5
TOP
PLACES TO DIVE
RAA
ATOLL
4
ANEMONE
CITY
BAA
ATOLL
1
HANIFARU
BAY
NORTH
MALÉ
ATOLL
ARI ATOLL
MALÉ
3
SOUTH ARI
ATOLL MARINE
PROTECTED
AREA
MALDIVES
HUVADHOO ATOLL
5
GEMANAFUSHI
HAA
2
VILLINGILI
KANDU
06
Baa Atoll
North Huvadhoo
1 Hanifaru Bay
2 Villingili Kandu
Hanifaru Bay is the most famous the best place
to encounter manta rays during the southwest
monsoon, between May and November, when
the seasonal population may rise to more than
1,000. During this time, a unique phenomenon
occurs as plankton become trapped in the bay
and hundreds of rays gather at once to feed,
sometimes sharing the event with whale sharks,
mobulas and sailfish. As a photographer, being
in the middle of the feeding aggregation is an
unforgettable experience. In 2011, the entire Baa
Atoll was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,
and since that time, regulations have been put in
place to protect it. Scuba diving is prohibited, but
snorkellers can purchase a US$20 ticket, entitling
them to 45 minutes in the reserve.
Thought to be the spawning ground for many
different species of shark – approximately 26
species have been identified in the Maldives –
Villingili Channel is the place to see hundreds of
sharks at once. Walls of grey reef sharks mingle
with rarely sighted tigers, great hammerheads
and the occasional silky. Diving is possible at the
north or south end, but the real action happens
in the middle of the sandy channel during the
incoming tide. Because of the strong current,
it’s best to enter with no air in your BCD, and
descend quickly. At 30 metres is a small wall
where you can hook in until your computer
signals the end of the dive. This site is best dived
January through April.