Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll, Maldives) – Blog Blue Force Fleet

A Natural Laboratory for Marine Megafauna and a Conservation Model

Hanifaru Bay, located in Baa Atoll, Maldives, is much more than a tropical paradise where you can simply snorkel with manta rays. This unique location has become a global reference in the research and conservation of marine megafauna—particularly manta rays and whale sharks—and stands as an outstanding example of science-based environmental management.

Legal and Scientific Protection: The Foundation of Preservation

Hanifaru Bay’s ecological importance was officially recognized in 2009, when it was declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the Maldivian government. In a key step for its global protection, the bay was incorporated into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as part of Baa Atoll in 2011.

This strict protection framework seeks to safeguard fragile ecosystems through measures such as:

Ban on fishing and scuba diving: Eliminates activities that could disturb or damage the ecosystem.
Strict regulations for visitors: Controls the number of people, boats, and how they interact with marine life, minimizing human impact.

The Feeding Aggregation Phenomenon: A Natural Spectacle

From May to November, during the southwest monsoon season, Hanifaru Bay becomes the stage for an extraordinary ecological event. Ocean currents and tides converge to funnel large concentrations of zooplankton into the bay. Its unique geography, shaped like a natural funnel, intensifies the food concentration and creates the ideal conditions for:

Massive manta ray (Mobula alfredi) aggregations: Hundreds of individuals can be seen feeding at once. Historical records include up to 247 manta rays in a single feeding session.
Presence of whale sharks: Though in smaller numbers, these gentle giants are also attracted by the abundance of food.

Scientific Value and Population Data: Crucial Contributions to Conservation

Hanifaru Bay serves as a natural laboratory for marine megafauna research. Through photo identification studies spanning nearly two decades, the organization Manta Trust has identified over 1,800 individual manta rays in the region. These studies provide critical data on population dynamics and have revealed rare behaviors, such as the feeding cyclone, in which manta rays swim in synchronized circles to optimize plankton capture.

The knowledge gathered at Hanifaru Bay has had a direct impact on global conservation:

IUCN Red List: Oceanic manta rays are now classified as Endangered.
CITES Appendix II: Regulates international trade of the species.

Management and Carrying Capacity: A Responsible Ecotourism Model

The management of Hanifaru Bay demonstrates how ecotourism can successfully coexist with conservation. A 2009 technical study established strict guidelines that were officially implemented in 2012:

Limit of 5 boats and 100 people per snorkel session: Ensures the site isn’t overwhelmed by human presence.
Strict interaction rules, including:
- No touching of animals.
- No use of flash photography.
- No invasive swimming that may disturb marine life.
Permanent ranger presence: Rangers oversee visitor access and provide conservation education.

Research and Environmental Education: Beyond Tourism

Hanifaru Bay is a privileged site for studies in several key areas:

Mass feeding dynamics: Offers insights into the behavior of filter-feeding species.
Population monitoring: Tracks migration, site fidelity, and individual growth.
Human-wildlife interaction: Evaluates how regulation affects animal behavior.

Researchers also collect plankton using trawl nets to study its variability and how it correlates with megafauna presence. This evidence-based approach strengthens the development of more effective conservation policies.

What Makes Hanifaru Bay So Unique?

Feature	Details
Formal Protection	MPA since 2009; UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011.
Research Focus	1,800+ manta rays identified; “feeding cyclone” behavior observed; whale shark studies.
Science-Based Management	Limit of 5 boats and 100 visitors per session; constant ranger presence; strict interaction rules.
Unique Ecological Phenomenon	Convergence of tides, monsoons, and topography concentrates plankton and attracts megafauna.

Scientific Expeditions with Blue Force Fleet: Responsible Encounters at Hanifaru

Blue Force Fleet is proud to be a licensed operator in this vital region, offering high-standard liveaboard experiences aboard the Maldives Blue Force One and Maldives Blue Force 3. Our vessels are designed for maximum comfort for divers and snorkelers.

Focusing on manta season during the months with the highest likelihood of sightings in Hanifaru (Baa Atoll), from July to October, our itineraries place strong emphasis on conservation and environmental education. Before each visit to Hanifaru Bay, our guests participate in educational briefings delivered by the Blue Force team and certified guides and rangers from the Biosphere Reserve. These sessions ensure full compliance with local regulations, including:

Maintaining minimum distance from animals.
No use of flash.
Limited time in the water.

Additionally, a significant portion of the income from these activities is directly allocated to manta monitoring and protection projects, in collaboration with respected organizations like Manta Trust and local authorities.