hanifaru Bay
Baa Atoll UNESCO Reserve
International Instructors

Where are we?

Set on the tranquil coral island of Dharavandhoo, we are surrounded by the breathtaking waters of Baa Atoll — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the Maldives' most treasured natural sanctuaries.

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Protected by UNESCO

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Dive Sites

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Years of experience

The Main Event

Manta Season

Nothing in the ocean moves quite like a manta ray. Now imagine two hundred of them, turning the sea into something sacred. Every dip is a treasure of its own

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mantas in a single aggregation

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UNESCO Biosphere since

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by boat from Dharavandhoo

Manta ray silhouetted against ocean surface light at Hanifaru Bay

Pick Your Poison

Thoughtfully crafted packages that bring together accommodation, diving, snorkeling and experiences for a seamless island escape.

Dive Hanifaru
Most Popular

Dive Hanifaru

from $1020 / person
  • Accommodation in preferred room category
  • Full board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Return Transfer Male | Dharavandhoo | Male by Domestic Plane
  • Spectacular Dives (Equipment Not Included)
  • Manta Snorkeling Trips
  • 10% Service Charge and 17% TGST Included
Manta Madness

Manta Madness

from $720 / person
  • Accommodation in preferred room category
  • Full board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Return Transfer Male | Dharavandhoo | Male by Domestic Plane
  • Manta Snorkeling Trips
  • 10% Service Charge and 17% TGST included
  • Green tax $6 per day per person
Dive Dive Dive

Dive Dive Dive

from $1020 / person
  • Accommodation in preferred room category
  • Full board Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Local area dives (Tank and Weights Only)
  • Return Transfer Male | Dharavandhoo | Male by Domestic Plane
  • 10% Service Charge and 17% TGST included
  • Green tax $6 per day per person

One of the greatest marine spectacles on our planet!

Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is one of the ocean's great wonders, a protected bay within our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where the sea transforms each season into something extraordinary. Driven by monsoon currents and lunar tides, plankton-rich waters are drawn into the bay, summoning hundreds of reef manta rays and whale sharks to feed at the surface. It is the largest known manta aggregation on Earth, and it begins just minutes from our shores.

Best Time to Visit

PeakGoodOff Season

Marine Life You'll Encounter

Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray

Mobula Alfredi

The star of Hanifaru Bay. Aggregations of 100+ during cyclone feeding events — one of the greatest marine spectacles on Earth. The reef manta ray is a species of ray in the family Mobulidae, one of the largest rays in the world. Among generally recognized species, it is the third-largest species of ray, surpassed by the Giant oceanic manta ray and the Atlantic manta ray

May — November
Whale Shark

Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

The largest fish in the ocean, whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders that can reach up to 12 metres in length. During the southwest monsoon, plankton-rich currents in Baa Atoll draw these magnificent creatures into shallow waters. Snorkelers at Hanifaru Bay often encounter them feeding alongside manta rays — a rare convergence found in very few places on Earth.

May — November
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark

Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos

The grey reef shark is the quintessential reef predator of the Indo-Pacific. Sleek, fast, and perpetually patrolling, these sharks are a constant presence at Baa Atoll channel dive sites. Growing up to 1.9 metres, they hunt in packs along reef drop-offs and are most active during tidal changes when currents push prey through narrow passages.

January — December

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Eretmochelys imbricata

The hawksbill turtle is one of the most frequently encountered large animals on Baa Atoll reefs. Named for their narrow, pointed beak, they feed primarily on sponges growing in reef crevices. Hawksbills are seen on virtually every dive in the Maldives — resting under coral tables, grazing on the reef wall, or gliding effortlessly through blue water.

January — December
View all marine life →

Every reef has its guardians.

Meet The Team

Our hand picked team of passionate ocean lovers dedicated to guiding you through unforgettable underwater experiences.

Ryshyn

Ryshyn

Founder & PADI Instructor

Ryshyn

Founder & PADI Instructor

  • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

Founded Liquid Salt Divers to share the magic of Baa Atoll with the world. Over 10,000 logged dives...

Jazeel

Jazeel

PADI Staff Instructor

Jazeel

PADI Staff Instructor

  • PADI Staff Instructor

Passionate about the ocean and diving, he has a natural gift for connecting with guests and creating...

Aiman

Aiman

Dive Instructor

Aiman

Dive Instructor

  • PADI Open Water Instructor

Passionate about marine conservation and underwater photography.

Nazeeh

Nazeeh

Dive Guide

Nazeeh

Dive Guide

  • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor

Born and raised in Baa Atoll, he knows every cleaning station by heart, and his meticulous attention...

Jaish

Jaish

Dive Guide

Jaish

Dive Guide

  • PADI Divemaster

Whether it's a tiny nudibranch tucked in the coral or a majestic whale shark gliding past, his exper...

Haisham

Haisham

Boat Captain

Haisham

Boat Captain

  • Licensed Marine Captain

With a steady hand on the wheel and a calm, reassuring presence, He ensures every voyage is safe and...

Irey

Irey

Boat Captain

Irey

Boat Captain

  • Licensed Marine Captain

With decades of experience on these waters, he knows every channel and current in the atoll like the...

Beybe

Beybe

Dive Intern

Beybe

Dive Intern

  • PADI Divemaster Candidate

A reef guardian at heart, champions sustainable diving practices.

Rehan

Rehan

Dive Center

Rehan

Dive Center

Keeps everything running behind the scenes, from logistics to guest coordination.

Where to Stay on Dharavandhoo

Our recommended beachfront properties — all within walking distance of the dive centre.

Aveyla Manta Village

Aveyla Manta Village

Your home away from home. Experience the best of Baa Atoll with the perfect blend of luxury and local charm.

View Property
Kiha Beach

Kiha Beach

“Kiha Beach” is your luxury hotel where you discover the true meaning of ‘island life.

View Property
Lvis Blancura

Lvis Blancura

LVIS Blancura Hotel is a beachfront property located in the beautiful island Dharavandhoo. The hotel's proximity to Hanifaru Bay offers opportunities for snorkeling with Manta rays and Whalesharks during season. With elegant rooms, stunning ocean views, and modern amenities, it provides a perfect retreat. Our guests can enjoy international and local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Experience warm hospitality and a serene beachfront setting at LVIS Blancura Hotel

View Property
Chak'z Beach

Chak'z Beach

Budget-friendly beachside option with warm hospitality and home-cooked Maldivian meals.

View Property

Swimming with over 100 manta rays was the most incredible experience of my life. The team knew exactly where to go and made everything seamless.

Sarah K.Australia

Book Before 20 May — Save upto 15%

Get upto 15% off on all packages booked before 20 May 2026. The manta season waits for no one.